If you just go for a paddle than you can stop thinking about wanting to go for a paddle.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

2016: Post 28 – RDF in Cape Broyle

Cape Broyle is a fantastic place to paddle but it is a bit of a drive... about 150 kms there and back... and so we don't seem to paddle there as much as places that are closer.

Some of us had paddled in Cape Broyle in June past but not Shane; he had not been there since last year and was itching to get back.  He tried to get it on the roster last weekend but there were no takers.  So he tried again for this weekend. 

The forecast was for rain all day.  No matter.  The wind was to be only 15 km in the morning and then increase to 20 km in the afternoon.  It would be from the east all day, which meant the further out the harbour we went the more interesting things would become.

Yesterday morning I picked up Shane.  We gassed up and then got some breakfast at Tim Horton's and headed to the meeting place in Bay Bulls.  Only Tony showed up and the three of us drove down to Cape Broyle.

The first thing we did was to put on our drysuits... Tony had put his on at home.  We unloaded the kayaks and gear.  Shane and I just geared up near the car and carried the loaded kayaks down to the beach.



It didn't take us too long to get ready and we were heading down the shoreline.





With all the rain we had been having lately we knew the several waterfalls in the area would be flowing quite nicely.  We were not disappointed... 








It was a mausey day... one of those Rain, Drizzle, Fog (RDF) type days.  But we were all smiles and laughter as we paddled along.



The further we paddled away from the bottom of the harbour the more lively the water became.



When we arrived at Church Cove it was time for lunch. Shane brought his chair... I guess he figured he would be tired...



Tony and I made due by sitting on the rocks...



After lunch we got back on the water.  Shane seemed to be pointed back the way we came, and so I simply said "follow Tony," who had his bow pointed to carry on further out the harbour.  We almost always go to visit Cathedral Cave, and often go to North Point (the headland) for a look-see down the coastline.




By this time the easterly wind had picked up and the waves were interesting at the headland.  Some of them were as much as two metres as they neared the shore and some were pretty steep... we were able to run up the face and crash our bows down with a 'thunk' as we came over the crest.  

We hung around at the headland for a while and then had a fun following sea chase us back into the harbour for several kilometers.... Shane wouldn't stop grinning until the water significantly calmed somewhere abreast of Admiral's Cove...


Tony

Shane

It was a great paddle.  The only issue I see is that it was such a great day that Shane is going to want to keep going back more often.  Well, maybe we will just have to give in... it is a great place to kayak and we really should try to get there a little more often.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

2016: Post 27 – Night Paddle

November 14th was the full moon in our area; actually it was a super moon!!  Last night was calling for very low wind and so ten of us met at St. Philips at 6:30 pm for a moonlight paddle.  I think we were on the water by 7 pmish and we paddled up to Topsail Beach. 

Most people brought a few bits of dry wood from home so we could have a little fire on the beach.  I got ready in a bit of a hurry and neglected to grab a few bits of wood I have lying around in my shed...

The ten of us huddled around the fire on the beach and we had a few good laughs.  It's always a fun time when this group gets together for kayaking adventures.  

I took a few pictures during the paddle with hopes to get a few that might turn out, but except for the ones I took near the fire, they were all just mostly darkness... 




Thanks to Tony for organizing this night paddle, and thanks to those who came along to share the experience.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

2016: Post 26 – Colliers to Brigus


On Saturday past we paddled from Colliers to Brigus and back...  I hiked today and just got around to looking at my pictures from the paddle, and then discovered that Tony has already posted his perspective of the paddle.  Here's a link to his entry - click here.  Thanks Tony, 'ol buddy!!! You've saved me time to have to do a write up...

So here's a pictorial of some of my pics to add to Tony's pics and write-up of the day.... 


The put-in at Colliers

Tony

The guys waiting for us stragglers... 

Shane

Shane

Cathy and Terry

Cathy


Terry

Brian and Derrick

Derrick

A whale!! Actually we were pretty
sure there were a couple in the area

Lunch

Derrick and Terry

Gary and Terry

Back at Colliers... 
This shoreline was new to (I think) everyone except Shane.  Another great day on the water... Thanks guys for sharing it.