tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-274829542024-02-19T21:33:21.729-03:30Newfoundland kayaking with NeilNewfoundland is a sea kayaker's paradise, but not for the faint of heart. The ocean may be cold, the weather sometimes harsh, but there is no other place to paddle with so many icebergs, whales, seals and seabirds combined with the warmth and humour of Newfoundlanders.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-27421400722982174832010-09-06T20:27:00.006-02:302010-09-06T20:51:16.398-02:30Kayaking in Croatia, Part 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuVxftoXlt7KX8-4vLribJJ6Tqn-g0G3ze4mMtTTURUQe4t4Ef_mCFwlOAQgZ3xsgfpRLYS1bO7wS5Ux9QezEZ2br5OOtcge1fWSg8eHiVyvHC09VXhBBSZmefB61kD0Lz6F4/s1600/cr029.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 329px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513940223006357538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuVxftoXlt7KX8-4vLribJJ6Tqn-g0G3ze4mMtTTURUQe4t4Ef_mCFwlOAQgZ3xsgfpRLYS1bO7wS5Ux9QezEZ2br5OOtcge1fWSg8eHiVyvHC09VXhBBSZmefB61kD0Lz6F4/s400/cr029.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle and I took a hike up behind Sipanska Luka. Lots of olive groves and great views.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83GmoaaEzx6wNYQIJs37pB17XOuBDYwaBibBErSUh6Kzi1_YLxtdBtT2uvba-Fwz-Anx68AnOKODEoaCODDxm4G4kP6eWvOcUITdV7AjcTyuaucOjNjJ4rQdaK03Ekb8PZGtg/s1600/cr030.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513940217845056786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83GmoaaEzx6wNYQIJs37pB17XOuBDYwaBibBErSUh6Kzi1_YLxtdBtT2uvba-Fwz-Anx68AnOKODEoaCODDxm4G4kP6eWvOcUITdV7AjcTyuaucOjNjJ4rQdaK03Ekb8PZGtg/s400/cr030.jpg" /></a> This was looking out at the harbour from our B&B window.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwEy_TLyvEIKJj0kQIzCPxVshaFzyR9gzoYbm8RAsaC3lToCV_b43sRU0lHiLS0B3-uO_5v2qkeQrEM82rffshVP1ROPLONPoVR8Wa4178tKUWBMatw_6rV4dHo9XNliMnbj-/s1600/cr031.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513940205067594082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwEy_TLyvEIKJj0kQIzCPxVshaFzyR9gzoYbm8RAsaC3lToCV_b43sRU0lHiLS0B3-uO_5v2qkeQrEM82rffshVP1ROPLONPoVR8Wa4178tKUWBMatw_6rV4dHo9XNliMnbj-/s400/cr031.jpg" /></a> We paddling southeast down the seaward side of Sipan. Marko and I stopped to look at some of the sea life.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTGFNBr9le0dsU_xj0928ZMd6Io-NoES-PMVkv8CRYIpapbqkhieBdhdskdLl84uQtFcZfF9aiuDQl_kUdzK0kggy1yeJW_6X6HM7t3KyAQZQ6vQegW_8gI6HVxa-tP1qQBH5/s1600/cr032.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513940198312035810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTGFNBr9le0dsU_xj0928ZMd6Io-NoES-PMVkv8CRYIpapbqkhieBdhdskdLl84uQtFcZfF9aiuDQl_kUdzK0kggy1yeJW_6X6HM7t3KyAQZQ6vQegW_8gI6HVxa-tP1qQBH5/s400/cr032.jpg" /></a> Exploring one of the many caves.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C_3-Mx6zUOLFdI4GnbiDyXIRL1kJKeRF602RQrLNoK4SMUowvObi3DeXGQgzxCSWkhx9Rq0SiyRK8C4N4v3LqXuBtvrvesgJwHb5d2bzrNjMroQOqAZbp2Wk7sFvyQxBaN8m/s1600/cr033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939770804400514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C_3-Mx6zUOLFdI4GnbiDyXIRL1kJKeRF602RQrLNoK4SMUowvObi3DeXGQgzxCSWkhx9Rq0SiyRK8C4N4v3LqXuBtvrvesgJwHb5d2bzrNjMroQOqAZbp2Wk7sFvyQxBaN8m/s400/cr033.jpg" /></a> Here is a huge archway on Sipan.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKEMXguTAIvQnWh_piJ8DauQ5R8EiJcX7_Diijy8lpuZPulMoH9m_U8A0U4-U97c2zkuKSaEgPuqjkacpjMqVVUI2H0x-gH0FuZ6-kp8814BHs1-mOWibZ2S7djqwYboFPzzj/s1600/cr034.