The Latest

27 July 2011

Tough call; We made the decision not to go late on Monday night. It's a tough one to make and an even harder one to live with. The deciding factor was the lack of consistency in the weather forecasts. I guess 'once bitten, twice shy'. No one can expect to make a crossing of this nature without encountering some rough weather but we wanted to avoid being hit by a force 6/7 on our last day and there was a big chance that was going to happen. Time is up as far as this attempt goes and we will discuss when and if we try again. There is plenty to work on as far as equipment and tactics go and that should keep us busy over the winter. Just to rub salt into our wounds the sea is now calm for the first time since we arrived on Shetland. At this stage we would like to thank everyone who got behind this project. Those of you that have followed the site, many who have generously donated to the RNLI and Make a Wish, and especially to the people of Shetland who have supported us in every way possible. Many thanks. We'll be back. The North Sea is still there for the taking. Patrick, Olly and Mick

25 July 2011

So much for the weather window. It's being slammed in our faces as we speak with the Atlantic and Scandinavian lows squeezing the North Sea high into a thin strip. We will make our way out to the Skerries today, testing the new rafting system and sea sickness pills. We have no choice but to delay our decision until 1800 today as it is so unpredictable and potentially so dangerous. As it stands at the moment the general consensus is that we'll need too much luck to make it and there is too big a chance of having to call out a rescue. It's going to be a difficult decision either way and we'll keep you posted. Patrick, Olly and Mick

24 July 2011

Latest ETD for our final attempt First light on Tuesday 26th. We're still hopeful but no sign of a let up in the wind or cold temperatures. The tall ships are in Lerwick and even they have delayed their crossing to Norway which was due to happen today. As we know when the wind comes from the north it blows longer than weather men predict. Our weather window that looked so promising four days ago is now narrowing to the extent that we will have to endure one rough night. The difference this time is that it will be almost impossible to get back to Shetland once we've started. To boost our chances we've relieved the Lerwick stores of most of their winter clothing. Hats , gloves, road-workers jackets, arctic socks. Confidence is high but we're all painfully aware of the commitment if we go again. Patrick, Olly and Mick

22 July 2011

Second attempt scheduled for Monday pm or very early Tuesday next week.... The team stays as three. Mick is back on board after deciding it would be worse to miss out on this trip than to miss out on a couple of days work. We're now busy trying to sort out our rafting system for our first night out which will be rough. Planning to wear dry suits for the first time as we have to stay warm and sleep. The feeling is we need to go before the seas calm down on Tuesday evening or we'll get clobbered by the anticyclone coming in off the Atlantic that should arrive Thursday. Magic Seaweed will give you some idea of the weather window we're looking at. Fingers crossed and the fund raising goes on. Patrick, Olly and Mick

22 July 2011

We've based ourselves on Whalsay since our first aborted attempt, checking kit, redesigning the rafting system and keeping a careful eye on the weather. Things look good for next week. Once the current system clears we'll have force 3 to 4 winds with an element of westerly. A departure on Monday or Tuesday is very possible. It is a narrow window but we won't get a better chance so the team are starting to get excited. The memories of a grim night on the north sea forgotten and we've more than caught up on the sleep we lost.' We'll visit the tall ships on Saturday and ask them to keep an eye out for three kayaks as they make their way across to Norway. PW

20 July 2011

So we're back in the luxury of the Bod, Whalsay's finest bothy. Big disappointment but no one has any doubt that turning round was the right option. Constant NE winds yesterday, waves coming from all directions, and down to 3 degrees over night. In those conditions we'd have been out there for a week with little or no sleep. Had the conditions improved on Monday night we would have been well placed to get across. Two of the five forecasts we had said it would, two said it wouldn't and one was uncertain. Only the locals knew. The first man we met on landing said in a slow Whalsay accent, "when it comes from the north east it blows and blows and blows"…. It would have been easy enough to plough on knowing that with modern communications we we're only ever a couple of hours away from rescue. A repeat of the RNLI rescue on our first Faroe's attempt was not an option. The conclusion is that with the kit and fitness we currently have we need a very good long term forecast to enable an immediate second attempt. With low pressure systems dominating there's little chance of a second attempt before work commitments force us south. The first priority is to solve the problems we had. The rafting system, the water stowage, drainage system, tent design all need minor adjustments before we venture out again. A big thank you to everyone who has supported and followed us this far. Apologies that we're not approaching the Norwegian coast, but I think this time discretion was definitely the better part of valour. Until next time. PW

