"Kayaking Dreamin"

“Doing Different"

2012-01-03T19:58:00.001-03:30

Sometimes it is hard to break old habits or to even go as far as thinking out of the box, kayaking or otherwise. For instance. How often do you shoot in landscape mode on the water? Always? Sometimes? Never? or 50/50 maybe. For a long time when I started taking pictures I never really thought about it but in retrospect I think I did more landscape mode than portrait. Portraits are the vertical ones like directly below. These can sometimes give you nice shots of the landscape but are not in that so called “landscape mode”. Good for people hence portrait mode and also good for magazines if you ever wanted one of your pictures published on the cover of something. Might want to keep that in mind next landscape you see.

I really like this shot minus the blemish in the upper 1/3rd left. I smoothed it a lot but I think I liked the colours most and the symmetry of the boat and water not to mention the frozen water coming out of the ground.

Now then i really got to thinking about being in my kayak and out of it, in a box and out of it, thinking in and out of the box! Playing with programs that allowed me to take a perfectly normal gull shot and morph it into something rather abstract, just for the halibut.

Then I tried some whale shots from a trip Tony and I did in Bull Arm some time ago. Kind of messes with your eyes somewhat.

Being completely out of the box now and when I showed these shots to others I was asked, what was I smoking? This and the next shot were of A Humpback whale’s tail snapped while it was slithering under my kayak. The actual shots are on my blog somewhere and are green with yellowish bands of light captured being filtered through the water under my boat.

Just doing something different and having fun and well you just never know, it might catch on for me. I have put a few of these images to fine art print and have framed some for my own collection. It is interesting to see people try to figure what they are looking at.

This one is truly on of my favs as I like the contrast of white, red, and black. Perspective is a wild and varied thing as it can be especially varied in a kayak, from that of our walking one, on land. Never know….. Portrait might just be your favourite Landscape after all.

“Beaches and Such"

2011-12-15T23:04:00.001-03:30

Well it has been a while since I posted and since I kayaked. I do get to beaches however if for nothing else to photograph them. I would never hit a beach without strolling or combing it somewhat as well. I didn’t land on this one in my boat but drove here last Saturday evening hunkering for a photo op.

We do paddle by this beach sometimes when we put-in at St. Philips, which is easterly to the right. I hope to get out with the guys again soon as they do make their sojourn it seems weekly somewhere even if it is the pool. I kind of taken to being somewhat of a shutterbug on land because I am experimenting with some new techniques, new to me that is.

Bored as heck one Saturday night and thought I’d try for that crown created by a droplet you know the one I mean. You see it perhaps for only a fraction of a second when a drop of liquid breaks the surface tension of another liquid. Little things that go on in sort of another world that only last for fractions of seconds and of course if no one records them they are missed.

Not much a-do about kayaking but it is water, the medium we interact with as kayakers. Sometimes we can freeze the action when we are out there and damn aren’t those the neatest shots when we look on’em. Like water on a duck’s back.

Kind-a too like reflections on the water that can be lost to cloud cover, shade, wind waves or just obliviousness.

Whatever the reason we don’t see or take the time to experience those little things might just make the big picture not that visible after all either. Paddle hard and safe and remember to stop and smell the Rhino poop!

“Lest We Forget"

2011-11-12T00:23:00.000-03:30

Dawn’s Early Light

For my son Lieutenant Matthew Mac Kenzie, his comrades, for all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. One day, there will be peace for all.

“Beating A Dead Cat” and “What It’s Really All About"

2011-11-08T21:49:00.000-03:30

A figure of speech of course but I’m posting more shots.

We had river boater as well last Sunday though I did not know him or have a chance to meet him he was boofing in the waves like the rest of us.

Oh yeah, have you met Sean Yet?

Well I know I pick on everyone with photos but this one was neat because you actually did have to be careful on the water because some people did literally disappear in a trough and if you or they were not aware of their presence you could, well, “bump into them”….

Clyde always likes dancing with waves so I wasn’t surprised when I didn’t see much of him on the water. So many waves I don’t know how he coped with which one to attack first. : )

Doing your thing, what it’s really all about on the water anyway.

“Keeping It Going"

2011-11-07T19:15:00.000-03:30

Well since I enjoyed the paddle so much yesterday I figured I’d post a few more shots. Wasn’t able to get good shots of everyone yesterday as I was concentrating more on paddling than shooting. I was tailing a few people but water on the lens in these conditions is inevitable and leads to ruined shots.

Chasing down Gary

Sometimes one character becomes more easily photographed on the waters than others and this seems to happen whenever I am out and on this day it was Sean. Perhaps these guys are just more forgiving and less evasive. I think that someone taking pictures of you all the time when you are just trying to have some fun and peaceful enjoyment can perhaps be a nuisance at times. I try to avoid this though. ; )

Sean here was practising some braces in the waves.

Wanted to keep this photo of Hazen on the blog now that it is out of the header.

Tony also practising some bracing in the conditions. A great day on the water with a good bunch of guys and our ritual coffee afterwards at the seaside diner makes for a complete outing.

“St. Philips and I Actually Paddled This Time"

2011-11-07T00:15:00.000-03:30

St. Philips again this Sunday under similar circumstances and sea conditions as last week. I was back in the boat after battling a cold for an eternity and 9 of us gathered for some wind wave paddling in the remnants of an autumn sun.

Sean playing around before heading out into the Conception Bay.

Part of the thrill is catching the odd wave to surf in the conditions. The waves are quite irregular in that once you catch one you get hit by another from a different angle which wrecks the wave you were on. Sometimes though, like Tony here, you can catch a good ride and savour the momentum and be propelled along like a rocket.

The boys dipping in and out of troughs.

I liked this shot because Sean looks like he got that evil grin going as if to ram Tony when in reality they are quite a ways apart. I was on shore when I took this using a 200 mm with a 2X teleconverter focused on Sean which leaves Tony in the foreground out of focus in the shot, but most definitely focused on his advance.

“Planting The Stern Rudder"

2011-11-07T00:00:00.001-03:30

Des firm on the advance.

Although I had posted another picture of Des in my header last week I wanted to post this one as well from the same outing. Just love the curves of that Nordkapp.

Des from last week as well.

St. Philips, even if I didn’t get my boat wet.

2011-11-01T04:21:00.001-02:30

I’ve been nursing a cold lately but knew the boys were heading for a quick jaunt at St. Philips on Saturday. I was out and about taking photos so decided to head out and see if the guys were within range. If I was feeling a bit better I would have been there so this was a bit of a tease. Especially since I had’t been out in a while.

Des relaxing in the calm shelter of the shoreline before heading back out, to the rough of it, in St. Philips.

Tony and Des bobbing in the wind waves with Bell Island in the background.

Feeling a bit too warm for conditions Dean just cooled off a bit.

Tony seeking a bit of the shelter of the rocky outcrop. Always fun paddling out around this and then beating it back in on the waves. The SW winds give some decent waves occasionally to do this. Today they were gusting 25-30 knots I think.

“Loose Lips Sink Ships", they use to say during the World Wars, my mother told me growing up. In other words keep your mouth shut so you don’t give the whereabouts of allied vessels to anyone, especially anyone you didn’t know. My mother use to fill buckets with sand in Halifax as A kid during the WW11 to help put out fires should they be air raided. She use to speak of the sirens going off and blackouts during preparation for them, some nights.

The vessel in the upper left is a navy vessel with personnel practising diving drills I think. Should be OK to say that now ………I hope! Des is just waiting for a wave or perhaps just being serenaded by the lull of the waves undulating.

Dean back to dry dock after washing off in the freshwater stream under the bridge in St. Philips.

Missing time on the water but good to see the guys out there taking advantage of the conditions. Maybe next time. Off to those landlubbers in Toronto today.

“It Is What It Is"

2011-09-16T21:32:00.001-02:30

I’m thinking that it simply can be just that, ‘a kayak in the woods on a shoreline’, but if you are a kayaker or perhaps even an outdoors enthusiast, you know it can be much more than that.

It’s one of those things that always happen in life when we try to just accept everything for just what it is, just the surface stuff. If you scratch at all, how deep will you go? I guess I’ve always been a surface scratcher more like a defacer. Curious and always believing that there has to be something more inside and for the most part not being that disappointed overall. It can be what it is, a boat by the water, but I’m willing to bet when you go down there and put that boat in the water and smell spruce trees hugging the shoreline and edge that craft into the small current coming from upstream and start to rock a bit as you put your spray skirt on, your senses are going to begin to get fired up as you engage muscles and promote blood flow. All of a sudden as you are leaving this scene you see a big ocean beyond and possibilities, challenges, maybe opportunities with a fading day and a setting sun turning crimson and imprinting a deep, rich color of orange and red you didn’t always realize in nature but today you are there.

The water is ever so cool to the touch as it runs down your paddle shaft and you wipe your brow and taste the salt and just before you reach forward to plant your first stroke, tensing and yearning for that forward momentum and hot knife thru butter feeling that allows you to slide so effortlessly on the surface tension of the water you fleetingly think, ‘maybe it’s a bit more than what it was, eh?’

“A Moonlight Paddle…No Moon"

2011-09-15T07:43:00.001-02:30

Wow! It’s been three months and my pictures are crappy but I’m on the water. Took a break from kayaking I guess you’d say. Still remember how to do it though. Especially good to see all my kayaking friends.

Moonlight paddling with or without a moon, I’m game tonight.

I arrived a bit early wanted to work out some kinks.

Practised taking some shots on myself to see if I still had some semblance of balance. Better subject would have helped.

People began to arrive and I think we ended up with eight or nine sets of eyes.

THe sky was amazing as the sun began it’s decline and my little point and shot I believe is on it’s last legs. THe water was relatively calm, the winds were low, the night was settling in and soon it was off to Topsail Beach for a 6-7km paddle. Glowsticks on our boats we headed off.

Dean escaping into the sunset and horizon. I’m rushing these posts as I am getting ready for work, anxious to put finally some new blog content out there.

Gerard and Derrick captured in the stillness of night, well almost still. It was neat paddling along the coast and coming up on bonfires sporadically littered along shore. The revellers must have thought it kind of cool as well seeing these glow sticks dancing just above the water as we approached their line of sight weaving and mingling as we glided past.

Thanks guys and great to see you all again.

“Congratulations Son"

2011-08-03T21:16:00.001-02:30

Mr Matthew and Mrs Charlene Mac Kenzie, I am so proud. I have been busy most of this summer but I am anticipating getting back on the water soon.

Matt is a Lieutenant in artillery in our Canadian Army and his wife is a teacher and they will be enjoying life at his posting in Manitoba.

I wish you all the best with all my heart.

“Knowledge And Skill On The Fly"

2011-06-09T00:00:00.000-02:30

You can’t beat surfing down the face of a wave for some thrill and excitement in paddling. It is even better when you know what to do and how to control your craft. I guess we have all heard by now the expert theory. It takes 10,ooo hours no matter what you want to do, to become an expert. Age doesn’t matter, skill at the beginning doesn’t matter ie one more athletic than the other for example. You just got to put in the time.

Chris Lockyer catching a wave at symposium.

Chris heading on a crash course for Stan. Like he said at the warm up sometimes despite your best efforts and skill a wave will do with you what it wants to.

Evident in this photo is Chris employing his years of knowledge and skill in preventing me from being embedded with the bow of his boat. Luckily for me he was well in control. I was taking shots of him catching one of the nicer waves off the day when it brought him right alongside me instantly almost and his quick response avoided a collision, not mine.

So we practised some reverse towing rescues in conditions with waves and rock all around. It is one thing to tow straight out of a situation facing the direction you are going and quite another getting out of a gnarly situation towing in reverse. Good fun, good practise.

Getting back in after the pull out.

Discussing some of the strategies and pros and cons of each groups attempt at the 3 man rescue scenario. On person bailed. Another rescued and held the victims boat and emptied water while the third pulled all to safety in reverse in whatever sea state was present.

Taking a break!

Sure is good to be on the water.

“Rockin’ In Salvage"

2011-06-06T08:49:00.000-02:30

Salvage is one of those places, one of those little subtle jewels, like the Terra Nova River, that has spots so nicely and naturally aligned for instructing. I wasn’t doing any instructing but enjoying the teaching of skills from others such as Christopher Lockyear of Committed2TheCore paddling..

