My Newfoundland Kayak Experience

Cleanliness is next to godliness

2012-01-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

Suppertime (Hazen photo)

Wednesday evening I went to a KNL presentation of a trip by four guys along the south coast of Newfoundland. Partway through the trip one of the guys got violently ill and throwing up. He decided to take a ferry ride out and abandoned the trip.

I spoke to him afterwards inquiring as to what he thought brought on the illness. He was candidly honest - hygiene. Wow, I thought because its not something I've given a lot of thought to myself when I've been out kayak camping. The most I've done is rinse of pots and pans in salt water.

I discussed it with Craig on the drive home. He recounted his practices as a Scout leader. His rules start with washing hands before any cooking starts. After eating, dishes are washed first in hot soapy water, then a bath in a weak javex bath and then a rinse in clear water.

I've paddled the same coastline but I went anyway to show support for the club. I'm glad I did because I did learn something. I will certainly be more careful in future. Its worth the effort to avoid spoiling a perfectly good trip.

Group safety through teamwork

2012-01-25T10:41:00.001-08:00

All together

At the doctor today to get a requisition for blood work. Its usually a wait so I took my "Sea kayaking Safety and Rescue" book by John Lull to keep me occupied.

I've read it thru and thru a few times but today my eyes fell on the chapter dealing with group safety and teamwork. It had some application to the situation the last time we were out.

Five kms from the take-out the wind came up unexpectedly as we crossed the mouth of the harbour. We (7 of us) stuck together except after a short while one of the guys drifted away from the group. A considerable distance started to form between him and the group. Gerard went to chase him down and partner up.

As we paddled on into a steady Force 6 wind we got strung out a bit. Back on the beach Gerard thought we should have stayed together more. That would have been preferable but even though we got strung out, no one was left alone. Strung out we had a twosome, another twosome and a threesome taking up the rear. Everyone in the group was aware of where everyone else was so we were still a team.

After reading John Lull's piece, I'm content enough with how the group dissolved yet organized itself into the buddy system. There is, as they say, safety in numbers.

A historic first

2012-01-22T05:15:00.001-08:00

Winter outing

Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador offers club paddles during the spring, summer and fall. Up to this year a winter club paddle has never been offered. That is about to change.

A group of us recently approached the Board to put a winter paddle on the Calendar of Events. The Board has agreed with certain provisions for legal purposes. The guidelines imposed by the Board include: mandating the paddle as a Level II paddle (i.e. not a beginner paddle), all participants must wear a drysuit, there must be accessible take-outs, moderate winds and no extreme cold weather.

All this is pretty obvious but they must do their due diligence. We're hoping to get a few more people out to enjoy the winter season and thereby increase the numbers of people paddling all year round.

The case of the vanashing paddlers

2012-01-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

Some of the buckos on Sunday

2011 was a tough year on some paddlers. Tough in the sense, they didn't paddle as much as they had in the past.

There's:

Derrick - he bought a sailboat and got himself tied up with that.

Neil - he's gotten into diving.

Malcolm - he's also bought a sailboat but says he's still committed to seakayaking.

Stan - he's gotten into photography. I thought I'd see him on Sunday at Bay Bulls but must have gotten distracted. Probably not a bad decision after all we went through.

Time is short and hardly time to do everything. Nevertheless, I hope I'll see them on the water more in 2012.

The second part - paddle from hell

2012-01-17T04:10:00.001-08:00

Going for a look see

We left Bay Bulls harbour to go have a look at Red Rock Cove. There's a big rock in the cove that Gerard said would be interesting with the swell rolling in.

Still no problem

The wind was forecast to pick up but from the NW to 25kms so we were going to cross over to the north side of Bay Bulls. There we would have some protection.

Instead, as we entered the harbour to cross, the winds stayed westerly and steadily picked up to 40 kms generating wind waves of close to 1 meter. As we crossed it increased some more until there were whitecaps everywhere, occasionally breaking over the deck. Still manageable as my GPS was telling me we were maintaining 6 kms/hr.

The track back

The dasterdly wind stayed westerly and picked up some more to 50 kms with sustained gusts to 60. Whitecaps started to blow off of the waves. It was getting ugly and we had 5 kms to paddle straight into the wind back to the take-out. There was no hiding from the wind as we each retreated into our own world to slog it out.

A couple of points of land offered a chance to catch our breath momentarily before continuing the trek into the harbour. I felt I was barely making progress. Almost 100 minutes later we were relieved to be back. Looking down the harbour, the 5 kms we came from looked a long way off.

When I got home I downloaded the data from my GPS. It was interesting. In Useless Bay and up to Bread and Cheese Point we were making 4 kms dropping to 3 at times. Between Bread and Cheese Poing and Flat Point it dropped to 3 and sometimes 2 in the gusts.

Overall the average was just over 3 kms/hr.

What started out as a leisurely day at 10:00 turned into a gut busting paddle at 12:00. It was a tale of two paddles.

But, all's well that ends well and we went off for coffee to rehash the day.

A tale of two paddles

2012-01-15T15:07:00.001-08:00

Dean in the sunshine

Today it was a tale of two paddles. Part 1 - a leisurely paddle along the south side of Bay Bulls.

Gerard

The sun was out but it was low in the sky putting us in shadows as we puttered along checking out caves.

Gary chatting it up with Dean

We took our time in calm waters but it started to cloud over.

Checkin' out a cave

Some of the guys went to check out a cave as Neville, Gary, Dean and I waited outside.

Dean entering a hidden cave

A very narrow entry into a cave that opens up like a cathedral once inside. The entrance is just wider than a kayak.

Great big cave

This cave had a much bigger entrance with a vaulted ceiling. A swell was running outside the harbour and we began to feel it as water surged into the cave.

Hazen

The swell turned to foam as it met the rocks ...

Clyde

... which is just fine with Clyde.

Neville

The cliffs sheltered from the sun were covered with icicles where water poured off the land.

This was the end of part 1 of the paddle. Things would go downhill from this point making it part 2 of a tale of two paddles.

The next big adventure

2012-01-13T04:26:00.001-08:00

Merasheen beckons in the distance

Last year four of us paddled around Long Island in Placentia Bay. It was a three day 90 km paddle. As we paddled down the inside channel along the coast of Long Island, Merasheen Island lay to our right. Somewhere beside a beach fire the seeds were planted for a circumnavigation of Merasheen next year, now this year.

The initial call went out recently for expressions of interest and it looks like possibly a party of five for the trip. Merasheen is a bigger island making the trip close to 135 kilometers so the plan is to take more time and to take our time. Over the next few months we'll be busy pouring over maps, checking out air photos, planning menus and making all the other plans that comes with a trip of this nature.

I am already getting so excited.

Stayin' in shape

2012-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

Snow means go

Winter is not paddle season for most. A growing group of us here believe it is.

Passing up on paddling in winter means having to get back in paddle shape in the spring. It doesn't take long to lose it so today I took advantage of pleasant conditions to keep myself in paddling tune. It stopped snowing just as I put-in.

Dusting of snow

Before long I was cruising past snow dusted trees and rocks at a comfortable speed of 7 - 7.5 kms/hr.

Topsail Head

By the time I reached Topsail Head I had built up considerable heat. I was burning off some of the holiday cheer!

Low ceiling

I paddled past Topsail Beach until I had 7.5 kms on the GPS. Turing back, Topsail Head was hiding in the low ceiling.

Back again

Today was a sprint. It was exercise but I enjoyed the rhythm as the paddle sliced effortlessly through the water. No shots of other paddlers and not much colour, sorry, exercise can be pretty bland but I was glad I went. 985 kilometers to go!

Composing a picture

2012-01-08T05:30:00.001-08:00

A typical shot

Sometimes on the water I wonder if I paddle to take pictures or I take pictures of the paddle. Given my low budget camera I suffer no illusions that my pictures are works of art.

After a while the pictures can begin to look all and the same. There are, after all, a limited number of elements to include: a kayaker, the sea, the shore-scape. Still, the act of taking pictures on the water makes me "see" the environment I'm in. My eye is looking for interesting combinations and therefore on my paddles I'm not just on autopilot. That's reason enough to take a camera.

The numbers are in

2012-01-06T03:57:00.001-08:00

Frequent paddler

Well, I've tallied up the numbers and they indicate a productive paddling year in 2011.

I was in my boat 126 times during the year. When I saw the numbers build earlier in the summer I tried for 122. That would put me in the boat once every third day, so I made that.

The 126 is made up of: 14 pool sessions, 22 pond practices, 40 practices at St. Philips and 50 day paddles.

The 14 pool sessions were probably the most valuable of the year because my roll went from sometimes uncertain to reliable and on both sides. Its easy to exaggerate so I'll say I did not less than 2,500 rolls between the pool, pond and St. Philips.

The 50 day paddles totaled 921 kilometers distance.

I don't expect to be in the boat as much this year but I will set some new targets for 2012 to further develop as a kayaker.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #1

2012-01-04T04:43:00.001-08:00

Bread and Cheese

A three day, 93 km paddle around Long Island in Placentia Bay on the weekend of 25 - 27 June was the top paddle of the year. An obvious choice in my mind. A few shots and the Readers Digest version follows but links to the more detailed posts are provided.

Clyde, Dean, Hazen and I camped off the road Friday night just short of Arnolds Cove. Saturday morning early we drove to Arnolds Cove to make the 6 km crossing to Long Island. We kept Bread and Cheese Islands on our right as security.

At Long Island

An uneventful crossing saw us reach Long Island where we stopped for a short break before heading down the west side through the Inside Channel.

Port Royal

We reached Port Royal, an resettled community, after a 37 km paddle and set up camp for the night. After a beach fire and a few swallies we hit the sleeping bags for a good nights sleep.

Buffett Head

Sunday morning we left early to round Buffett Head at the bottom of Long Island. Not everyday looks as peaceful as this at the Head.

Harbour Buffett

Paddling up the east side now we entered Harbour Buffett, also a resettled community, that was a thriving fishing community in its heyday.

Up the west side

We got out at Harbour Buffett to stretch our legs. There are a few cabins there still and at one we were treated to a warm coffee and a friendly chat. They were amazed at our trip to that point given the size of our watercraft. After coffee we continued north to reach another resettled community for the night.

Quest for fire

Arriving at Haystack after a 34 km paddle we set up camp and a tarp just before it started to rain. After eating the rain slowed and we got another fire going on the beach.

Leaving in fog

We arose Monday morning to a thick fog in the cove. After reloading our kayaks we paddled north to the tip of Long Island before making the 6 km crossing to Arnolds Cove in a dense fog.

Single file

We had a bearing for Bordeaux Island at the entrance to Arnolds Cove and we each took turns leading a single file procession across the channel.

Unloading the gear

A short 21 km paddle saw us back at Arnolds Cove. We piled all our gear on a platform to sort and stow in the vehicles for the ride home. On the way we stopped at Megans for a feed of fresh fish and chips and a back-slapping chat about the fine trip we had just finished.

Well, that's it, those were my top paddles for 2011. A fantastic year of paddling to look back on and the prospect of more of the same for 2012.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #2

2012-01-03T04:47:00.000-08:00

Tabular berg

On 20 September I was in White Bay to visit my sister and had a chance to get out to some icebergs. They were bits and pieces that had broken off of the Petermann Ice Island.

It had been two years since I had an iceberg sighting so I eagerly anticipated the paddle as I drove out to Seal Cove. I must have paddled around or in sight of twenty bergs and I was satisfied. It was an unbelievable experience which made it my second best paddle of the year.

Here are a few more shots in addition to the pictures I posted back in September.

Like I said, it was a spectacular day. My only regret was that I didn't have anyone to share the day with. I would have liked to at least get a few shots with a kayak in the scene. There was no one else but I get to share them anyway through the wonders of our modern technology.

Batting 1.000

2012-01-02T03:52:00.000-08:00

The protected Quidi Vidi

So far I've paddled everyday this year.

