Blog

Mike Jones Shares his journey as he circumnavigates Ireland on his Solo Kayaking Trip.

Jun 22, 12

A Whale of a time

Getting across Dingle bay is no mean feat and after being defeated by the wind a couple of days earlier I was determined to get across today.  A light head wind restricted my speed to a mere 2mph and with Slea head 15miles away it was set to be a slog.
 

Landing on the beach as the sun set I set about finding a spot to camp.  I located a nice flat piece of grass at the top of the beach and as I began to make plans to set up camp a bunch of lads appeared from the local Pub and decided they would have a little party on my camp site.  Reassessing my options I decided it would be best to move across the harbour to a small beach which I hoped offered a suitable campsite.  Sliding under darkness up the sands I had my fingers crossed for a flat piece of grass nearby.  I quickly located a small ledge at the top of the beach and set up camp knowing that I would be resting the following day but likely to get blasted by the impending gales.

[pullquote style=”left” quote=”dark”]I was not wrong, I woke to the wind attempting to rip my tent from the ground bending the poles out of shape and threatening to snap them at any moment..[/pullquote]  I was not wrong, I woke to the wind attempting to rip my tent from the ground bending the poles out of shape and threatening to snap them at any moment. A welcome phone call from my Coast Guard colleague in Killaloe, Mike Quigley, notified me that the Dingle Coast Guard were on the way and could offer me shelter from the storm.  Striking camp and packing my bags in record time I was collected shortly afterwards by Frank, the Officer in Charge in Dingle, and he took me along with my boat to their modern and comfortable station house.

On a night in Dingle there is only one thing to do, go out and sample the local hospitality and see what all the fuss is about.  Murphy’s Bar was a most suitable spot to get a feel for the town and following a good feed I watched the football and even stayed around for the Traditional music session, which at times was like a stand up comedy gig.  Great craic had, I returned to the coast guard station to rest my head hopefully to move on the following day.

A small window in the weather would allow me to move a short distance along the Kerry Coast under the shadow of Mount Brandon.  Frank again collected me and after a short chat with some local schools kids who were on a visit to the coast guard station we loaded up my kit and hit the road.   The short hop to Brandon Quay which took only 4 ½ hours felt like a warm up.  Learning form my wind tunnel experience in Smerwick I sought out a shelter campsite and hauled my boat and kit up the beach knowing I would be settling in for another couple of days.

An early night was in order and next morning I reaped the rewards of my shelter campsite as I woke late, well rested.  I strolled up to the local pub on the quay in the afternoon for lunch and enjoy some toasties and tea as I recharged some batteries and caught up with the sports results.

I returned to my tent for a tasty dinner from a packet and keen to move on the next day I made my way back up to the pub to avail of the free wifi and check the weather one last time.  As I was about to return to my tent happy I would be able to move across to Co. Clare the next day the heavens opened and not wanting to be soaked I decided to hold off and enjoy a pint by the fire.  While waiting I got chatting to a couple who had just moved over from New Zealand and Canada, we chatted until late sharing stories of our travels before the rain cleared, I wished them well for their stay and returned to my tent.

I woke to ideal conditions and after the long haul back down the beach I set off for the very distant loop head, for the first 3 hours I was working on my compass until finally the lighthouse on the head came into view falling and rising in the gentle swell.  This would be the biggest crossing to date and going well I decided I would make the extra push and go for Killkee.  At 33 nautical miles this was the longest day so far and I finally arrived into Killkee, after being treated to some spectacular scenery, at 10pm.  I was greeted by the friendly face of Cillian Murphy and his wife Mary.  They were fantastic hosts and after a hot meal Cillian and I went for a pint and a debrief of my trip so far, he also filled me in on his Ironman preparations which were all but complete as his big race in Nice was only days away.

Loop Head

The following morning I collected my boat from the local Coast Guard station, thanks to them for storing it for me, and met with Andree and our friends Shelly and Gally who had come along to resupply me and wish me well for the next leg of the journey.  It was great to have some company as I prepared for another long day.