Salvage is scenic as you can get of a typical outport community in near central Newfoundland. So our invasion was well underway.

Putting in of large numbers of paddlers is much quicker than you think and once one has all the gear on everyone is only to anxious to make way and waves.

Andrew here taking a quick peek out at the training grounds or should I say waters.

Like most sports it is essential for better performance and less injuries to warm up before you undertake the journey.

Some quick rules and leadership establishment so everyone is "on the same kayak so to speak”.

Maybe just a quick go through of some strokes some may have learned in the blending strokes class from the morning sessions. Now was an opportunity to try them out.

Christopher Lockyear one of the very capable instructors planning the session I am sure.

And so they are lead…..

Now one drill I found interesting was paddling out to this exposed rock island and touching the nose of your kayak against the seaweed there and paddling backwards to the starting point. This may have been as much as an evaluation of sorts to determine skills as much as an exercise to warm up.

So there were a few nice spots but this is where the photography gets limited because I wanted to learn too and not be bothered stopping taking pictures all the time but I think you will get the idea.

Assessing the situation you are in before you plunge head-long into it is a useful habit to get into. Timing is everything we constantly hear in many aspects of our lives and no more so than when planning exits or entries through rock gardens. Looking at where the waves are boofing, the sequence of their flow and trying to determine points that are safe, fun and able to challenge those that need it. Some more tomorrow.

“Flatlander"

2011-06-02T13:55:00.000-02:30

Well I am in Saskatoon right now being very much a mainlander and feeling locked in but finding it nice to be in another part of our great country while wishing I had time to spend on the swollen Saskatoon river right beneath my nose. I’m at a conference so that is not going to happen. I will photograph it though : )

Will post the rock hoppin’ shots when I return. Paddle safe, paddle hard.

“Who The Rock Hoppers Were"

2011-05-31T15:55:00.000-02:30

So Let’s Rock!

“Different Strokes For Different Blokes"

2011-05-30T16:37:00.000-02:30

Learning to link paddling strokes is just an efficient way to get from point A to point B and all points in between by utilizing less energy than it would take if you did not employ strokes that can be combined efficiently with one another. The whole purpose being to try and maintain course with minimal drag from improper stroke deployment thus minimizing maneuvers and strokes that will slow your forward progress.

This is Dave performing a shoulder brace turn with one hand I think or at least one shoulder but looks like two. Dave was our instructor for Blending Strokes at the Atlantic Symposium. There was no shortage of energy or enthusiasm.

Attentive to instructor examples of stroke blending. We did some routine stuff with low and high braces, sweep strokes and such with combinations thrown in of course. Practising the edging is always fun to challenge yourself not to capsize.

Trying hard to maintain my attention to the course I deviated constantly to take shots. I was practising sweeping stabilizing braces with low brace and high brace recoveries.

Did I mentioned that the sun had reared its’ brilliant face for most of the rest of the day and it was so tempting to dart away into the sun on a paddle down the coast.

Others were more captive than myself and showed good progress throughout.

The wind help simulate conditions and add to a bit of degree of difficulty.

The odd time paddlers from other courses happening in tandem would travel by like Sue here eager to mosey on with her group.

Passing through.

Sealevel? Yup!

Tempting distant headlands and paddlers blending strokes.

“Havin' A Time”; “Get Me To The Water"

2011-05-29T09:47:00.002-02:30

Well survived all the previous evening hospitality got up early for a nice breakfast of bacon, eggs and bagels I had brought from the Georgetown Bakery in ST. John’s. If you haven’t tried them you really must. At anyrate it was time to unload and that can be an adventure in itself when kayaking with so many people and so much gear.

Like ants invading on a picnic we arrived at our put-in and the activity escalated like crazy.

Sean and I were just a bit earlier and so if I wasn’t taken this shot I could have helped him down with his boat.

I think this was called Sandy Cove or Sandy Beach and I have absolutely no reason why?

Jim Price and Julie Bettny doing the smart thing and helping each other down to the water. There was a flight of stairs to navigate amongst all the participants vying for the same entrance to the beach.

Brian Duffet making good headway for the water.

Some were going out and some were coming in.

So close yet so far away…….

In Newfoundland it is easy to paddle near white picked fences. You just know you are never too far away from the warmth and hospitality of the area.

Whale bone entrance exuding the whale of a time to be had.

Still making our way. There were lots to get to the beach head.

Grassy knolls and weathered logs along the trail to the beach just seemed as fitting as helmets for rock hopping. Oh that is later this afternoon.

Finishing touches to gear.

Who is that masked crusader?????

HAzen where’s your boat man??

Sharing stories.

Hey Dave. Dave was our instructor for today. Lookin’ ‘cool’ !

Well almost ready for the water. MAn I’m getting dry!

“Socializing At Symposium"

2011-05-28T18:45:00.000-02:30

Sitting back kicking up the feet and settling in for a sociable. Hmmmm that sure sounded good to me. Some rented cabins and some rented houses all in the name of camaraderie, sharing company and expenses, and being available for good eating and good drinking, oh yes, courses in the mornin'.

Thanks to the bys’ for the swill!!

Dennis and Neville laying down a scawf. If you are going to be by the ocean you might as well eat ocean style.

The crustaceans were not safe in this cove at Glovertown.

I’m enjoying a beverage with Hazen and Seanwith Dean realxing in the background. You have to make time for visiting and sorting out the days fun when you attend one of these things. Though the weather was less than stellar the moods were festive.

Oh yeah just kicking back…...

Hey Karen, thanks for puttin’ up with us.

No movement here. Practising the hand flick.

The bottle was half full!

Maligiaq amongst the gang learning some Newfoundland drinking skills. Very enjoyable company and reams of laugher and fun.

Better take this while I still have the use of my hands. Heh.heh. Great company guys and thanks for the mammaries, hic, I mean memories!

Someone wake me in the mornin’!!! I got to blend some strokes and rock hop.

“The Greenland Roll"

2011-05-27T18:31:00.004-02:30

Maligiaq explained to us the four essential components to the roll he has perfected. Relaxing the head and neck, squaring the shoulders once surfacing on the water, utilizing the hip flick and bringing your back on the rear deck. Easy! Right? Actually most of todays class was prepared.

In Tuilik.

We had eager students of the master and thought Neil should go first to demonstrate since he had practise last year in the Greenland Symposium in Ontario.

Having mastered the rolls with the rescue float it was time for the paddle. Nice Superior paddle there Neil!

So just a quick go through…...

A bit tired from lunch so maybe just a relaxing balance brace.

Reading for surfacing.

Always time for photo ops with new friends. Dean and Maligiaq.

The water was chilly and it felt good to take the occasional break from rolling and to watch the others perfecting their skill.

Shanon and Chris getting some close up instruction on the water. Maligiaq was very patient.

Even the master must rest. The bow of your boat looks fine!

Sean

Chris

Alvin

Lots of time in the water

Roll, roll, roll…….

Maligiaq was very impressed with the construction of Chris Vincent’s boat. It is a fine craft.

Some just couldn’t get out of the water.

Where’d this guy come from? Oh yeah there were other events on the lake like canoe polling. It looked fun but I didn’t get a chance this weekend. I was all about kayaking. The symposium united with the canoe groups and shared the weekend instruction.

This sure was a good idea. I visited here a few times during the afternoon sessions. I was dizzy a few times on the water and at one point fell flat on my back getting out of my kayak. I had been chilled from the morning sessions and further so at lunch break and when back on the water doing many rolls I guess my body said enough. Time to warm but not before I was able to get my Norsaq roll. Sweet indeed.

We had the perfect group for this event. We all shared a few good laughs, got to watch each other achieve a certain roll, or part of one they were trying to perfect, and got to share in the culture and heritage of Greenland paddling and rolling with one whom has paddled with and learned from the true originators of this craft and sport. I was proud myself to be part of an old tradition delivered to our doorstep by the progeny of it’s forbearers. How sweet it is!

The neat thing about this shot if you already haven’t noticed is that Mailiaq is the only one holding a Euro blade. We felt quite privileged to have been taught by him and really valued the input on all his suggestions throughout the day. His kind demeanour and tremendous since of humour made this one of my most valued paddling sessions in quite some time. Thank you Maligiaq and the rest of the crew, I hope to paddle with you all again soon.

On another note I think you will be seeing more SOF’s popping up around the coasts of Newfoundland. I heard a few guys mention that they will begin construction soon. Maligiaq said he has built over 300 throughout his years in Greenland.

“The Maligiaq Padilla Experience"

2011-05-26T17:57:00.000-02:30

You know when you’ve had a life experience! It can be shared by more than one at the same time. It can be simple or complex, based on history or not, fulfilling or not I’m sure, but something that impacts you deep enough to cause you to reflect later as to the events that previously transpired.

And of course, if you are going to have one of life’s moving experiences, you have to get your kayak to the water!

This days water would be Sandy Pond. Aptly named but not traditional in any sense as far as Greenland Paddling is concerned but adequate enough to ensure that nothing gets lost in the instruction process due to unforeseen elements, especially weather elements. Our warm-up treadmill so to speak.

So I thought….. when you settle down for long paddling sessions like out on a hunt for seals or whale, it might be best to limber up first because you never know when that next out of boat experience may come.

Our instructor today would be Maligiaq. I’m not going to elaborate on his Greenland credentials or his paddling skills, we all know about those. I’d like to focus just a little bit on how much fun he made paddling with a greenland paddle as none of us had skin on frames so we could not experience that part but certainly the on water part and where and how those sticks ended up in our hands in the first place.

It became evident to me right away the humility of this small man whom I’ve read and heard so much about. Though he may be small in stature he is big on strength and skill. His effortlessness in the boat was inspiring. I liked the history he related to us about the people of Greenland and the skills and stories he learned from his grandfather. It was nice to see such pride and culture mingled in such a wonderful application of transport on water.

I hung on his every word as years of culture poured forth as he explained to us the Greenland paddling technique that he had learned. As well as explaining to us the importance of the hunt and paddling in groups and the responsibilities thereof. We set out to experience that feeling each eventually taking a leadership role while paddling single file and being reminded to watch-out for our fellow hunters behind us , making sure we were all close together. Experiencing what it may be like in the cold waters off Greenland during a hunt with bergy bits and ice flows all around. Imagining the lifting swell of tides and wind waves as we stealthily sought out our prey. I imagined for a moment what excitement and thrill of adventure Maligiaq must have felt as his grandfather must have related to him on that day.

I really felt that the Greenlanders also had true fun in their boats. It is evident when you see photos of 5 and 8 years olds paddling in the coves of Greenland. It was a cool morning and we needed warming so Maligiaq organized a few races that got the competitive juices flowing, all in a gentle fun sort of way.

His infectious smile made you feel comfortable as he observed some of your strokes critiquing only when he felt it was needed. What i did learn most was that there is really no ‘right’ way to Greenland paddle. It seems to be what works best for you. I can handle that. He explained his style and stipulated how it was different from others. It was amazing how effortlessly he moved through the water even when racing when I was churning up a fair wake.

One of the contest we had held was tying our stern toggles together and paddling like heck in opposite directions to the cheering of the others. A kayak tug-of-war. It was a good laugh but a good workout as well. Many got sweaty inside our suits and chilled as a result later in the day but this certainly didn’t thwart any of the fun and learning that was to follow. Dean is digging in here and though the fun factor was high I could also see how this could lead to skill development of maintaining balance while struggling ith towing a catch such as huge seal, whale parts etc.

The pace was fluid and relaxed and everyone got the time they needed to tune in on the skills or parts thereof that they wanted work with.

Some KNL members listening to the master.

Gerard new to the Greenland stick, gets a private session. He enjoyed the course so much he went to the next days session as well. I believe Gerard and Maligiaq became quite good pals over the course of the weekend instruction and festivities. It was nice to get to know Mailigiaq on a personal level as well.

Following the hunters I had to stray behind occasionally to take some shots but was soon prompted to not get too far behind less I should jeopardize the hunting party. ; )

“Atlantic Kayak Symposium 2011"

2011-05-26T00:22:00.000-02:30

Last weekend we had a kayak symposium here in Glovertown Newfoundland. About 160 participants including instructors. Not a bad turnout at all. One of the biggest held by Paddle Canada.