Jim P started a tradition of wetting the boats on New Year's Day at Quidi Vidi. Some years its a challenge as it was weatherwise this year. Easterly winds at 30 - 35 knots and driving rain. Eight of us showed up to keep the tradition going but we had to content ourselves with staying in the inner harbour. The waves pounding into the entrance precluded venturing outside. No matter, we were out and we got the year off to a good start.

Some shots of the crew out today follow.

Clyde

One of da boys. All of the pictures of Clyde playing in the soup had raindrops on the lens so this is him in a more placid shot touring the different sheds lining the Gut.

Colleen

Colleen, living in Quidi Vidi, didn't have far to travel to the put-in. The only gal to brave the elements so a thumbs up on that.

Craig

Kayak Newfoundland and Labador's president, leading by example!

Gary

Gary's place overlooks Quidi Vidi Gut, was going to watch football but saw us and came out anyway.

Gerard

The G-man in Malcolm's "Dauntless".

Jonny

One of the more skilled.

Mike

Mike looks happy and not just because he's paddling on New Year's Day! I won't tell Mike.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #3

2012-01-01T04:26:00.000-08:00

Turquoise waters

On August 21 Clyde, Gary, Gerard, Hazen and I had a paddle out of Middle Cove and explored a slew of caves between there and Torbay. Middle Cove is my favourite place on the whole Earth so its always a pleasure to paddle there. One of the highlights on our paddle were the large number of caves. The original post with more shots are here.

Outer Cove

We passed Ship Cove and the point on our way over to Outer Cove. Clyde lost his tow rope so we backtracked looking for it.

Middle Cove

We were quickly back in Middle Cove and decided to paddle over to Torbay.

Exit

There we explored some more caves.

Outlook

Getting right in there so to speak.

More caves

Lots of caves have been carved by the sea out of the towering cliffs.

Playing at Motion

Returning to Middle Cove we stopped to catch some surf rides as the swell washed over the rocks at Motion. While the caves were a highlight, what happened here was what made the day for me.

I got a bit too close to the surge as it reared up over the rocks. I braced aggressively into the water, had a bumpy ride sideways for a few seconds, went over and continued my sideways ride underwater. The force of the water tried to suck me out of the kayak as I used more pressure on the thigh braces to keep myself in the boat. After some distance the energy in the water was spent, I setup and made my first combat roll. More on the experience here.

After practicing many, many rolls it was gratifying to get my first combat roll versus a panic grab to release the sprayskirt. For that reason, I'm making this paddle my top 3 paddle of the year.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #4

2011-12-31T03:56:00.000-08:00

Poking in

On 11 November 2008 Stan and I paddled around Cape St. Francis putting in at Pouch Cove and taking out at Bauline. On April 30 Stan and I were part of a larger group that make the trip in the other direction.

We put-in at Bauline and headed north towards the cape in flat conditions. We took our time to explore various nooks and crannies.

Rocky shores

Skies were overcast as we paddled along the rocky shores.

Hanging fog

As we got closer to the cape, fog started to roll in over the hills.

Running water

There was running water everywhere.

Cripple Rocks

We arrived at the cape and played a bit in the swell before ...

Rounding the cape

... carrying on around. Cape St. Francis is an exposed cape. The next landfall north of the cape is Greenland.

Wet stop

On the east side of the peninsula it was foggy and wet. We stopped at Biscayne Cove for lunch but it was a short stop. There was a wharf but it had not been kept up in years which made landing less than ideal.

Sheltered

After lunch we made our way towards Pouch Cove stopping for a while at this deep narrow cleft in the rocks.

Cape Francis is not often paddled and that makes it a special place. When Stan and I did it in 2008 it was just the two of us. This year there were eight. For both of those reasons this is my top 4 paddle of the year.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - # 5

2011-12-29T05:37:00.001-08:00

Quidi Vidi

Back to the countdown after our icicles paddle in Middle Cove.

On July 23 Dean, Gary and I had a paddle out to Cape Spear. Not a lot of people get out to Cape Spear because its exposed and the water there is usually very active even without wind. The main feature about Cape Spear is that its the most easterly point on the North American continent. The original post has other shots of the paddle.

We left from the small fishing village of Quidi Vidi.

Fort Amherst

Leaving the protected harbour of Quidi Vidi and heading south we approach the entrance to St. John's Harbour. The harbour was protected at various times by Fort Amherst, identified by the luster of buildings clinging to the cliff.

Freshwater Bay

We handrailed along the shore down into Freshwater Bay. We could have made a direct crossing, it would have been shorter, but we were out to also enjoy the scenery.

At Blackhead

Near Cape Spear we paddle into a cove containing the community of Blackhead, named after a prominent headland in St. John's Bay.

Cape Spear

Arrived at the Cape. We paddled east of the Cape to be able to look south down the coast. Next stop east of the Cape is Ireland. We did a couple of rolls for the tourists before heading back.

Heading back

We decided to skirt along the mouths of Blackhead Bay, Deadmans Bay and Freshwater Bay on our return. See original post.

Fog rolled in

When we arrived at the mouth of St. John's Harbour the fog started to roll in. A few boats were at the entrance to Quidi Vidi engaging in what is known as the "food fishery". Newfoundlanders historically had a right to fish cod for food anytime in the year. Now, with the collapse of the cod fishery we're allowed to catch cod for food two weeks in the year.

Back to Quidi Vidi

Back from the Cape we entered Quidi Vidi Harbour with whisps of fog in the air. It was a fine paddle. Cape Spear is a special place. Paddling out there is not done lightheartedly. Careful attention to forecast and picking the right day is a must. On this day we had the best of it and therefore its on my list of top ten paddles.

Icicles paddle

2011-12-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Ice wall

Dean, Neville and I met at Middle Cove at 9:30 for a paddle. The theme for the day would be icicles. Lots of icicles.

Neville got ready to put-in while Dean and I checked out this wall of icicles that was in full sunlight. When he joined us we were ready.

Lets go check out some caves

The east side of Middle Cove has numerous caves and today, also considerable iciciles hung onto the cliffs. As we paddled over we lost the sun behind the 200 foot tall cliffs.

Checking out a low cave

It was near high tide and only a foot or two of the cave was out of the water. The cave is hard to see at high tide but at low tide its possible to stand up in it.

Look up

We surveyed the tall cliffs as we passed by.

In "The Molar"

Some of the caves were protected today by hanging sheets of icicles. We didn't enter them all as we didn't want to chance being speared by the daggers of ice should they let go. The cave known as "The Molar" was safe to check out.

Ship Cove

At Ship Cove there were more icicles but we were still in shade, though the top of the cliff was in sunlight.

Entering Outer Cove

Leaving Ship Cove we entered Outer Cove and into the sunlight. The cliffs along the cove aren't as tall as in Middle Cove but they were almost totally covered with ice.

Impressive

Neville is dwarfed by the wall of ice.

Rounding Torbay Point

On the west side of the Rocky Hills it was shady but after rounding Torbay Point we were in brilliant sunshine.

Into the sunshine

Paddling southerly into the sun made it hard to see where we were going as the sun was bright, as was the reflection off of the water.

Turnaround

We went south for a couple of kilometers to Shooting Point Cove where we sat for a few minutes before turning north again towards Torbay Point because Dean had to be home early.

Middle Cove return

Back in Middle Cove we were in the shade again but the beach was in full sunshine. A few people were on the beach. I wondered what they were thinking as we paddled up to the beach to take out. I wasn't concerned. It was cold but I felt toasty warm. I thought to myself they didn't know what they were missing.

The last paddle of the year for 2011. The year ended on a good note.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #6

2011-12-26T03:56:00.001-08:00

Admirals Beach

On June 18th Clyde, Dean, Hazen and I had a paddle in St. Mary's Bay, paddling around Great Colinet Island. It was a beautiful, calm, sunshiny day. It was one of those days to paddle along leisurely and smell the roses so-to-speak. More shots from the day on the original post.

We put-in at Admirals Beach.

Perfectly clear

Its only a short crossing to the island. The bright sunshine coupled with the clear salt water made it look like Hazen was floating, suspended above the sea bottom.

Concrete pillars

Not long into our paddle we arrived at the abandoned community of Mosquito, one of two on the island. What was a thriving community is now overgrown by tall grasses, shrubs and weeds. Only the occasional concrete post remains to poke above the overgrowth.

Placid seas

We continued on taking our time paddling along the east side of the island.

South end

As we reached the south end of the island I was struck by the verdant colours of the grass carpeting the rocky ground. We explored a few caves there before rounding to turn north up the west side.

Westside story

Whereas we were sheltered on the east side, the wind picked up slightly from the south as we headed up the west side of the island.

Fishplant remains

Back in calmer water under the protection of the land we entered the cove where the abandoned community of Reginaville was located. Again concrete pillars foundations and cement slabs were all that was left of the former community.

We stopped here for a break before taking the short crossing back to Admirals Beach and the end to a perfect day on the water. It was another rounding on an island and a visit to two resettled communities and that's why its on my list of top 10 paddles for the year.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #7

2011-12-25T04:26:00.000-08:00

Leaving Gooseberry Cove

On Thanksgiving weekend, 8 - 10 October Brian, Hazen, Pete and I did a 3-day kayak camp trip to the abandoned community of St. Jones Without. Its located on the west side of Trinity Bay and a good part of the coast provides very few bailouts.

The paddle down to St. Jones Without was scenic but the area beyond towards Deer Harbour is not so much. Still, it was an excellent weekend with fine company and Irish coffee. That lands it at #7 on my list of top paddles.

The first day, original post, part 1 and part 2 (links provided to the original posts), we paddled down to St. Jones Without.

Rest stop

We left Gooseberry Cove in a bit of rain and wind but as we went on it stopped raining. Still paddling along in a light wind we'd stop for a break where we could.

St. Jones Without harbour

We arrived at the entrance to St. Jones Without harbour that's a 5 km fjord-like finger of the sea poking into the proterozoic rocks of the Musgravetown Group.

"Campsite", first night

We had little choice but to camp on the front lawn of this cabin at the bottom of the fjord. There was very little flat, dry ground in the harbour.

Entering Deer Harbour

Day 2 we paddle back up the 5 kms to go to Deer Harbour. We packed all the gear into the kayaks with the intention of campinng there but there was no suitable ground. So, we did a sweep of the harbour and returned to a fine camp spot at the entrance to St. Jones Without.

A better campsite

This is the place to camp at St. Jones Without. We didn't the first night because it was too late to make our way out of the bottom of the harbour.

Sweet paddling

Day three in the kayaks was a return to Gooseberry Cove and the end of the trip. The return paddle was very pleasant under interesting skies in a bit of a following sea.

Pete

As we approached the end of our trip the skies brightened as the sun came out.

Return to Gooseberry Cove

This was an excellent trip and I have to confess, putting it at #7 is a bit arbitrary. I very much enjoyed the whole weekend but I have to slot it in somewhere to make room for other experiences.

Chrismas Eve paddle

2011-12-24T17:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve 2009 four of us met at St. Philips for a short stint on the water before the festivities began. Last year it wasn't safe to launch. This year we managed on cold -7C but bright day to sweep the cobwebs away after hectic days preparing for the arrival of Santa Claus. Alexandr, Dean and Sean arrived and we put in. Later Lee emerged from the harbour.

It wasn't anything big but we paddled around trying to catch small surf waves. It didn't matter; we were just happy to be out in the fresh air.

A picture of each of the guys follow.

Alexandr

Dean

Lee

Sean

Almost an hour and half later we had satisfied our paddle urge and we left for home.

Merry Christmas to all the people I've paddled with this year and all the people who, I hope, have enjoyed checking out the pictures on my blog.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #8

2011-12-24T03:43:00.000-08:00

Waiting

On September 13, ten of us gathered at St. Philips for a moonlight paddle. The forecast looked good a couple of days before. We were looking at calm wind and clear skies, a perfect night for a moonlight paddle.

A late show meant we sat in the cove waiting to get everyone on the water.

Highlights

It got darker, the camera flash catching the fluorescent patches on the PFDs.

Nearing St. Thomas Cove

We set out but it turned cloudy but it was calm and pleasant. In the absence of the moon we only had the light from the facility at St.Thomas Cove shimmering on the water.

