A day of hard graft and harder decisions. The weather almost identical to yesterday, the outcome much better.
Winds like this seem only to push or pin (mostly pin) but for my first session of the day, the run up the western side of Selsey Bill, I enjoyed tailwind. Then the first sticking point. I’d run out of space to go north and was now being pinned to shore. My right side screaming as I laboured to get away from the beach. Tide was running in my favour but only serving to rile up the conditions, at times force 6 wind against tide and some dicey wiper outers rolling in. So I landed on Hayling Island and hid in an unlocked beach hut because it was bloody cold.
Some soul searching later, I looked at the map and considered that soon I’d be under the wing of the Isle of Wight and could expect it to calm down. So I put my iPod on full blast (which always drops the wind by a force) and pushed on. Past the unambitious Southsea pier/Portsmouth and then a scary little crossing to Gosport, scary on account of the Wight Link ferries which do not move slowly.
At Gosport the second crux. Visibility down below a mile and faced with 3 options; 1 crawl along the mainland still being pressed by the wind and going the long way round, 2 call it for the day, or 3 make the crossing to Wight through headwind and ferry lane and poor vis but the payoff huge.
More soul searching then a gamble. I just went for it. Lady luck shone as I had only one close call with a yacht who probably just enjoyed winding me up. 2.5 hours across then….windless, flat, tranquil. Quite a moment and such a release.
The paddle on to Cowes was glorious. The pouring rain fell vertically and I could hear noises again. I wanted to paddle for hours but I was shredded and my back not happy. Plus, Cowes gave a good landing vibe. At 7pm I pulled in and was directed to a UKSA sailing centre. £32 a bit of a budget stretcher but if I was to design a somewhere to land, it would look like this, and the bed absurdly comfy.
Looking back on the day I’m as proud of it as any day previous. Another timely reminder that the measure of a day is not in the mileage.
joeroundbritain 
Amazing blog Joe and amazing effort. Keep chipping away.
Hugs
M xxx
Well done Joe hope the rest of the journey gets better for you.
Brilliant stuff Joe,
Welldone I don’t think anyone should morally charge you a penny for bed and board or for much else come to think of it. The miles are coming down so just hug that shore. in the lee of the land. There is a restaurant meal and accomodation awaiting in or nr Torbay, house, motorhome. I was in Torbay last night in my XP 18 kayak and it was challenging for me too.
Amazing Joe, not only your physical strength but you mental determination. Dig deep hun, you are so close to achieving your dream!! Much love and praying for better conditions H & A x x
You are doing amazingly well joe! You are an inspiration, and because of your achievements your mum is trying to get us signed up for all sorts of challenges! Everyone is so proud of you! X
Joe, you’re a legend! I love reading your blog. Good luck with the final stretch of the journey – you’re doing so well.
Amazing effort Joe! keep it up…. I know we are not there with you physically, but we are thinking of you each and every paddlestroke xx