We kind of took over the town in a manner similar to a tidal wave I would suspect but with much less destruction. We occupied most cabins in the area. Being located in the Terra Nova National Park made for some excellent outdoor environments.

As people began to arrive it became apparent that there was going to be lots of boats. Lots of different manufacturers hence some familiar and not so familiar designs like the Vaag, not pictured here!

Well i brought my trusty Nordkapp and was just itchin’ to get on the water for some instruction.

Having arrived on Friday evening I would have to wait to attend my kayaking sessions with Maligiaq Padilla the following day. We were all so looking forward to meeting him and of course learning whatever there would be to take away.

Just a few boats in the parking lot and we would soon learn that this was only a fraction of the many that arrived on Friday night. Over the next few days I hope to post some of the photos I was able to take when I was paddling and supposedly listening to instruction.

“Nautical Navigation"

2011-05-11T23:03:00.000-02:30

A few weeks ago our club, KNL, held a navigation brush-up course I guess you would say. So like all courses there are essential components.

a) You need a nautical chart!

b) You don’t need an Iphone with a digital compass. : )

c) You most definitely need a Guinness

Throw in some people eager to find out where they may be going on the water and how is the best way to get there. Knowledgeably of course. Guinness burp!

OH YES! You need and educator. Richard Alexander shown here sharing his knowledge of on water navigation. A nice instruction session and always something to take away.

There was some debate about using topo maps or nautical charts for navigation on the water. It only seems logical to me to use nautical charts but there is pros and perhaps some cons for one more than the other but I guess in the end whatever works for you under the circumstances may be your best option. For me it is nautical charts on the water and topos on the land.

“Iceberg Alley"

2011-05-10T22:44:00.003-02:30

It’s not just a saying. It is sometimes a reality. When it happens it is beauty, elegance on water, and purely nature’s canvas inaction. Such are the romance of Icebergs and when the Labrador current starts sending them our way we ready ourselves for the majesty of their beauty. These are a few that are being tracked by satellite in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. The alley appears to be cluttered at this point and less than a hundred km from the tip of the Avalon Peninsula after which when it reaches this point we will begin to document sightings in our area I am sure.

I didn’t think we would get them this year but I was wrong and happily so. With our Symposium at May’s long weekend it could be just the opportunity for some exploration of them.

They do captivate and I find the fascination similar to that of staring in a campfire on a summer evening allowing your mind to drift and be mesmerized by the changing shapes of the flames from the hot embers burning and feeding the fiery dance.

In april there was a huge chunk that calved off the Petermann Glacier in northern Greenland. It is said to be 4 times the size of New York’s Manhatten Island. A university of Delaware researcher says the sheet covers a hundred square miles. Now that is one hell of an ice cube! I don’t think these recent icebergs are part of that sheet as the floating monolithic island is still much further north. Not since 1962 has such a huge sheet broken off say canadian scientists and cracks are starting to form in the floating tongue of the huge sheet. I dare say that we may be treated to some huge displays of ice in the coming years if recent developments are any indication.

Tony and I in the past have spent a few hours of fun observing these up close. We all know or should know the risks involved. In recent years some adrenaline junkies have been boated out to actually climb them. We probably won’t be attempting that this year lol

Here is the link to http://www.icebergfinder.com/iceberg-map.aspx

“Like A Rock"

2011-05-07T11:41:00.000-02:30

It sure is.

Sometimes they look like whales, sometimes they look menacing, and other times they are just stinky and slimy. We have lots of it here in Newfoundland and it is talked about often, ‘The Rock, for example which generally refers to the island itself is a disconnect from old continents like Africa. We have some of the oldest rock on earth in Newfoundland. Heaved up like an earthly gag reflex producing forth molten sputum right from the stomach of the planet’s core. You’d think after all these millions of years of exposure in some of the more hostile waters in the area there would be more sand on the Avalon….nope! We’re making it now. Come back in another couple million or so but enjoy the pleasures that rocks and their peculiar shapes and sizes has to offer and you will be treated to some other than benign wonders during your time on our waterways.

“Homeward Bound"

2011-05-05T13:52:00.000-02:30

With the rewards of a stellar time spent on the water with good friends it is time to head home to our take out in Pouch Cove. Just around the bend really from Biscayne Cove.

Gerard passing a rock island in Biscayne Cove.

Gerard in a droplet warp.

A small inlet that allowed for a small break and mini exploration.

This is actually in the backyard of someone up on the cliff there.

There are a couple of slipways in Pouch Cove and they both are fairly steep. Lucky to have a slipway at all really. When the waters are rough and the winds from the east, gaining access to them can be tricky because of the crashing waves. Today was quite uneventful ands though we did not choose this slipway it is a very scenic one on nice days. I was here last weekend taking pictures on shore.

Our proper slipway in site it is time to prepare for docking as we line up to wait in queue.

As with most launches and landings there is always help available if needed. This was a real slippery slipway. Hence the name I guess. lol

Having unloaded our boats and returned in body and not yet spirit, we have boats loaded and memories etched for recall for the satiated drive home regardless of the still clinging fog.

“Rounding Cape St. Francis"

2011-05-04T08:02:00.000-02:30

Rounding capes seem to be significant. They are gnarly most times or at least their waters are. So I guess this makes for some interesting hydro dynamics. The environment always seems a bit different at capes than other parts of the coast. Perhaps it's their gradual extension out into the oceans they sprawl in that cause huge flowing volumes of water to reactive ferociously as the weather changes and the sea states impart their energy.

Sean rounding Cape St. Francis in the fog. Fog certainly sets a mood for rounding a cape .

Dennis and Dean having rounded are further lulled into a tranquil paddle by the thickness and dampness of the fog banks embracing the coastline during the whole of our paddle.

Clyde and Tony making haste as the glide through the waters.

Entering Biscayne Cove.

Just when we needed a bit of a reprieve the fog broke just enough to allow us to see what was once a slipway. This area is now retreat for summer cabin goers and the damage from many a storm over the last few years has taken a toll that is likely never to be repaired. Once a thriving fishing village like so many along this coast, now a remnant and reminder of the fragility as well as the ferocity of our waters and vulnerability of the creatures living there.

Well, rounding a cape sure makes one hungry. The old wench house has seen better days no doubt. When I hiked out to this point last year all these things, the slip way, the wench house, the wharf were all well and intact. We’ve had some weather since then. Just enough shelter to prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy. lol What a paddle thus far!!

"Enhancing The Paddle"

2011-05-03T07:12:00.000-02:30

You just know that if there is a dark hole in the side of a rock cliff, someone of the group, is going there. To me paddles should be like that. Not even should, that is just the way it is when I get in the boat. As neat as it is prying through that dark opening yourself and not knowing for sure what may lay hidden in its recesses is watching someone else ease their way through being guided by their sense of curiosity, adventure and loathing for discovery.

Sean getting ready to enter the blackness.

The other fun part of a unique discovery is sharing it with other members of the group. Did someone say it was raining?

Waterfalls!! Waterfalls are one of those naturally enticing phenomena that will usually attract everyone. I love them. We all love them. It must be the roar of their cascading tortuous paths down the face of an edifice or perhaps the contrast of their whiteness against a darker background or maybe even their smell and wetness. Could be that feeling of cleansing you get when you glide under them, even if it is minus 2, and allow their force to overtake your senses and wash away the salty brash of your paddle strokes. Whatever it is to each of us, they seem to soothe in some fine way and break the monotony of a long distance paddle.

Where fresh water enters the ocean you feel yes there is water simply everywhere, beneath you, beside you and falling from the ski above.

A kayak wash. Gotta like it.

You get the odd sun break and enjoy the tranquility and colors that surround you as they burst through the leaden fog and release the stimuli make paddling close to shores edge so lulling and enjoyable at times.

When you release into the more open waters and enjoy your skills around shoaling or rock outcrops you begin to entertain your senses on your own level and enjoy the watery field as your craft is wielded to the tune of tides, waves, wind and current that come together and coalesce the enhancement of every stroke on your paddle today. Clyde enjoying the waters at Cape St. Francis.

Bauline to Pouch Cove Newfoundland

2011-05-02T07:45:00.001-02:30

Fog and Such…….

On one of the northern sections of the Avalon Peninsula there is a range of rock hills with steep cliffs that plunge deep into the waters of Conception Bay. It amazes me the numbers of trees that mange to thrive right down to the waters edge.

When paddling in weather other than say fog, it can get monotonous because there is little change in the scenery with scattered wildlife mostly Bald Eagles.

When however you do get to paddle with fog and rain the scenery changes dramatically, almost at every stroke.

As the fog decides where it shall roll it covers and uncovers like ebbing and flooding tides leaving behind or in its midst the changes of the surrounding environment that are nerve really altered just exposed to varying degrees depending on natures brush of fog strokes.

The rolling hills can dwarf a kayaker and the fog ever changing the landscape can make the paddle quite mystical and magical and every new headland approach, a waiting discovery to be had. It is hard during times like this, not to think on what ocean explorers must have felt when they once sailed through the fog, a fresh opening, only to discover some new piece of geography or hidden cover or even treacherous coastline.

Sometimes you may even get a momentary hint of blue sky or total breaking of the fog’s thickness. It sometimes during these breaks that Bald Eagles are seen soaring from treetop to treetop in the distance watching our seemingly stealthy approach but knowing full well that they saw us long before we would ever catch the first glimpse of them.

But on really foggy days you know that total open exposure is a transient relief and the fog rolls back in to mask your way and to muffle and baffle the sounds of the sea but keep close to the surface the smells of the waters. For the denseness of the air is too thick to allow the water scents to dissipate too far from your senses and everyone comments on how well they love that smell …the smell, of the briny sea.

Sometimes just stopping to take in the surroundings is all one needs to be grounded or watered so to speak….and be whisked away in thought or imaginations of spent time and time yet to be delivered.

Outside Cripple Cove

2011-05-01T16:05:00.002-02:30

I’m starting this trip post in the middle. WE did about a 20km paddle, depending on who’s GPS you reference, on Saturday from Bauline Newfoundland to Pouch Cove Newfoundland. It was a mix of one or two sun breaks, with mostly RDF, what we like to call here in Newfoundland rain, drizzle, fog.

These images were outside Cripple Cove just before rounding the cape at Cape St. Francis. There is obviously some shoaling here and this area is normally much more chaotic and turbulent as you would expect any shoal to be especially at a cape. Saturday had calm winds with little swell but still enough water activity to make this little spot an entertainment piece in itself. We pattered around here for about 30 mins or so and headed into Cripple Cove which is rarely accessible because it sits below the cliffs of the cape but was allowing entrance today.

Inside Cripple Cove looks quite innocuous so we glided around its perimeter savouring the rarity of these moments of invasion knowing very well that the rocks and shoals guarding the entrances and exits are volatile at most times and unforgiving sentinels.

Sean taking in the scenery at Cape St. Francis. I believe there is a light here but it was not on at this point although the fog was so thick it felt you were paddling in the dark at times. Right here the fog horn was quite intense and I felt rushed to move on to find relief from its decibels that were amplified more than muffled by the otherwise baffling fog.

“ Mentalling"

2011-04-21T19:09:00.001-02:30

Well this may be a ‘stanism’ …….”mentalling” …. but because this is my blog I figure I can have my own ‘ism’s’. Well of course there is mentoring but in my context you need the mentoring to get the ‘mentalling’. When you paddle with those who have been before, you are very apt to get something out of the experience and more oft than not it is one of those wisdom gems that seem to make you wonder why the heck you hadn’t figured it out already. Courses do that too.

Someone once told me that river boating was for the younger crowd. Well my file footage bags to differ. Now I remember Des saying when we hit terra firma that it feels a bit more cramped in there, but lets face it, we never seem to stop growing. This is Des on the Terra Nova River in Newfoundland during one of our kayaking retreats. Appears as at home surfing here as he would on the ocean which I believe is his preference. Though I cannot speak for him.

Malcolm shown here with Des, his constant paddling partner, is one of those mentors whom can relieve some of those ‘mentalling' issues. Has on various occasions offered a few gems of advice that have enabled me to approach something differently and most likely and importantly more effectively or efficiently. Mostly to do with paddle strokes and combinations and when various ones are effective when used together. He may not remember or I may have received it at one of his presentations but my point is that it has helped me around the mental struggle with a concept.