Waved off at low tide I rounded George’s set my compass to 010degrees and set off towards a grey horizon.  A fresh southerly breeze helped me along the way although it did get choppy at times and I began to feel very exposed as in the distance loomed the faint Aran Islands while 7miles to my right the dark shield of the Cliffs’ of Moher dominated the coastline while to my left was nothing but open Ocean.

I had never visited the Aran Islands before so I was looking forward to my arrival and although the day had gone smoothly I was faced with a tough final hour into a strong head wind.  As I rounded the breakwater in Kilronan harbour I spotted a large slipway which would make an ideal landing site.  As I made my way in I spotted a van on the quay side flashing its lights and me, it turned out to be the local Coast Guard officer in charge, Enda Mullen, who had been tipped off of my arrival and was on hand to look after me.  As soon as I landed I was whisked off in the back of the truck with my boat to Endas brother’s house where we dropped the boat.  It was then off to Endas “Bachelor pad” where he cooked me up a dinner with some freshly caught fish.  He then provided me with some fresh slippers and off we went on a whistle stop tour of the island.  A comfortable bed for 2 nights in a row I didn’t know myself, good night’s sleep and ready for more big miles in the coming days.

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments

Going Around The Bend. Mike Jones Irish Adventurer Kayaks Around Ireland for Charity.

Jun 14, 12

I had never even stood on the Mizen but from what I read and heard it was a rugged outcrop battered by ferocious Atlantic swells and bent and twisted by tempestuous tidal currents.  I had butterflies as I rounded the last cliff which had been blocking the Mizen from my view and as it came into view I was not disappointed, rugged does not begin to describe the incredible scene before me and this was a calm day.  Sensing that this may be my only chance to get close, as I had near perfect conditions, I moved inshore between a rock awash with breaking waves curling in a white foaming cauldron and the headland itself, with only a small gap to slip through.   Had I company on the water I may not have been nervous but on my own I was certainly pushing my limits but it was worth it, the rush of getting that close and for a brief moment knowing that I was further south than anybody on our fair Isle was a great thrill.  As I paddled clear rather pleased with my achievement I began to adjust my heading north; a direction which will dominate my compass for the next 2 or maybe 3 weeks until of course I round Malin head.Decision made I bounced through the churning sound to be met with a freshening head wind and lumpy sea.  From here the struggle began.  The joys of the previous 2 days soon left me as I cursed and grunted my way into the wind struggling to hold the speed above 1knt.  My left shoulder then gave rise to a sharp pain, each time I pulled the paddle through the water I grunted louder, it was then that my spirit began to strain.

The following struggle forced me yet again to question why I was doing this and for the first time I seriously considered if my body could hold up to this relentless pressure, or torture as it seemed, but not only that could my mind take it?

Decision made I bounced through the churning sound to be met with a freshening head wind and lumpy sea.  From here the struggle began.  The joys of the previous 2 days soon left me as I cursed and grunted my way into the wind struggling to hold the speed above 1knt.  My left shoulder then gave rise to a sharp pain, each time I pulled the paddle through the water I grunted louder, it was then that my spirit began to strain.

The following struggle forced me yet again to question why I was doing this and for the first time I seriously considered if my body could hold up to this relentless pressure, or torture as it seemed, but not only that could my mind take it?

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments

The Merry Month of May at The Loft Yoga Studio Clonlara.

Jun 8, 12

. The Month of May started off with a flourish  of activity.I kept myself busy promoting my business and promoting my newly up dated website sportsyoga . ie . Once again the site had over 4,000 visits and I really have to thank Marie Keating www.mariekeatingphotography.com for the wonderful work that she did to make the site so user friendly !

May 2nd:  I held a ” Into Happiness” workshop at the Loft and I was honoured that the guest speaker Krishnaraj came to visit my yoga studio. Krishnaraj has dedicated the last fifteen years to providing spiritual programs around the world to foster well-being ,happiness and awareness. 25 people turned up and he took us through this wonderful meditation of  “Living in the now”.  The sense of well-being and stillness in the Loft was pure magic.