Sue and Derrick

No moon but it was a great night to be on the water. We each had glowsticks attached so we could keep track of each other on the water. I found the depth perception interesting in the dark as glowsticks bobbed along the shore.

Well, we didn't get the moon. Maybe next year? Nevertheless its a nice change paddling in the dark and we had a great bunch of people to share the night with. That's why I'm putting this paddle on my list.

More shots on the original post.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #9

2011-12-23T03:57:00.001-08:00

The first few paddle strokes

On April 23 Clyde, Dean and I did a paddle from Dildo South along the shores of Spread Eagle Bay and back. It was the first day with the promise of warmer weather to come.

Here are a few more pictures not in, or slightly different, from the original post in the spring.

Bright sunny day

We had paddled throughout the winter months and fully enjoyed paddling in cold weather but the warmer weather was welcomed after months of cold.

Longshoremen

In Spread Eagle Bay we paddled along the shore and in spots we paddled by summer homes waiting to be occupied again. While it was warming up, we wore neoprene mitts because the water was still pretty cold.

Fine campsite

We stopped for a break and to check out this fine campsite for a possible future kayak camping trip.

I see a good spot

Back in the boats and moving along we spotted another possible campsite so Clyde got out to scramble up the hill to check it out.

Mamateek

On our way back we crossed the mouth of Spread Eagle Bay directly to Dildo Island where we had lunch. The wind picked up directly behind us as we crossed so when we landed on the island we looked for a sheltered place to sit. The island is an archaeological site as it was occupied by the native Beothuk Indians.

We found a small clearing occupied by a replica of a Beothuk Indian shelter called a mamateek. Sheltered from the wind we had our lunch before returning to the put-in.

It was a beautiful day that encouraged us with warmer weather to come and that's why its on my list of favourite paddles for the year.

Top 10 paddles of 2011 - #10

2011-12-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

A cold day in February

The first paddle on my countdown of top 10 paddles was a solo paddle on February 12. Gerard and I were going to have a paddle from St. Philips to Portugal Cove but he didn't show up so after some debate I set off by myself.

It was -12C and with the wind chill it was -20. I had to navigate through the ice pans in the harbour to get out into the open sea. There was a fair bit of chop but manageable so I pointed my bow north and got into a rhythm.

The cold and conditions posed some risk but I felt comfortable and exhilarated. It was a short paddle of an hour and a half but because of the circumstances I had to put this one on my list.

Unfortunately, the camera didn't function well in the cold once I got underway so I had few pictures to share. Here's the original post.

Making a list

2011-12-21T04:49:00.001-08:00

Gerard

Today is the shortest day of the year and the end of the year is in sight. Its time to take stock of the paddling year so I'm making a list and I'll be checking it twice. A list of my top 10 paddles for the year, that is. Lucky me that I have enough paddles to pick 10 from.

Starting tomorrow I'll start counting them down.

Port aux Basques to St. John's

2011-12-19T12:08:00.001-08:00

Watery highway

Newfoundland is an island. If one arrives by ferry from North Sidney, the ferry lands at Port aux Basques. St. John's is at the other end of the highway 905 kms away. Its a long drive in one go.

Saturday Dean and I did a 17 km paddle in Conception Bay. When I added that total to the total for the year so far it came out to 908. Wow I thought. This year I've paddled a distance equivalent to the drive across the island. Good thing I did it on water because doing it on the highway would have been hard on the gelcoat.

The centenial paddler

2011-12-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

Choppy seas

Today Dean was going to be spending his 100th time in his kayak this year. That's a large number and seemed to me that we should do something with a bit of pizzazz. The winds were supposed to pick up from the 25 kms at launch to 40. I suggested we paddle the 5 km to Bell Island and we'd have the wind behind us for the return trip.

Arrived

We arrived at Bell Island after 45 minutes. Not bad time in a port beam sea given that a flat calm crossing runs 38 - 40 minutes. Under the protective cliffs of Bell Island the sea flattened.

Dominion Pier

Dean paddled through the piles of the long abandoned Dominion Pier.

Jumble

The temperature hovered around the big goose egg celcius but the sun was out periodically. Here the sun highlighted the hematite stained rocks of Bell Island beyond the remains of Scotia Pier.

Hawaii?

This could be Hawaii with its waterfalls except the snow formed at the base of the falls gives it away.

Going home

We paddled almost to Lance Cove in the protection of the cliffs from the westerly winds before deciding to return across the bay to St. Thomas Cove. As we crossed we lost the protection of the land and paddled eventually in a starboard beam sea. In the distance Little Bell Island and Kelly's Island hovered on the horizon.

Refreshing

Back at the put in we performed our regular ritual of washing the salt water out of our gear in the fresh water of the river at St. Philips. Its really not that bad after working up some heat crossing from Bell Island.

Havin' a java

Another ritual is having a coffee at By the Beach Restaurant. After putting the gear away it sure felt good to wrap my cold hands around the hot coffee mug, to say nothing about the inner warmings of the drink.

Congrats Dean on a significant milestone. 100 times in the kayak is a large number by anyone's standard. Glad to be able to share it with you today.

Handcrafted craft

2011-12-13T04:50:00.001-08:00

Three built boats

A number of years ago I considered building a strip built kayak but I ended up buying a used plastic boat as my first kayak.

Even though I bought a kayak I still admire the skill it takes to build your own and I may have a go at it one day to see if I have the skill. There are three choices (left to right above): stitch and glue, skin on frame and strip built - each with their own degree of difficulty.

Maybe Sean, Dean and Derrick are comparing notes?

Dean's Disko Bay SOF

2011-12-10T12:53:00.001-08:00

Dean's newly completed Disko Bay skin-on-frame

Dean liked Sean's Disko Bay skin-on-frame so much he decided to build one for himself. Today he had the christening at St. Philips. Strong southwest winds were forecast so a day paddle was out but it was ideal for the grand launch. A few shots of Dean follow.

The other highlight of the day was a milestone reached. Today was the 122nd time I've been in my kayak this calendar year. Once I saw numbers build near the end of summer I wanted to hit 122 because its on average every third day this year.

Looks sweet on the water.

Just a little action in the water for Dean to find his sea legs in his new boat.

Freeboard is over-rated.

Catching a small wave for some mini-surf action as Clyde looks on.

Today's gang

A great day for December 10th weatherwise saw six of us take part in the unveiling. Clyde, Dean, Derrick, Neville, Sean and myself. After a couple of hours we stopped for coffee at By-the Beach Restaurant for a chat and some good laughs with our java.

Dean is quick to say that if he can build the Disko Bay then anyone can. I think he sells himself short or is just too modest. You've done a very nice job there Dean. Congrats!

Paddle by numbers

2011-12-07T03:25:00.000-08:00

The paddle starts

Most will know the saying "The longest journey starts with the first step". Sunday we did a paddle of 27 kms; it got me to thinking about steps and strokes.

An average paddle rate of 35 strokes per minute and an average moving speed of 6 kms/hr means 350 paddle strokes per kilometer. Our paddled distance was 27 kms. Therefore, the approximate number of paddle strokes for the day was 9,450. I reflected on that. Its a large number. Don't think so? Start counting from from one. It becomes a daunting task.

Its not something we think about because paddling in the moment we're engrossed in the scenery, talking to fellow paddlers or deep into our own thoughts. I don't think we realize how much repetition there is in paddling and how much "work" we do when we paddle.

All aboard for Avondale

2011-12-05T04:03:00.001-08:00

All aboard

Sunday morning the plan was to paddle in the lower end of Conception Bay from Holyrood to Harbour Main. We arrived at the Holyrood Marina with the intention of using the slipway to put-in. All the yachts had been lifted out of the water for the winter.

The puddles of water were frozen solid in the -5C degree temperature but there was no wind. Looked like a perfect day.

Marina

Inside the marina the water was mirror calm as we looked up at the yachts and other pleasure craft on our way out.

Target in sight

Out of the marina we made our way along the shore of Holyrood. In the distance Blow Me Down Bluff was our first target.

Boulders

The shoreline along the west side of Holyrood Bay started out with boulders and trees down to the salt water. It soon gave way to ...

Headland

the massive cliffs of Blow Me Down Bluff that dwarfed my fellow paddlers.

In the distance, smoke rising from the stacks of the Holyrood Hydrothermal Generating Station rose gently into the sky. There was hardly a breath of wind.

Red Rock Cove

The dark grey rocks at Red Rock Cove gave way to the sedimentary red rocks of the Lower Cambrian. A series of faults shifted them against the volcanic rocks of the Harbour Main Group.

Lunch beach

We paddled on across the mouth of Harbour Main towards a small beach dominated by a church where we stopped for lunch.

Cave

We intended to make Harbour Main, at 12 kilometers, our destination for the day before turning back but decided to paddle up to Salmon Cove Point and the entrance to Avondale. On the way this lone cave for the day was awash in bright sunlight.

Salmon Cove Point

The calm sea allowed us to paddle through the slot at Salmon Cove Point and into Gasters Bay. We didn't stay long before returning to Holyrood for a total distance on the day of 27 kms.

It was cool as the temperature hovered near freezing all day but the absence of wind, brilliant sunshine and the blue sky made for a great day on the water. Thanks Dean, Gerard and Sean for the company.

My Olympus Tough 6020 leaks (Update)

2011-11-30T04:24:00.000-08:00

Keeping it dry

My Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 recently had a minor leak and I was looking for rubber seal replacements. Here's the story from an earlier entry. This is an update as I heard back about my inquiry.

The reply got was:

"We do not sell replacement parts for our shockproof/weatherproof camera because the parts must be replaced by a qualified Olympus repair technician to guarantee the integrity of the watertight seals."

So I mailed back to say it wasn't rocket science. The screws and plastic plate automatically make sure the alignment is right. I indicated I would take full responsibility for any leaks if they sold me the seal for me to install myself.

I got the following follow-up reply:

"You can contact the Parts Department at cpg.parts@olympus.com but you will be denied the parts for shockproof/waterproof cameras. Repairs are guaranteed for six months."

I expect all the manufacturers of waterproof camera have the same policy. Maybe its collusion?

I wondered if anyone else had the same problem. Yes! One review listed a "Pro" for the camera was: "Doesn't leak when not underwater." That's funny. I think I'll not take the camera when I plan to practice rolls or rescues.

One thing I would advise and something in hindsight I should have done was to store the camera with the battery compartment open. That may extend the life of the seal.

In any case, I'm doubtful of ever buying another Olympus camera again. There are better options on the market.

White knuckles time

2011-11-29T03:30:00.001-08:00

Now you see Clyde ...

Paddling along the shore from St. Philips to Portugal Cove there are numerous opportunities to paddle through rock gardens or rocky passages. When the swell is running these spots can be exciting to paddle. Here Clyde is making his run.

... and now you don't

Seconds later Clyde disappeared behind the next incoming swell that crashes over the rock.

Success padding in these spots means stopping to see what the waves are doing, picking the correct track, good timing, good bracing skills, a calm cool head and the ability to roll in the soup if need be.

Familiar faces

2011-11-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Clyde

Anyone who follows my blog will be familiar with the names Clyde and Dean. I took a few pictures again today even though we paddled familiar territory. After our paddle Dean said "people are going to say, here are pictures of Clyde and Dean again". Ho hum. Not! I suppose after a while one kayak picture looks much like any other but there's always something different anyway ... in this case the different coloured, tortured rocks in the Topsail Fault zone.

Dean

I keep track of each paddle by date and location. I should also keep a record of who I paddled with. I don't have any numbers but if I did I'd guess I've paddled the most with Dean this year. He's a kayakoholic. What does that say about me?

Watching Dean paddle around rocks and in the soup today I could only marvel over how much he's progressed in a couple of years. Three years ago he couldn't keep upright. Now he goes were he wants.

Setting sun

We landed in Portugal Cove to stretch our legs before returning to St. Philips as the sun was going down. It wasn't windy as forecasted but there was a fair bit of chop anyway. Especially, paddling along the interface of land and sea.

