As I sit here, sporting a smoking jacket, string vest tucked into my underpants and both feet in one of those massive sheepskin slippers your granny used to have, I reflect on the weekend just passed.

I also ponder how 'Pure Cremations' know how old I am or where I live and how they feel it is their duty to send me letters informing me of their services. Do they know something I don't? More perplexing is how can there possibly be 6856 reviews on their website whereby giving them a five star rating? Have I missed something? 

Day one of a long weekend at Wareham saw a group of ten paddlers gathered on the launch slipway putting the finishing touches to the unavoidable faff that goes with kayaking. Paddle plans had already been changed thanks to the brisk westerly wind. This being plan B, we planned a paddle to the relatively sheltered waters off Poole Harbour. 

Tidal flow in the harbour is minimal. The harbour entrance at Sandbanks/South Haven Point to the east is very narrow, so much so, a chain ferry operates between the two headlands and the journey takes all of four minutes. The width restriction means the same high and low tide between there and the River Frome to the west differ by about 4 hours. Amazing, considering the two places are only about 12 kilometres (8 miles) apart. 

We had an easy 5 kilometre paddle thanks to the following wind before the vastness of Poole Harbour opened up before us. With a slight swell on the water, another 2 kilometres saw us at Lake Pier, by coincidence the home of Poole Canoe club, on the north of the harbour for lunch. 

Back on the water, the predicted winds continued unabated. We regrouped at Gold Point a short paddle south. There it was decided three of us would circumnavigate Brownsea Island further to the east whilst the rest of the group did their thing in perhaps more sheltered waters. 

Having made our way as planned, almost to the breakwater, a slight technical equipment issue developed with one of the group. Being a caring, sharing bunch that we are, we paddled back to the launch point as one where, after a short discussion and in the best traditions of keen kayakers, we had lunch. Suitable refreshed but one man down, we headed back out to the breakwater to see the lighthouse (not to be confused with Portland Bill lighthouse). Having paddled out of the harbour, along the outside of the breakwater, and back at the far end, we returned to shore, again into a character building head wind. 

Day three and back to a near full complement of kayakers, we took the short drive to Shell Bay, Studland, south east of South Haven Point. Getting the kayaks across the beach was considered by some to be enough of a warm up, so, after a short briefing we headed off to see Old Harry Rock, a chalk formation at Handfast point, which marks the Eastern most point of the Jurassic coast, then onward to Swanage for ice cream. 

The wind had dropped and the sun shone. There was little movement on the water save the swell caused by passing boats. Reaching Old Harry, we chatted with members of Poole Canoe club who were also making the most of the late spring weather, posed for photos, then headed off. Two of our group called it a day as they had a very long drive home and headed back. 

After ice cream (thanks Adrian) and a leg stretch at Swanage we bumbled back, half killing ourselves carrying the kayaks non stop to the cars to keep the sand off them, then back to the camp site for a relatively early finish. 

Those that needed too, headed home. Those remaining packed up the non essential kit then sat around chatting until the sun went down on what had been a most enjoyable weekend. 

Thanks to everyone, particularly Adrian for suggesting the trip and organising the paddles, not forgetting everyone who gave me teas, cake and biscuits. 

Here's to the next trip! 

Roger