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 247px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939766304638434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKEMXguTAIvQnWh_piJ8DauQ5R8EiJcX7_Diijy8lpuZPulMoH9m_U8A0U4-U97c2zkuKSaEgPuqjkacpjMqVVUI2H0x-gH0FuZ6-kp8814BHs1-mOWibZ2S7djqwYboFPzzj/s400/cr034.jpg" /></a> Paddling into Uvala Prtusa, we approached a blue cave. We knew this was going to be amazing!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjvaGtFXkCTjhQegG_L4Ad7Irz9aOKyGzNHWVRh06iGaDsrQMcIpswozn3FoXv7xYA0mV5bq25j80Cn6aH3mk2CB1VDqMkhtz4F4FZBH3WSgA8TquvpTOE5xgKVwhddFQG1fX/s1600/cr035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939757009613426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjvaGtFXkCTjhQegG_L4Ad7Irz9aOKyGzNHWVRh06iGaDsrQMcIpswozn3FoXv7xYA0mV5bq25j80Cn6aH3mk2CB1VDqMkhtz4F4FZBH3WSgA8TquvpTOE5xgKVwhddFQG1fX/s400/cr035.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle swimming inside the blue cave. The entrace is below the surface of the water, so you have to dive down to enter. Once inside there is a "room". All the light comes in underwater, so it's blue. Very special!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANTdCVbbQX4EEVrhfBHXt3yEhMyRn_o7Flqk-Ud208rX1emNAli16ZOGK72E86Gc0l9aMvVE0_46LlFIrk-0O7oFa9d4rQsPXKAlNQfVQTvnjooa1-vgEzZtcBAJ4hs_sGzTd/s1600/cr036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939747691591250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANTdCVbbQX4EEVrhfBHXt3yEhMyRn_o7Flqk-Ud208rX1emNAli16ZOGK72E86Gc0l9aMvVE0_46LlFIrk-0O7oFa9d4rQsPXKAlNQfVQTvnjooa1-vgEzZtcBAJ4hs_sGzTd/s400/cr036.jpg" /></a> Entering the harbour of Sudurad. We met a Scottish couple who had kayak the whole length of Croatia in 5 weeks. They loved it!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7F2V0BUdTwUvqHdY5nGMbsBmYYvlnfn-ichGBYDUxd7sN8TsfnM_rcBzEs4xpd_wIM27SadMAGY_PC8ijrT-3E6fawS5zAFajFR88WBr-kLLQM4OMPl6ad9MhUh1j2JD9EeG/s1600/cr037.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939741677252674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7F2V0BUdTwUvqHdY5nGMbsBmYYvlnfn-ichGBYDUxd7sN8TsfnM_rcBzEs4xpd_wIM27SadMAGY_PC8ijrT-3E6fawS5zAFajFR88WBr-kLLQM4OMPl6ad9MhUh1j2JD9EeG/s400/cr037.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle inside a cave with a skylight.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxKiM9-hx4kcplhUngGC_5Cf73obHb9_WEJLUWFGGj6aQzm5XM6vZ-Oa42vuE0JNAe7CvXbvq9SndW9yvVw7WvFc16ps7U3_5SskW6gpqYDr8CMMVlriTOku6YkMS-mB2Mttz/s1600/cr038.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 202px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939413857458274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxKiM9-hx4kcplhUngGC_5Cf73obHb9_WEJLUWFGGj6aQzm5XM6vZ-Oa42vuE0JNAe7CvXbvq9SndW9yvVw7WvFc16ps7U3_5SskW6gpqYDr8CMMVlriTOku6YkMS-mB2Mttz/s400/cr038.jpg" /></a> We paddled around Ruda Island and then continued on to Lopud Island. Here Ysabelle paddles past the wall of the monastery in Lopud.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxirAd17k7mzVhXIXuZeZhnDHt2An2sjFoIQL5NWhxCBMx0P1_0aPK8WcfUnt_gs6M5hyvKaLrcX9GaSfHF1wHOaSOKGLXHvnDEykeHXDgf21x5EnV_Y1RA-t6GKMHr4kDfHb/s1600/cr039.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939402766204434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxirAd17k7mzVhXIXuZeZhnDHt2An2sjFoIQL5NWhxCBMx0P1_0aPK8WcfUnt_gs6M5hyvKaLrcX9GaSfHF1wHOaSOKGLXHvnDEykeHXDgf21x5EnV_Y1RA-t6GKMHr4kDfHb/s400/cr039.jpg" /></a> On the beach in Lopud, where we spent the night. We were very lucky to eat supper at the house of a local chef. It was probably the finest meal of the trip. Fabulous seafood! Thanks Marko for taking us there.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6OdGhzH_Ktj-NCXTJOHCL-R0RoA-XrqL7APJECbSXWCLtgPDMkLNtYTws8T603bTJYaRJq9QWi1xCZG8Ahde7o1yB0pMT7PPDI1Ndv13b335GPZ6xzxzTVPTwIITI6DZxdBu/s1600/cr040.