Progress on Progression Day – TSS Duke of Lancaster and Estuary Crossing

Progress on Progression Day – TSS Duke of Lancaster and Estuary Crossing by Sally P

Taking advantage of the convenient tide times (12.45 pm) and a good forecast, Keith organised a progression day for improving sea kayakers.  This is the ideal opportunity for practising skills, getting time on the water and just what I needed to boost my kayaking confidence.  

We were given a choice of journeys: Hilbre Island, crossing the Dee Estuary or a River Mersey trip. The favourite option was the crossing of the Dee from West Kirby to TSS Duke of Lancaster and back.

8 paddlers (Keith, A & C Bond, Stuart, Klaire, Mike, Dom and myself) met on the slipway and with boats unloaded, we parked cars and waited for the tide to come in.  It was a busy day at West Kirby with tractors manoeuvring sailing boats and day trippers walking around the Marine Lake.  It’s a lovely spot to gather and talk about kit and boats, eat snacks and catch up with fellow paddlers.  I was grateful for slightly cooler weather as I’d dressed for immersion (just in case).

Time passed quickly, and it wasn’t too long before we had enough depth to launch the boats and head out into the Estuary.  

Although the forecast was for calm conditions, the wind had picked up a little, and the water was slightly choppy.  Trying to make the crossing as direct as possible, we aimed for some grey buildings in the distance and kept a tightish formation.  Once we’d passed some buoy markers in the channel, white houses came into view and then eventually a red speck, which Keith informed us was the funnel of the ship.  It did seem a long way to go, but we dug deep and, with encouragement and some banter, focused on reaching our target.  We landed on a grassy beach in a little harbour to the left of the ship.  After 1 hour and 40 minutes of constant paddling (a good time), we were ready to get out of the boats for a break and more snacks.  The ship is pretty big when you’re alongside it and an interesting landmark.  However, we didn’t have time for a tour and needed to get back to take advantage of the high spring tide of 9.5m. Dom had done his homework, though and fed us some facts about the life of TSS Duke of Lancaster.

The return crossing was fine to begin with.  I actually enjoyed some wave action and couldn’t help but smile.  Out in the bay, the wind increased (5 to 15mph), but with no particularly strong gusts, all was okay.  There were some quicker tidal streams which became stronger in the main channels.  Fortunately, I coped with these and managed to keep up with the group. Although I was possibly a little too far out of line, Keith kept us all in sight.  The familiar land landmarks of West Kirby and the West Wirral coastline were soon in sight, making the return journey seem slightly quicker.  We couldn’t have timed it better, really, because we managed to avoid having to carry the boats over the mud, which was rapidly exposed as soon as we’d got the boats loaded.  

The debrief was held in Morrison’s cafe with a sea view.  The conclusion was that it was a really good paddle. Although a bit of a hard slog, making it more of an intermediate level than a beginner paddle, I enjoyed it, and that is really good progress.  Thanks to all for your company and to Keith for organising.