 Monaghan Lass Elaine Alexander arrived to a hero’s welcome as she returned from an epic 1000 mile voyage to become the first Ulster woman to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.
Ms Alexander, an ex student of Monaghan Collegiate, affectionately known as ‘Shooter’ set off from County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead on the 3rd May 2011 launching into a large swell and ferocious head wind; little did she know that these brutal conditions would set the tone for what lay ahead over the next 71 days.
The challenge was never going to be easy with cliffs, headlands and tides to contend with but the relentless bad weather has pushed her to near breaking point on several occasions. Elaine has been storm bound for a total of 21 days throughout the challenge often only with a small tent for shelter.
Ms Alexander paddled on the last leg of her expedition from Portmuck to Whitehead and was welcomed by many well wishers and supporters that have been following her every move online. When asked what home comfort she was most looking forward to, Ms Alexander simply replied “…a proper toilet and some clean clothes.” items we all take for granted every day.
The motivation for the challenge is to raise much needed funds for the registered charity – SHARE. In 2011 SHARE based in County Fermanagh celebrates 30 years of providing outdoor activity programmes which promote the inclusion of disabled & non-disabled people in a wide range of arts, land and water based recreational programmes. This money will be allocated towards a fully accessible bus. Donations can still be made via www.canoearoundireland.com
“I expected and had trained for the physical challenge but I don’t think you can ever prepare mentally. It has been a real struggle coping with the repetition of paddling, getting changed into wet clothes and packing up a wet tent every day. Especially on the windy days it has been hard just to push on that extra few miles each day” commented Ms Alexander
The courageous kayaker’s skills were tested to the limit on several occasions, one such moment was when a severe bout of sea sickness was brought on by large swell during a 12 mile crossing near Brandon Bay on the Dingle Peninsula “I was fully committed with a cliff face on one side and a long paddle to America on the other, so I had to continue despite being severely ill.”
Another such occasion was on a 25 mile crossing on Donegal Bay “…visibility closed into only a few metres so I had to continue on a compass bearing for a few hours until the main land appeared from the mist” explained Ms Alexander.
The challenge hasn’t all been doom and gloom, one of the highlights included being accompanied by a pod of 6 dolphins for over an hour near Easkey on the west coast. As well as sampling extraordinary wildlife and scenery it has been the people who have left a lasting impression “The support from the kayaking community and local fisherman has been great. Kayakers have paddled stretches with me, met me with tea and biscuits, gave me warm beds and hot showers, shared invaluable local knowledge – I can’t thank them enough.” enthused Ms Alexander
Ms Alexander’s trip has certainly caught the imagination; over 1100 Facebook fans have showered her page with messages of support each day. “The Facebook page has really been a lifeline. There is nothing more motivating than coming off the water after a tough day to read so many supportive and funny comments from well wishers” added Ms Alexander
Ms Alexander’s trip has been made possible with generous support from Valley Sea Kayaks, Desperate Measures, Lendal Paddles, North South Marine, River Lake Sea, Yak, Brookbanks Canoes and Kayaks, Signal Signs, Asda Enniskillen, Canoe Association for Northern Ireland and Blackthorn Design.
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Monday, 08 August 2011 14:59