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939394297300354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6OdGhzH_Ktj-NCXTJOHCL-R0RoA-XrqL7APJECbSXWCLtgPDMkLNtYTws8T603bTJYaRJq9QWi1xCZG8Ahde7o1yB0pMT7PPDI1Ndv13b335GPZ6xzxzTVPTwIITI6DZxdBu/s400/cr040.jpg" /></a> The next day, Marko entering a big cave on Lopud.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz1mEkcFI8QKVA6yvGo1F0-a9o1h0lnwa-_ErTZG0mBXF27bfQw9HsJ597UH_hWENQIcIGV-M5nlZ5TTHSdV7RHiXfdTZUqw55_B8yFpsG5fG-j_b6bxBUBelvSOirGDFEWLk/s1600/cr041.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939391160312066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz1mEkcFI8QKVA6yvGo1F0-a9o1h0lnwa-_ErTZG0mBXF27bfQw9HsJ597UH_hWENQIcIGV-M5nlZ5TTHSdV7RHiXfdTZUqw55_B8yFpsG5fG-j_b6bxBUBelvSOirGDFEWLk/s400/cr041.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle inside the cave.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33bo1yi6vqynZIkFtUYdtszhmbQbqyRXxLAr5yA18kwPivSQtVVlSKef9-x4VHJHiP4ucogyP33_PhmYoCxwdtGrQAx_0wyVKzEYb2cYFRgcOoMY2ftGu68PV2pgGqDPZSGeJ/s1600/cr042.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939384128271410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33bo1yi6vqynZIkFtUYdtszhmbQbqyRXxLAr5yA18kwPivSQtVVlSKef9-x4VHJHiP4ucogyP33_PhmYoCxwdtGrQAx_0wyVKzEYb2cYFRgcOoMY2ftGu68PV2pgGqDPZSGeJ/s400/cr042.jpg" /></a> We stopped on Lopud for some cliff diving. It was high and scary but a great thrill!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCElf0mIyZ8KbruvqIJF-peG8_o_e48dIPOIV9GlJbngM36wT1IQdbSiNMH4_DJN4uOo9s6IQDOyI-LmEXBdn3eO5pjFd2yjeKoc0MUAQHytLnrvAMZIcUjw_k70YT9JIUTzr/s1600/cr043.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513939001020509490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCElf0mIyZ8KbruvqIJF-peG8_o_e48dIPOIV9GlJbngM36wT1IQdbSiNMH4_DJN4uOo9s6IQDOyI-LmEXBdn3eO5pjFd2yjeKoc0MUAQHytLnrvAMZIcUjw_k70YT9JIUTzr/s400/cr043.jpg" /></a> Then we paddled out to the offshore island of Sveti Andrija (St. Andrew). Nothing but a lighthouse. We couldn't land as the island is now privately owned.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAUnj3_AMQOXVKrbFacVhsWLBipOJu2X1Nnlq1q-u1JnrZJ7DBrXuw1MEuiQDmnNFg_GC5X4oGR32M8v_pl-yl56FBqe9Whbqd2vjImCw9WWDd-YLlzBIkNXo2JBpSaZRVpZv/s1600/cr044.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513938990363411362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAUnj3_AMQOXVKrbFacVhsWLBipOJu2X1Nnlq1q-u1JnrZJ7DBrXuw1MEuiQDmnNFg_GC5X4oGR32M8v_pl-yl56FBqe9Whbqd2vjImCw9WWDd-YLlzBIkNXo2JBpSaZRVpZv/s400/cr044.jpg" /></a> Exploring the cliffs on the seaward side of Sveti Andrija.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYca8M-_QfQEoexdi-3lRRTA9UHr70LkUGcdAoCb34xAwkAuiTYsOa6GLtI0kWZeaZBVrOo4XK9dL02qqD8ZVAW0zrvEMt1zZdFgxf4T9ZjAX0uEgy_SIM-1HQr-gQt7oSsre/s1600/cr045.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513938986874327538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYca8M-_QfQEoexdi-3lRRTA9UHr70LkUGcdAoCb34xAwkAuiTYsOa6GLtI0kWZeaZBVrOo4XK9dL02qqD8ZVAW0zrvEMt1zZdFgxf4T9ZjAX0uEgy_SIM-1HQr-gQt7oSsre/s400/cr045.jpg" /></a> Our last island on the tour was Kolocep. Ysabelle paddling past more limestone cliffs. We stopped at a second blue cave here and enjoyed another swim.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAWfNsutB9xyL4o-oV-iP7Z2iNOlHZexR5EbYu7NbTkZLgF0XVv8otnMHDdpiKzwBQ2L7w_qq8itq2dMIq-mfxWmTeCB8Bq_gT1TTTfXwoDrkqgi0PVD6tpZNGXX_3vJ7NIQC/s1600/cr046.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513938972599339506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAWfNsutB9xyL4o-oV-iP7Z2iNOlHZexR5EbYu7NbTkZLgF0XVv8otnMHDdpiKzwBQ2L7w_qq8itq2dMIq-mfxWmTeCB8Bq_gT1TTTfXwoDrkqgi0PVD6tpZNGXX_3vJ7NIQC/s400/cr046.jpg" /></a> We continued past this lighthouse at Rt Bezolanj on Kolocep. Dubrovnik is in the background.