A 25km day trip from Arrochar at the head of Loch Long to Lochgoilhead at the head of Loch Goil.
Entering Loch Goil from Loch Long.Hunched by the cold, a long, long way from the open sea.
Sea kayaking in the mountains with torpedoes and invisible ink.
Sea kayaking in search of the lost Ark.
HMS Ark Royal, final voyage to Scotland.
Two million barrels of crude in Loch Long.
The mark of
Seakayaking in the shade of mountains.
The beach at the mouth of Glen Sannox usually has a deep covering of silvery granite sand, which has been washed down from the mountains. Recent storms have stripped much away and it was a rough landing on the exposed boulders. We were now in the chilly shade of the mountains.
We paddled down the east coast of Arran below rocky ridges that rose high into the blue vault of the sky. A couple of
We paddled down the east coast of Arran below rocky ridges that rose high into the blue vault of the sky. A couple of
Sunglasses and pogies across a dazzling, cold sea.
The stop on Bute was cold despite the winter sun. It was a relief to start the 10.6km crossing of the Sound of Bute to Sannox on Arran. Pogies helped keep our hands warm. The thermometer on my radio didn't go above -2C all day.
We left Bute in very calm conditions and a little sprinting soon had us warm again.
It was a very companionable crossing and the mountainouus backdrop was its usual
We left Bute in very calm conditions and a little sprinting soon had us warm again.
It was a very companionable crossing and the mountainouus backdrop was its usual
TMR Completes First Test for 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tony Marks Racing Completes First Test for 2011 Dufault, Marks and Austin Turn Laps at New Smyrna Toledo, OH (Dec. 15, 2010) –Tony Marks Racing (TMR) got their pre-season testing off to a great start after a three-day test at New Smyrna Speedway with drivers Maryeve Dufault, Jared Marks and Chase Austin at the wheel of the both a late model and ARCA car. |
The test was intended to provide Dufault and Marks an opportunity to get familiar with the ARCA car and get some valuable seat time as TMR prepares their 2011 campaign. Under the watchful eye of veteran crew chief Larry Moore, Austin took the first laps in the ARCA car, shaking it down and making certain that it was dialed in prior to Dufault and Marks taking the wheel. "This was only the 2nd time in the ARCA car for me but it all came back pretty easy," said Austin. "I just shook down the car to get a good baseline so that Maryeve and Jared could run without worrying about anything but getting familiar with the ARCA car. They both did a good job. I was impressed with how well they did and despite the rain, it was a successful test." Crew chief Larry Moore planned the test so that Dufault and Marks could run quite a few laps in the CRA Late Model car and learn the ½ mile oval of New Smyrna before moving into the ARCA car. "We came into the weekend with the goal being to get Maryeve and Jared familiar and comfortable in the ARCA car," explained Moore. "I was impressed with how smooth and calm they both were when we moved to the ARCA car as that is really something you can't teach a driver. They both handled the ARCA car really well and I was impressed with how quickly they picked up on the weight and horsepower of the car. It's nice to leave a test and say there was no drama with the drivers or the cars." For Dufault, the test was a good opportunity to get seat time in the ARCA car and begin to learn the nuances of the stock car. "I am really very happy with the whole weekend," said Dufault at the close of the test. "The team did a great job and we communicated really well. I was really happy to adapt so quickly to the 800 HP ARCA car and the test has really boosted my confidence going into the Daytona test in January." Marks started the weekend running the CRA Late Model that TMR plans to enter for the 2011 season. "The test started off really well, we were fast in the late model right out of the trailer so that was nice," explained Marks. "I'm going to be running Speedweeks at New Smyrna in February so it was nice to get a chance to run this track and fine tune the car and start getting ready for the Crate Late Model and Super Late Model events." Marks also got his first opportunity to test the ARCA car on Sunday. "I wanted to get my feet wet in the ARCA car," said Marks. "It's very different than the late model with a lot more horsepower and a heavier car so it was nice to get a feel for the car and get a little seat time. I am looking forward to doing some more testing in the ARCA car as the season goes forward." The team has now returned to their shop in Toledo, Ohio where preparations for their next test at the Daytona International Speedway January 11-13, 2011 are underway. "Now we're going to spend the next few weeks going over the cars and making sure we're ready to go testing in January," said Moore. "Even though we have a lot of work on our plates, I think we are just thrilled to be here and get to work with Maryeve and Jared and watch their careers grow." The team is slated to run the full 19 race season in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards with Dufault. Additional team plans for 2011 include entries for additional drivers in select ARCA Racing Series events. TMR will also enter Jared Marks in a full schedule of late model racing in CRA and ASA and is exploring the possibility of limited Nationwide Series schedule. About Tony Marks Racing (TMR): Tony Marks Racing was founded in 2009 through the passion for racing of team owner and former driver Tony Marks. Marks is the successful owner of TMT, Inc., a logistics, warehousing and packaging company with over 400 employees whose customers are mainly comprised of Fortune 100 companies. Marks began his racing career in 1985 getting behind the wheel of everything from drag racers, Dirt Late Models, SCCA Formula Fords, USAC F2000 Open Wheel and ARCA cars. Tony personally raced until 2005 amassing