All classes were in full swing with  the introduction of The “Early early Morning sportsyoga class @ 6.15 AM. Much to my delight , there was a great interest, ranging from body builders, Sea Kayaker, Tri-athletes and marathon runners. Great to see such a diverse range of sports in the class and the dedication to be on their mat at such as early hour!

May 13th:

A nerve wrecking day waiting on results of the qualifiers of The world race walking championship in Russia where it was Colin Griffins last chance to qualify for the 2012 Olympics .  We have worked together http://sportsyoga.ie/index.php/colin-griffin-eap3-sportsyoga-program/ and I have seen him fall but get up again, and again and again …. until finally he reaches his goal. I have huge admiration for  Colin and look forward to working with him as he continues his journey to London next month.  Best wishes .

May 16th:

Spend the day in Delta Sports Dome with some great people as we learned  the benefits of hypoxia training in the new first class High Altitude Chamber. The chamber is now open for business and currently Colin and I are looking at the idea of yoga at high altitude ….. Learn Pranayama- The art of correct breathing while you train….

May 17th:

I did a presentation to a group of accountants in the Strand hotel where I introduced chair yoga for office workers to release out tension from neck and shoulders and how to use your office chair as a prop for some yoga stretches . I must admit , there was a great party atmosphere so we ended up , doing some hip rotations and leg stretches and singing “Are you right there Micheal , are you right. ” Great night.!

May 18th:

Thanks to Thomond Asset Management for the invite to Lunch at the Pavilion in aid of Share a dream foundation . Fantastic day and meet some great people. Great to get dressed up on a Friday morning , be dropped off on the Clare side , walk across to UL and get picked up on the Clare side many many hours later ! What a understanding husband, Thanks John.!

May 23rd:

Started my Sportsyoga.ie class in Sean Choil Sports Complex, Corbally . This facility will be a great asset to the large population of Westbury and Corbally. The interior is designed to be friendly and inviting with high ceilings, timber beams and surrounded by mirrors where every false move will be picked up ! The Kbam Fitness team will be working from Sean Choill with a variety of classes  including kettle-bells, spinning, and their unbelievable boot-camp twice a week. I think they should call it – “The Farmers Workout” as it includes large tractor tyres, towing robes and lifting 10 gallon drums . Suitable for all who want to get fit on a farm without the smell of manure.! Details of classes on www.kbamfitness.ie

Finally I will be following Mike Jones on his sea kayaking trip around Ireland . Mike is hoping to cover the 1,000 miles in 35 days all in aid of the Children’s Sunshine Home and the Laura Lynn house. He hopes to raise 10,000 euro .  Think about the commitment  and endurance that it will take to cover a marathon each day battling weather and seas. Please dig deep for such a great cause and show Mike that we are all behind him. I will be blogging for him on my site or visit Mike,s site www.mikejones.ie Congrats to his beautiful wife Andree Walkin who is excelling in the Tri-athlete world and winning , winning ,winning !

So back to me, busy week ahead .  All classes continue , Amrita well-being day June 23rd, Check schedule and book in now for the month of June. I have my final exams on Saturday 9th June – Post Grad -Yoga Therapy Course.  Must  practice what I preach …… Breathe deep , stay calm and focused and visualise the end result.  HELP !

Namaste , Paulette

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments

Follow Irish Adventurer Mike Jones on his Solo Kayaking Trip Around Ireland .

Jun 5, 12

I set off on this journey in good spirits confident that I was well prepared mentally and physically. I waved off the last farewell boat containing my Dad, Brother and Uncle as I exited Cork harbour heading west with high morale and on target for my first day.

As planned I began to snack to keep my energy levels up, soon after I did the nausea began, before I knew it the energy drained from my body and I was left with a choice. Continue on for my rendezvous with an old friend or cut my loses and make for safe harbour. I struggled with this dilemma for a couple of miles but as my speed continued to drop and my body was failing more and more every stroke I had no choice but to make for land. Fortunately I was only a mile from Oysterhaven and as I entered the entrance I spotted a small cove and beached the boat, dejected, drained and utterly lost.