A coffee afterwards capped off a totally thrilling day of paddling, a day when everything seemed to come together, even good friends.

My Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 leaks

2011-11-25T06:02:00.000-08:00

Taking pictures

This is a tale of covert deception and crappy service.

I used to have an Olympus Stylus 850SW that sprung a leak after 2 years. I had an extended warranty and got an Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 as compensation under the warranty. That was just under 14 months ago.

Last weekend after doing a bunch of rolls I noticed there were drops of water on the battery inside the watertight compartment. The camera still works but it was a warning sign that the rubber seal should soon be replaced. I had previously tried to buy new seals from Olympus Canada in anticipation this would happen but they replied I should send the camera to them to have the seal replaced. After the weekend I tried again and asked why they wouldn't sell me the seal because I could install it myself.

I still haven't received an answer and I don't expect to.

You see, what's going on here is that they know the seals only last a certain period. They get you in either of two ways. One, they ding you for a service you can take care of yourself or two, they expect you to buy a new camera after the camera fails. These cameras turns out are semi-disposable. Disposable every two years or so.

Its disappointing that I can't buy the seal. Its short sighted I believe on the part of Olympus. In fact, I believe each camera should come with one or two spare seals.

Things will stay the same unless the consumer puts pressure on these manufacturers to supply decent service after the purchase. This is my contribution.

A visit to the dentist and an angry sea

2011-11-23T04:26:00.001-08:00

Hole in the sky

A visit to the dentist for two fillings left me with one side of my mouth totally numb, uncomfortably numb. About 2:30 I started to get some feeling back and the sky looked to maybe yield some interesting cloud formations so I made a quick jaunt to St. Philips thinking I'd head to Portugal Cove and catch the sunset coming back.

Highlighted

I got to the put-in as the wind picked up and clouds rolled in along with a few snow flurries. Discretion is the best part of valour so I paddled squares well outside of the cove. Seas weren't big but choppy as wind waves from the west interacted with a sizeable but gentle swell from the north. Across an angry and disturbed sea The Beach was highlighted by the sun on Bell Island.

Sundown

Patience didn't pay off as there wouldn't be any spectacular sunset this evening. Instead, the clouds became more ominous as the setting sun tried to go down in a blaze of orange and red. Only the slimmest wedge of colour showed itself on the horizon.

Putting my boat back on my car my freezing hands distracted me from my earlier dental work. Nonetheless, I was happy I had taken the hour and a half to bounce around in the waves.

On self evaluation

2011-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Clyde in Tors Cove

Sunday was a rude awakening for me. Clyde was goofing around and ended up out of his kayak. I went to assist. I was surprised and disappointed with how I performed.

The winds were blowing at about 20 knots which generated wind waves of about a meter. Clyde's overturned boat was broached in the waves. I paddled up to the bow in the wind, latched on as Clyde went to the stern to help me get the boat up to drain it. Clyde, in the water, acted as an anchor for the stern of his boat while the wind blew me and the bow of his boat downwind. The drift put his kayak at about 11:00 relative to me and couldn't get any leverage to pull the bow up. I let go to reposition for another attempt.

By the time I got back into position to help, Clyde had righted his boat and started a back deck scramble on. I steadied as he got back into the cockpit. Situation stabilized.

I've reflected on the rescue. In hindsight, I could have been quicker to pull the bow out of the water before I lost the perpendicular leverage I had. Also, my technique felt a bit rusty because I hadn't done an assisted rescue in a while.

The easiest thing is to shrug it off but honesty will tell me I have to practice this more often in conditions. Practice in safe, realistic conditions will identify any flaws in technique or mechanics that need to be fixed so that they can be counted on when really necessary.

Too much of a good thing

2011-11-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Rear view shot

Today was the first time I've been in the boat in a week. I have a confession to make ... I had had enough of paddling after last weekend. Last weekend at Tors Cove was the 116th time in the kayak this year and I needed some time away.

After a week, it felt like meeting a lost friend.

Sean

Five of us met at St. Philips again for some play time because it wasn't fit for a day paddle. Paddle upwind and turn to catch the following sea for surf rides. I know when I've caught a good ride because the skeg vibrates and hums as the kayak is shot forward.

Blowing by

In between surf rides, a bunch of rolls in the waves rolling in from southwest and an assisted rescue after Clyde came out of his boat. After two hours, three of us had a coffee at the restaurant overlooking the cove and chatted about the afternoon.

It wasn't anything very exciting to share but there are days like that. On this day it was good to put Stardust back in the water.

Practice pays off

2011-11-16T14:53:00.000-08:00

About to be swallowed

Sunday we stopped to play a bit in South Bauline where the swell was breaking over some submerged rocks. The swell would rush for shore but every now and then it would send standing waves in all directions.

I sat, camera in one hand and paddle in the other, to take some shots of Clyde. I got too close as a standing wave rushed towards me. Oops, can't brace with one hand so over I went. No big deal. I let the camera go, grabbed the paddle with both hands, set-up and back above water.

I managed my first combat roll earlier this summer in Middle Cove. I wasn't sure if it was skill or a fluke. Once may be lucky but twice tells me that practice is paying off. That is gratifying.

Looking up the sleeve

2011-11-14T03:46:00.000-08:00

A slot in the rocks

An open invitation to paddle along the Southern Shore attracted three. Clyde, Dean and I put-in at Tors Cove and paddled south to the resettled community of La Manche. That would be French for "The sleeve".

Leaving Tors Cove we paddled through our first channel.

Boiling water

There was a gentle swell rolling in that really kicked up as it entered shallow water and crashed over offshore rocks. These places were a lot of fun to paddle through on the day.

On the rock

There are two submerged rocks in the middle of the cove in Bauline South. The swell washing over the rocks created a fun area to play in as we skirted on the edges. As the water sucked back we could look down the three meters at the exposed rocks and right there in the middle of it all was a seal, also having a fun day.

Suds

Passing Bauline Head and heading into La Manche Bay we were fully exposed to the swell. Paddling close to the shoreline made for excellent paddling. First being pushed from one side and then the other by the clapotis rebounding from the cliffs.

Entering La Manche

Handrailing along the shore we arrived at the site of the former community of La Manche dominated now by the suspension footbridge constructed by the East Coast Trail Association.

Lunch perch

Easy to see how the place got called "The sleeve" from this vantage point where we stopped for lunch.

Checking it out

After we had eaten we had a walk about checking out the old foundations of houses that clung to the land. La Manche was settled in 1847 and had a population of 54 by 1949 but was abandoned in 1966.

Here's a link to some old photos of La Manche at the MUN resettlement site.

Off again

Clyde and Dean pulled out amidst boulders. I opted for the gently sloping seaweed covered rocks. They though I was being anti-social; I was just being protective of my kayak. In the distance they were getting back into their boats as we got underway again.

Cape Neddick

Back in the boats we south towards Cape Neddick where we played in the rocks and swell again before making a beeline crossing of La Manche Bay and back to Tors Cove. A very enjoyable November day and another 20 kms under our belts.

Jan van Hoof

2011-11-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

Leaving

Today is Remembrance Day. A day set aside on the calendar when we remember those who laid down their lives for freedom. No, I didn't go to a ceremony this year. I have in the past but its taken on the air of a photo op for politicians so, this year, I didn't go. I remembered in my own way.

In the shadows

I went for a paddle with Dean. It seemed fitting as I would not have been able to do this without the sacrifice of Canadian soldiers made to free Holland.

Sunshine

To most Canadians, Remembrance Day is just that, a day of remembrance. For me, its not just a day to remember, its a day to be thankful.

Right on thru

Thankful to not only the soldiers of Canada but also the soldiers of the Dutch Resistance. Jan van Hoof was one. He is credited with cutting the wires to explosives attached to Nijmegen Bridge and thereby saved the bridge during Operation Market Garden.

He was subsequently captured while guiding American troops through Nijmegen, beaten and summarily shot to death. Dutch resistance fighters, you see, were not recognized a combatants but as traitors.

Mini tide race

So, I remember and I wonder, when will they put an end to war? Maybe when they pick up paddles rather than rifles.

Weather capital

2011-11-09T04:43:00.001-08:00

A bit of a fog

Environment Canada reports that St. John's has the distinction of being the [bad] weather capital of Canada. St. John's apparently has the most:

foggy days at 124 days,
snow with 359 average snowfall,
rain at 1514 mm average yearly rainfall,
wind at 24.3 kms/hr daily average over the year, and
cloudy with only 1497 hours of sunshine per year.

To be quite honest, I didn't notice. Still a great place to paddle though.

Certifiable

2011-11-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

Catching one

Awoke this morning to a dusting of snow on the ground. By midday the temperature had climbed to 3C but with west winds blowing at 30 with gusts to 45, the wind chill was -3C. A perfect day for some playtime. Nine of us were of similar mind ... or the lack thereof according to some onlookers. They questioned our sanity.

Watching

The wind worked the sea up to 1 meter wind waves, some approached 2 meters. Some of us present have no formal training, having built up our skills by watching, reading but mainly by doing. Certainly instruction shortens the learning curve ...

Comin' thru

... but instruction is not the be all and end all. Taking Paddle Canada courses implies some level of competence. I, however, have found that having that piece of paper can be deceiving. I've seen more than a few level II certified paddlers that would have had trouble dealing with the conditions we played in today.

Bouncing around

Skills taught at courses have to be practiced. The course only provides instruction on how to execute certain skills. You have to do your homework afterwards to prove you can actually execute the skills taught. Not all do the homework and end up wasting the course time.

I am not certified. Haven't even done a flatwater course. I have though spent considerable hours in my boat. In my humble opinion, that's better than taking a course and not following up the instruction with practice.

Though I'm not certified, in the eyes of onlookers today, I am certifiable. That's good enough for me.

Dry land paddling

2011-11-04T14:40:00.001-07:00

Unrelated!

I didn't paddle today, rarely do on Fridays but I did do some paddle related stuff.

I noticed my wrist gaskets were starting to look a little ratty and unattended it would only be a matter of time before they split open. So I did a bit of preventative maintenance.

I kept the damaged neck gasket I replaced some time ago. I cut two lengths about 10 cms wide, turned the wrist gaskets inside out and aquasealed the strips along the top edge. Hopefully that will give me some time but I'll get new gaskets to have on hand when I really need to replace them.

Can't paddle everyday but there's always something to do, even if its just thinking about paddling.

At your service

2011-11-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

New Board member

Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador had its AGM last night. A new Board was "elected" and having spent four years on the Board I applaud the new Board for their dedication to keeping the club going. Two of our regular group are on the Board this year so maybe we can exert some influence on Gary and Hazen.

New business was a new calendar of events for the winter and spring. There are mostly presentations of other members' kayak trips. Should be good to see what others have experienced.

Too, a date has been picked for the Atlantic Canadian Paddling Symposium. The event focuses on skill development, outdoor leadership, education and paddling. I'm seriously considering going this year. Wouldn't paddling across the Cabot Strait to Nova Scotia be a great warm-up?

Going downhill

2011-11-02T05:39:00.001-07:00

A good day

November has arrived. Its getting colder each week as we head downhill towards winter. Last night the puddles froze over. Surely its going to get more uncomfortable underwater in the coming weeks. Pool sessions have started but I'm holding out as long as I can and will continue to practice by myself at Topsail Pond. When the water gets too cold for continued immersion the temperature will dictate that I retreat to the pool.

Ancestor worship

2011-10-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

Me and my Nordkapp (Dean photo)

In 1959 Ken Taylor spent the summer in Illorsuit on the west coast of Greenland paddling with Inuit hunters. They made him one of the boats they were using, which he brought back to England. It became the model for the Anas Acuta and subsequently, the Nordkapp.

Ken Taylor has a blog entry detailing with his trip that summer. An extraordinary story with irreplaceable photos of Inuit hunting and kayaking practices.

The only purpose of this entry is to point you to Ken's blog if you're not already aware of it. Its a must read. Here's a link to Ken Taylor's Blog.