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dwSFZ4igU8f3li4DxYoWd7PaOdn7aaGYRSXyhHs55pPxsUe62KkQ7HP6HAAqmv-O0DUtsud9nWDU5HVA079NBBzfiPNq02cV1tc8pB03bVe1IZYiwqp48Bft89Ain_6PHm-5/s1600/cr047.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513938964839039810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dwSFZ4igU8f3li4DxYoWd7PaOdn7aaGYRSXyhHs55pPxsUe62KkQ7HP6HAAqmv-O0DUtsud9nWDU5HVA079NBBzfiPNq02cV1tc8pB03bVe1IZYiwqp48Bft89Ain_6PHm-5/s400/cr047.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle and Marko heading into Zaton, our final destination. Both of us felt sad to be finishing our tour. It was such a wonderful experience that we didn't want it to end.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-74108466654862840032010-09-05T22:17:00.008-02:302010-09-05T22:45:54.349-02:30Kayaking in Croatia, Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwmWYgmigpcCA1hzq0RwXV6ANQ6TnRyJNszBpw-3xJgP9g7_i2un1rFhyowgVYqZwvbluhwLsEHAN44SzCr6cF44q2PKVLWNn1_qbZBMSP_XAyZi55e6sRSPmD_5YXOKzlfRS/s1600/cr014.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513597041932686434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwmWYgmigpcCA1hzq0RwXV6ANQ6TnRyJNszBpw-3xJgP9g7_i2un1rFhyowgVYqZwvbluhwLsEHAN44SzCr6cF44q2PKVLWNn1_qbZBMSP_XAyZi55e6sRSPmD_5YXOKzlfRS/s400/cr014.jpg" /></a> Back in Croatia, paddling north up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stonski</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kanal</span>. Another calm and sunny day.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUIAAWRFousbSOmpcsDvuC8sQ49-lwwhx27iWxAqi7VbrJquOjAPfUKVbt8MtDF4XFMlNnHXqK79CRdSYFghjJSA9fEPutFMjBxrafPuSyldgEO0zH-mR78oySYtX8mlf8t9l/s1600/cr015.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513597035318067090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUIAAWRFousbSOmpcsDvuC8sQ49-lwwhx27iWxAqi7VbrJquOjAPfUKVbt8MtDF4XFMlNnHXqK79CRdSYFghjJSA9fEPutFMjBxrafPuSyldgEO0zH-mR78oySYtX8mlf8t9l/s400/cr015.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marko</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> are pulling into our lunch spot northeast of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Przina</span>. We had a good scoff of mussels.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw95Ss9t3qEKqq3TjEV3nJnXF1VYNxzM2yxhnY36kM-_IF2AiQWOWxT6Hnm86miB8nd3VmiNg0qDTTCzI3MgUGlO0ob3pLyC4PKq9ti573SLUnNI_6m5Z9wBjgsL2UFvZO9Sr/s1600/cr016.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513597025433807282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw95Ss9t3qEKqq3TjEV3nJnXF1VYNxzM2yxhnY36kM-_IF2AiQWOWxT6Hnm86miB8nd3VmiNg0qDTTCzI3MgUGlO0ob3pLyC4PKq9ti573SLUnNI_6m5Z9wBjgsL2UFvZO9Sr/s400/cr016.jpg" /></a> This is the village of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Broce</span>, our first B&B overnight.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiYssEa-Ha4q-Ws0bq837Ipl8rpNyIh2yRT8HcOAIP5WtgkhUg1UH-q-eySfjj4iim9TW6zOXI0cNyFEFtQiLpzIw4Ny9ypGzGuxmrzAARJCvxXG6su8nFfZM0ume6VNG3COA/s1600/cr017.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513597023257217154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGiYssEa-Ha4q-Ws0bq837Ipl8rpNyIh2yRT8HcOAIP5WtgkhUg1UH-q-eySfjj4iim9TW6zOXI0cNyFEFtQiLpzIw4Ny9ypGzGuxmrzAARJCvxXG6su8nFfZM0ume6VNG3COA/s400/cr017.jpg" /></a> A relaxed breakfast at the B&B. It's common to grow grape vines over the terrace for shade at houses in Dalmatia.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVfAW1xma7pN3qRbKtA2eE18-SOgEfxjjPpAb55k5FQy3KcXf85mH-wcjxt6UjF4KCt-FhVhnGQLc7bcvOkGiccPye4jCmLo6E8CsChdMBM74MU8YPR0mn9VWCRgwefhx_gJT/s1600/cr018.