Man Up and Paddle! by Cathal McCosker

Author:Cathal McCosker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ireland, adventure, kayaking, bear grylls, ultimate survival, discover Ireland, sea kayaking, kayaking in Ireland, Ireland travel, extreme sport
Publisher: Powerhouse Publishing
Published: 2013-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER VI

DONEGAL, HALF-WAY AND THE GARDA ARE CALLED. STOLEN KAYAKS.

Saturday 6th August

From Dous to Easkey Beach. Distance: 33 miles. Weather : mostly sunny, with hail and rain.

We started earlier than usual today. Our aim was to put in the mileage so we could take a much-needed two to three days’ rest once we arrived in Donegal, which would hopefully be by Sunday.

Although realistically, our sights may have been set a little high. Donegal was still a week away and we hadn't taken a full day’s rest for some time. The only thing keeping us going was our dogged determination, knowing Donegal was slowly getting closer.

Cathy, our good friend from England, was once again flying over to see us. This would change our focus: we were both looking forward to someone else to talk to, rather than each other.

Unfortunately we'd had no breakfast and after three hours (or 10 miles) of paddling, Leon and I were ravenous. So we pulled in on a rock for a sandwich of stale bread, mouldy cheese and smelly sardines in tomato. After eating it, I wished I'd not bothered. It kept repeating itself like a bad dream. The taste kept coming back until, combined with the smell of bird droppings wafting from the high picturesque cliffs, it all became too much. Up it all came in one big retch. Feeling much better, I started to paddle and daydream about my favourite topic of the moment: finishing this trip at Rosslare. We landed at 4.30 p.m. on a tiny slipway; it was a second lunch and rehydration stop. The day was dry and warm. Unfortunately both our water supplies were exhausted. After walking for around a mile, we managed to pick up a lift from a lady with pink nails, pink eye shadow, and pink lipstick all pulled together by a pink dress. We squashed into the car with her mother-in-law, father and four children all chattering and asking us questions about the two canoes they'd seen. We were dropped at the only pub in town and, to the owner’s surprise, we ordered six bowls of ice cream and fruit cocktail and ate the lot. We were in need of a big sugar hit.

The weather had changed,. A slight headwind was blowing against us, the tide was flowing with us, and this combination acted to piss us both off as saltwater continually battered our faces and eyes. We were now level with Easkey beach, after a two-mile open crossing. Leon was not his usual mild-mannered self, instead pissed off mainly due to cocking up the crossing. He'd led all the way, but had not picked the right line. This had meant gaining less mileage, taking more time. The wind, still against us, was becoming much stronger. I expressed concern but Leon ignored it, wanting to round a rather tricky headland before calling it a day. His decision to continue seemed foolish and irrational.

"Leon!" I shouted trying to be heard over the wind. "This is a waste of time, we're both knackered.

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