2011: Post 33 – Kelley’s Island Circumnavigation

Last year we did a paddle in Conception Bay whereby we left Topsail Beach, paddled to Little Bell Island, then to Bell Island, and then to Kelley’s Island, and then back to Topsail Beach.  When we got to each of the three islands we landed and stood on the beach for a little break.  I had paddled around Bell Island (the largest of the three island in Conception Bay) the year before and have since wanted to paddle around the two smaller ones. 

Today was a very nice day and so Tony, Gary, and I decided to paddle out to and around Kelley’s Island.  When we got to the Long Pond at 1 pm the put-in area was maggoty with boaters… most of whom were going fishing as this is the last weekend for cod fishing until the season opens again later in the fall.

From the put-in to Kelley’s Island is about four kilometers, but the first kilometer is inside the sheltered waters of Long Pond. 

Tony and Gary with Kelley’s Island in the distance about three kilometers away…

When we got to the island we found a place near the west end that we were able to climb up to check out for potential camping spots and have a look around.  Someone had even installed a rope to aid climbers getting up the steep bank.  It was a fine view looking out across the bay back toward Long Pond.

Tony found a rock perch to take inthe view...

We climbed back down and continued on our way.  At the west end of the island Tony called out to me “is that a seal?”  I looked and first thought it was just the rocks but as we got closer it lifted its head.  Indeed it was a seal.  It showed little interest in us as it bathed in the warmth of the sun.  We were able to paddle fairly close up to it and snap away with our cameras!  We decided it's name would be Kelly...

We continued on.  There were a few places to play in some waves along the north side of the island where the gentle swell met the shoal…

It was a hot, windless day.  A couple rolls or sculls and you could cool off in the ocean water…

Tony finishing a roll...

When we got to Martin’s Cove on the Northeast corner of the island we were able to climb up again to check out another potential camping site… 

Our kayaks on the shore of Martin's Cove

Gary with Bell Island about 4.5 km away...

We got back into our kayaks, did a few rolls to cool off, and then finished our circumnavigation of the island.  We decided to paddle over to the tanker that was anchored in the bay.  This only added an extra kilometer or so to our paddle.

Gary at the stern of the Jasmine Knutsen...
She is a big boat when you get up close to her...

This is a great little paddle, it is close and convenient.  The total distance from the put-in on Perrins Road in Long Pond, a straight crossing over, a full circumnavigation, and then a straight crossing back is only about 15 kilometers.  If you decide to make this trip, I recommend you take the time to climb up onto the island for a look around; the view is outstanding, especially on a beautiful calm and sunny day like the one we enjoyed today.