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513597014830008402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVfAW1xma7pN3qRbKtA2eE18-SOgEfxjjPpAb55k5FQy3KcXf85mH-wcjxt6UjF4KCt-FhVhnGQLc7bcvOkGiccPye4jCmLo6E8CsChdMBM74MU8YPR0mn9VWCRgwefhx_gJT/s400/cr018.jpg" /></a> Paddling just north of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Broce</span>, we came to the walled town of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ston</span>. You can see the walls going up the hill and over to the next town of Mali <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ston</span>. It's the longest medieval wall in Europe and second only to the Great Wall in China. The walls barred access to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peljesac</span> Peninsula from the mainland. Tolls were charged to travellers and trade goods passing through the walls.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQtY2-NjcouS6j8sRk_hDfcoqo9RXiyMx_zTn-cWHHYToWX45zUXOL3TCm9epfNXZ1oyWPkpCfjpfWUEggW_QCnc5hqZXkSQCekvGbVxHvxy0PwK9TVC0NBNvTqYkcxiyRtwf/s1600/cr019.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 284px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596583966484738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQtY2-NjcouS6j8sRk_hDfcoqo9RXiyMx_zTn-cWHHYToWX45zUXOL3TCm9epfNXZ1oyWPkpCfjpfWUEggW_QCnc5hqZXkSQCekvGbVxHvxy0PwK9TVC0NBNvTqYkcxiyRtwf/s400/cr019.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ston</span> is also famous for its old salt works. The salt lagoons are on the right in the photo. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stonski</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kanal</span> is on the left. The town was very pretty. We had a great supper of seafood!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloS3jz_2GG6mnzgncCpjPa2AiaLk4W9RPHl53NaX3H-ow7D9-rpXg_0EKL2-OI7RFlxtOsXxWcLt4oPBXoJ9ObtKQFKaAlWDvJajlg-hV9z2DkWjQUTKV2Usrn1zFo5GKmNz3/s1600/cr020.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596581213370114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloS3jz_2GG6mnzgncCpjPa2AiaLk4W9RPHl53NaX3H-ow7D9-rpXg_0EKL2-OI7RFlxtOsXxWcLt4oPBXoJ9ObtKQFKaAlWDvJajlg-hV9z2DkWjQUTKV2Usrn1zFo5GKmNz3/s400/cr020.jpg" /></a>A flower-lined alley in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ston</span>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUcVgyQKV1xya8lpysOhPT7PbJ1dEk_WW6-o_zJfyKQetQy0LCiy1Bi4FvaXntuNNcE6fkR-MLzMO1jxzVhRYPvc2E9B3rQahxOvavnEU1Ub3nNuRSbhqcgIIHptWDD7TXcd/s1600/cr021.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596571208540962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUcVgyQKV1xya8lpysOhPT7PbJ1dEk_WW6-o_zJfyKQetQy0LCiy1Bi4FvaXntuNNcE6fkR-MLzMO1jxzVhRYPvc2E9B3rQahxOvavnEU1Ub3nNuRSbhqcgIIHptWDD7TXcd/s400/cr021.jpg" /></a> A cooling lemonade in a cafe before we get back on the water and head south for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Elafiti</span> Islands.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1fNtTl3XLkJS9Z51-R8e01gq2HC1EkPMLmM-YFuUpt1wdlGPB-Pjso9KsOL8b-8Akcn9dULf8_3EyBYZEBoFzxw-q823l0D1Am7ntTf5dCAeFRjlhJ1KlY9yb2jcxKZq4QjV/s1600/cr021b.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596563965355074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1fNtTl3XLkJS9Z51-R8e01gq2HC1EkPMLmM-YFuUpt1wdlGPB-Pjso9KsOL8b-8Akcn9dULf8_3EyBYZEBoFzxw-q823l0D1Am7ntTf5dCAeFRjlhJ1KlY9yb2jcxKZq4QjV/s400/cr021b.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> paddling past some beautiful geology on the north side of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Olipa</span> Island.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc1CYlzimxev2qzp1lsL5AEoaf-r_4FbMscbdqn81VoztHiabZ26pluR4z9qzjna_1uq2H2pBlTE-O-_kKLdi9Dktr5-LqL2FLYTMGDyvLUiiTvD7iqUHgd9x_I5HSBTIaf96/s1600/cr022.