So we know as kayakers that skill development is ongoing like it is in most activities. Brian Smith seen here with MArk Dykeman taught me a very simple thing this day we were on the river at Terra Nova for a lesson and I was able to apply it to sea kayaking as well. It simply was to exert pressure on the thigh braces for good contact and then RELAX. You can’t imagine how significantly that simple piece of advice has changed my comfort level in river kayaking and sea kayaking conditions. It is very easy to tense up and try to control the boat all the time but sometimes it is good to let the boat do what its design was engineered for. Loose lips may sink ships but loose hips, I believe, keep them afloat.

So now when I find myself getting way too tense in conditions, I loosen up and let the boat do some of the work if not all while allowing myself the ability to exercise further control when I need to. Not only does this make for a comfortable paddle but it reduces injuries do to over exertion and tension. From me simply, paddle hard, paddle safe!

Oh yes did I mention there is an iceberg not to far from this spot on the ocean side. Well there may be more when we return here next month. I also mentioned in the last post that all our snow was gone. Well it returned overnight. I think a bunch of kayakers have to get together to exorcise winter.

“Yesteryear"

2011-04-20T21:33:00.003-02:30

That is just a marker in time…’Yesteryear’! Nothing definitive or too descriptive but more a reference than anything else. Just a spot you don’t necessarily have to assign too much metadata to. A good memory marker however.

I remember this photo from the NL 2008 kayaking retreat because Alison and I thought about going over to that berg and breaking off from the group. Ohh we were bad! We use to have huge discussions at our board meeting about people breaking off from organized paddles. I was notorious for this. My adventurist side always got the best of me and it was great paddling with Alison because I always had a partner in crime. There are probably more cons than pros when you do this and I don’t even want to discuss the merits of it here but I was more reminiscing about paddling near bergs, which we will not get to do again this year.....maybe I hear there is one in Bonavista a patient told me today..

This is Alison again as we haven’t seen her white kayak in some time now but hoping she will have some presence on the water this year as we bob along our coast. You got to like looking back at file footage. It always inspires me to get back on the water. It is still cool here in NL but all our snow is gone and we are looking so forward to our Kayaking Symposium in May and the good times to be had with it.

“Catching The Wave"

2011-04-15T22:29:00.001-02:30

A bit of a different header image but he was looking so tired and kind-a-neat to pass up.

Last year we did very little surfing or at least I did very little surfing. I fear we missed a lot of good waves. There is never a shortage here in Newfoundland. I think this year I’ll be able to convince a few of the gang, I’d dare say all of the gang, to embark on a couple surf sessions. Always fun, they are to me, and I always seem to learn something new.

So as I start to think and prepare, I’d like to imagine the wave for me.

Now there are many, many that know a hell of a lot more about waves than me, I’m thinking of our Malcolm here from our club, but I figure if we’re going to play in waves we best do it safely.

One cannot underestimate the ferocity, the power and the energy a wave is all to willing to impart. We also know that when anything imparts energy on something else there is usually damage unless it is harnessed in some way.

Hmmmmm….I wonder where and when or exactly what our waves will be like. Well that new helmut might come in handy. If you need one, The Outfitters on Water Street has a 'Sweet' line down there.

“Where Are The Bergs?"

2011-04-05T18:58:00.001-02:30

I’m not sure!

I’ve been checking our Iceberg finder and can’t seem to pick any up. It may be early but usually there is some indication by now as to how they may be lining up for their trek down iceberg alley. In the distance we are looking at some berg bits. Remnants and break-aways from a much bigger berg. Paddling near the Dungeon Sea Cave in the apply named park a few years back in the month of May. We are approaching May and our Symposium and no bergs. Not that we need bergs to have a May or a Symposium but it wouldn’t hurt. Maligiaq Padilla will be a guest this year so maybe the bergs will follow him from Greenland. A lot to ask for I know but they are so beautiful when they do decide to come to our waters.

“It’s About Favourites Today"

2011-03-30T22:13:00.001-02:30

One of my favourite pictures I ever took was the above picture of Tony on the slipway at Bauline Newfoundland in his boat just preparing and adjusting gear before we set off. It was just one of those isolated transcendent moments when all things seemed aligned. I’m not feeling much of that way today.

This is one of my favourites I never took. It is a shot of me paddling in the Tickle of Conception Bay with Bell Island to the left and Portugal Cove to the right. This is my best profile by the way. I asked Gerard to take this shot one day and with a bit of cropping his work was art to me. A couple of cool shots, a couple of cool guys, on a couple of different days, in a couple of nice boats doing what has become a mainstay I think in both our lives and that of our friends.

So as spring nears and my schedule seems to be getting busy I am looking forward to getting on the water with friends………. Whenever that may be. The whales are on their way here now, the birds are gearing up I’m sure for their flight to our ecological reserves around the island and there is that hint of seasonal change. Hopefully some overnighters this year and more of them to try and stretch those longer days even longer.

“Rocky Roost"

2011-03-23T21:25:00.001-02:30

Seeking a bit of shelter during our Witless Bay paddle. While the guys played in the waves I took a few snaps from shore.

Clyde in the distance is seen digging in the surf. This was actually a neat little spot to stop because of the shelter from the wind and the swell. Right now we are in the middle of a snow storm of sorts. It was miserable all day and it seemed to me that it sure was the longest time taken to accumulate 5 cm of snow and forecasts do not look too promising for the weekend.

"Spring and Maintenance"

2011-03-22T07:29:00.002-02:30

Spring cleaning I guess you would say. Out with the salt and sand of winter and in with the scraping and raking sounds of renewal and color. Just have to get rid of all that white.

Spring reminds me of not only the household chores and yard chores right around the corner but my boat chores. The regular maintenance I give to my kayak every year. Tightening all the deck screws, ensuring my deck-lines are not frayed, tightening my seat, checking for cracks or leaks, wear and tear, and any issues I may discover when I do a VSBE (visual surveillance of boat extremities). My boat this year is also going to need some serious buffing of the outer deck and hull as I have accumulated many nicks and slight discolouration's from use over the last few years. Hopefully It will be done before our First PAddle Symposium in MAy.

That is not to say we shouldn’t be checking our boat for these things each and every time we put our boat in the water but spring just makes me a bit more thorough because I will be doing more paddling in the coming months than I did in the previous 4.

"Side By Each"

2011-03-19T23:58:00.002-02:30

When I was a waiter in the days of old I had an old timer come in one morning in the restaurant I was working in and order breakfast. He said,” I’ll have a pair of eggs side by each, and a pair of bacon parallel to each other.” He kind of caught me off guard so I asked if he was having four pi geometry coffee. In Nuclear Medicine we use a Dose Calibrator to assay our radiation before we inject it. It’s measuring chamber almost approaches 4 pi which makes it fairly accurate. (kinda mug shaped). However when I was laying out his utensils I definitely made sure they were nice and straight and lined up with the straight edges of the table sides.

This photo just reminded me of that, the parallel to each other part anyway. Probably just a long winded way of saying not much of anything to post a pic.

Clyde is washing the back of his deck here I believe. The good thing about the low profile of a Nordkapp is that the waves will wash right over rather than wash you over and as Clyde is demonstrating it is essential to brace into the wave rather than the sometimes instinctive opposite no matter how small or big the wave, to prevent capsize.

“Givin’er"

2011-03-18T20:26:00.000-02:30

Ya know what? Sometimes you just break out in a sweat watching these crazy adrenalin junkies on TV or in magazines. Sometimes you just break out in a sweat putting your snowshoes on. Other times you’re sweating because your anxiety is so beyond control your body has a hard time dealing with its situation and its reality whatever that may be at the time.

More often than not I hope you break into a sweat because you truly earned it. That is, you exerted your body’s potential to a max or near max or maybe just to your rev zone. The area where your muscles and your breathing are peaking in unison and lactic acid buildup is beginning to cramp and taunt your muscles for just a mere break, just a pittance of time to cycle some glucose and feed those pains. Then slide down off that wave and wait for the next one and grip the surface breaking the tension between blade and ocean getting purchase and accelerating through the stroke as you ride the trough to the crest and descend the face bringing salt and spray and brow sweat flying with every feeling of excitement and exhilaration as you release into the calm of the outer flow of the wave cycle and brace for the next ride. Hell you earned it! You Sweat!

“Isn’t It True Though…..?"

2011-03-17T05:57:00.000-02:30

Isn’t it true that when you are doing something you enjoy the passage of time feels as though it wasn’t even there in the first place save for the markers of time passage like day to night, sunrise to sunset, small belly to big belly for some, big muscles to small muscles for others or wrinkles!

So isn’t it true that we associate wrinkles with aging and thus by association or perhaps even still because of, the passage of time. Isn’t it also true that we as kayakers treat our boats sometimes like a second skin. You really have to feel it, to get the most out of it, that is for sure. It is kept reasonably clean by all the exposure to waters. It is fairly easy to accessorize. God knows we like to do that to her.

But sometimes just like our own skin, our boat “skin” gets the equivalent of “wrinkles”. They come in the form of stress fractures, dings, nicks, scrapes, bumps, rubs, slaps, chafes and well just about anything else. Even the color may start to fade a bit as the “boat skin" takes on its older more mature pallor. Like other skins it comes in all colors and I tend to like all colors equally well, well most. Robin Egg Blue is not one of my favourites but it is the color most easily seen from the air when looking down on the water. That is a fact.

So whatever color your boat skin may be it sure looks good on the water to me. I really am not to concerned about the number or presence of wrinkles in your boat skin or mine for that matter nor the passage of time. Somethings just are and will just always be. But you gotta like that feeling of realization when you discover geez! I’ve been on the water for 5 hours, where does the time go? Absorbed in good times and fun with friends I guess, better to be on the water then, than anywhere else.

“Three Amigos"

2011-03-15T20:53:00.001-02:30

Three different brands, three different boats. Perception Eclipse on the far left, Current Designs Siroco in the middle I believe and Valley Aquanaut far right.

Neville, Dean and Gerard embarking in a flotilla of yellow. The sunshine on a cloudy day!

Refuelling the engine.

Maintaining the peace.

“Having A Time"

2011-03-14T19:32:00.001-02:30

I love being on the water. It seems some force just takes right over as soon as I get into my boat. I really don’t want to get out. It just feels good knowing I got all my gear safely stowed and could be self sufficient if need be. It makes me want to roam. Getting there sometimes is difficult. I may be tired and not motivated, planning something else, weather could be real crappy(a blizzard/ storm as I type), or I just too involved in taking photos on land.

When I do get to the waters edge I am always delighted that I made the trek. Good company makes it that much better of course. Being involved in the pre-paddle work up through email exchanges and AMEC weather forecasts posts from members of our club and friends certainly helps with getting your butt out there.

Catching up on all the news since the last meeting, well, is all part of the fare. Even taking pictures of people taking pictures is a blast. Most of us have blogs and paddle on the same trips typically so it is pure fun to check in on how the other guys saw the paddle and review their take of the trip.

Coming into Camel Beach I believe for a mug up. Not sandy by no means here. The Avalon is mostly rock and when you paddle the coast you will be accustomed to this.

I’ve started bringing my other camera. It is certainly better than the Olympus one i use on the water and those shots are starting to degrade as the many immersions in the dunk are taking their ware on the quality. The only problem with my Nikon is that I have to be out of my boat. I certainly won’t use it on the water in any condition but I may get one I can..and a waterproof case. I am becoming more interested in getting the on water image of kayak out there to everyone or anyone willing to look at photos or maybe video. Quality is an issue with me. I want more of it.

Clyde playing on the waves. I actually have some real cool ones of Clyde and some of the guys but the were sent of for possible publishing. If not they’ll end up here. They all, always do!

Clyde just loves that stuff. Me too. I had a most excellent time this paddle. It was full of energy and fun rather than just straight line destination traverses. Not that many of our traverses are ever straight. All of our guys like to explore. There are at least 5-8 Christopher Columbus’s whenever we are out there. We love it.

Of course paddling this time of the year allows for a shoreline display of frozen water falls that very few get to see, especially close up. Some are neat but all are unique in their surroundings and contrast starkly with the deadfall of the land, the shore rocks and cliffs that the frozen monoliths cling to.

