I could have got up an hour or two earlier to start with the favorite tide in very first light, but my body told me no. At least I got flushed around Benmore or Fair Head with 15 km/ h maximum, and further down for a few km speed was all right until the current changed too soon. I tried to find and stay in the eddies very close to the coast and made reasonable speed as long as the wind was down until 11 am, and then it was only a crawling and pain in the ass to paddle with 3-4 km/ max against tide and a solid 12-15 knots headwind. I sat twice on some hidden rock, as the sea was so calm you could barely see them on little water movement. The whole coast line was not the most exciting now, just rocks,a busy road besides and some low green hills with farmhouses.

Basically, I should have already stopped earlier to save energy and effort, have six hours break and maybe start over again. The tide times are at the worst this moment, and having such a long break and paddling twice a day is just not my favorite style if I am not in urgent need.

The next day’s forecast was strong headwinds in the morning, and lower in the afternoon until sunset, and I decided to paddle against the stuff today until energy lasts, and tomorrow the second tide of the day. Includes surely to start already with some time against it, as low tide is only around 5.30 pm. I hope to catch Belfast Lough latest between 8 and 10 pm and to be across with the flood and not too much wind against tide before darkness. Wednesday looks off again. The following days may be here and there half a day ok, actually a shitty outlook!

My campsite here is at the worst to one degree – the noisy main road just besides me, a long dragging gear over wet sand on low tide, no dry sand and a steep rocky white beach – but good to some other degree with some perfect grass on a children’s playground behind where I put up tent in the last corner. I will use ear plugs all night, but falling asleep already before dinner and update writing.