numerous wins, championships and track records along the way until he then changed his focus from driver to owner and began building racing programs for his children Jared (16 years old) and Rachel (13 years old). Under the auspices of TMR, Jared began his racing career in 2002 in quarter midgets and now competes in late model, CRA and ARCA Series events while Rachel continues her development program racing quarter midgets and Bandoleros. TMR has been at the forefront of charitable giving through its' "Driving Against Hunger" and "Million Meal Challenge" race programs which have raised over $200,000 for Forgotten Harvest in 2010 at the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway. For the NASCAR events TMR along with TMT, Inc. partnered with Forgotten Harvest for the "Million Meal Challenge For Our Kids" which helps to bridge the hunger gap while schools are out of session and feeds 20,000 children per day in the Detroit metro area. Forgotten Harvest was significantly displayed on the entry of Chase Austin during both the Truck and Nationwide events at Michigan International Speedway along with logos of "Million Meal Challenge" sponsors Walgreen's, United Race Group, Holyfield's Choice Alka-Power Water and Vitamin Spice. Evander Holyfield was also instrumental in the challenge, acting as Grand Marshall for the August race and announcing his "Fight Against Hunger" on behalf of Forgotten Harvest. As the first race team to "Drive Against Hunger" through their partnership with Forgotten Harvest, TMR plans to continue their alliance with Forgotten Harvest and once again "Drive Against Hunger" during the 2011 season. For additional information on TMT, Inc. go to www.tmtcompanies.net. |
Série Sportsman Québec annonce son calendrier 2011
Le président de la Série Sportsman Québec, André Poulin, vient de publier le calendrier de 11 épreuves pour la saison 2011. En plus du calendrier, vous trouverez un communiqué détaillant les plus récents changements concernant la série, tel qu’annoncé los de la réunion tenue le 12 décembre dernier : | Série Sportsman Québec President André Poulin released an 11 race schedule for the 2011 season. In addition to the schedule, you will find below the release outlining the changes the series will undergo as announced at the driver/owner meeting held on December 12: |
15 décembre 2010 Québec Pour diffusion immédiate La Série SS Québec regarde vers le futur. C’est dimanche passé le 12 décembre que c’est tenu la réunion de la Série au Restaurant Normandin de St-Romuald. Plus de 20 pilotes étaient présents malgré la mauvaise température qui sévissait. Parmi les pilotes présents, on remarquait 2 nouveaux soit : David Gagnon #47 d’Alma qui a fait l’acquisition de la voiture #05 cette hiver et Denis Boutet #70 qui pilotera dans l’équipe de Gilles Hamel Racing l’ancienne voiture #21 en 2010. On notait aussi 2 retours soit : Daniel Roy qui avait le #77en 2009 et qui pilotera avec le #11 cette saison après une année de pause et le retour de Rock Poulin qui pilotera une toute nouvelle voiture de l’équipe Boulet Racing en 2011. Rappelons que Poulin est le pilote a avoir accumulé le plus de damier depuis les débuts de la Série en 2007 avec 13. Rock dévoilera son numéro plus tard cet hiver. Il faut aussi signaler le retour probable des 9 premiers au classement en Élite en 2010 et les 6 premiers en Intermédiaires, ce qui devrait donnée une saison fort intéressante. En 2011, plusieurs changements à prévoir. La Série a annoncé qu’elle changeait son image commerciale en 2011 avec un nouveau nom qui sera Série Sportsman Québec et un nouveau logo qui sera dévoilé d’ici janvier. Certains pilotes de la Série commenceront à utiliser les carrosseries MUSCLE CAR AR BODIES en 2011. Cette carrosserie est optionnelle en 2011 mais deviendra la carrosserie d’avenir de la Série. Rock Poulin, Steeve Lesage #95, Jimmy Nadeau #17, François Lessard #71 Marc Rod shop qui est à la conception d’une nouvelle voiture utiliseront dès cette saison soit un Ford Mustang ou encore un GM Camaro. Daniel Sylvain a aussi confirmé que si le Dodge Challenger était prêt pour le 1 mars comme supposé, il serait le 1e a l’utilisé en 2011. La Série a aussi annoncé qu’elle revenait à la formule d’une seule division pour 2011. Un championnat complet ou les 11 courses compteront à 100%. Un nouveau livre des règlements refait à neuf et beaucoup mieux structuré à aussi été remis aux pilotes qui ont même demandé pendant la réunion de resserrer encore plus au niveau des inspections et des pièces non-conformes. La Série sera présente au Salon de l’auto Sport de Québec en début d’avril avec 4 voitures et un kiosque. Karl Drouin #39 de l’équipe PROFAB sera une des voitures sur place. La Série aura un calendrier de 11 courses qui sera distribué entre 5 autodromes de la province, Les pistes de Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix, Autodrome Chaudière et l’Autodrome Montmagny recevront la Série Sportsman Québec à 3 reprises chacun. L’autodrome St-Félicien et l’ASE seront visité à une reprise. (Vous trouverez le calendrier plus bas). André Poulin Série Sportsman Québec
CALENDRIER 2011
Samedi 14 mai Autodrome Montmagny (100 tours)
Samedi 21 mai Autodrome Chaudière (100 tours)
Samedi 11 juin Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix (2 X 50 Inversé)
Vendredi 1 juillet Autodrome Chaudière (100 tours) (Concours Pit Stop Brossard Performance)
Samedi 9 Juillet Autodrome St-Félicien (2 x 75 tours avec pit stop,Points dans chaque manche)
Sam. 23 juillet Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix (100 tours avec PIT STOP)
Samedi 6 août Autodrome St-Eustache (Spécial 150)
Samedi 13 août Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix (100 tours à déterminer)
Samedi 20 août Autodrome Montmagny (100 tours)
Vend. 26 août Autodrome Chaudière (100 tours)
Samedi 3 sept. Autodrome Montmagny (100 tours)
Cédule non- officiel et sujet à changements ou ajouts |
Making light work of a huge volume of melt and a small volume of malt.