A first for everything

2011-10-26T09:32:00.001-07:00

In the rain

There's a first for everything. Today it poured rain out of the heavens. It rained so hard that on the way to the gym I had to stop at a crosswalk for ...

Wet under too

... two ducks, carrying umbrellas *lol*

Mule headed paddle

2011-10-24T03:31:00.000-07:00

Oily, calm sea

My shoulder has been sore but at times I can be very mule headed. I should rest it but the draw of the paddle is very powerful. So, I iced the shoulder before heading to St. Philips were I met Dean and Gary to paddle the 5 km crossing to Bell Island.

I planned to take it easy and thankfully the sea wasn't going to make me work hard. A relaxed 45 minute paddle and we arrived at Dominion Pier.

Forest of piles

Dominion Pier is one of two abandoned piers on Bell Island where the iron ore mined on the island was loaded onto ships for processing in foreign lands. The pier has been abandoned since the late '60s and is in poor shape but the piles driven into the seabed still stand out like a forest after a fire has gone through.

Scotia Pier

The second of the two piers is only a jumble of metal. Ore was shipped in railed ore cars to be dumped over the cliffs and loaded onto ships. Somewhere along here two ore carriers were sunk by German U-boats during WW II, the big one.

Reflections

The sea remained calm and acted like a mirror to reflect life underwater. I never know what effects I'll get when I slip the camera underwater but sometimes something psychedelic comes out of it.

Clear waters

Dean and Gary floated on crystal clear waters.

Fall colours

Its well into fall now as the leaves turn colour from green to yellows and reds. Trees catch hold anywhere they can on the steep cliffs. When they turn yellow they really stand out against the grey and buff coloured cliffs.

After paddling up the side of Bell Island for a bit we turned back towards St. Philips for our return crossing. A relaxed paddle just to get in the kayak turned out to net 15 kilometers. I gambled and came out of it unscathed. It was a great day.

Rotator cuff abuse

2011-10-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Exploring

Last Sunday was the 107th time in my kayak this calendar year. Hundreds of kilmeters paddled and thousands of rolls have taken a toll on the old body. Then an awkward night sleep laying on my shoulder coupled with chronic overuse has left me with rotator cuff tendinitis.

A dull ache tells me at least I haven't caused a complete tear; the joint is just inflamed. Doctor Internet prescribes ibuprofen, ice, rest and codman exercises.

Its an inconvenience. I can't make a club paddle today. One doesn't realize what one has until it can't be done.

So, it is what it is. But, what can be done to prevent it in future? One preventative measure is to do a proper warm-up before setting off in the boat. That allows the joints to be loosened up and lubricated. Too often its just a matter of jump in the kayak and off I go. Not anymore.

A tale of woe

2011-10-20T04:42:00.001-07:00

Frothy seas

This is a kayak story of woe is me. On my trip to Trinity Bay a week and a half ago I slept one night awkwardly on my right shoulder. In the morning it hurt but I paddled at less than 100% anyway. I paddled several times since but Tuesday I had to stand down from my usual practice at Topsail Pond. I suspect a tear in my rotator cuff. I don't know for sure but it needs rest if I don't want to have long term consequences.

Therefore, Tuesday I took a hike out to Torbay Point and down to Shooting Point Cove on the East Coast Trail. It wasn't a day in the boat and I looked upon the sea wistfully but I knew I was doing the right thing.

A few shots along the trail follow.

Better days gone by

Dappled light

Stairway to heaven?

Cimmamon fern

In the dark

2011-10-19T04:53:00.001-07:00

Neville backing in

Caves can be spooky things. The echo of voices. Kayaks that bump into cave walls create thunderous sounds that give the impression of major damage being done. The sound of water sloshing around. All those things combine to give dark caves a halloween feel where bats, demons and goblins dwell.

They are mysterious works of nature too. Like, how could the sea carve out a cavernous room such as this when it only had access by a very narrow slot?

We are curious creatures. Therefore we enter.

Mermaids and sirens

2011-10-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

A beauty

Today Dennis, Gerard, Neville and I paddled with mermaids and sirens. We put in at Bay Bulls and it wasn't long before we sighted our first mermaid. I knew it was a good omen for an exceptional day.

New boat

Neville had his first day paddle in his new shiny yellow boat. I thought back to two years ago when I took delivery of my new Nordkapp. I shuttered the first time I scraped over a rock. Neville was just as protective but don't worry Neville, after a few scrapes it won't bother you as much.

Hidden treasure

Would you believe there's a cave in this shot?

I believe if a person starts off dumb enough they'll learn something new everyday. I found that out today first hand. I'd paddled Bay Bulls at least a dozen times and thought this crack in the rocks was just a crack. I was in fact the entrance to a large cave. The slot was barely wide enough to get a kayak through but inside it opened up with enough room for four.

Gerard knew about this cave as he worked in Bay Bulls as a kayak guide. Thanks for the tip Gerard.

Roomy cave

I thought I could hear a siren calling me into the cave as I backed in. No room to put a paddle in the water, just pushing off he sides to ease the kayak through.

All four of us backed into the cave because with four of us inside, turning wouldn't be possible. Looking to the outside the narrow entrance is evident.

Inside lookin' out

But not all the caves were as tricky to get into. This one had a towering ceiling. Neville at the entrance came and went as the swell rolled into the cave.

Taking a blast

A cave in the making. There was a shallow hole in the cliff that blew back the incoming swell. Only several tens of thousands of years and countless waves before future paddlers will be able to enter a cave here.

Shower time

We've had a bit of rain lately sp there were a few waterfalls draining water off the land. Not quite Angel Falls but refreshing anyway for Gerard.

Baboul Rocks

A sizeable swell was running outside of Bay Bulls Harbour as we passed South Head and made our way to Witless Bay through the Baboul Rocks.

Beating around

Rounding the headland into Witless Bay the swell and clapotis made for interesting, but manageable paddling. A couple of kilometers away a lunch beach awaited in Witless Bay. We had lunch and returned directly to Bay Bulls without stopping much. A most enjoyable day and a little bit wiser about a common paddle destination. Thanks guys.

Return to civilization

2011-10-14T04:18:00.001-07:00

Departing

We had hit the hay early Sunday night due to rain. I awoke from a good sleep to see the sun gently bathing the distant hills in warm sunlight. After a couple of days of mixed weather our return home promised to be pleasant.

Sailors beware

Exiting St. Jones Harbour the skyline was aglow in pink light suggesting the weather would change according to the axiom "red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky in the morning, sailors take warning". I wonder if that's taught in Paddle Canada courses *lol*

Exploring

Right after turning north at North Head there was a passageway behind some rocks that, of course, we had to paddle through.

Seal Island

Several kilometers north of St.Jones Without Seal Island came into view silhouetted low against the distant hills.

Looking back

Looking back, we had put some distance between ourselves and St. Jones Island which lies a kilometer off the mainland.

Shafts of light

The sun did its best to break out as shafts of light broke through the clouds behind Brian and Hazen.

Inside channel

The water was calm as Pete an I paddled inside of Seal Island to our right. Up to here we had a gentle quartering sea from the rear starboard.

Approaching Bald Head

Back into quartering seas we approach Bald Head and the last leg of our journey.

Caplin Cove

Finally, the sun came full out two kilometers from the end of our trip. We left in wind and rain on Saturday and had a cloudy day on Sunday but I wouln't have missed it for anything.

And that's that

All good things the say must come to an end. It was a most enjoyable weekend made all the more enjoyable knowing its probably the last opportunity to kayak camp this year.

Thanks Pete for planning the trip and everyone for the excellent company.

Off to Deer Harbour

2011-10-13T03:10:00.000-07:00

Getting in

After a good night sleep, helped by the Irish coffee the night before, we had breakfast, loaded the boats, carried them back down the bank and were ready to go to Deer Harbour.

Destination in sight

Deer Harbour lay 5 kilometers south down the coast of Trinity Bay but first we had to paddle up from the bottom of St. Jones Harbour. The narrow exit of the harbour lay in the distance.

Pastels

The trees were abalze with the pastel colours of fall.

Community

Cabins now occupy part of the resettled community of St. Jones Without. Back in the day when there was a community here, there would have been more houses crowded together hugging the steep hillside a kilometer from the entrance to the harbour. While the harbour is 5 kilometers deep, the fishermen would have wanted to live as close to the entrance as possible because they would have had to row dories out to the fishing grounds.

Deer Harbour, here we come

Leaving St. Jones Without we passed between some rocks at the southern headland before making our way down the coast towards Deer Harbour some 5 kilometers away.

Birch Cove

Approaching Deer Harbour we paddled into Birch Cove and inside of a sizeable, un-named island.

Local knowledge

As we entered Deer Harbour we heard an outboard motorboat who we hailed to get local information about possible camping spots. If push came to shove we were offered the opportunity to camp at this guy's cabin.

Entering Deer Harbour

Deer Harbour extends 9 kilometers inland and is considerably wider than St. Jones Without. We scouted along the north shore of the harbour and stopped at a small cove in Strong Tickle for lunch. We weren't very optimistic about finding a campsite so we more or less swung through paddling around Gooseberry Island and inside of Grub Island before deciding to return to a campsite at St. Jones Without.

We're out of here

Deer Harbour overall was disappointing for me. There were some scenic locations and the sun did come out for a while but the lack of campsites didn't make it very endearing. We grudgingly accepted that any decent campsites would have already been claimed by cabin owners.

Campsite

Just inside of the entrance to St. Jones Without we set up camp on this flat piece of ground.

We could have stayed here the first night but were too deep into the harbour to return before failing light. If I return to this coast I would camp here, bypass Deer Harbour and camp on Bull
Island.

Driftwood

We collected some driftwood for a campfire after dark.

Fire on the beach

I was kept in check with the size of the fire but it was a fine one nonetheless.

Roughing it

Hazen promised us another Irish coffee on the second night and again it hit the spot. This time one of his mugs broke and Pete took his in a regular coffee mug. Either way, it tasted good and proves that just because you're roughing it, you can still enjoy some of the comforts of home.

At 8:30 it started to rain. We called it an early night and retreated to the comfort of our tents. An early night meant we'd get a good rest before heading back to Gooseberry Cove and back to our daily routines the next day. So far so good, almost 50 kms paddled.

St. Jones Harbour

2011-10-12T03:43:00.001-07:00

Approaching St. Jones Within

We left Gooseberry Cove at 11:00 and after stopping at Round Harbour for a quick lunch we arrived at the entrance to St. Jones Harbour at 2:30.

St. Jones Harbour breadcrumbs

St. Jones Harbour is a fjord-like finger of the sea that pierces the land some five kilometers inland. We knew beforehand that finding a level campsite was going to be difficult.

Having a look

As we entered the harbour we saw what looked like a possible campsite where the cemetery had been. Brian, Pete and I got out to have a look while Hazen chatted it a up with someone who had come by in a motor boat. The site was too wet but Hazen was told there was a nice cabin at the end of the harbour where we could camp.

Autumn colours

We wanted to find our own campsite so we scouted along the shoreline. Things didn't look promising but it sure was pretty paddling down the fjord with fall colours starting to dominate.

Still looking

I anticipated a slog down the harbour into strong funneling winds but it was pleasant going. We could see there were no possible campsites as far as where the fjord pinched in in the distance.

Campsite

We explored the different nooks and crannies at the bottom of the harbour but found only steep hillsides or wet boggy sites. It was getting near 5:00 when we conceded we had to use a developed site. We had to because there wasn't much light left in the day and we had to set up camp. We landed. It took four of us to lift the fully loaded kayaks up a 2 meter embankment onto the level area in front of the cabin.

In the dark

Hazen, Pete and I set up tents while Brian set up the tarp. There wasn't any driftwood around but there was a firepit so we didn't need much wood to have a campfire. We gathered a bit and borrowed a few junks from a pile stacked by the cabin owner. After cooking supper we lit the fire, had a few swallies of the refreshments we brought and shared jokes and tall tales. The deck chairs made for a comfortable evening.

The evening was getting on but we had one more surprise. Unknown to us Hazen had brought supplies for ...