One thing I always forget to take with me is a dry cloth to clean of the lens while on the water. A lot of these shots reveal streaks etc. I lost a lot of good ones to these instances. Thanks Gary for being patient. The smudges on the lens were less than desirable which made for some less than stellar cropping. lol What a day though.

“Scratching The Surface"

2011-03-13T18:36:00.000-02:30

A paddle out of Witless Bay yesterday to Camel Beach and Witless Bay Head saw for quite a bit of excitement on the water. This was not our sometimes typical paddle to a destination and return trip. This was: Hey! We’re on the water, lets play.

Put-in in Witless Bay. You always need these shots. We still have snow but it was about 5 degrees Celsius. Not bad.

1675, the population of Whittlless Bay is 34.
1700s, Irish fishing servants begin arriving in the area and quickly start to outnumber the English
1755, as Roman Catholicism is still outlawed in Newfoundland, priests disguised as fishermen, minister to the spiritual needs of the community.
1836, the first official census of Newfoundland puts the population at 542, of which 540 were Roman Catholic.
1845, Roman Catholic Church opens.
1860, the Presentation Sisters open a convent and a school for girls.
1871, population reaches 928.
1960s, people are re-settled from Gallows Cove at the southern headland of Witless Bay to the community of Witless Bay.
1986, Witless Bay is incorporated
2006 Census Population: 1070

Oh that preparation.

Getting out to the ocean is as fun as being there sometimes.

Some fog of Gull Island. Oh that’s OK , we’re not going there anyway. We have more compasses on our persons than Richie!

Gerard and Gary travelling out of the Bay. Today like so many days was or at least seemed about waves.

I guess because we are not only constantly on them but in them and enjoying them, playing in them, studying them and their effects on our boats before getting the line, the nerve, to indulge them.

Just a high ride sometimes. Believe me! There is altitude at sea level.

I turned around to face the guys behind me when we hit Witless Point. Out here the waves had intensified as did the wind. We were exposed and though not visible here Green Island was behind my right shoulder. Why is this significant? It’s not! Just that Gull Island and Green Island are part of the ecological bird sanctuaries in Witless Bay and soon they will be making their way here once again.

The headland in the distance behind these boys is South Head even though it is pretty much due north. Or Mutton Cove. Waving it up and waving it down.

Sometimes being on a roller coaster is as entertaining as……well….being on a roller coaster, that’s what this kind of felt like, but much more gentle. Tony is heading down in the distance while I am going up out of the trough.

After a bit of lunch and energized. We are ready for play. But that will be another post. I have to stick with my wave thingy.

Some of them were rolling in and some seemed like they were rolling out. Clyde here got his eyes on this one.

And like so many things, sometimes it is not the quantity but the quality that delights. You know we got a good bunch of paddlers here and good friends, and always the coffee and tales afterward.

“Paddle Days"

2011-03-09T22:31:00.000-03:30

Some days are paddle days and of course others are not. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have and that includes the elements. So as I try to interpret the weather forecasts around the world I am left thinking, just take it as it comes because if you really want to get out there you will.

Ralph is seen here paddling in a squall we got caught in coming from Portugal Cove a few years back. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do! Not sure where Ralph is now though?

“Dreamin’ Again"

2011-03-03T21:59:00.001-03:30

Well I certainly had my eyes to the heavens last evening trying to get a glimpse of the Milky Way.

This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere the drink to satiate the celestial palette is somewhat, watered down. The summer months allow us to view the nucleus of the Milky Way. That dramatic part who’s density in stars is so captivating and encompassing across the sky that it is hard to miss whether you know what you are looking at or not. In the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere we see the tails of the spirals of the outer reaches of the milky broth. It is our alignment thus. It is still awe inspiring to me to see clusters of stars in the sky and pay at the very least, acknowledgement to our ancestry. I mean after all, we were part of some star at one time. Perhaps when the big bang was just a twinkle in………………… something/someone’s eye.

This was shot last evening during a hike in Butterpot Park at about 2230h. What a beautiful night to be star gazing.

“Traversing The Tickle"

2011-02-22T18:46:00.000-03:30

As always the ferry crosses the Tickle of Conception Bay between Bell Island and Portugal Cove.

Experimenting with some filters shows Tony sharing the waters on our outing on Saturday past.

"Portugal Cove Newfoundlland"

2011-02-21T17:26:00.002-03:30

Saturday saw six of us head for a paddle to some falls about an hours paddle past Portugal cove. The winds were fair about 10-15knots, the skies were overcast but there was lots of swell in some unexpected places at that.

We were all in our spaces as it seems to be when paddling and I was tagging a bit behind because I was taking pictures and hadn’t been on the water in about a month and a half. So I got to watch other bob around and observe their boats under conditions. Here I was watching Clyde go in and out of troughs but also that big wave forming and coming just to the left of him. It looks like nothing in this shot but it was a big one. Clyde veered left with time to spare and we watched that wave pass by. Could have ridden it I guess but wasn’t sure about when it would break and with waters like this, it was play it safe.

Approaching Portugal Cove we are awed by the snow covered hills and look upon the community from the rise and falling of our boats wondering what many are doing just this second.

Because of the storm surges that have been happening in the area there was lots of floatsam accompanying us on our travel. Not really a hazard to us but it was everywhere. Dean looks on as I snap this shot.

On the outskirts of the cove.

It wasn’t snowing or just a bit and it didn’t look like this when it was. I just added this effect to see what the result would be. Neat! If you click on the image you can see it too!

This time of year there is lots of frozen run offs exiting the hills that line the coast along this stretch of Conception Bay on the southeast side.

Having reached our objective, this huge stream that runs down near/at Big Freshwater Cove and then we decided to head back and enjoy the swell that would coast us back towards Portugal Cove once again.

“Getting Out"

2011-02-20T08:26:00.000-03:30

Can I ever think of lots of ways not to paddle in this kind of weather, I mean slack reasons for not putting in the effort to get out there! I got there early yesterday to St. Philips for a paddle to the falls two hours away.

Apparently or, maybe not, to those unfamiliar with St. Philips, our put-in was awash. It was said that the combination of some fly by comet, a full moon and various other celestial and earthly events may be contributing to the unusually high waters. Also the recent storm surges pushing water into enclosed places like this harbour and bay can’t be dismissed.

Whatever the contributing factors one thing was certain, the water was pushing the bottom of the bay well up to and beyond the seawall built to help contain these sorts of phenomenon. There is usually about 5 feet of retaining wall visible along this beach. Today barely a foot and in some places none because the rocks were washed over it right on to the dock behind.

Not only rocks came a knocking. Check out the various pieces of log scattered around our put-in. I think it snowed too.

Oh well, time to be moving on.There’s a paddle happening!

Just have to get through this pesky little harbour channel……….

…whooaaa! Without going over the top of course. The tide was higher than normal and did I mention a comet, well whatever was going on was surging the water up beyond the ramparts of the dock. Clyde here seems to be enjoying the lift as he is taken for a ride.

Now we are off to Portugal Cove and the falls beyond. Tomorrow the trip.

“Speaking Of Under the Sea…"

2011-02-18T21:31:00.000-03:30

Prehistoric oceans would have been interesting to paddle in. The animals in prehistory just seem so vicious. I’m not sure how long a kayak or kayaker would have survived on the surface with creatures like this beneath them.

This gigantic prehistoric ’turtle’ took up half the ceiling of this museum room. This was a very big museum room at the Museum of Natural History in Ottawa. I don’t know if it is a relative to an Ocean Sea Turtle and by the size of the monster I would just say it ate all the other turtles…..all the other things in general. The flippers on that were two of me and I’m 6ft 1in. Niccccccee turtle.

I don’t know but anything with a long neck like this underwater prehistoric something or other just scares me. I Don’t know what it is about long necks but they always seem to have sharp teeth at the end of them. Ok, maybe Giraffes aren’t so bad but they don’t swim either. This guy stretched into two rooms including his tail. Yup, he swam!! Some serious paddling going on with this under your hull I bet. No jiggin’ for this laddy O’!

You all know this fellow. BIG AND BAD looking but not a whole lot of teeth. He/she can be a paddling buddy. This one took up two full rooms and you’ve guessed it, A Blue Whale skeleton. Very big still by prehistoric standards. He could be a Jurassic spin off if you ask me, minus the viciousness!

Now just in case it wouldn’t bother you having those creatures above swimming freely under your hull imagine the beautiful prehistoric gulls on top. This isn’t a gull. It looks like it could run on top of water to me and then once it had its way with your hatch covers and cockpits and the soft bits inside…then fly away licking and cleaning it’s nails, ahh daggers, ah spikes, ah razors or whatever those taloned winged and legged things are. Another long neck with teeth. Now imagine about a 100 or so of these coming at ya. This definitely brings new meaning to the word ”flock”. Like I’d be flocking off!!! I’m thinkin’ maybe an inboard-outboard in the hull might be more appropriate for back then.

"Snowshoeing"

2011-02-15T17:44:00.000-03:30

Well you can call it walking on frozen water, I guess, but no matter how you cut it, snowshoeing is a blast.

I may be like some but I don't like myself in pictures. Just the way it is! For all the good weather we had up to the end of January we've more than made up for it with recent storms and snow falls. I figure if I can't paddle in it right now I might as well walk on it. LAst weekend I was on call so I decided to do a bit of snowshoeing with some photo shooting. Went to Seal Cove where this shot is taken, on to the Holyrood Golf Course and then up to Butterpot Park for some fading light snowshoeing and some quick jaunts in between if I saw something to snap a pic of.

I was lugging quite a bit of gear to see how I would hold up in the deep stuff and faired far better than I would have thought. You can see part of my trail to the left as I hiked around this stream that rolls down from a hilltop. I drove to the top and crawled under a water conduit and stomped my way to the bottom and back up. Got my heart rate going!!

Maybe kayaking this weekend with Tony and the bye's.

"I'm Saving Mine"

2011-02-13T22:06:00.000-03:30

Well this is a poor attempt at framing but I think you'll get the feelings I have when I explain.

I love taking photos. I especially love taking photos when kayaking. A lot of times I seek no recognition than what I give myself on my blog as far as kayaking goes. Narcissistic say some, yeah ok, I'm fine with that. I really enjoy looking at photos. I certainly look at perhaps hundreds in a week and most of them are not mine. You have to love flickr for showing you the talent that is truly out there.

This one on the cover of Ocean Paddler Magazine is mine. It is in the latest issue. I really enjoy this mag, well, even more now..lol, but it is a wonderfully insightful magazine on Ocean Paddling. It is well worth the money you spend for a subscription or the odd copy. (My Plug and it certainly doesn't need it).

So I am further encouraged to continue snapping at every chance and you never know where a shot of mine may pop up from time to time. Thanks for your support Richard @ OP.

"Orca and The Sky"

2011-02-11T07:36:00.000-03:30

Above the Grand Hall at the Museum of Civilization on level 2 is this carving of an Orca directly below a skylight. It is a Haida carving from British Columbia and the skylight above cast a very nice light on the revered mammal below. Though this was a tranquil mood and beautiful art I couldn't help be taken back to this past summer when Orcas visited our area and fed on whales. Some of those sessions were caught on tape by tourists on tour boats looking to observe the mammals in the wild. May have gotten more than they bargained for but it was some unbelievable "wildness" as shards of whale flesh was being strewn about the waters.

Orcas are an amazing animal on our planet, and their is no doubt, by most on this I am sure. They are mystical and magical to a few cultures around the world and they continue to awe us as they slice through the waters in perfect formation in their pods. Their fine form and sleek anatomy lends itself to the marvels of harmonious biological architecture and body ratios that make it a killing machine. We've seen this time and again even in captivity, maybe, especially in captivity.

I've seen them in pods, up close and from a distance in British Columbia. If last year is any indication, they may be regularly making their way, at least the transients, to this part of the world. Their were I believe at least two separate pods identified here maybe more. Unlike Humpbacks that frequent our waters every year I feel a bit more trepidation if I were to paddle near a pod of Killers. : D

I'd still be in awe and admiration, because I don't think they attack kayakers or kayaks, but a little less reluctant to stick my hand under water for that underwater approach shot.