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596556672420722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCc1CYlzimxev2qzp1lsL5AEoaf-r_4FbMscbdqn81VoztHiabZ26pluR4z9qzjna_1uq2H2pBlTE-O-_kKLdi9Dktr5-LqL2FLYTMGDyvLUiiTvD7iqUHgd9x_I5HSBTIaf96/s400/cr022.jpg" /></a> When we stopped for lunch on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Olipa</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> practised her roll in the warm, clear water.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHlNjcAcShPmOEXYPK-4GWyoQS2UTXemMidV-xUEjPTPYfIyHFOlo-p6T_GHLhkNHitUJiu9UI871_ZcYu-hyghlYIS9PviorVxlhlSheizWgm_tYKQS1bpwI_iRFmo9lFe4L/s1600/cr023.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596218010037682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHlNjcAcShPmOEXYPK-4GWyoQS2UTXemMidV-xUEjPTPYfIyHFOlo-p6T_GHLhkNHitUJiu9UI871_ZcYu-hyghlYIS9PviorVxlhlSheizWgm_tYKQS1bpwI_iRFmo9lFe4L/s400/cr023.jpg" /></a> Here I am passing underneath the lighthouse on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Olipa</span> facing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Veli</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vratnik</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CEs3mnZ9hh8gTh0aE-R00fOuUZsloJv-XLpWS7I08Jd69GRlZNgkX5SmnUEV18gKH2aIt3kP7o7kAdaD9FTwlyhTcOdiJgahQPpc9kmWpV9JXpfnJUZ6r6V-89i18DQABu_k/s1600/cr024.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596208678717730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CEs3mnZ9hh8gTh0aE-R00fOuUZsloJv-XLpWS7I08Jd69GRlZNgkX5SmnUEV18gKH2aIt3kP7o7kAdaD9FTwlyhTcOdiJgahQPpc9kmWpV9JXpfnJUZ6r6V-89i18DQABu_k/s400/cr024.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">leisurely</span> crossing of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Veli</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vratnik</span>, heading south towards <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jakljan</span> Island.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26o1Rb2GpZ0jmNEpHe-q8KV3ZzrhEbsDn3WgWYzEetPAEzgiVXfLIZJE-1ww76DvOVCJXvqroyc0i3FhreQJSiAeHA10ivdy8EMWwbXp6qHLqd2xu52Co94SgFadB0Bt6NkJ5/s1600/cr025.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596202277221874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26o1Rb2GpZ0jmNEpHe-q8KV3ZzrhEbsDn3WgWYzEetPAEzgiVXfLIZJE-1ww76DvOVCJXvqroyc0i3FhreQJSiAeHA10ivdy8EMWwbXp6qHLqd2xu52Co94SgFadB0Bt6NkJ5/s400/cr025.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marko</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> exploring the cliffs on the seaward side of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jakljan</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiff8D2N-UG8zqHfhiAy8jkIxQRX0K3V93Lk2WH5oymM8UHIDzOp1Q8koxdfBD0X_yEgfe27vrS3eDHDYn281MMClOVCHo-rV-aRRRwjJtG6w0QoZiDmFFpKplIdbwNWPdDjRso/s1600/cr026.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 291px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596197444569090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiff8D2N-UG8zqHfhiAy8jkIxQRX0K3V93Lk2WH5oymM8UHIDzOp1Q8koxdfBD0X_yEgfe27vrS3eDHDYn281MMClOVCHo-rV-aRRRwjJtG6w0QoZiDmFFpKplIdbwNWPdDjRso/s400/cr026.jpg" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ysabelle</span> cooling off in the narrows between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jakljan</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sipan</span> Islands. It was 30 degrees C, sunny and no wind.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3g7LAweIWnwkynKMNeU4ccPAygWhy2Zw4eEXto7aVwcG1MDZVDV6f5Qk5OG-8c7p05VGefKEIuUjT4iObC3Q4XE5h4hvmgV0l_4yy4USXIGufN-vvyRSoRfsoR7ow6jpm6o7/s1600/cr027.