Irish coffee

We were deep in no man's land with no one around for kilometers but that didn't mean we couldn't enjoy the comforts of home. The Irish coffee was the highlight of the evening and the trip so far. Well done Hazen and thanks.

St. Jones Without

2011-10-11T04:23:00.001-07:00

Loading gear

Peter concocted a kayak camping trip to St Jones Without this past weekend, the Thanksgiving Day long weekend in Canada. Four signed up for the adventure and drove to Gooseberry Cove where we prepared to leave for our paddle south into Trinity Bay.

St Jones Without, named "Without" to distinguish is from the nearby St. Jones (Within) in Southwest Arm. St. Jones Without was settled in 1870 by the Greens of Greens Harbour on the east side of Trinity Bay, 20 kms distant. In 1884 it had 33 residents, peaking in 1935 at 140 residents. In 1951 when it was abandoned there were 81 residents.

Waiting

A bit of wind was blowing down Hearts Ease Tickle so Pete and I sheltered behind some rocks while Brian waited in the Tickle for Hazen.

Ready to go

Hazen put in and he and Brian joined us and we were ready to go.

Down the coast

St. Jones Without is located down an exposed coast accessible only by boat in summer or skidoo in winter.

Into the wind

We were promised showers and some wind but it was a bit more than I expected. We were undeterred, simply digging in a bit in the gusts.

Ducking behind

Occasionally rocks provided a little bit of shelter and respite.

Rugged coastline

The rocks along the coast here are part of the Bull Arm Formation consisting of mainly andesitic volcanic flows, breccias and tuffs with sedimentary rocks. In other words, this land was formed by volcanoes shedding sediment into the surrounding seas. Probably not unlike parts southeast Asia today.

Round Harbour

We left Gooseberry Cove at 11:00. An hour and a half later we were ready for lunch and the very sheltered Round Harbour provided the ideal place to stop.

Lunch stop

The only decent place to take out was occupied by a cabin. A table and chairs was provided on the veranda so we took advantage of that but not for long. It didn't take long to cool down and we were soon back in our boats and on our way south.

Seal Island shelter

Passing by St. Jones Head, again in a bit of blustery wind, we paddled inside of Seal Island were it was peacefully calm.

Outside of St. Jones Without

At just after 2:00, under grey skies, we reached the entrance to St. Jones Harbour, a fjord like arm of the sea reaching 5 kilometers inland. The narrow entrance beckons right in front of my bow.

Birds' eye view

2011-10-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Lower end of Trinity Bay

I like to print maps of the coastlines I paddle. So do a lot of people I paddle with.

The maps I usually print are 1:20,000 for the greatest detail. There's a lot of detail but I've found I'm losing the bigger picture. I've found myself sometimes looking outside of the map boundaries wondering it some far away cape is such and such.

This weekend a group of us are kayak camping in the St. Jones Without/Deer Harbour area. I've decided to print with less detail (1:200,000) that includes the whole bay. It will give me a better overview of everything around me.

Sometimes the devil is in the detail and sometimes its not.

Greenland paddle, Tony's take

2011-10-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

A Greenland paddle devotee

More people are using Greenland paddles. I wonder why. Is it better technology than what western technology has come up with?

I think it might be more a question of resources than an end product of trial and error.

I recently purchased a book entitled "Lands Forlorn" by George M. Douglas about a 1912 copper exploration expedition to the Coppermine region in Canada's north. There the party came in contact with Inuit and a picture on page 224 shows a kayak frame with an Inuit hunter holding a doubled, wide bladed paddle.

Th Arctic Ocean flows out through the channel between Baffin Island and Greenland. There wouldn't have been much wood drifting north from forested areas. What wood did wash up on Greenland beaches would in all likelihood have been small sticks. Would the Greenland Inuit have had to make that wood work to fashion a paddle?

Could the wide blade of Coppermine Inuit have been due to access to wider sticks of wood? They did frequent treeline country to hunt cariboo.

I don't know.

I'm happy with my Euro blade and I think I'll stick (pardon the pun) with it.

Centennial paddle

2011-10-02T14:37:00.000-07:00

It is what it is

The weather was crappy but I got out anyway. I had to. It was my 100th time in the kayak this year. I think it was around Dean's 80th. He'd also have 100 if he didn't have a day job. My lucky!

At a safe distance

2011-09-28T05:54:00.001-07:00

Too close?

Getting up close and personal with icebergs is not an issue for most kayakers. Here in Newfoundland, in iceberg alley, we probably see more icebergs than anywhere else in the world. We often paddle near them because they are an awesome sight.

Icebergs pose dangers. They can break up and cause waves or even roll over onto unwary kayakers. Some icebergs have ice shelves that extend out underwater from the above water part that can break off and come up under the kayak.

Some people preach safety and warn paddlers not to get too close. They have a point but ...

Better?

... how close is close enough? Its a personal decision I think. Kayaking is a risky activity at the best of times. Anyone paddling close to icebergs should weigh the risks of mishap themselves based on iceberg size and structure.

A tabular berg is less likely to roll. A blocky berg is less likely to break apart unexpectedly. An irregular shaped berg poses the most danger for both roll over and breakup.

In any case, I don't linger close by too long to minimize the risk yet still get an exciting experience. Just because I do doesn't mean anyone else should do the same. Its your decision.

Perfect ending

2011-09-26T04:06:00.001-07:00

A piece of the pie

I was out paddling from iceberg to iceberg doing a tour of 12 icebergs off of Seal Cove. There were bits of ice floating around. I picked up a piece and secured it under my bungees. I had something in mind.

A perfect combination

As soon as I got back from my paddle I put the bergy bit in the freezer. It was destined to become ice cubes in a favourite concoction of mine.

I don't know how many thousands of years old the ice was but it was a novelty and the perfect ending to a memorable day paddling.

Icebergs, icebergs and more icebergs

2011-09-24T04:33:00.001-07:00

There were icebergs in White Bay but should I go to Seal Cove or Wild Cove? A phone call to Seal Cove confirmed there was an iceberg right in the cove. As I came over the top of the hill I could see the berg. There were others. I quickly found a nice sandy spot to launch.

There was great anticipation as I paddled out of the harbour.

There was my first iceberg sighting in two years. I paddled over to it and took my time circling it to savour the moment.

On to the next one, a whimsical shape with gentle curves but also jagged edges where it had broken apart from something else. To my left ...

a more massive berg off of Southern Arm Head. I went to get a closer look.

Up close it was all iceberg. As I paddled around it I looked into Southern Arm and spotted ...

two large tabular bergs. I felt like a youngster in a candy store and being alone, it was all for me.

Bits of ice floated around.

Around every corner another iceberg.

What I thought were two bergs were in fact three. The popping sound of trapped gas escaping from the melting ice coupled with water dripping off of the bergs and a few drops of rain was magical.

I was deep in Southern Arm with the massive bergs but there were more to explore. Near Flat Point a contorted iceberg was calling.

It had a cave running right through it. I contemplated it for a minute but resisted. I looked down into the water and thought it wasn't massive enough and could break up any moment. Discretion is the best part of valour so I moved on.

Most of the bergs were massive blocky or tabular bergs but this one had been sculpted by wind an water. Further out in the bay there were still more so I moved on.

This one was jagged. In the distance off of Pound Head was one more I had to go check out.

It took me 30 minutes to paddle out to this one. I went because a fragment of Petermann A lay behind it. Unfortunately, it lay too far way on this day as my time was running out.

I turned and headed back to Seal Cove totally blissful. It was feast of icebergs, the most I've ever seen in one place and a day I won't soon forget. The only thing missing was someone else to share it with.

A paddle with sis

2011-09-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Steppin' in

On Sunday past I was out to visit my sister Dory in Woodstock, a 6.5 hour drive distant. She also has a kayak but no paddling buddies and no instruction. I took my boat out with the intention of teaching her everything I know and that didn't take long *lol*.

She hadn't been in her kayak for several years so we had to dust off her kayak before she got in with Harry's help and the "lesson" began.

Brilliant sunshine

I believe a new paddler often get overloaded with information. I showed her the basic strokes that she can work on by herself. Once she has a better grasp on that she has something to build on.

Rustic stages

After some time in the inner harbour we paddled along the shore past pink granite outcrops, boulders and fishermens' stages. Stages are where fishing gear is stored, fish is landed and processed.

Red Point

The wind came up a little bit. I reassured her that I would tow her back if it became an issue. Running in front of the breeze it wasn't long before we arrived at Red Point.

Red Point comes by its name for obvious reasons - the colour of the granite. Some of the granite has specks of the mineral chalcopyrite in it that adds weight to the rock that can really be felt when hefting it.

The smile says it all

We ducked in behind Red Point out of the wind and floated in our boats for a while before crossing the harbour over to Charlies Cove.

Charlies Cove

The paddle over to Charlies Cove meant taking the wind and chop on the beam. I stayed close but Dory was fine, maybe reassured by my presence.

Onwards again

In Charlies Cove across the harbour, and across from the pink granite, the host rocks were no longer pink but black and metamorphosed to hornblende schist by the heat from the granite as it was intruded.

We hugged the shoreline where we had some protection from the wind. Dory soldiered on and didn't need a tow. It wasn't a long paddle but we both enjoyed it. She learned a few things that will make her paddles more enjoyable. She has her kayak to just putter around in the harbour, look at the bottom and the rocky features of the shoreline. That's what makes her happy and that's what counts.

Away from it all

We put our gear away, packed supplies for a barbeque and drove a short distance and walked into Dory and Harry's cabin. Hidden away in the woods its a refuge from the worries of everyday life.

They cut the trees and had all the wood in the building milled at a sawmill. Then it had to be hand carried into the site. It looked to be a monumental amount of work but the results speak for themselves.

The BBQ was the perfect topper to a perfect day. Dory is a special person in my life and I was so happy to be able to spend it with her in the way we did.

Hurricane Maria

2011-09-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

Giddy up

There was a TV program on the national broadcaster a while ago entitled "How do you solve a problem like Maria". I don't know how it turned out but today Dean and I had a solution to Maria, the hurricane.

Winds today hovering around 26 - 28 knots with gusts to 40 meant there'd be no day paddle . Dean and I opted for an hour and a half at St. Philips to do a bit of surfing. It was interesting but felt like another day at the office. An hour and a half well spent.

I'm off to the Baie Verte peninsula tomorrow to spend a few days with my sister who also has a kayak. Iceberg finder shows 9 bergs in White Bay and while I'm out that way I hope I'll get out to some of them and have a few shots to show for it. So, the next post likely won't be till coming Thursday unless I can find an internet connection.

Keep out of trouble till then!

In a trance

2011-09-16T04:26:00.001-07:00

Simplicity

I find it interesting how conversation stops when we do crossings.

When we handrail and take our time to explore or when we first get underway there's always conversation with paddle mates to catch up on news or just marvel at the excellent day.

Crossings seem to be a different experience. I get into a rhythm and slip into my own world as we silently paddle as a group towards a distant objective. As the blade cuts through the water it becomes hypnotic and I enter a trance like state where there are no problems, deadlines or commitments. Its a high, all without a prescription.

A moonless moonlight paddle

2011-09-14T03:31:00.001-07:00

Sundown

There are four ingredients to a moonlight paddle. Three things that are nice to have and one must have.

Waiting

One: Calm water. Darkness adds a degree of difficulty in itself; no need to add active water into the mix.

Last light

Two: light wind - for the same reason as calm seas.

Dark stranger

Three: fellow paddlers. I'm afraid in the dark *lol*. There were 10 of us, even Stan whom I haven't seen since April was there.

Reflections

Four: Moonlight. Doh! Forgot to arrange for an appearance by the moon.

Dean paddles into the dark

All the ducks seemed to be lining up early Tuesday. Calm wind and seas and a crystal clear blue sky with bright sunshine. Then, later in the afternoon it began to cloud over. I knew then we wouldn't have the moon for company.

What are the probabilities of having all the ingredients on any full moon night? I don't know but not good I suspect. We went for a paddle anyway and still enjoyed the night.

Disappointment salvage

2011-09-11T15:03:00.001-07:00

What now?

