Paddling Around Cape Spear on Canada Day

July 1st is Canada Day, so we decided to paddle around the easternmost point in Canada to celebrate the day. Luckily Hazen brought his camera along, so all these photos are his.

We set out from Maddox Cove and paddled north around Cape Spear. As we past North Head and approached Cape Spear, the swell was rebounding off the cliffs producing big, confused seas. Some of the group was getting queasy with all the bouncing around, but we continued bravely on.

Here's the view of the Cape Spear lighthouse as we paddled by.

We stopped for lunch at Blackhead. It was a good chance to get ashore and let the queasy stomaches settle down.

Here's the group with our Canada Day smiles (l to r: Joy, Neil, Hazen, Gary (in back) and Ysabelle).

Here's the stern of Hazen's kayak emblazened with the Canadian flag.

We got back on the water and set off for Freshwater Bay. Luckily, the seas were much calmer after passing Cape Spear.

Here are Ysabelle and myself paddling from Blackhead toward Freshwater Bay.

Here we are paddling towards Signal Hill and the Narrows. The Fort Amherst lighthouse is on the left and Cabot Tower is on top of the hill.

We noticed a major improvement in water quality outside the Narrows now that the St. John's sewage treatment plant has started operation.

We finished up in Quidi Vidi, the historical small harbour at the north end of St. John's.

It's also home to Quidi Vidi Brewery, in the background of the photo of Ysabelle.

Thanks to Hazen, Joy, Gary and Ysabelle for a great Canada Day paddle!