18 July 2011

We left the Out Skerries at 1500. Straight into the routine of 55 mins paddling, 5 resting, with an extended rest every four hours. We paddled through to 2300, getting within a couple of miles of the meridian. We rafted side by side with fenders in between the boats. Force five winds and a complicated sea pattern immediately loosened all the fastenings, soaked our dry overnight kit and swamped the cockpits. This was obviously going to be a night to remember, for the wrong reasons. Removing the foot rest allows you to slide into the cockpit as far as your arm pit. With one of the tents designed by Chris Reed secured to the cockpit rim you have a potentially cosy nest. With so much drinking water on board our P&H Cetus kayaks we had virtually no free board and every wave sent a slosh of water down our sides as it seeped under the tent and spray deck. The constant jolting of the boats burst one fender, wore through the deck line and almost pulled out the deck fittings. It was obvious we had a few problems and rest, let alone sleep was going to be hard to come by. It was a unanimous decision at 5 am to return and rethink. The chances of all three of us getting across in one piece were slim to nil. PW

19 July 2011

Despite a good start to the trip the weather deteriorated more than was forecast, so at about 50kms from shore it was mutually decided to go no further. We were very wet with the possibility of hyperthermia setting in and now know that it was the right decision to return. The paddle back was very hard as we were battling strong northerly winds. During the night, Patrick fell asleep and tumbled from the boat which was very dramatic and left him soaking and freezing. We arrived back on land during the afternoon and were glad of a hot shower and a good meal. Tomorrow we will discuss the option of retrying the trip although it sounds like Mick may not be a willing partner for another attempt. Looking at the charts it looks like it will be after Friday before there may be a window in the weather enough to try again. Will update further tomorrow. OH

17 July 2011

The first day went well. Mick, Patrick & Olly took about 4hrs to cover 33km with the sails up the whole way from Lerwick to East Lunna Voe. There we portaged the kit just a few hundred metres across the peninsula to West Lunna, Voe where the Shetland Bus started all its missions. The current owners (Tony & Helen) of Lunna House, which was Shetland Bus HQ, fed us very kindly and extremely handsomely last night and this morning. The lads left today by 1015 after the media (BBC/STV/Shetland Times) had had a chat and taken some shots, which will hopefully help the cause. They were to paddle to the end of Lunna Ness, then head east to the Out Skerries. It's about 23 km but the wind is E backing NE, so the going is likely to be slower than yesterday. Other than that, it turns out yesterday wasn't the official opening of the Scalloway Museum - that's next year - and the chap I thought was a veteran of the Shetland Bus wasn't that either! CW

16 July 2011

The team set off from Lerwick just past 1pm after a busy morning that included the official opening of the Scalloway Museum, attended by a veteran of the original Shetland Bus. Small party of well wishers to see them off. Quite wet here. That fine drizzle that gets in everywhere. Fresh breeze. Sails up as they left through the north entrance of Lerwick harbour. CW

15 July 2011

The journey north starts today. Chaos rules and it will be a relief to leave even knowing that some vital bit of kit has been left behind. Weather still unpredictable but if favourable the earliest we will start the final big crossing is an hour before most of you get up on MONDAY morning, we'll get a little help from the tide before facing the first of at least three nights out, rolling in to Bergen just as you're settling down to a pie and pint on Thursday evening. It's a grim thought.
Just heard a discussion on sleep deprivation. Apparently the body doesn't need sleep. The brain however does. I guess the plan is not to do much thinking on the way over. Easy enough! PW

12 July 2011

Got back from Bosnia yesterday lunchtime. Let the panic begin. Five months ago when myself and Patrick decided to do this trip we were adamant that we would not have a last minute rush. Oh, hang on we said that for the Faroes trip as well. Ah well next one maybe? Spent yesterday afternoon gathering bits and pieces to fit out the boat. This morning was for invoicing my clients. It's now 2230. A good amount done on the boat but more to do and not packed yet. Still seems such a lot to do between now and 1400 on Thursday when I head up to Patrick's in Scotland. Better get to bed and set my alarm for very early. MB

11 July 2011

Five days to go and no Scandinavian high in sight. Trying to prepare myself for a cold and wet crossing. Shetland still getting an unusual amount of northerly winds. The one week forecast looks as if we'll have a good couple of days as we make our way out to Out Skerries and then be hit by strong easterly winds on 18th…