It did not take long to reach the Little (Wee) Cumbrae from Portencross. One of the first Scottish light beacons to warn shipping is situated on the summit of the island. It is a simple round tower, 8.5m high, which...
... was built by James Ewing in 1757. An open coal brazier was situated at its top and served as the source of light. It proved to be a profitable business as there was a tax on
... was built by James Ewing in 1757. An open coal brazier was situated at its top and served as the source of light. It proved to be a profitable business as there was a tax on
ACT: CANADIAN THEETGE FILES FIRST ENTRY TO NEW SMYRNA ACT EVENT
CANADIAN THEETGE FILES FIRST ENTRY TO NEW SMYRNA ACT EVENTFor Immediate Release ACT – 121410-67 Waterbury, VT – Two-time ACT Série Castrol Champion, Donald Theetge from Quebec City, Canada is the first to file an entry for the inaugural Goodyear Speedweek Cup event to be held at the New Smyrna Speedway (NSS) in Florida on Sunday, February 13th and Monday, February 14th as part of the World Series of Asphalt Short Track Racing. |
The “World Series” will host the American Canadian Tour (ACT) for the first time in February of 2011. A field of between 26 and 30 teams are expected to make the migration to the warmer Florida climate from all over New England and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The recently announced purse of over $33,000.00 brought immediate reaction from veteran competitor Theetge, “I am very proud to be the first to enter this event. I have raced with ACT for over 20 years and try to support them in any way I can. This will be a great way to bring my team from the cold and snow of Quebec City to Florida for a mid-winter break. We are all looking forward to it.” Theetge is considered one of the best ACT stars on tracks of ½ mile or longer. The very fast, banked ½ mile at NSS is expected to suit his style. The format for the Goodyear Speedweek Cup will be unique to the World Series. The innovative ACT plus/minus heat system will set the starting field for the first 100-lap event on Sunday evening, February 13th. Drivers will be awarded 1 point for a win in the feature event, 3 points for third etc. An inversion of the Sunday feature will determine the starting field for the second 100-lap race on Monday evening. The purse will be broken down with $15,000 paid in the two features and $18,000 will be paid to the overall positions when combining the points from the two features, a similar format to the famous Milk Bowl held annually at ACT’s home track, Thunder Road Speedbowl in Barre, Vermont. Low score wins the Goodyear Speedweek Cup and the lion’s share of the $18,000.00 bonus money. “We wanted to show fans something a little different at New Smyrna for our first ever appearance. This format should be very entertaining for the fans and it should spread the money around a little and give all our teams a chance to have some fun and hopefully help each with some of their expenses,” said Tom Curley, President of the American Canadian Tour. For additional information contact the ACT office at 802.244.6963, www.acttour.com, or media@acttour.com. |
A new dawn on a favourite paddle.
On Sunday we went for one of our favourite local paddles. We met in darkness at Ardrossan ferry terminal where we left shuttle cars. We then drove north to Portencross as the sun was coming up.
It was low water at Portencross, where we met the Castle Craig Kayaking Club who were planning a similar trip. At low tide this is one of the most awkward launches on the Ayrshire coast. An alternative
It was low water at Portencross, where we met the Castle Craig Kayaking Club who were planning a similar trip. At low tide this is one of the most awkward launches on the Ayrshire coast. An alternative
Sun goes down at Turnberry, after a three castle day!
By coincidence, four refreshment breaks had taken so much time that we arrived at Barwhin Point just at sunset.
Both Turnberry lighthouse...
...and Ailsa Craig...
...add a certain something to Firth of Clyde sunsets.
The sunset did not last long...
...and soon the flash of Turnberry lighthouse was the brightest object in the sky...
...and we paddled into Maidens in near darkness after a
Both Turnberry lighthouse...
...and Ailsa Craig...
...add a certain something to Firth of Clyde sunsets.
The sunset did not last long...
...and soon the flash of Turnberry lighthouse was the brightest object in the sky...
...and we paddled into Maidens in near darkness after a