What a long winter.

Efforts to get fit for my Big Paddle have been hampered considerably by the weather. Partly it's a reluctance to be out on the water in freezing weather, partly competing attractions. The hills have been great for walking and skiing recently. FCAG had an Easter Egg hunt on Friday evening, though. It was a short trip, but good fun. Snow was clearly visible on the Lammermuirs before we launched at the Silver Sands in Aberdour.


Despite low temperatures, wildlife is returning to the Forth. A porpoise cruised past us- the first I have ever seen around here. Gulls are flocking back to Inchcolm.

Perennial wallflower are starting to flower on the island, much earlier than the ones in my garden.

We stayed on the island as the light started to fade. There was a big ebb tide, clearly visible from the fortifications at the summit.

Soon it was time to head for home.