Tour of Hoo Salt Marsh. Sunday 12th June 2016

[Tharlow]

I am planning a tour around Hoo Salt Marsh Island in the Medway estuary to see Hoo Fort, abandoned wrecks, various wildlife and the newly restored Medway Queen paddle steamer .

This is a short trip of 5 miles but it does involve crossing the shipping lane twice and having the final hours of the incoming tide against us.
Therefore paddlers should be of a 2* standard. 

Chart of the area is at:- 
http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/ ... ridge-2016

Timetable.
Meet at the boathouse at 09.00 to collect boats and equipment.
Leave at 9.30
Meet at The Strand Car Park, Gillingham, ME 7 1RJ (free parking with toilets and café) at 10.15.
Launch at 11.00.
Cross shipping lane (and across the incoming tide) to south of Hoo Island and follow shore east (and against the tide) to Hoo Fort.
We then head north across the tide again and then west with the tide now behind us to the north Medway shore and onto the remains of Cockham Wood Fort for packed lunch at 12.30ish.
High Water is at 12.46.
Leave 13.30.
Return to west of Hoo Island then cross shipping lane to Corporation Wharf, Chatham to view restoration of boats.
Return to The Strand slipway by 15.00.
Retire to café for those who want to.
I hope to be back at the boathouse by 16.30.
Low water is at 19.10.
This will be an inter-club trip with our friends from Bewl and Maidstone Canoe Clubs.

Details of previous trips can be found at
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1402

Please note.
There is a beginners course also on this day so you can only use a touring boat (the yellow and orange Orcas, blue Capella or the Mega Sea kayak).
Course members have first choice of boats for the weekend.
If any plastic boats are not required, you may use them.
Please talk to Mark or myself if you need a plastic boat.

Please make equipment bookings at:-
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=1480

[Sandbag]

Hi,
I would very much like to join this trip but can only use a plastic boat, which can fit in my car, the others being too long (no roof rack).

[Sandbag]

Hi,
Count me in for the Hoo Salt Marsh, please. I have a boat now, will just need to book a paddle.
Thanks

[Tharlow]

The trip has been postponed to a later date.
I have miscalculated the tide times for this trip and we are unable to launch at The Strand due to excessive mud at the end of the slipway.
Apologies to all concerned.
Will be at the lake tomorrow to explain and answer any questions.

Open to alternative ideas.
Yalding?

[Sandbag]

Not to worry.
If it is Yalding, I can still join in.