Paddle Away

The journey to East Greenland is now a well worn path. After sixteen years Martin Rickard http://seakayakadventures.co.uk/  has assisted many paddlers from the UK, and other places from all around the world, to enjoy the paddling, wild life and culture of this unique location. Martin was already in Tasiilaq having already completed one trip so after flying from London Heathrow I met the other team members the following morning at the Downtown Hostel Reykjavik. Donna was on my ill fated 2014 trip and it was great to meet her again in much better circumstances. Geoff had visited Greenland recently with his wife and he was now ready to embark on our new venture. John had flown in from Copenhagen and was just as keen to get started. After more than one coffee we decided to pay a visit to the Whale Museum which is situated near to the large harbour complex. The Museum provides each visitor with a tablet and ear phones at the reception. You are then free to wander around the full si...

So who was Gino Watkins? There has been plenty written about him over the years. The most recent book being published fairly recently in 2008. His biographer J.M.Scott opens his book with the phrase 'Watkins Explorer England' and describes how Watkins was so famous these four words were sufficient for a cable to be delivered to him at The Royal Geographical Society HQ in 1932. Today however it is a different story many people young and old will never have heard of him but, to me and many other like minded sea kayakers he is an inspiration, a legend even. So why is he given this status? the best way to understand this is to read about his life and his exploits. This is a selection of the many books written about him which are available on-line: Gino Watkins by J.M Scott - pub. Hodder & Stoughton 1935 & 1946 Watkin's Last Expedition    - F.Spencer Chapman - pub. Hazell Watson & Viney 1953 Gino Watkins                 ...