ThePADDLER 104
were greeted with some of the most amazing views I ’ ve ever been privileged to see . Just how remote and away from people became apparent as we sat there – our canoes gently rocking in the small waves that the wind was encouraging along the surface .
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE The sun was shining and highlighting the snow on the hills and mountains ; we both felt like children in a toy shop as we looked around and realised how privileged we were to be in such a place . I have to say it was truly the most beautiful place I have paddled so far , and the weather made it that much special . We both had grins from ear to ear as we turned and headed back down the loch towards South Tarbett Bay and Swordland . As we reached Swordland , the wind had once more shifted to a southeasterly , and this meant that as later we will round the headland by Brinacory Island , then the shoreline was generally northeast . The wind would be behind us ; would this give us a chance for some sailing ? Fingers crossed !
As we paddled , we discussed the remoteness of the loch and the ‘ what ifs ’ on an expedition here and whether we could walk out of an overnight area should something happen . Several hardy walkers appeared along the shoreline , and a good conversation soon found a general path line through the grass and bracken if needed .
As we continued , we spotted another sheltered beach under some trees and decided that the stoves needed to see daylight again . A good hot cuppa , some lunch and good conversation , and we were off again and passed by Brinacory Island with the wind – just as we thought – now behind us .
The snow was still on the hills as we rounded the headland and entered the bay at Ceann an t-saideil . A slow , purposeful paddle towards our get out was a sign of our reluctance to admit the trip was coming to an end and we must leave the water of this beautiful loch .
Helping each other out of the water , we both turned back towards the loch to look at the place that had been kind enough to reveal even a small amount of its beauty to us over the last two days and nights . Our promise to this loch and ourselves that we will return in the hope that we would be privileged enough to see more .
NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS With our notes and observations for our future expeditions and boats secured , we set off for Fort William . The chirping of our phones indicated to us as we got nearer that we were getting phone reception and back to the everyday world again . But how much of that normal world we continue to live with and take part in was – at least for me – radically changed , such as the effect of the trip on me .
Just how remote and away from people became apparent as we sat there – our canoes gently rocking
in the small waves