Fun in the Sun

Oh we did have fun in the sun....
and the wind...., and the cccold!!

...... Well it is is only April!

Music by Santana

Solent Coastguard Visit - 28th March 2010

Last Sunday eleven members of PDCC enjoyed an inspirational and informative visit to Solent Coastguard at Lee on the Solent.

The morning was feature packed and included footage of real life rescues, details about the history of the Coastguard, how search and rescues (for a multitude of scenarios) are planned and coordinated.

We looked at the use of resources; from bomb disposal (be very careful when you land your kayak in the surf!), specialist mud and cliff rescue teams to the volunteer inshore rescue teams and much more.

We were also introduced to a myriad of modern technology; from Nimrod aircraft and heat sensitive cameras to computer calculated search patterns which take into account tidal flow, windrift, even the colour of your clothes! (Orange has proven to be the most visible colour against the sea - so the search pattern can be wider meaning that 'the victim' is more likely to be found quicker - future coastguard helicopters will be coloured orange and black as black is the most visible against the sky).

We were all left with much to dwell upon and a rekindled admiration for the professional work that is carried out by the people of this often overlooked service and its many ancillaries.

Our thanks go to Gary Hall and his colleagues for this fascinating insight.

Watch this space for details of the next visit later in the year ~ (this is definately a date that should not be missed).

Even Joe & Petunia are alive and well!

Around the Forts - Sunday 21st March 2010

Our esteemed trip leader at No Man's Land Fort, the first fort to be circumnavigated.

Listening to interesting facts from our 'tour guide' at No Man's Land Fort.

St Helen's Fort

DAN . . .

KEEP OFF!

A couple of jesters?

What a change from the weather that had been forecast earlier in the week!

Flat calm at Warner buoy.

Horse Sand Fort

Spit Sand or as it is more commonly known, Spitbank Fort - the last fort of the day.

Stokes Bay - Hillhead Sunday 21st March 2010

Of the two trips programmed for last Sunday, 8 members opted for the gentile 10 mile mooch along the seafront from Stokes Bay to Hillhead and were justly rewarded for their lack of adventure with blue sky and a glassy sea.