"The Rideau Canal Skateway"

2011-02-10T00:46:00.001-03:30

The Rideau Canal in our nation's capital Ottawa is normally flowing with water in summer months. They drain it when the weather gets cold to produce the largest skating rink in the world. I often wondered if I would ever get a chance to skate it's surface. Well, last weekend I did just that. The frozen canal is about 7.8 km long and stretches from just beneath the Parliament Buildings to Dows Lake.

The Sunday of my departure I took a stroll down to the canal once again, having skated for about two hours the previous night with a nice dinner in a restaurant just off the canal bank afterwards. The Friday of Feb. 4th was the beginning of the Winterlude Festival with open air concerts, ice sculpturing and the beautiful canal skating with entertainment and events along its length. I'll post some ice sculptures in another post, they were amazing as were the four museums I got to visit while there. The War Museum was simply spectacular as was The Museum of Nature. The Museum of Civilization in Gatineau (Hull) Quebec was a wonderful experience with some beautiful displays like The Great Hall where Haidi Totem poles reach to the rafters. I can't help but feel they should be with the Haidi in BC if indeed they are real. I also visited The National Museum of Art and saw an amazing show with a theme called, "It Is What It Is".

Some very interesting pieces were available for viewing in different media. Though I went to the city in the winter I can only imagine its beauty in the summer months as there are lots of green spaces and parks and open air markets.

The Rideau Canal the night of our skate.

Truly a beautiful sight is the canal and a wonderful time. I couldn't help imagining paddling down here in the spring and summer. Ahh Ha! That's an idea. Not sure if you would be permitted though. Would be fun going through the locks up by the Parliament Buildings for sure.

"It's Up In The Air...ahh?? In The Water?"

2011-02-03T19:32:00.000-03:30

Every year since I've been in Newfoundland I wonder when and if the Icebergs will flow to St. John's area. I look forward to that with great expectation every season as the bergs flow down Iceberg Alley.

This one was from a few seasons ago. It was grounded in Blackhead Cove region of St. John's. It was a beautiful site and even more so with light shining on and around it. I paddled out to this one but it was connecting two pillars, huge pillars I might add under water and didn't look too stable. Of course you know I thought what if you could shoot through the center of the thing. It was a fleeting thought. This one stuck around for some time so eveyone got to enjoy it's presence. Last year none made it to St. John's so some years are hit and miss and up in the air I guess. I would have thought with the big chunks breaking off the Greenland Glaciers, there would be more flowing with global warming and all?? The Labrador current and the Gulf Stream from the south have their influence as well. Two years ago the Coast Guard was tracking 948 big bergs and maybe this year we can top that. Even if we don't I'd settle for one or two.

"Old Eclipse"

2011-02-02T17:44:00.000-03:30

My plastic Perception Eclipse in sunnier days. This boat feels like freighter now compared to my Nordkapp.

I was looking through some old shots and couldn't help but think on the fun I had in this boat. So many stories locked up in such a small picture. I kind of liked the perspective on this one and the sun reflecting off the water. Sliding down the face of a wave at the beginning of spring and once again I am reminded that it is only 2 months away. Now that is hard to wrap your head around considering the weather outside with the current storm sweeping the east coast of North America. That's why you need to keep a good kayaking library as you never know when you might just need that extra boost to get you through cold, snowy and sometimes dreary days.

"Japanese Black Tailed Gull"

2011-01-30T21:04:00.001-03:30

Today I pay homage to my kayak's name sake -The Gull! There's a new kid in town. His name is Black Tailed Gull.

He came to St. John's arriving at our harbour bubble, (that is another story) in the month of December. He hasn't left. He is quite rare and is causing quite a stir locally. He has very distinctive red markings on his beak and is quite a sight. Apparently this gull has a cry like a cat which I've yet to hear. The red markings I've read on the bill are for their young. They tap on these quite visible spots to signal the mother to regurgitate so they can feed. Oh yummy yum!

I shot these photos at Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's where he likes to reside periodically, as the locals like to feed the birds of this area. He is quite distinguished looking.

Long live the Black Tail and safe trips in my Nordkapp named Gullfeather.

"Failure!!"

2011-01-30T08:19:00.000-03:30

Well when I"m out there learning rolls I'd love to say I always have total success. Sometimes I do. Other times, like learning the hand roll.....not so good. I try to teach myself which may be a source of error right from the get go. So here I am at a second attempt to do a hand roll and my paddle gets away on me. For those of you who've never swam to a paddle to roll up here it is. I'm not sure how far a person could actually swim while sideways in their kayak. Maybe someone should put themselves in the Guinness Book of Records. It certainly won't be me. lol

Part of learning something new, especially when you have it on digital, is to learn from your mistakes. I approach new rolls as being a source of fun and therefore have very little pressure to succeed immediately. Now I am a creature of challenges so I will have to get it eventually, but I will have fun with it in the mean time. Rest assured when I get the hand roll. You'll be seeing that too. lol And all the misses in the process! So without out a little bit of "failure" there would not be a little bit of success and after all, it is that initial failure, that will allow you to perform that successful roll when you need it.

Roll On!

"Underwater Exit and Re-enter Roll"

2011-01-28T20:27:00.000-03:30

Had some time on my hands so I thought I'd put together another clip of a re-enter and roll, exiting and re-entering underwater. Now on Saturday it is more hand roll practise.

"Vertical Sculling Roll and Back Deck Roll"

2011-01-27T20:25:00.000-03:30

You just have to like the tunes to this one...or not. The music is from the Glover Point Drifters a Blue Grass Band out of Victoria British Columbia. I saw them at a folk festival one year when I lived in BC and they were an excellent group. Got to listen to them Jam afterwards at their trailer. They were forced from the stage as a intense thunder and lightening storm was rolling in during their outdoor performance in Dawson Creek BC. It was kind of funny because they kept playing right off the stage as the lightening was firing in the background and continued to play in a huddle down in front of the stage as the thunder pounded.

This was after a couple of attempts at the vertical roll. We and a couple others had a bit of fun playing with this roll. The flotation property of the Superior Paddle is amazing. The back deck roll I got in the pool last year.

"Rolling Along"

2011-01-26T22:36:00.000-03:30

I had a couple sessions at the pool lately. I've been trying some rolls that are new to me. Focusing on some Greenland style ones with mixed success. It has been enjoyable though.

Of course if you are practising rolling you tend to spend as much time under water as you do above. Just thought I'd say hello from under water at the Aquarena in ST. John's. I took a bunch of video and the underwater component looks great however in the above water component there is always a water droplet in the centre of the frame. So when I do edit some of my rolls for the site you'll have to excuse the H2O drops. I had the camera on deck in the bow and it was out of reach for wiping the droplet off. Some of the rolls I was trying needed the sticky pod camera attachment almost a paddle length away.

"Lookin' Back"

2011-01-25T18:12:00.001-03:30

It is sometimes well worth your while to look back. For instance, when you first set out on a journey be it a short or long coast known to be foggy, do you find it most useful to get a compass bearing to where you will be returning to? That can make the difference between a safe return and a more hectic return if lost in the fog. Sometimes in the thrill of setting off we can forget that simple little task. But if you're seasoned you probably wouldn't?

Looking back to see if you are still within your paddling group is very useful. Sometimes we wonder off or are lost in our thoughts on the water. People paddle on oblivious to distances covered. Are you within reach of someone who may need a rescue, is your VHF turned on, do you have one, are you on the same channel? If not, you should look back. Maybe a knowledge of paddle signals would be useful. Did you know they exist? Are they the same everywhere? Sea Kayaking Paddle Signals

I also like looking back to get a different perspective for a photo. This can be tricky in conditions but you just might get "that shot". Be safe first. You best look ahead before you look back in this circumstance because something like a juicy wave could be coming at you head on.

I also like looking back at old pictures taken like this one of Tony at St. Philips. I figure I can always, always improve my photos and learn something to maybe improve upon or do differently next time. So what does this photo tell me? 1. I just love being on the water paddling, especially the ever changing ocean and 2. 'sometimes looking back to see if you are looking back at me', ain't a bad thing, especially if you are on the water with other people even if trying to get a decent shot in the fading light of day and especially if you haven't looked for members of your group for awhile.

"Rafting Up"

2011-01-24T22:06:00.000-03:30

Now I can't say enough about this little informality on the water. Now sure it is nice being out there in our own space and finding our individual zen on the water and well hey it can probably even be found in groups. However, "rafting-up" while sometimes essential during trips to make sure everyone is on the same boat so to speak, (or not) is also essential in other ways. Certainly as a stabilizing platform should you need one in times of trouble (boat repair, first aid administration, rescues to name a few) or just simply bad weather like a squall you may have to link together to ride out.

But there is no better or probably no less enjoyable reason other than to stretch the legs, relax and shoot the s&%t. Sit back, recline, read a mag, have a drink check out the scenery and just simply be in the zen of "rafting up"!

Now Gerard here is introducing a more lounging pose, looking comfortable, relaxed and most certainly engaging while sharing his enthusiasm for being nothing other than on the water in a kayak. Ya gotta like that. I do. Not bad for January 1st, 2011 in St. John's Newfoundland at the exit to The Gut at Quidi Vidi.

"Weather Or Not..."

2011-01-23T20:52:00.000-03:30

Just now the weather in St. John's is frightful. Glad I was able to hit the pool last evening and after a dinner at a friend's I didn't thing I would make it. An Iranian and an Italian dish for the meal was simply exquisite and the wine delicious. Some of the guys I knew this morning were getting together for a short jaunt but I didn't make it. This photo is not from today but epitomizes what the current conditions are outside. This is Tony and Dean getting ready to wash off in some fresh water at St. Philip's. "ya just gotta make hay when the....."

"Newfoundland Winter"

2011-01-21T18:20:00.002-03:30

I've been kind of preoccupied lately with other things so I have missed pool sessions and the odd paddle the guys have been getting out to. I'm definitely at the pool tomorrow night so looking forward to working out some kinks there and maybe trying a new greenland roll. I need nose plugs though. I find that when I am working on a new roll, eye goggles and nose plugs help tremendously when under water. I know most know this but I find the reasoning behind it is that I feel not rushed to get up because the chlorine is not ripping whatever protective coating I have on my eyes - off.

The above photo was taken on a jaunt a year ago I believe. You can see the snow and I posted previously that we were without the white stuff well now we have it back and winter like everyone else but maybe not as bad as some.

I am also having problems with my header images as I switched from PC to MAC and haven't sorted out the issues of selecting and posting images as I am finding quite a few probs. If anyone out there in cyber land might have some advice I'd appreciate it. Like why won't my header image "size to fit" like before when adding photo????? Would appreciate any comments on that!

"Atlantic Paddle Symposium"

2011-01-11T23:22:00.000-03:30

A much looked forward to event by myself for a few reasons. Ihaven't paddled with many of the club members in awhile. I look forward to paying my dues there...hopefully! Looking forward mostly to the Greenland attention and course offerings of Maligiaq Johnsen Padilla, Greenland born and the only person to win 4 Greenland National Kayaking Championships. My personal interst but there is much more for not only sea kayakers but whitewater as well.

Atlantic Paddle Symposium In Newfoundland May 20th-23rd, 2011

The above link will give you all the information on who is coming, how to get here, where to stay and registration information. It is in a very beautiful part of Newfoundland in Glovertown and area. Definitely a place on the ocean where a river runs through it. What more could you ask for for white water and ocean paddling to accomodate all levels.

Although this is more course oriented you can be rest assured that there will be break off paddles in both the white water and sea kayaking crowds. I really like the logo as it incorporates both canoing and kayaking . I forgot to mention negligently that canoing is also included so I think there will be something for everyone. I am sure there will even be a bon-fire or two.

I've never been to a paddling symposium in the east. So it should be a real treat. Gonna have to shine up some of those old dings in Gullfeather and get her spiffy for the trip.

If some fellow bloggers were intersted in showing up before hand for some pre symposium paddling in my "backyard" (area around St. John's) so to speak, I wouldn't be adverse to billeting a few stragglers for a few days. If you have never been to Newfoundland you won't be disappointed when you come.

There are some excellent paddlers in this province and some excellent paddlers from out of province making their way here, maybe this is your year to be here. OOOps , I forgot to mention, the icebergs are around at that time too, but you probably wouldn't be interested in those!!

"Kayaking Dreamin"

2011-01-10T18:09:00.000-03:30

'cause some days are just about that....aren't they?