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513596195103900562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3g7LAweIWnwkynKMNeU4ccPAygWhy2Zw4eEXto7aVwcG1MDZVDV6f5Qk5OG-8c7p05VGefKEIuUjT4iObC3Q4XE5h4hvmgV0l_4yy4USXIGufN-vvyRSoRfsoR7ow6jpm6o7/s400/cr027.jpg" /></a> Approaching the town of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sipanska</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Luka</span> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sipan</span>. This was one of the most beautiful island towns we visited.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-51607890208363552842010-09-05T13:01:00.010-02:302010-09-05T14:12:20.181-02:30Kayaking in Croatia, June 2010, Part 1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6vih-FCQgFHZAkHD6jhyphenhyphen7Hw4p59zQb9S2OKhzK_t1_0JonrzgG0wxjN4kgVZ_0FSNdR9-jISDxqIaXxE7iwaruMQo2Yu8xe4jysnzQJa0zX1u3MXZwbWLb3ekxItPVMVcCZq/s1600/cr000.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453971601352114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6vih-FCQgFHZAkHD6jhyphenhyphen7Hw4p59zQb9S2OKhzK_t1_0JonrzgG0wxjN4kgVZ_0FSNdR9-jISDxqIaXxE7iwaruMQo2Yu8xe4jysnzQJa0zX1u3MXZwbWLb3ekxItPVMVcCZq/s400/cr000.jpg" /></a> In early June, Ysabelle and I travelled to Croatia for a week-long kayak tour on the Mediterranean with Adriatic Kayak Tours. We chose their Paddling Dalmatia tour, which included boats and gear, a guide, meals, camping 3 nights and B&B accommodation for 4 nights.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFm7u_5oprFswpBNvQP6t-EWh_M9r9j-xUn2bxvTP29FnKGXNq1vLuFtFHxocMNZGbN2u2AG9-YDwqIeXjF5WUiWCceET9VZPOeXT7dJ-qgToXD5hG1QCfjao5I_WR2nyNpgf/s1600/cr001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453961553855954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFm7u_5oprFswpBNvQP6t-EWh_M9r9j-xUn2bxvTP29FnKGXNq1vLuFtFHxocMNZGbN2u2AG9-YDwqIeXjF5WUiWCceET9VZPOeXT7dJ-qgToXD5hG1QCfjao5I_WR2nyNpgf/s400/cr001.jpg" /></a> Marko, our guide, picked us up at the Dubrovnik airport and took us to the first campsite in Zaton, just north of Dubrovnik. Next morning we packed the kayaks, planned our route, and set off. We would be paddling north from Dubrovnik for 3 days and then south through the Elafiti Islands 4 days back to Dubrovnik.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_AnurBLUyNyTIhgdvM3D_Alzg5L5PXwMANo7qjf84dpfLQpXJIc6GiWOiNTx5pytoffKPJ18QF-73sVQRdXUsnFAS78mRLTBeNrv_l0nJPTVttjoACQFLvW6fcIOiAHqXXPG/s1600/cr002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453951772151042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_AnurBLUyNyTIhgdvM3D_Alzg5L5PXwMANo7qjf84dpfLQpXJIc6GiWOiNTx5pytoffKPJ18QF-73sVQRdXUsnFAS78mRLTBeNrv_l0nJPTVttjoACQFLvW6fcIOiAHqXXPG/s400/cr002.jpg" /></a> The weather was hot, sunny and calm. All week the daytime temperatures were 25 - 30 degrees C, with the nights around 16 - 21 C. The water was a luxurious 20 C, perfect for swimming! Our first stop was Daksa Island, the site of an old prison for political prisoners during the communist era of Yugoslavia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TpQZUJYX-9DAsj4XRJR_gQPuBeNiAhC4irxarJwrmSGqCT87NBptwad7bc3B-bdz9PFvhzGXYaHGv0vhUb74NAm-jFZ1mBklcIcpMpmyNKngYyOaOuwY2US8tPZ_hmehkGZk/s1600/cr003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 343px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513461046434004290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TpQZUJYX-9DAsj4XRJR_gQPuBeNiAhC4irxarJwrmSGqCT87NBptwad7bc3B-bdz9PFvhzGXYaHGv0vhUb74NAm-jFZ1mBklcIcpMpmyNKngYyOaOuwY2US8tPZ_hmehkGZk/s400/cr003.jpg" /></a>The Dalmatian coast enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate: hot, dry, calm summers and rainy, warm, windy winters. The vegetation reflects the hot, dry climate.