Week 3 - Munching miles to Malin

I’m finally around The Bloody Foreland and on to the north coast of Donegal.

Two paddling days to Malin Head, the remaining crux of the trip and the end of the Atlantic coast.

Encountered a traditional sailboat approaching my landing for the evening.

I sat out another weather day waiting to get around Horn head. It’s frustrating to put out another one of these notes saying “I hope to get moving again in the morning.”

But tipping along and doing what I can with half-day windows is still progress. I’m “munching miles,” in the words of one paddling friend. The rest has been good for my tendonitis, and I’m where I need to be to get after it when the weather stabilizes.

Making the most of the weather is also about having experiences I would have missed out on if I were out there covering big miles and slurping electrolytes.

While I’m waiting one the wind, I’m being hosted by new friend Cathal, a world-touring Irish fiddle and banjo player, and his Irish-speaking family.

He gave me a tour of the hills and valleys, complete with local history and lore and a bit of singing. Tonight, I’ll be sitting in on a trad session with Cathal and his friends at the pub.

Week 2 (April 19-25)

Distance paddled: 61 nautical miles (112 km)

Trip total: 258.6 nautical miles (479 km) Longest day: 22.8 nautical miles (58.1 km) Paddling days: 4

Weather days: 3

Total progress*:

*This includes my 2023 attempt, mileage not accounted for in my “trip total.”

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Thank you to everyone who donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research!

P.S. When I’m not having adventures, I’m helping other people write about theirs. If you or someone in your circle has an amazing story to tell, I'd love to hear it. I have some availability for new ghostwriting and editing projects.

— Charlie

Kokatat is the official gear sponsor of The Lap.

The lap will be fueled by Resilient Nutrition’s Long Range Fuel and bars.

CH Marine will be providing a VHF radio and other safety equipment.

Camp kit and cooking gas provided by Paddle & Pitch. Wool baselayers by Aclima. Trolley by KCS. REAL Field Meals at a discount from Adventure.ie. Discounts from GreatOutdoors.ie. Expedition coffee by 3fe.