Stage 1: Porthmadog to Aberdyfi

The first day of the Cob 2 Cardiff Challenge, and it didn't let us down on the challenge front!

Wind, waves, and general overall wetness...it had it all!

We started the morning with an excellent send off from Madog Yacht Club in Porthmadog - press from all over the place had made the early morning journey to interview our reluctant-to-be-famous rowers & we had a great cheer as the boats set out on the 230 mile journey to Cardiff. First stop Aberdyfi!

The first stint was taken on by Christine, Simon, Elaine H, Delwyn & Dave Jones - out the harbour and on to Llandanwg beach where the first crew change would take place. Rowers were against the tide but had the wind at their backs & made quick work of the 7 miles row.

Then the first crew change - admittedly we're still learning and getting used to the routine but a quick rib ride to the beach and the new crew were picked up and transferred onto the boat...although they were going at such a pace it took a little while for the rib to catch up! Then Bob, Maggy, Pippa, Nic & Cerys took on the next 8 miles when weather took a windy turn for the worse & saw some 'lumpy' water to row through.

Barmouth crew change was a challenge in balance & sea legs but the final crew jumped in the boat (unfortunately already drenched from the soaking rib ride out from the beach!) and zoomed down the final 15 miles to Aberdyfi!

Brilliant day - testing our rowing on big seas - lots of rosey cheeks & happy to be on dry land (and in the bar!)