Paddle: Calshot To Ashlett Creek

Ashlett Creek

Last night was incredibly still, Bramble Bank weather station indicated max F2. The sky was cloudy and their was a constant drizzle. With it being a very high tide I decided to do a short paddle and explore the networks of channels that make up Ashlett Creek.

A quick blast across Calshot Bay enjoying the clam water led me to the start of the channel to Ashlett Creek. At high tide the channels are wider and it is possible to work around the grassy ‘islands’. I made my way straight up to the Public Slipway at the end of the the Creek, through the plethora of moored yachts and past the Sailing Club. I spent some time on the slipway taking photos before heading back out.

Ashlett Creek At Night

On the route back I explored some of the channels – a couple leading to dead ends, others allowing to wind my way closer to the bright lights of the Esso Refinery. It presented a strangely beautiful scene with the combination of still waters, wildlife and flora/fauna set against the industrial skyline. I looked for a spot on one of the mudbanks to take a photo but was fearful of disturbing the various birds so thought better of it.

Turning back towards Calshot it was another blast across the bay then time to practice strokes. The beautifully calm water leant itself perfectly to practicing strokes and edging – trying to ‘feel’ the effect of varying angles and positions. I then finished the session with rolling practice which also gave me an opportunity to further test the Aleutian Drysuit.

Back on land, I walked out onto the RNLI Jetty to take some shots of the Lifeboat Station and Fawley Power station across the bay before heading home with a huge smile on my face!