Spent the weekend in Conamara working on Trail (peat bog) Running World championships. 50 miles in 6 hours 30. It's good inspiration to see what the human body is capable of. The winners all credited their success to thoughts of their children. Now concerned as we have a total of 0 between us…

6 July 2011.

Less than ten days to go and the 'to do' list is growing. I'm convinced raising money is harder than paddling (any tips welcome). Having said that a huge thank you to those who have donated ( 1% of target achieved and we haven't started) and also to those on Shetland and in Bergen who are helping out. One of the great things about these adventures is you break out of your tiny little circle of life and meet huge numbers of generous and enthusiastic people. Everyone thinks we're mad but there is usually a spark in peoples eyes that suggests they're wondering if they could do it….if we can, anyone can.

Just heard from Bennie Mac who was with us last year. He 's a good man to have on a trip and we'll miss him. Not sure he'd keep his rollies dry for four days! PW

6 July 2011.

Mad panic to get kit ready. Work non stop. Just setting off to Nottingham to collect slalom kayaks and kit to take to Bosnia. Back Sunday 10th. The panic can continue on the 11th. MB

4th July 2011

Spent the weekend paddling around Scarba and through Corryvrecken, Grey Dogs and Doris Mor. As good as it gets and far more fun than crossing oceans! 1 hr 31 min to eddie hop around the island. The currents are so powerful that even the eddies have eddies. Stability system superb although how strong will prove to be in big seas?

Many thanks to all of you who have donated on our www.virginmoneygiving site. £3.88 is more than enough.

Our tracker will go live on 16th when we start the journey.

28 June 2011

While Mick and Olly have been basking in the sun I’ve just had the wettest weekend I can remember. Good psychological training no doubt, as was a six km portage with a fully laden double from Salen, across Mull, to Loch Na Keal. By the time you’ve adjusted the trolley a thousand times and battled the camper vans for a share of the road it’s probably quicker to paddle round.  40 km of paddling into the wind has got the calluses going and increase my affection for the smaller, shorter blades…  just off the the local bone cruncher to loosen up my neck!
PW

23 June 2011 2130.

My chauffeuring work has gone berserk and left me with little time to train and ready the boat for the crossing. Late last night I did force myself out in the Taran that Rockpool have loaned me. Beautiful evening, male swan with signets did not attack. A fast 8NM. Longer paddles needed. My plan is to do the Eddystone lighthouse race on the 2nd of July. Another busy day. Tonight I have spent two hours planning and ripping the seat out of my Menai. I have come up with a few cunning plans. I will keep you informed. MB

23 June 2011

Spent last night bobbing around on Loch Ard near Aberfoyle.  2 hours paddling, 3 hours kip, 2 hours paddling.  In total 7 hours of rain!  Trying to toughen up but it was a stark reminder of how miserable it is going to be out on the North Sea and how important it is to know exactly where every bit of kit is. 
On the good side; the bats outnumbered the midges,  the insulated cockpit is toasty and the stabilising system is so good the you can stand up to get dressed.  Honest! PW

22 June 2011

24 days to go: The days may be getting shorter but the sea is still warming up. Have been swimming in the rivers, lochs and sea for a bit of cold water training. The shock response and uncontrollable gasping has gone but my fingers are still useless after about 3 mins. The North Sea will be about 11 degrees when we make the crossing. Better to stay in the boat than swim!

Have fitted P&H Cetus out with insulation and reshaped seat to improve comfort. The only adaptation on the boat is a hollow tube that runs horizontally through the hull just behind the day hatch bulkhead. Insert a paddle blade either side and fix a paddle float and you’re as stable as a barge. I think. Heading off the west coast tonight to try it out.

We have completed our final team training session. Two days of big swell and powerful currents off Anglesey. Olly has proved himself to be up to the task despite his relatively recent conversion from rowing to sea paddling. A week at Sea Kayaking Cornwall has left him with a really solid roll and total confidence in the big swell.

We have one P&H boat (Cetus HV) waiting to escape the polishing room. Otherwise we have all the gear. Plans are now to move north on the 15th or 16th July with the boats fully kitted out. We'll roll off the ferry in Lerwick and head North on the first leg to Lunna Voe. Three weeks training left and a lot of psyching up to do. PW