Beginning of a paddling summer.

"Quidi Vidi - New Year's Day"

2011-01-04T19:14:00.001-03:30

More shots from our first paddle of the year.

Gerrard looking to St. John's Bay

Hanging outside The Gut.

Some paddlers making way for Quidi Vidi Harbour

Just soaking up some of the day

Tony setting up his camera I think

Alex and Gary sizing up the brewery at Quidi Vidi but I don't think it was open o this day.

Catching hazen in the soft afternnoon light

Mike, mulling about in a boat

"January 1st, St. John's Newfoundland"

2011-01-03T08:08:00.001-03:30

Quidi Vidi village is a quaint spot in the heart of downtown St. John's. Every year it is host to our New Year's Day paddle. A tradition started by a prominent local paddler Jim Price. I believe Jim has made it to most if not all these new year beginnings and so it continues today. The Union Jack flying in this shot is testament to some of the local history.

The narrow entrance/exit between the rock in the upper part of the picture is what locals call The Gut. It is the point of entry to or exit from St. John's Bay. Today it is docile but many days it is not. Sometimes icebergs even get locked inside here and people fish for cod of the shores during the food fishery.

Bob readying his gear.

There is always an adventure to be had when you paddle with Alex. Alex is our past club Pres. and he and his wife put on one nice spread after the paddle today. Moose stew and chili with homemade buns and cheese platter with of course a shot of rum or glass of wine if you were so inclined. Thanks Alex.

Graig is our current club Pres. and he is surveying some of the 18-20 people that showed up for the record breaking participation. Worth a spot on the local station for sure. http://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=http://ntv.ca/video/%3Fp%3D10102&usg=AFQjCNEtAAhgn6nYvAf6-BJH_wViYKbOZg

Pete had his river boat out for today's paddle and was busy moving in and out of The Gut.

Marie and Colleen enjoying the splendid day. Nice weather small breeze that picked up towards the end but an excellent day for being on the water.

I'm not sure if Marie was taking a picture of me taking a picture of her or if she was eyeing that baby seal on the rocks that I was totally oblivious to.

Gary heading for the Gut

Mike Kay in his Perception heading for the open waters of St. John's Bay.

Pete coming in from St.John's Bay is dwarfed by the cliffs that surround Quidi Vidi.

Gerard in a borrowed Greenlander. I think Gerard's boat may have a few holes. Playing in the rocks again Buddy?

Pete and Dean heading in to Quidi Vidi harbour. All in all a great day. Will post more shots from my on water camera later.

"St. John's Fireworks"

2011-01-02T12:39:00.000-03:30

Happy New Year once again. Our fireworks were delayed New Year's eve because of technical difficulties so they held them the next evening at 7 pm in strong snow squalls. I personally didn't thick it would work.

They came out not bad considering I was gonna pack it in because of the snow melting on my camera. Glad I didn't though.

They were held in the center of town over a lake called Quid Vidi Lake. It would be Quidi Vidi Gut where we had our New Year's day paddle earlier in the day. Pictures from that I will post later. HAd a busy day yesterday and to top it all off I got called in to work for three hours. Go figure!

"The Aged"; "Yesterday"

2010-12-31T18:40:00.003-03:30

Well once again I am reflecting on the passage of time and as we seep into another year I am diminished on the grander time scale of geological time but able to look back on those critters, they had no concern nor concept of time or New Years.

Trilobites first appeared 526 million years ago. They became extinct 250 million years ago but not before some 17,000 species of them flourished through that time period. The fossilised remains of one I found on the shores of Lake Huron when I was there this fall is obvious in the lower left of the section of rock above. There are other bio forms fossilised as well but the section of the Trilobite with the visible pygidium (tail shield) in the central end section of the fossil is clearly visible. The remains in this section is about 1/3 of the total size and the range in size of these organisms was extensive from 1mm to 72 cm.

Some were filter feeders, others predators and scavengers that trolled over the sea bed feeding on plankton. Living varied lifestyles like many of us today. I was saddened after watching a movie entitled "Yesterday" about a couple in a poor farming area not too far from Johannesburg who developed AIDS. The name of the young woman who contracted the virus from her husband was called Yesterday. It went on to show the dramatic death death of her husband while her little girl was growing up and readying for her first school day. The scenery was amazing. I had a brother die of aids in the early 80's (they slid food under the door of your hospital room back then, no one new much about it) so I could relate to their situation and very accurate depiction of the disease.

So I saw my fossil of the Trilobite on my desk and thought of "Yesterday" figuratively and literally and thought hard on the passage of time, of bugs and viruses big and small and how we all fit in our world, then and now.

So Happy New Year Tim you are missed. Happy belated New Year "Trilobite" no one probably felt the inclination to ever do that and to all those more fortunate to be around and hopefully less fossilised, today, tonight and tomorrow, Happy New Year to you too.

Herein lies my last post of 2010.

"What? No Snow? St. John's, NL""

2010-12-29T22:22:00.001-03:30

This shot was taken on December 28th, 2010 on Signal Hill in St. John's NL. The temp was 5 degrees celsius. Go figure. We are breaking records hand over fists here this year. Well it certainly is the warmest any old timer can remember and maybe even back to the late 1800's. The island is not totally without snow as there is some in the central and western locals of the province. We are without, having had about 2cm accumulation all winter. Rain on the other hand. We've had so much of that the animals are starting to look at each other kinda funny...........like deja-vu????

Probably may not see this again or that often but then again, maybe St. John's is the new south...??????

Cabot Tower on Signal Hill has a sign post with big city names like Montreal, Dublin, London, etc. with distances to these locals and the ironic thing about it is that they all have the snow and we don't. It may not only be the times that are a changin' ." Our New Years DAy paddle on Saturday should be a nice treat and a welcomed change from previous cold and precipitation filled years. I bet when it comes , it comes with a vengeance...the weather that is. Nine days straight of sheet rain from a Nor'easter with gale force winds could be a tell-tale sign?????

"QAJAQ Hits Home"

2010-12-24T17:37:00.000-03:30

Well I was delighted when I got home from work yesterday and checked the mail. A Christmas gift to myself showed up just in time for the season. A membership to the QAJAQ Greenland Kayak Association American Chapter. I opened the package and of course like a curious kid a Christmas time I went through the components and read the very nice welcoming letter from president Ed Zachowski. I've had the pleasure of meeting the previous president Greg Stamer a few times on his visits to Newfoundland and participated in one of his Greenland paddle clinics at one of our retreats a few years back.

I can honestly say that Superior Greenland paddle Greg had sure felt good in my hands. Never thought I would ever own one. I did eventually get one a couple years later and have had it for less than a year and haven't used anything since. Thus began my interest with Greenland paddling.

I have since made one of my own, a greenland paddle that is, and now I am interested in the boat. Though I do not have a garage I am scheming how I can put one together for next year.

There is an interest in Greenland paddling here on the Island and people have been using the paddle and the boats long before me of course as my interest is recent. Some of my friends I paddle with are hooked on the paddle and have made many of their own with some unique and original designs. Sean Dawe continues to make GP's with considerable ingenuity with incorporating hollow shafts and blade protections for those rocky zones.

Malcolm Rowe has praised the paddle and the Greenland history as well as the Greenland kayak designs having paddled many of the designs from Valley Kayaks including the Anas Acuta.

Brian Duffet one of Newfoundland's most excellent paddlers has built a skin on frame and other kayaks of various materials over the years.

Neil Burgess has used Greenland paddles and hosted Greenland Paddle constuction clinic ( of which I participated) in the basement of his home last year. He also attended this past September a Greenland Camp put on by the Ontario Greenland Camp www.ontariogreenlandcamp.com/ which he said he thoroughly enjoyed and took away tons of good Greenland Paddling info. He will share some of this at an up and coming Greenland Paddle pool workshop at the Aqua arena on Feb. 5th, 2011.
I am sure these people and others I do not know about have been at it for a while in terms of their intersts in Greenland Paddling. Hopefully I will be able to now tap into some local skills and knowledge and enhance it with the experience and organization of the reputed Qajaq group. I have visited their site many times and I am very impressed with what they have to offer in their efforts to promote the traditions and techniques of Greenland kayaking. If you are at all interested in this area of kayaking I suggest you visit their site http://www.qajaqusa.org/ you won't be disappointed. The Onatrio Greenland Camp site is also an excellent website for further info about Greenland paddling.

Now if it would only stop raining I might be able to put a sticker on my rig.

"Burgeo , Newfoundland"

2010-12-22T23:14:00.002-03:30

Reflecting on a former paddle because the weather here is so crappy right now.

This was Tony, Ralph and I heading for Red Island this past summer. How time flies! Click on image for better view.

"Logy Bay, Newfoundland"

2010-12-22T23:02:00.000-03:30

Hidden Dance

"Lunar Eclipse, Winter Solstice"

2010-12-21T19:06:00.001-03:30

The eclipse in 2010 is the first total Lunar eclipse in three years, since Feb. 2008.

It is the second Lunar Eclipse in 2010 as we had a partial one om June 26th.

The eclipse was the first Lunar Eclipse to occur on the same day of The Northern Winter Solstice since 1638, and only the 2nd in the Common Era. You think I would have caught it?

"I see the Bad Moon on the left...."

Vive La lune....

The Silver Dollar in the sky....

Oceanography Centre

Well I did stay up until two thirty in the morning but the cloud cover was heavy from my vantage point. However, I took yesterday afternoon off, basically because it was sunny and I wanted to take some pictures, and headed down to Logy Bay near the Oceanography Centre and snapped a few shots. I did manage to get the moon rising over the horizn at days end. This would be the same moon rising to eclipse on our Winter Solstice. So though I failed to get it in eclipse mode I did get it in moon-rise mode on Dec 20th, 2010.

"Newfoundland"

2010-12-17T22:14:00.000-03:30

I've been here five years now this past June. If you had of said 5 and a half years ago that I would be living in Newfoundland I would have thought you were missing your boat! ; )

I grew up in North Eastern Nova Scotia, later moved to North Eastern British Columbia and now to Eastern Newfoundland. My internal compass seems to have a magnetic east. I then began wondering after watching a program on discovery last evening about the changing of the poles' magnetic fields. There is a point when they will reverse and will become chaotic with no distinct magnetic poles and supposedly it is long overdo and happens every so many , many, many years (can't you see I don't remember how many). I also learned that a million earths could fit in the sun and started to feel very small. So back to earth so to speak. How close are we I wonder to the change in magnetic fileds around our earth. The chaotic (i use this term loosely as I am sure they will align in most likely some organised state) fields of magnetism are transient once they do change and the poles get their magnetism back eventually. Finding magnetic north during this time may be very difficult. But more than that I wonder what other things would be affected? What about human behaviors? What about other animal behaviors? What about my internal compass? What about compasses in general. How will we navigate? I hope my internal compass switches to something southerly. : 0

2010-12-08T21:35:00.002-03:30

Portugal Cove Sunset looking to the North East tip of Bell Island. It can be quite a tranquil spot as sheltered as it is in Conception Bay.

This shot was actually taken this past summer.

Today we see the varied weather side of Portugal Cove and Conception Bay with visible distant headlands shrouded in coastal fog.

Making time before the ferry that travels the tickle we enter Portugal Cove. Sean presses on in his very Greenlandic style boat as you can see by the low back deck.

From hazy skies to scattered cloud and sun, you have to enjoy the observance of weather when on the water. Clyde and Brian takig a minute.

"Seakayaker"

2010-12-07T22:46:00.002-03:30

I don't remember a lot most days but I do remember when Dean first got into paddling. He took and he continues to take it like most of us who paddle....serious. I was soon to see his passion for it evolve. Soon his skills became very evident and as I saw him working with Brian some nights on his rolls and later doing re-entry and rolls in the open ocean at St. Phillips you just get the kayaking feeling and the flood of memories ever so sweet that takes you back to your own accomplishments in a kayak.

There were days when we were out there and we wondered where everyone else was. How could they pass up this day on the water?

There were days like this when watching the ocean wash from cliffs edge kept you in a space you couldn't get out of if you tried. I was talking to Sean about this the other day how it happens when you are on the water and you some how forget about everything else going on in your mind and you lapse into just being in the moment(s) of kayaking and it seems always as the shoreline approaches at the end of the paddle that you become acutely aware that you were in this kayak trance for the length of your paddle, and only reawaken to the thoughts that were in your head at the beginning of the paddle when you know you will soon be getting out of your boat. That is when I miss my kayak most. I just have a feeling Dean was in his own space in this shot.

