We recently went on a short stint in Scotland where we camped and paddled on the sea. It had been a long time - must be getting over 5 years since we last did anything and even longer that it was fairly significant. Anyway we went on the basis that we were feeling our way back in and would take it easy and carefully. The others were also either older and slowing down or in the same position as we were.

Anyway, the weather was kind - not too windy but cold. It was mainly a N or NE which for Scotland in April with snow on the mountains meant it was cold. We did paddle for a day around an island and then for a short overnight over the last two days of the trip. In between we had a walk and a visit around to some places. We came away relieved that we had been OK and happy to have got back on the water.

We did discover some of the pleasures of old - the views, the flora and fauna, wild camping; some of the pains of old - cold feet, slippery rocky beaches with loaded kayaks. But all in all the level was fine and we were in good company. We all came away saying that we'd repeat this next year but in late April and in a different part of the West Coast of Scotland.

The trip did throw up some equipment issues that we need to sort out before we go out again.