I couldn't make last Sundays paddle but managed to get out on Saturday instead. A combination of high winds and lots of rain had been the prelude to the weekend and I have to confess that I hadn't expected the scene that greeted me as I arrived at Hillhead, there was not a white cap to be seen.
Setting off in the direction of Portsmouth Harbour I was assisted by a nice tidal flow and a gentle SW. I paused for lunch at Stokes Bay where I watched a Common Seal bob up and down several times as if intrigued by the 'Common People' that trudged along the shingle, oblivious to its presence.
After lunch I followed the Seals route to the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour before heading back to Stokes Bay and then out into the Solent where, to my surprise, there was hardly a breath of wind.
The scene was a picture of tranquillity, the Solent was like a sheet of green silk. I weaved my way through a field of becalmed yachts, mindful that my wake was greater than theirs.
On my return to Hillhead it was far too nice to come in and as I waited for the Sun to set I occupied myself with some rolling practice and was reminded that it was mid November after all..... Brrrr!
(My camera struggled in the fading light, the outcome was some interesting painterly effects).
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