Coniston - Wildcat island - Autumn sail with Ellie.

I must have some sort of switch in my brain that trips once the leaves start to fall from the trees. For the last two years now I've not sailed in the summer, this is not a conscious decision, things just seem to get in the way. Then once autumn sets in I get this urge to get the boat out and do some exploring. It's maybe not a conscious decision but autumn is a great time to sail, the water is still warm, the colours are awesome and the lakes are quiet so exploring is much more satisfying.

Today we headed to Coniston, Ellie has not sailed here and I had yet to set foot on Peel 'Wildcat' Island. We launched at Brown How car park and set only the jib for the short journey across the lake. The entrance to the 'secret' harbour is tight and with a brisk easterly blowing across the lake I didn't want the hassle of dropping the main sail at the wrong time or being blown onto the rocks.

Entering the harbour was simple with just a few pulls on the oars we were there.

Secret Harbour

It's not surprising why Arthur Ransome used this place in his stories, it is truly magical. Luckily for us the island was empty, it is a very popular spot and gets visitors all year round. For about an hour we had it all to ourselves.

A perfect place to park a boat.

A perfect place to be young, and young again.

Pirates?

After lunch and coffee and an explore we headed out into the lake for a sail. As usual with an easterly the wind was fickle one minute full on, the next we had the oars out!

Ellie practising her rowing.

All in all a great day out....