It had to be done....

As soon as I saw on Outdoors Magic that Argos were selling a 2 man semi-geodesic tent  for £35 I had to have one.

So up it went in the garden.

First thing I noticed was that this type of tent would be a lot easier to pitch with 2 people, its like wrestling a big spider. Now I know why I had such a laugh at Mycroft and Son putting one up at Beddgelert earlier in the year.

It's big. Much bigger inside [1500x2200mm] than my trusty old Vango Hydra 200+. There's a decent size porch at each end and 4 big vents on the fly. Inside there are long handy mesh pockets and even a gear loft is included.

The ground sheet appears to be the same fabric as used in the legendary Tiger Paws 1 man tent, which is very good. There are 2 tension bands under the tent,  and all the stress points are well layered in tape.

I would love to know whose tent this is a copy of, how they can sell it for the price beats me and it could attain the same sort of status as the original TP 1 man tent if it stays on the market.

Bad points...truly awful fibreglass poles and steel pegs, which weigh too much [not worth replacing poles, would probably cost more than the tent!] and the sleeves for the 2 poles on the fly are a very close fit.

I'm pleased to say its a bit breezy here today and it just ain't moving.

Is it worth it? ..............................If it lasts as long as my Hydra, yes.

I joined up with 26 other members of FoACC at Tyn Rhos campsite just outside Trearddur Bay last Friday. It was the first time I had met most of them since I joined the club last year, and it turned out to be an excellent trip.

After a 'few' beers and a barbecue on the first night  the next day we set off to Borthwen near Rhoscolyn, to launch a flotilla of sea kayaks and other small boats, ably led by Keith Steer and Kirk Williams, their knowledge was invaluable and added to the enjoyment.

Rock hopping around the coastline, we popped out to Rhoscolyn Beacon went through some small tidal races and overfalls ... nothing too tricky ..[for me anyway; I must be improving...]

The highlights were visiting the caves on route and paddling under the Rhoscolyn Arch,  the  seals,  diving terns and cormorants along with the seagulls and their chicks on the rocks.

Lunch was held on a somewhat crowded beach at Trearddur Bay, with a quick return on the ebb tide back to Borthwen.

Great fun!  Off to the Trearddur Bay Hotel for a fish and chip supper that night and funnily enough, a 'few' more beers......I slept very well that night.

Sunday was intended to be a 12km open crossing to Carmel head via Church Bay from Holyhead;  I was feeling a tad tired at Church Bay [5k] at which point I dipped out to return home, and a long hot soak in the bath. I later found out the others had returned missing out Carmel Head,  and were lucky to avoid a 4' wave from the SeaCat.

Lessons from this trip: I prefer my Lendal Archipelago paddle to the Kinetic when I'm tired; maybe the low angle touring style of paddling suits me more of the time, however for trips that may require a bit more spells of intensive paddling the Kinetic will win. Also, when taking camera out of Aquapac, make sure AP is attached to decklines.........doh.

It was a pleasure to meet some people with a great sense of humour who really love being on the water and are prepared to help and guide you and I look forward to many more trips.

Thanks to Kirk and Keith for pics of me on the water and to Ruth for the lift back to the car!

Next trip, Puffin Island 5th July.