Streamstown. June 8,9+10

[niallmadden]

Hi,
Rachel and I plan to arrive on Saturday morning (9.30 OK?).
See ye all then
Niall.

[conorsmith]

Money, Money, Money - it makes the world go round and keeps ISKA functioning, to provide and arrange meets, symposiums, training courses, magazines, support, lead trips, web sites, etc etc etc.

If anyone is looking to join, I will have application forms or if you are a previous member and want to renew, you can nab me over the weekend.

At €20 for the year, you cannot beat that for incredible value - it is a steal!!!!!

[DaveWalsh]

The Official ISKA and the Provisional ISKA?
DWalsh [img size=999]http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... 10604B.JPG[/img]

[DaveWalsh]

Anyone who is anyone in Irish sea kayaking has the latest equipment, which includes the best of camping gear, n\'est ce pas. monsieur ?
DWalsh
PS Anyone notice the cute dog in the previous photo ? [img size=999]http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... 10604A.JPG[/img]

[DaveWalsh]

There were 36 kayakers set out on the Saturday morning 4th June 2011 on the first morning of the Come and Try It event. As leader I might have been fairly criticised for taking half that number regardless of the amount of extremely competent help available,
I must acknowledge I was swayed towards keeping the group together by an overiding degree of fondness for the ISKA and especially its CaTitWEs, and in particular its ability to engender the first two of the four principles for which the ISKA was founded, and for which it still clearly exists (promote Irish sea kayaking, promote collegiality among Irish sea kayakers). Eugene and his Schnapps (at least try to) account for the third objective (foreign affairs). The fourth objective was later and fortuitously promoted whan Mo spotted and showed off his sharks\' eggs, and he identified two Chough (when we were seeking out Corncrake, unsuccessfully, as usual).
The only two reasons I \'fess up is pride (the usual) and the fact it was the birthday of the ISKA which was 20 this weekend, and that two founder members were there, me and Fred Cooney.
If a record was made it should\'t be ignored but the important thing is that I don\'t care about that so much. More important, I really love Las Tres Valcanoes and what such a mad gang of arabs bring to the Irish sea kayaking table. They seem intent on a traditional agenda, with their own little (little?) twists.
Martin, Pete, Gerry, Niall and Rachel, (and so many others) I will support you forever.
DWalsh

[conorsmith]

Martin, Peter and all your Little Helpers, no matter how much I look forward to Streamstown, you always manage to surpass my expectations. Hats off to one and all for a fabulous weekend. Take a bow as I am sure there is a standing ovation out there for you.
[img size=700]http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... edward.jpg[/img]

Post edited by: conorsmith, at: 2011/06/06 22:13Post edited by: conorsmith, at: 2011/06/06 22:14

[conorsmith]

Your host for this evening
[img size=700]http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... ke_Sir.jpg[/img]

[rachelquinlan]

A big thank you to everyone for yet another unforgettable weekend in Streamstown, especially to masterchefs Martin, Peter and Dave. Fine dining in a casual and laid back atmosphere. The spectacular backdrop of the Connemara mountains, bracing sea air, Sioux and Cherokee influences in the decor combined with the understated sophistication of the cuisine and of the staff and of the after dinner entertainment make this the most eclectic and the finest dining choice in the West. Five golden sporks!
A big thank you aswell to the on-the-water leaders including Dave W, Marie, Martin, Julian and Mick, and to everyone who by being there made it such a great weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you all on the water soon!
Rachel.

[niallmadden]

Yep, another great weekend in Streamstown, in spite of the rather windy weather. Big, big thanks to Martin, Peter and Dave for the food, and on-and off-water entertainment.
Thanks to the other weekend leaders, particularly DW, Julian, and Marie.

Here are a few photos of the trip to Friar on Saturday, and of the spin up Streamstown Harbour (highly underrated - especially given the views it gives of the Connemara hills) on Sunday, that was followed by a play in the race.
And, of course, there are a few of the feast and festivities on Saturday night.
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjuSfSLn

See you all in September
Niall.[img size=150][/img] [img size=315]http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... asTres.jpg[/img]

[ciaran]

Just to add my own voice of thanks to the hard working crew who make the Streamstown meet special. Well done Martin and Peter, and all the backup, helpers, group leaders and support.

Some few pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/ciaran.cli ... akJune2011#

CiaranPost edited by: ciaran, at: 2011/06/07 10:43