7 sea kayakers set off from Shotley Gate Suffolk. The weather was brilliant. Before we left we watched the SS Aristotle navigate her way up the river. (She had started her journey from Belfast and was carrying general cargo). We set off on a flood tide with a gentle breeze against us and soon became dwarfed by the huge container ships alongside in Felixstowe docks.

We took the right hand channel up to the Orwell bridge and noted several potential winter camp sites(to be checked out at a later date). For those of us paying attention we were joined by a seal at one point – and here’s the picture to prove it. Andy B tried a bit of Greenland paddling with a home made blade which he had conjured up from the water – put Barry and Donnie to shame.

After a spot of lunch we caught the ebb tide to Pin Mill, well worth another visit, in my opinion, and then back to Shotley Gate passing a boats graveyard on route.

We covered approximately 18 miles and it was enjoyed by all. Thanks very much to Mike D for organising the trip.