Mistra to Ghadira

Departure Point: Mistra Bay

Potential Destination: Ghadira

Distance: 13km

Time: 2.5 hours

Conditions:

Temp: 22C

Winds: Negligible

Clouds: Hazy

Swells: None

Kayaks present: Two (Lella u Turu)

We worked pretty hard over the weekend sharing kayaking stories, information, and answering general questions about kayaking at the EcoMarket Malta. It was a really nice experience and our very first invite to an event like this. We hope to see many of the new faces on the water very soon.

Because we were so busy at the EcoMarket, we couldn't kayak and the weather over the weekend was spectacular. We were pretty envious of our buddies that were able to partake in kayaking and we needed some paddle time ourselves, so, we took a #mentalhealthday, packed up the gear, and headed to Mistra Bay in the North of the island.

If you are not aware, they completely redid the slipway here, and it is extremely wide, clean, and a perfect angle for entry and exiting.

When we arrived, there was a gentleman enjoying his RC sailboat, relaxing on the slipway, so, we opted for a beach entry and let him have his peace and quiet. (The photo at the beginning of this log is actually of us at the end of our trip, because the slipway was empty.) He was actually quite appreciative of the gesture, and waved at us and nodded. He did try, it seemed, to race a bit, but we left him in our wakes and headed toward Blata il-Bajda, Selmun.

Just as you turn port-side after passing through Saint Paul's Channel, you may see a land bridge made of stone, which is normally inaccessible due to it being in a swim zone. We are pretty sure this area is called Shipwreck Window.

After some investigation, we discovered scores of jellyfish, Mauve Jellies to be exact, and of various sizes but all with massively long tentacles and oral arms.

Mauve Jelly found near Selmun

A smack of jellyfish. Did you know a group of jellies is called a smack?!? Now you do ;-)

These jellies DO STING and they hurt! Want to know what the Mayo Clinic says about jellyfish stings and how best to combat the sting? Click here!

After exploring Blata il-Bajda in detail, we started to get hungry and went to Imgiebah for a nice break, again, this area is usually a swim zone as well, but now, absolutely devoid of humans.

Snack time!!!

We easily could have had our fill, but we wanted more. We jumped in the kayaks, and paddled towards Mellieha, Ghadira to be exact. We pulled our 'yaks well off the waterline, to avoid beachgoers tripping over the boats and so they could have unfettered access to the sea.

#kayaktip incoming!

If the video didn't play, it is explaining the importance of clearing the pathways of beaches. Please be respectful on slipways, and beaches. Give people access, as you want it when you are there. A lot of very uncomfortable situations can be solved with a little respect and forethought.

Whilst there, we couldn't resist our very first ice cream from Gelateria kiosk food and drinks. We told the nice man at the counter we paddled from Mistra to come for his ice cream, as we think he hooked us up with a little extra chocolate sauce!

The dudes that clean up the beaches looked like they were getting ready for the day, so, we decided for a more private beach instead ;-)

Unfortunately, this is where our paddle ends, and we pack up and headed home.

The journey, in total, was around 13km.

What's your favorite time of the year to paddle?