Today we headed down to St. Mary's Bay hoping to do some kayak surfing. The remnants of Hurricane Katia had passed by on Saturday and huge swell was forecast along the south coast of the Avalon.

A check of buoy data at the mouth of the bay indicated a swell of 2.2 meters straight up into the bay. I fully expected to find good surfing conditions at Point La Haye. Huge disappointment. There was huge swell alright but only where it broke over the shallow underwater extension of the point. No green water at all. Only water being stood up and turning to foam. There would be no surfing.

I felt bad for suggesting the location. We had driven over an hour so we were going to paddle anyway. Once everyone had gotten on the water safely we decided to paddle down to St. Mary's, the community.

Wide berth

The swell at the point was awe inspiring. Getting caught in it would have meant getting trashed and possibly seriously injured. We steered a wide berth.

Heading north

Once out of danger of getting caught in the breaking swell we turned and headed north to St. Mary's. While it wasn't suitable for kayak surfing, the swell did make things interesting along the shore.

Around the stack

Paddling around rocks and this sea stack meant careful timing. Mistimed and there would be a surprise.

Almost there

We made it to St. Mary's and stopped on a beach just out of sight for lunch. The wind came up and made for a bit of a slog on the return paddle. It was only 13 kms paddled today (felt like more though) but we made the best of it. I'm reminded of the Stones song ... "you can't always get what you want ... but if you try sometimes ... you might find ... you get what you need."

And, that today, was to get on the water.

Sean's new SOF Disko Bay

2011-09-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

First look

Sean just recently finished his second kayak build of the year. Its a skin-on-frame Disko Bay from plans by Dave Gentry. Sean has a number of blog entries detailing the build.

We got our first look Thursday evening at St. Philips for our weekly playtime.

Two craftsmen

Sean is a craftsman and as they say around here "he can put an as* in a cat". Derrick, as craftsman himself, was there last night in his strip built and took a keen interest in what Sean had done.

Sculling balance brace

Sean's an able builder and paddler. He put the boat through its paces and was very pleased with the results. When we had enough as daylight was running out, we washed off our gear in the river. First Dean got into it for a test fit, then I had a turn. I was swimming in the cockpit but still found it rolls effortlessly.

I'm green with envy and may build one myself eventually. Maybe Dean too? Great job Sean, you can be proud of the result.

A unique cave

2011-09-07T06:06:00.000-07:00

Left or right?

I've been in a number of caves over the last few years. A lot are the same, just openings pounded into the rocks by the waves. There are a few notable exceptions. One north of Flatrock opens up into an inner room that's like a cathedral. On Sunday, I got into a unique one. From the outside it looks like two separate caves next to each other. Which one to explore first? Made no difference because while they look to be separate when you enter you find ...

Conjoined

they come together at a little beach at the head of the cave. I paddled into the cave on the right and Neil, the left. At the end I saw daylight and then Neil's bow. A little higher water and I could have gotten around. Amazing bit of sculpture completed by Lord Neptune.

Rest interrupted

2011-09-05T05:08:00.001-07:00

Flatrocks

Saturday Dean and I did a 16 km paddle out to Little Bell Island and area. I wanted a relaxed paddle due to a couple of weeks of intensive labour. I planned to take it easy to recharge my batteres on Sunday. Then Neil posted a paddle from Flatrock to Outer Cove. Too much to resist.

Inside channel

We rounded The Beemer and pointed our bows southerly paddling between cliffs to starboard and a string of rocks to port.

Massive sandstone cliffs

The sun was in our faces bathing the cliffs in brilliant sunshine.

In the shade

Caves along the way towards Torbay meant respite from the sun and heat. The difference in temperature emerging from the caves was marked.

Caves to explore

This is really a cave paddle. I was here with a few of the guys a couple of weeks ago and posted a bunch of cave shots then.

Cross to Middle Cove

We didn't paddle into Torbay proper, rather we crossed the mouth of the cove towards Motion and Middle Cove beyond.

At Motion

Motion was very placid Sunday. Normally any amount of swell produces active water and therefore its name "The Motion".

Prospective kayakers

We took out at Middle Cove for a stretch. We recruited some future kayakers who wanted to sit and try it out.

Low headroom

After a brief rest stop we were on our way again towards Outer Cove exploring the caves along the east side of Middle Cove. This cave didn't have much headroom and is impossible to get into with any swell.

Moving on

We took our time moving from cave to cave and as we did we were building up the mileage under our hulls.

Dark world

This cave must have been 200 feet deep. At the end it was so dark none of the light reached and even the camera flash couldn't fill in the cave details.

Timing is everything

A narrow slot and even a little action means stopping to look and time the run through.

Heading back

We entered Outer Cove, explored a cave there and decide to cross to a point halfway between Torbay and Flatrock.

A little breeze came up for the run in to Flatrock but its cooling effects were welcomed. A day that started out as a day of rest turned into a fantastic 24 km paddle. On a day with the right conditions it is truly a jewel so close to the city of St. John's. Thanks Neil for posting and thanks to Dean, Paul and Ysabelle for the company.

Ring my (little) bell

2011-09-04T03:47:00.001-07:00

Walking launch

There are three islands in Conception By. I've been around two but not the third, the little one - Little Bell Island. Saturday Dean and I did the short 4.5 km crossing. Its conveniently close by and without much interest in paddling by anyone else so we opted for this.

We launched in the lagoon behind Topsail Beach but had to get out to walk our boats down the outlet to the sea.

Thumbs up!

Little Bell Island in sight, Dean gives the thumbs up. In other words, great to be on the water again.

Looking north

Its only a short crossing. Even so, there are days I love being out in the middle away from everything.

Target reached

We made landfall at Little Bell Island and proceeded to paddle the short distance around it. The cliffs on the island were covered by the lichen "Oranges stuffious" *lol*

Going round

Turning the corner to paddle down the back side.

Me and my shadow

We were around in no time and landed on the cobble beach to stop for lunch. A scramble up the hill to the top of Little Bell Island gave us a nice view of the surroundings.

Finished lunch Dean and I paddled the 5 km back across towards St. Thomas Cove where we turned south and back to Topsail Beach. A short paddle of 16.5 km that fit the bill for the day.

Just goofing around

2011-09-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Blowback

Sometimes its not about practice. Sometimes its just about goofing around. Kayaking after all should be fun and you know what they say about all work and no play. So, last evening we goofed around. That was dictated by the calm conditions on the evening.

There was just enough swell to create a spray as the water blew back from a small hole in the rocks. Then we went on a short paddle negotiating passages between rocks. We rode the swell up the rock faces and back down as it pulled back.

Whether its serious practice or goofing around as we did last evening, there's no need to justify getting into a kayak.

Scale

2011-09-01T04:25:00.001-07:00

Specks on the ocean

Arnold is a big guy. If I stood next to him he'd look even bigger. If he stood several paces behind me I'd appear more flattering in terms of size.

A picture taken of a kayaker up close doesn't show the scale of the environment we paddle in. This shot of a couple of paddlers on equal portions of water and rock captures the feel of how small we are when we are on the sea in our kayaks.

Its a big world we play in; treat it with respect.

A matter of control

2011-08-30T04:54:00.001-07:00

Looking out at the world

I admit it, I am a control freak.

I sense it particularly now. I seeded grass on Sunday and yesterday it was windy. Some of the grass seed was blowing around. It was hard to look at. It was something I just couldn't control.

I got to thinking about kayak practice. Was it that I practice because I like to practice or that I have to be "in control" of my kayak? Probably a bit of both.

Usually in confused seas I just the the boat go but there are times when I absolutely must maintain control. A light went on! When things get confused on the ocean, control must be exercised over both the kayak and the mind. It is imperative to maintain control over the mind when everything is out of control around me. And, so I can't control the wind or the grass seed blowing around but I can control my mind to accept my loss of control.

Mad dogs and Englishmen

2011-08-29T05:29:00.001-07:00

A bit of alright

Mad dogs and Englishmen, as the song goes, go out in the midday sun ... I must be a mad dog. For the last week I've been busy spreading topsoil. Yesterday I spread the last of four and a half tandem loads and put the grass seed in for my daughter. Its been sunny and hot, hot hot. Long days. After seven, I felt knackered.

I needed rest. No, I needed some alone time in the boat. I put in just after 7:00 as Jamie and his wife were finishing their paddle. I explained my need and therefore the lateness of my launch.

The sun was setting over Bell Island to port. There was very little wind. A lone seagull flew in the same direction but further out in the bay. I thought to myself, I understand. I wondered if it understood what I was about.

After working like a dog all week the cool ocean breeze made it all seem worthwhile.

Learning in the soup

2011-08-27T03:40:00.000-07:00

Clyde in the chaos

My experience in the surf zone last Sunday suggested two lines of practice and each is mutually exclusive of the other.

I had one thing in mind and that was to stay upright while doing some side surfing and practicing my braces. That was fun for a while until I got too close to where the waves were breaking. I braced onto the wave but it was too powerful and I went over.

I rode it out upside down and rolled once things settled but it was my trip under water in such violent conditions. That suggests another line of practice. Instead of trying to stay upright, plan to flip and ride some waves upside down. That needs practice too. That is, getting used to the the forces underwater. Anything can be learned but it needs to be practiced incrementally in more and more challenging conditions.

On second thought

2011-08-25T18:04:00.001-07:00

Aerated water

I've read in a number of places, in books and on the web, that good roll practice is to deliberately miss a first roll in order to set up for a second. Dean and I discussed it this evening and we both agree its not a good idea. And, here's why.

Roll practice should be directed at developing muscle memory associated with a reliable roll. Purposely attempting to "fail" a roll is only confusing to this purpose.

An exercise that I like to do towards a second roll attempt is to purposely slice the paddle directly down, point to the bottom and then bring it back to a set-up position for rolling. No attempt is made to roll right from the outset. The only purpose is to get the paddle deep under water forcing me to get it back to the surface to set-up.

Best not to develop muscle memory for something that doesn't work, especially when you don't need conflicting messages coming from the brain in a need to roll situation.

My first combat roll

2011-08-23T03:05:00.001-07:00

Breaking waves at Motion

Sunday we stopped to play in the breaking waves at Motion. There, some offshore rocks cause the swell to stand up and break and spill before hitting the cliff line.

I practiced side surfing for a while and at one point I got too close to the rocks where the waves were breaking. A wall of standing water came at me and I thought to myself "Oh, oh". I couldn't see over it; I knew I was going to get clobbered.

I braced aggressively into it as it slammed into me and went for a short bumpy ride sideways for about 3 or 4 seconds when my ride above water stopped and my ride under water began. I was shocked at the violence of the ride but did not panic. It felt as if the wave was trying to pull me out of the cockpit so I pressed my legs harder onto the thigh braces.

I went along for the ride and suddenly, briefly, I was upright. I have no idea why because the water was so turbulent I hadn't tried to set up to roll. Over I went again to continue my upside down ride. After what seemed like a long time, but was probably 6 or 7 seconds, things calmed down a bit. I set up to roll and I was back up, breathing air. Then I thought to myself "Whoa!".

I was incredulous and elated at the same time. And, on my offside too I might add. I retrieved my tethered water bottle and camera from the water and went for more. I don't think I'll forget that one for a while.

Caving

2011-08-21T16:41:00.001-07:00

Looking for caves

Today the main menu featured caves. Clyde, Hazen, Gary, Gerard and I met at Middle Cove to explore the numerous caves in the cove and also in Torbay. After putting in we paddled along the east side of the cove towards Outer Cove.

Small caves

We saw our first cave for the day. The slates are actually black but the bright sunshine cast them as grey. We thought these two caves might be joined at the rear but that was not the case. We surmised that because they were too small to enter.

The Molar

This cave was a lot bigger and is known at "The Molar". Sitting inside and looking out gives a sense that it could really close its mouth on you at any moment.

Having a blast

Between visits to caves we had chances to play in some active water. We paddled from Middle Cove to Torbay by way of Motion. Motion is a stretch of shore where the water is very active and breaks over some offshore rocks. This is nearing Torbay where we stopped for lunch.