Had I bitten off more than I could handle, was I truly prepared enough, why did my body fail me so drastically and why now? Once I had gathered myself and set up camp I called Andree and let her know I was OK. I then had a well timed visit from Jon who I had been due to meet on the water later that day, a chat with him helped take my mind off what had happened on the water and my spirits began to lift.

I hit the hay or rather rocks early that night with intentions to be in good shape and positive to make my target of Galley Head the following morning. I rose early to rain tapping on the tent but determined to catch the tide I forced some food into my still nauseous stomach and slid down the rocky strand as the tide began to drop.

Although not feeling great I made good time to the mouth of Kinsale and kept a keen eye out for Jon who was set to join me before the old head. Increasing swell and dense fog made him difficult to spot and I paddled the east side of the head alone with a tidal eddy running against me. With my head down and energy levels slowly draining my spirit began to fail again and although not phased by the increasing swell I did again begin to wonder was I really ready for this, had I underestimated the challenge?

As I reached the tip of the Old Head the tide had began to run fast to the West and I was greeted by a confused sea, but underlying this was the Celtic Sea Express, a fast flowing tidal stream that picked me up and shot me west. For the first time on the trip the boat speed increased and my effort decreased, I was finally on my way, my spirits lifted.

Camp 2 Blind Strand

As I quickly closed the distance to the Seven Heads I had to rely totally on my compass and GPS as dense fog restricted visibility to less than a mile. With total faith in my navigation ability I was happy to stay offshore in the strong tide with my ultimate goal of Galley head well within my grasp. Then it happened again, bang, every ounce of energy drained from my body, this time the decision was easy, get to shore now!

This all too familiar feeling of a ‘Bonk’ or ‘Hypo’ was most unwelcome and poorly timed. As I had still not been feeling well I had not eaten enough to fuel the previous 4 hours of paddling and it was inevitable that I would empty the tank.

My survival instinct kicked in and I forced myself to take an energy gel to raise my sugar levels, within 10 minutes I felt the sugar flow through my blood and I raised my head to make for Blind strand. With 2 miles to cover I summoned all my energy and dodging shallow reefs with breaking seas I rounded the head and paddle the final section of flat water onto the sandy beach. Delighted to be ashore I climbed from the boat and realised it was low tide, I would have to rest a while before I hiked all my kit up the beach to set up camp. A small clearing at the top of the beach would make an ideal campsite with the soft sandy ground making a pleasant change form the rocky shore of the previous night.

Contemplating my 2 days paddling I realised I had by now at least made my original landing site for night one and if I could make good time the following day I could get back on track, which, all things considered was not all that bad. A fine sunny evening and a surprise visit from Jon lifted my spirits and I was determined that day 3 would bring a new dawn and a return to full strength and health.

Being woken by rain in a tent is never a pleasant experience, especially when it is not even 6am but resisting the temptation to roll over I sat up and began to pack my kit and cook porridge. I force fed myself as much as I could before I began to gag and then finished packing the boat and moved off once again on the tide.

Moving out into a flat sea is always a nice way to warm up and as I rounded the first headland I made my way along the cliffs of the Seven Heads, retracing the strokes which had brought me ashore the previous afternoon, this time in much better shape. As I rounded the Seven heads and paused for a photo the clock struck 9 and I began the ritual of eating one snack each hour, on the hour, something I would continue for the following 10 hours; a fool proof plan to avoid the dreaded Bonk.

With the Seven Heads behind me I moved off to find the tide, not as strong as the previous day it helped me along none the less. Three hours later and with Galley head at my side I raised my hood and paddled through some heavy showers on flat calm seas. Once clear of the head I reset my heading and picked out High Island which gave me a direct line into Castlehaven my target for the day.

Within a couple of miles the gentle south-westerly breeze which had been building slowly, suddenly freshened, to create a choppy sea and this combination made the going slow and although still feeling strong I had yet again a decision to make. After toiling with my options and doing the speed and distance calculations in my head the smart choice was to make for Glandore and hope to make up the miles tomorrow. Happy my choice was the right one I adjusted my heading and made for harbour.

