South Coast Into the sea mist! Kayak wild camp on the Dorset Coast. The one that got away...

[DJDBazzer]

Hi all.

Headed to Lulworth Cove on Thursday to test out the new kayak.



The plan, to head to Mupe Bay via Fossil Forest, along the exposed Jurassic Coast for a solo wild camp and lure.
I was tested on both the journey out and the return to Lulworth the following day.
I expected clear blue skies, but on arrival, a thick layer of sea mist blanketed the Purbeck Hills.
I set off from Lulworth, slightly anxious about the paddle out, also knowing that the sea was going to kick up the following day.
My nerves were soon calmed as I approached the familiar landscape of Mupe Rocks, indicating that I was only a short paddle away from the camping spot.
After I collected wood and set up camp, I attempted to catch a bass in the bay, but it was not to be..



I went to bed at 11pm ish but woke up at 2am to my wet tarp slapping me in the face.
The gusts had picked up to over 25mph and I couldn't help but worry about the return journey.
Fortunately, the winds calmed slightly by the morning, as forecast.
I've been kayaking since my teenage years but not once have I had to navigate the open seas off the Jurassic Coast in such strong winds, so it was a good job.
I set off for Lulworth as soon as the sun hit the horizon, timing the journey with the last hour of the ebb.
After a lumpy start to the journey, it was not long until I could see the faint entrance of Lulworth Cove in the distance.
On arrival, I spent some time luring for bass, wrasse and pollack, but unfortunately, other than a lost fish, nothing was landed.



A great experience where I learnt a lot, and I was certainly tested at times, but a smooth sea doesn't not make a skillful kayaker.

Video can be found here -

Next stop, TOPE TIME!!!!!!

 

[Goateeblank]

I know you like a fire and burning your pants to get it going, is a sign of a true adventurer! A very atmospheric video. That second picture of the camp is just brilliant. Shame about the lost fish, but then again, to me, it adds to the whole thing and nicely sets up a "Return to Mupe Bay" session/video. Some may not know of your long experience and skills kayaking and may be a bit concerned, but I know how much planning and forethought goes into your trips, and after all, what is life without a few risks. Good stuff mate.

 

[Trampster]

Nice write up & photos Dave! Will try to catch up with the video next week - off out today and BTCC this weekend!

 

[wingnut55]

Great report mate, and lovely pics. It's Bear Grylls in disguise..

Ian.

 

[bananas]

Great report and pics, thats a bugger about the lost fish, the expletive said it all.

 

[DJDBazzer]

I know you like a fire and burning your pants to get it going, is a sign of a true adventurer! A very atmospheric video. That second picture of the camp is just brilliant. Shame about the lost fish, but then again, to me, it adds to the whole thing and nicely sets up a "Return to Mupe Bay" session/video. Some may not know of your long experience and skills kayaking and may be a bit concerned, but I know how much planning and forethought goes into your trips, and after all, what is life without a few risks. Good stuff mate.

Haha cheers mate, you know I love a camp fire. It's true, I have been kayaking since I was 14, and spent a lot of time on the water at college with trained professionals. I've got various certificates in kayaking and sailing and had all the necessary safety equipment.

Nice write up & photos Dave! Will try to catch up with the video next week - off out today and BTCC this weekend!

Cheers mate, hope you have a great time!

Great report mate, and lovely pics. It's Bear Grylls in disguise..

Ian.

Haha cheers mate. I'm less of a bear, more like a 3 legged gazelle

Great report and pics, thats a bugger about the lost fish, the expletive said it all.

Cheers bud. Ye it would have made the trip complete, but I will be back!

 

[Topwater]

Unlucky on the fishing but we'll done on the camp and kayak adventure