Netherworld entry

After lunch we paddled from Torbay towards Flatrock and explored a bunch more caves. This one looks like it could be an entry point into the netherworld but it wasn't.

And a cave

The waters were a beautiful turquoise.

Distorted rocks

Here the rocks enter the picture level with the water from the right and then suddenly sweep straight up. The forces involved had to be massive.

The eagle has landed

An eagle was perched on the rocks and we stopped to look. It was undeterred by our presence, simply turning its back on us.

Take off

It was getting on in the afternoon so we returned to Middle Cove but stopped at Motion to play in the waves for while as they piled up to break over the rocks. We all had some wicked surf rides and side surfing. Its a great spot to practice because there's enough water behind the rocks to dissipate their energy before crashing on the cliffs.

We explored a lot of caves; I lost count. It was a great day.

Something to look forward to

2011-08-19T04:27:00.001-07:00

This is where it starts

Thursday evenings a bunch of us get together to practice at St. Philips. Its something I always look forward to because I know its one day in the week I'm sure to get on the water.

So, I arrive at St. Philips wondering who will show up, carry my boat down the river bank and get dressed for action.

This is where it ends

After almost three hours, 80 rolls (yes, I was counting) and some excellent surf rides the evening was drawing to a close as the sun went down.

We are losing about 3 minutes of daylight each day now so next week we'll be off the water 20 minutes earlier. In 7 weeks the evenings will be too short to carry on. I will miss these Thursday evenings with my paddling colleagues.

FILO

2011-08-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

First in, last out

I remember when I did my first accounting course. One of the items to account for in the books is inventory. We had an acronym for the two options: FIFO - cost of goods based on first in, first out and LIFO - last in, first out. In times when purchase costs are rising the option chosen can make a difference in the profit recorded.

There was no recording for FILO - first in, last out. That applies to kayaking and the roll in particular. In this case, the head is usually first into the water and it should be the last out. Trying to lift the head out first results in a failed roll. Its the one thing I found the most difficult part of the roll when I was learning. I'm reminded of it again now that I'm getting my offside roll down.

Its awfully simple when you get it and its simply awful when you don't.

Arrrrr pirates!

2011-08-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Exit

A late start today after a morning of grunt work. That has to be done too. Dean, Gary and I left Long Pond to do a short crossing to Kellys Island at 1:00. Kellys Island is reputed to have pirate treasure burried somewhere on the island. If I only knew where!

The put-in was crowded with all sorts of power boats as this was the last weekend of the summer food fishery when the ordinary Joe can go and catch a meal of cod fish.

Crossing

The water was like oil, the only disturbance caused by the multitude of motor boats buzzing around the bay looking for the best place to catch fish. They had that annoying sound like bees buzzing around. I was grateful for the quiet in between.

Cooling down

It was hot. Summer decided to show up again for a few days. We got over to Kellys Island and did a few rolls before starting our paddle around. Note to self: Camera cooled in seawater will result in ...

Mirage

blurry images as the cool camera meets the warmer air to fog up the lens.

Up on high

Kellys Island is only a 30 minute paddle from the community of Conception Bay South. Because its an island it is an option close by for a one night camp trip. We knew of a couple of places where we could get off the water that might serve as campsites. This was the first place we scoped out. A bit of a climb to carry the gear but a great view.

Going down

We climbed down from our perch high above the bay but didn't look like mountaineers at all. A bit warm to climb in drysuits but a dip in the sea soon had us back to a comfortable operating temperature.

Sammy, the seal

A the south end of the island we came upon a seal sunning itself in the warm sun. Seals usually slip off the rocks into the sea when we get anywhere close but this guy didn't mind us at all.

Viewpoint

At Martins Cove we got out again to check out another possible campsite. Not as high and a bit more isolated in that we'd be away from the lights along the shore on the other side.

Behemoth

The tanker Jasmine Knutson was in the bay and riding high after discharging her cargo of Bunker C. We figured it was worth a paddle over to have a look see.

The elephant and the mouse

It was an impressive sight paddling up close and in the shadow of the giant beast. With her cargo discharged she's riding high in the water and its easy to see she also has a good bit of rocker. Makes her easy to turn when put op on her sides *lol*

We took out back at Long Pond amidst the hub-bub of people launching and extracting power boats. We had a shortish paddle of 16 kms and I, for one, was happy to be doing it in a kayak.

Remembering sunshine

2011-08-10T04:57:00.000-07:00

One day when the sun was out

Every morning lately I open the curtains with anticipation. Will it be sunny or will there be continued fog, drizzle or rain? This morning it was foggy again. I'm not sure if I would recognize the sun if I saw it because its been so long. But, ya know, its still there and this can't last forever. In the meantime, I have photos of better days to sustain me.

Summer, where art thou?

2011-08-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

"Great weather or wha?"

Summer seems to have passed us by. In June we had 6 days without rain and 4 in July. August isn't shaping up to be much better. But, no odds, we have drysuits.

Sunday wasn't fit for man nor beast. That didn't stop us though. I met Clyde, Dean and Neville at St. Philips where the wind was blowing out of the north at 20 knots with gusts to 35. Waves were breaking further offshore than I've ever seen. It was marginal for getting out of the harbour safely as waves broke over the wharf but we made it without serious incident.

Two to three metre breaking waves, rain pelting down or driven sideways in the wind and cold at only 10 C. Not a recipe for the faint of heart but we had great fun. Funny how the more paddling is done in these conditions the more comfortable it feels. Not only that, the safer it becomes - never know when Mother Nature will throw a curve ball unexpectedly.

Thanks Dean for the use of your picture.

Savvy Paddler

2011-08-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sunny day

Not every day can be a sunny day. Some days, like today, are not fit for a paddle. Rain is pouring of the heavens bolstered by a 50 km wind with gusts to 70. What to do? Luckily, I was at the library yesterday and checked out the book "Seakayaker's Savvy Paddler" by Doug Alderson. I'm not paddling but I'm learning lots.

A good book to have

This is not a technical book about paddle strokes, rescues and the like. Its a book with over 500 tips to make the entire paddle experience more enjoyable. It covers tips on learning to paddle and equipment purchase for the uninitiated. For the experienced paddler there are a ton of good practical tips on navigation, safety, food and water, clothing, camping and trip planning.

I've borrowed the book from the library but I certainly will be adding it to my kayak book resource. My mind won't retain all this info so I'll want to have it for ready reference.

Soul-manifesting

2011-08-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Cosmos

Dean and I had a paddle practice combo yesterday. We had moderate conditions so we did some rolls, paddled etc. It was at a relaxed pace which gave me some time to experiment with shots underwater. I didn't know what to expect but I can see potential. Reminded me of some of the psychedelic art of the '60s - psychedelic being derived from the Greek meaning "soul-manifesting". How funny, a child of the '60s still soul-manifesting. The answer my friend is blowing in the wind!

Tenticles

Goldilocks

Return from Pinchgut

2011-08-02T03:48:00.000-07:00

After the rain

Saturday night it poured rain for about four hours. Some water got into my tent but on top of my air mattress, I was dry. At 5:30 I was awake, the rain stopped and I carried some gear down to the boat. Dean and Dennis didn't stir so I lay down for another snooze until I heard zippers opening. After breakfast we loaded up and paddled south before turning west towards John's Pond.

Mirror

The shoreline from John's Pond north back to Colinet is not very interesting so I found myself looking underwater for interest. Above water the sea was calm and reflected the grey sky above. Underwater, the surface acted as a mirror reflecting the image of seaweed below.

Lurking below

Gigantic seaweed lurked below the surface as Dean and Dennis floated above in this shot of two worlds captured in one shot.

Ripple

The only thing to disturb the mirror smooth sea surface was my paddle.

Rub-a-dub

The Rocky and Colinet Rivers run into the harbour at Colinet. We paddled about a kilometer up the Rocky River to the falls and the old bridge. We did a few rolls in the frothy fresh water and some rescue practice with fully loaded boats.

Rocky River

Satisfied with our stop at the falls, we paddled back down river and took out at Colinet. It was only one night out and the scenery wasn't spectacular with the low laying country all around but this time it wasn't so much about the paddling. This was, for me, a chance to get away. We had a great time, more than a few laughs and I felt ready to return to civilization. Thanks Dean and Dennis.

Pinchgut camping

2011-08-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Loading the gear

Dean had promised to take a co-worker, novice kayaker, kayak camping this weekend. He couldn't make it but Dean, Dennis and I went anyway. It was an overcast morning as pulled into Colinet where we loaded our boats to head down to the resettled community of Tickles for our campsite.

Entrance way

As we approached the entrance to Pinchgut Tickle, the body of water between Pinchgut Island on the right and the mainland to left, it started to brighten up.

In the grass

The water as falling all the while as we made our way south. The tickle is not very deep as it is but in low water the eel grass was breaking the surface. There were places it was difficult to get a full blade in the water making the going bit difficult as the eel grass tried to cling on to our hulls.

U pick!

We pulled a string of mussels to have a look and, happy with the size, helped ourselves to a few to taste test.

Home sweet home

We landed on the beach at Tickles in a bit of a breeze. We walked around to decide on where we'd pitch the tents so we could be out of the wind. It was warm but pleasant in the wind as we unloaded our boats and set up camp. Dennis strung a clothes line, we gathered some wood along the shore for our evening fire and I took a short stroll to look at the one house left standing in the abandoned community.

Fallen

It had undergone dramatic changes. Not that long ago it still stood upright, derelict but still showing its original character. Now it was a jumble of broken timbers and broken dreams. It looked like it may have been pulled down on purpose or it may have succumbed to the winds of Hurricane Igor that blew through last fall. I felt saddened. Things change, I know. However, this fine, popular kayak destination campsite didn't seem the same now.

BBQ pit

We used a section of chimney for a barbecue pit. Dean brought a bag of charcoal and a grill that fir perfectly on top of the opening. Dean and Dennis had steaks to barbecue and with the few mussels we harvested they had surf and turf.

Roaring fire

We were told there wasn't much wood around for a fire. I found a stash of wood which along with the wood we collected on the beach made for a rip roaring good fire.

Flankers

Flankers blowing from the fire filled the night sky like the stars in a galaxy. It took a long while for the fire to die down. When it did, we retreated to the tents for the night content with the world.

Homemade throwbag

2011-07-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Tony's throwbag

Last year, during the winter, one of the guys had a swim in the rocks in some gnarly conditions. Neither of the other three had a throwbag. We got the situation under control after a while but a throwbag would have simplified things. I had a look at the local kayak store for a throwbag but wasn't really struck by what was available.

I thought a throwbag should be easy to grab onto in the frigid waters we have here and it should be easy to get a grip with neoprene mitts or gloves. Also, a bit of weight on the working end to enhance throwing distance would be good - the beener provides that and allows the swimmer to clip the rope onto the kayak.

I bought 50 feet of floating rope complete with float at Canadian Tire and a stainless steel beener. I had some flexible PVC piping I slipped over the rope before tying off to make it easy to slip a hand in. After a few test sews on my wife's sewing machine I had it going well enough to tackle the bag itself. I cut the material so that when it was sewed together it was tapered which I thought would allow all of the rope to come out of the bag. The rope feeds out through the bag through a brass grommet. I put a knot on both sides of the grommet before tying on the float etc.

Next - practice using it.

Taken in tow

2011-07-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Under tow

Dean and I were out today for a paddle with practice. The plan was to paddle a bit practicing various strokes then do a few rolls, paddle some more etc, etc. Turns out we paddled a total of 8 kms to cover a distance of about 4 linear kms.

At one point Dean wanted to do a roll with a boat in tow. I wasn't sure about that thinking there's a release on the tow belt for a reason. But off we went.

And rolling

After a short tow he went over intentionally. He came to an abrupt stop while inertia kept me moving ahead. The line went slack as Dean rolled up. There was no entanglement but I wonder if the safest thing to do isn't a straight release of the tow belt before rolling. I can't recall reading anything in any of the kayak books or mags on this ... comments welcomed.