As I entered the sheltered harbour of Glandore I was greeted by a picturesque west cork village dropping steeply to the sea in calm deep water, but no beach to land a sea kayak and no sign of flat ground to pitch a tent. Not deterred I rounded the bend to Union Hall, a small fishing village which would surely offer me a safe landing and somewhere to rest my head. A landing site was easy to come by but it would not last long and as the tide was rising and the sheltered corner beach would soon disappear offering no space to pitch a tent. I contemplated my choices and after refilling my water I decided I would move off again to a beach I had spotted at the entrance to the harbour, a point from which I would be well set to launch an early assault on the following day.

Again happy with my decision and feeling in good shape I paddled out of the harbour moving between eddies to dodge the now flooding tide. As I moved smoothly out through the now flat waters it dawned on me that the wind had dropped and the tide had turned leaving the sea calm and perhaps Castlehaven was again a realistic end point for my day. With the mental arithmetic quickly sorted I made my move and working through the sheltered channel behind Rabbit Island I cruised along the shore making easy work of the 5mile stretch.

Arriving into Castlehaven I had a longing for some real food so I continued the short distance to the town of Castletownshend. As I approached I spotted an old stone slipway and some local kids gathering for rowing training and a swim, I landed to find a small flat strip of grass, ideal to pitch a tent. After enquiring with the locals I was given the go ahead to set up camp and with the added bonus that I could also use the rowing club shower facilities.

Camp made, showered and still smiling I walked the short lane to find an award winning Bar and Restaurant, “Mary Anne’s”. I did not even need a menu as the only thing on my mind was a big dirty plate of Fish and Chips, Fergus the proprietor duly obliged, he also kindly allowed me to use a couple of electrical outlets to recharge some batteries.

Fed washed and pretty chuffed with my day I returned to my tent hoping to get a small window in the morning to steal some miles towards Cape Clear before the impending gale. I awoke to a buffeting tent being clattered by rain and the news of Strong gales, I went back to sleep, time to rest now, Cape Clear will have to wait a couple of days.  All money raised is going to The Sunshine Home ( Childrens Hospice Ireland) Please donate on Mike,s Site www.mikejones.ie

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments

Mike Jones begins his Solo journey to Sea Kayak around Ireland in 35 days .

Jun 4, 12

On the 4^th of June Adventurer Mike Jones will set off from his home town of Cobh, Co Cork in his 18 foot long sea kayak.  His mission is to do one lap of Ireland and raise €10,000 for the Children’s Sunshine home and Laura Lynn house.

One lap of Ireland sounds pretty simple, it is in fact a very daunting prospect and at 1,000 miles is an extremely physically and mentally demanding endurance challenge.  Aiming to paddle a Marathon distance of 30miles each day in all conditions he expects to complete the circumnavigation in less than 5 weeks.  To achieve these distance Mike will need to spend up to 12 hours each day battling against wind and tide eating and drinking on the move before finally making land fall each evening to set up camp.

Mikes’ boat will be loaded with over 50kg of essential equipment from a tent and  camping stove to charts and compass and of course food and water to fuel and hydrate.  Each day he will need to consume in the region of 5,000 calories to make sure he can paddle the heavy boat through the rough seas off the west coast and against the strong currents of the Irish Sea.

Mike is no stranger to the big adventures and has completed several expeditions over the years from whitewater kayaking in Nepal to Rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, this will however be his first major solo expedition and travelling alone in such an extreme environment will bring a whole new set of challenges, challenges which frighten and excite him in equal measure.

To find out more about Mike and to donate to the Children’s Sunshine home & Laura Lynn House go to www.mikejones.ie .  You can also tracks his progress as he travels along the coast by going to the website.

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments

Colin Griffin Speaks to Irish Examiner on the Journey to Olympics 2012

Jun 3, 12

Loft Yoga Studio | admin | No Comments