There are always those days we are happy to share it with others who have perhaps similar thoughts to the craft of kayaking and the understanding that each has his own kayaking aura which is as individual as it is enveloping those around you. When you kayak with a group for a while I guess you just feel when they are paddling on their own, but with you, and you always enjoy when you come together to share something you may have just experienced on the water and then have the ability to gracefully ease off own your own accord again. This happens throughout the paddle with different and sometimes all paddlers each coming together in different circumstances, chatting for a bit, exchanging laughter or insights then slipping off again to ones own aura. I love that.

"The Nordkapp"

2010-12-06T21:17:00.000-03:30

I visited http://www.seabirddesigns.com/ today to check out the Kayaks of Norway and they have some interesting kayak designs there. 9 new models actually. Bjorn Thomasson has designed some of the more Greenlandish styles that appear very sleek with interesting commentary about their intended purpose. I sure would like to try a few though.

"1959 Emanuelle Koreliussen on Greenland built a kayak – the now famous Illorsuit kayak – for an English visitor. Back in England this kayak inspired many well-known production kayaks, among them Anas Acuta and Nordkapp." Quote by Bjorn Thomasson on his Seabirddeisgn site.

If any of his productions come close to the Nordkapp, which is all I really have experience in from the Valley line of boats, he will have multiple successes on his hands I suspect. His Greenland style designs sure want me to try them with my stick. Maybe one day when they come here. The Qanik, Black Pearl and Sea Pearl look attractive to me.

The picture above just shows one of the many advantages to paddling a Greenland design. Such as the low deck profile fore and aft. If I was paddling my other klunker that wave would not be washing over the rear deck. It would be hitting me broadside and probably forcing me to brace. Even near rocks and favorite play places the performance of the Greenland design continues to shine and I wish Bjorn Thomassan and Ingvar Ankervik all the best with their designs and hey, if you ever want one "test paddled" in the North Atlantic, I'd be more than willling to oblige...wink..wink..nudge..nudge....

And I bet Clyde didn't even feel that wave washing over his rear hatch. Probably gone unnoticed as many do!

St. Phillips To Portugal Cove

2010-12-05T13:23:00.000-03:30

It's just a short jaunt and one we made many times but it is always fun just to hang with the guys on the water. Tony, Dean, Clyde, Brian,Sean and I made the paddle. Turned out to have very flat waters with no wind not a bad Dec.4th paddle at all.

Railing the shore and the rocks. The shoreline along this small section of coast is kind of rugged and the rock gardens provide entertainment for most seastates. Today even with no wind or swell to speak of there was still wave action around the rocks. Clyde found some.

In the distance along this stretch of coastline you can see Piccos Ridge, Big Hill, Franks Hill and others on the horizon that pass by Bauline and on to Cape St. Francis. Here we are just out of St. Phillips.

Tony working through some sea froth. Good to be padling with you again buddy.

The other thing I like about this stretch of coast are some narrow passages that have to be carefuly navigated depending on conditions.

Dean sinking and sneaking in behind an awash rock, covering and exposing at the ocean's whim.

Brian making way with the pack seeking distant headlands.

With none of the predicted winds of ESE gusting to 50km we made good time. Starting out was over cast some light mist but all soon cleared and visibility remained fine. We were just leisurely paddlers. In the distance is the Portugal Cove Ferry that traverses the Tickle from Portugal Cove to Bell Island seemingly many times a day. The distant headlands were to remain shrouded in fog and low lying clouds as the weather changed but was held off until after we got back in.

We also had the opportunity to paddle by big homes. Man this one is some size when viewing from the water. ; )

Portugal Cove Or Bust: This Is The Ocean

2010-12-04T18:24:00.001-03:30

It has been a while since I've been on the water. I sure know what I've been missing though. I've been miss'in Clyde in action!!

Clyde decided he wanted to side surf today. Hmmm I thought there could be photo matter. Clyde got his wish on the first wave. I got mine. ; )

Seeing how that first one was so tastey I guess he decided to meet that other sucker that was right on the last ones tail. Steady buddy!!

At a boy Clyde...... Chew-Dat-Up!!!!

Now that looks like a smile. Ready for some more?? Very nice buddy, very nice!

Mistaken Point Newfoundland

2010-11-25T23:35:00.001-03:30

A true trooper and welcomed company Agnes and Eric drove the ways down the South Shore. Agnes always willing to lend a hand. That damn tripod anyway. lol

565 million year old fossils. I thought I'd add some contrast.

I wanted to show some contrast. So I put the iPone from Nov.21st, 2010 next to a 565 million year old fossil at Mistaken Point. Where we were, to where we are. I Started thinking ..........man we've come a long way, and then I remembered the recent catalogue from UNICEF on our lounge table at work asking for donations of not money for people in Africa (the very rock this most likely came from) but goats, wells, huts, seeds etc. and realised we really may not have travelled that far at all! Ironically enough the writing under the map on the iPhone reads Bigdeal, not by design of course, it really is though I think.

Mistaken Point in the distance is becoming a tourist attraction on the south coast of NL. 800 and some visitors a year. It is remote. Land and Sea, a CBC program, recently did a take on it. We were actually standing on the rock as it was being viewed across NL on TV. It was afterall Nov. 21st with a -5 Celsius chill and cold western wind that day.

Precambrian rock from Avaloniam Terrane, some of the oldest rock in the world and when you see it you are mesmerised by it's presence. Sutured into it's new home from another early continent it was part of but retaining it's geological information and fossils.

Some very old fossils here. This may be a spindle as these are the most plentiful.

More to see and amazing that they were discovered in such an isolated spot in the late 1960's by a Memorial University Geologist. Tony was too young then I think. Sorry buddy had to get a dig in. Excuse the pun....I'll just stop now.

Tony I believe I would have loved to have made this trip with you as you are the geologist quite literally of our kayaking group. I would have learned so much. I had to read instead. I like that too. I wanted to show some dimension to the fossils still preserved on the rock and display how vulnerable and sensitive they must be to the environment and visitors. You have to remove footwear to step on the rock. We did this even in -5. I later found out that the elevation of the small fossil parts may not be due to the biota but to the compression of the organism over time and subsequent small eruptions from underneath. No matter, you still get an excellent view of these original organisms from so long ago. Some of the biota found here is particular to Newfoundland and never before identified.

"Eugenie"

2010-11-20T10:09:00.000-03:30

A nice colorful hike through the forest alonfg rivers edge. In northern Ontario.

"Meaford Ontario and Toronto"

2010-11-16T19:01:00.001-03:30

Toronto always delights......ya gotta like this billboard!

I was walking down Yonge Street in Toronto behind this lady who looked up at this billboard and started laughing. Not to strange to see people laughing on Yonge Street for no apparant reason but I looked to see what she found so amusing. Nice legs I thought.......

After a few secs gauking like a perv at the billboard legs a small waft of wind blew and lifted what was a piece of fabric over the billboard lady's butt (which was supposed to be her skirt, I'm sure you figured that out lol) and revealed her ..well undergarments and shapely behind. Nothing to do with kayaking I know but I thought this was ingenius marketing at least for those of us that keep our heads in the clouds .....sometimes. Nice I thought even if it is a bit up in the air!

Toronto skyline.

My first time in the CN Tower and I decided to go to the highest observation deck which is the Space Pod. 1465 feet about the ground. I decided to cross the barrier and lie on the outer window of the CN Tower on top of Toronto. I didn't think I'd be doing that going up there.

The city of Toronto from the CN Tower. Which now stands for Canada's National Tower.

I visited a friend in Meaford Ontario and took tons of photos. Here are a few falls shots. Needless to say my feet were wet for the whole trip, now this can be similar to kayaking! These are called Walters Falls I think.

Walters Falls

Not sure of these falls name but they look out to the Niagara Escarpment which runs down to Rochester New York. It is this mass of rock the the Niagara Falls flow s over, hence the name. I have more shots of the valleys and the canyons of the area and some can be seen at http://www.gullfeather.com/ if you are so inclined. Snow fell the evening of the 5th of November so the following Staurday had a nice dusting for photos. Did lots of hikes and enjoyed the beautiful wilderness in this beautiful part of Canada.

"Just Do It"

2010-10-30T22:22:00.000-02:30

Finally on the water and finally a kayaking blog entry.

It was a blustery day in St. Philips. A late put-in at about 1:30pm and gusting 50km winds made for some mini wave action and a bit of surfing. Brian and I caught this odor with an accompanying huge brown spot on the water and decided to investigate. ???????

A bunch of bows and I have to say that my camera is on its way out as the quality of pictures seems to diminish eveytime I use it. Too many dunks in the sea water guess.

Brin and I took a bit of respite from some wind. We were paddling hard most of the time against the wind hoping to catch "the wave" for a decent surf back. You can do this in St. Pilips when the wind is SW. You paddle like the dickens out round a small headland then surf back. Why not? It's Saturday!

After so many times out and back everyone needed a bit of a break.

Some of the gang paddling into the waves and a brisk SW head wind. Great to be back on the water with a good bunch of people. Thanks Tony, Dean, Gary, Clyde, Brian,Tobias and Sean for another good one at St. Philly.

"Beautiful Autumn"

2010-10-16T18:13:00.000-02:30

Autumn Art

On A trail not far from home. Smetimes out of focus ain't so bad,

Greater Yellowlegs Sandpiper and Northern Pintail sahring the waters. We as kayakers are use to that.

Greater Yellowlegs Sandpiper for a water stroll.

Standing in the ripples. I went for a walk with the dogs yesterday after work as the sun was going down. It produced some fun shots considering they were a pain in the as% to have around while attempting any shot. Note to self...no dogs on photo shoots. It was their walk though so I wasn't too concerned with quality, just wanted to catch some fall.

"At The End Of The Day"

2010-10-14T07:36:00.001-02:30

Well I guess we have all heard it and some probably used it........"at the end of the day.."

At the literal end of the day there was this sunset at Topsail Beach. It wasn't yesterday as it rained most of the day. As Autumn seeps by and winter slowly creeps in the light changes, the air changes and things seem to be a richer and deeper color to me. Autumn has always been one of my favourite times of year for amidst all that decay and preparation for another seasonal slumber comes some of the most beautiful colors on the earth and in the sky. Walks and hikes become more common than paddles it seems and even the birds at the feeder are reducing their number. Saw a northern Flicker the other day but he wasn't around long. The screech of the BlueJays can sometimes still carry across the early morn but even they seem to have moved on. So really, at the end of the day, what more can one ask for? Health is good, family is safe, everyone seems to have an air of humility and closeness sort of a recognition of vulnerability and a desire to move on. So be it.

The beautiful BlueJay.

A-Last...down to earth! A-last... the end of the day!

"Keeping Things In Sight"

2010-10-04T07:41:00.000-02:30

When paddling it is not a bad idea at all to know where you just came from, where you've been paddling and where you are going to. All in compass info of course.

Outside Aquafort HArbour a week ago. Was thinking on changing conditions and how they can affect the mood of a paddle. When we set out it was flat calm, outside we got some lop with drizzle and dark skies and paddled back under blue skies, sunshine and calm waters again. Kind of makes the paddle a bit more interesting just from the weather side of things.

These are the skies changing from the lingering dark clouds to the bare and pleasant blues as the white tails off. Gary here enjoying a bit of that moment during transition.

"Saturday Morning"

2010-10-03T15:02:00.000-02:30

A Saturday morning walk downtown always an adventure.

The HMCS St. John's is at dock on the harbour front. Some of a crew did a run for the Children's Wish Foundation. I stumbled on the tail end as the guys were just heading to the finish line which was made up of their sailing friends.

Waiting on the returning runners.

I continue my fascination with boats of all kinds. The HMCS St. John's reminded me of a shark.

A walk by the Yellow Belly Brewery was enticing for a brief suds but I settled for the shot instead. Too early really.

This shop always intrigues me with their display as they are always colorful and unique. It is a soap shop and everything in here is soapy. Even Madonna has been know to order soaps from here.

A street performer with an early start to his day enjoying the Saturday morning sunshine as I was.