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk1IQ3g2GW4s_L6XJxrtIEIP6j1P0UhOHuOdx843_MkH63h_RDBCPYLO6pyLqFMFj28bg888EyNc2wnkZYyrdqcC_KijovcrGONJM1yxJkTgj33g4ez_MJrSYiXP6suZ2K0EQ/s1600/cr004.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453638397891778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk1IQ3g2GW4s_L6XJxrtIEIP6j1P0UhOHuOdx843_MkH63h_RDBCPYLO6pyLqFMFj28bg888EyNc2wnkZYyrdqcC_KijovcrGONJM1yxJkTgj33g4ez_MJrSYiXP6suZ2K0EQ/s400/cr004.jpg" /></a> This is the beautiful harbour of Trsteno, our second campsite. Everywhere you looked there were crystal clear, turquoise waters, old stone buildings, and towering cypress trees.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk-bjBvhlk10fKW5Dfq-dK-qvGaDNCljXqY8V-p30J-z_m9-dh6b-BTv8zJaBZv3lIO92v3epBUotcS-9zcLx8IjO8kpFDbJK4VG3O-CkOeT995dGK4A-8x1MGS0ZEjUBlZTG/s1600/cr005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453630727607490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJk-bjBvhlk10fKW5Dfq-dK-qvGaDNCljXqY8V-p30J-z_m9-dh6b-BTv8zJaBZv3lIO92v3epBUotcS-9zcLx8IjO8kpFDbJK4VG3O-CkOeT995dGK4A-8x1MGS0ZEjUBlZTG/s400/cr005.jpg" /></a> In Trsteno, there is a peaceful Renaissance arboretum, dated back to the late 1400s. A stone aquaduct carries water to this fountain.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk629nsBUkwGJA8EC_bu3oZ9MfyILwDHJsgwzmfigZ4xb__1yy3Io5rOagiokmmglMLR_mAteXfFOV65uOF9kvOyJzMNo1HA0g-U5HMJWfWcvApBLzgup4JjYefH1oSx3ZDDW/s1600/cr006.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 122px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453625322408402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk629nsBUkwGJA8EC_bu3oZ9MfyILwDHJsgwzmfigZ4xb__1yy3Io5rOagiokmmglMLR_mAteXfFOV65uOF9kvOyJzMNo1HA0g-U5HMJWfWcvApBLzgup4JjYefH1oSx3ZDDW/s400/cr006.jpg" /></a> The first two days, we paddled northwest up the mainland coast from Zaton towards Slano. It took a little getting used to paddling in the heat and the blazing sun. Lots of water, gelato and sunscreen!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0qgTkZlQMILK_AO21Y29YUIZhXYP2tROoB5EGb5sTo7l4o7v_3i7m65seYRAqVrm7viIOjwJnUtTY9wKNiptu9qWXcyBZPcMK-Y3_7g0SjuL_GoYKIocJQ8t7UFybCG8QLk1/s1600/cr007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513453617964707810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0qgTkZlQMILK_AO21Y29YUIZhXYP2tROoB5EGb5sTo7l4o7v_3i7m65seYRAqVrm7viIOjwJnUtTY9wKNiptu9qWXcyBZPcMK-Y3_7g0SjuL_GoYKIocJQ8t7UFybCG8QLk1/s400/cr007.jpg" /></a> A delicious shore lunch on a small island along the way. Paddling in just a T-shirt and bathing suit was fabulous!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0upNPXBdSuAB3GoIuF9m3lbRM1cRiqI-oNNvJ6GGdtEvfCeioa7FEHWan9BUZmCSf6Q5hxw595g1F8ynHs_NB1HWW6d0n-YEPb72UyXxMMfVc90c34S5rFbS_GziyBQtccWqL/s1600/cr008.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513452964998604066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0upNPXBdSuAB3GoIuF9m3lbRM1cRiqI-oNNvJ6GGdtEvfCeioa7FEHWan9BUZmCSf6Q5hxw595g1F8ynHs_NB1HWW6d0n-YEPb72UyXxMMfVc90c34S5rFbS_GziyBQtccWqL/s400/cr008.jpg" /></a> Here is a new luxury hotel in Slano. There were only a few along this coast. For the most part, it is wild and undeveloped. We stopped here for a gelato break. Tough life!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qyFpawZodWC4pWL98iL7a7ObtxQqudoczwOZNQXSL-g43b1PerRGN6BvAoulTy8zqFpdx2_olD5lw5_q3J-ZLU4F_VFIZwhLjMP5ZRZRxFNbrkoQv5kcm1Vq4te_g0Xc81Yt/s1600/cr009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513452956764606626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qyFpawZodWC4pWL98iL7a7ObtxQqudoczwOZNQXSL-g43b1PerRGN6BvAoulTy8zqFpdx2_olD5lw5_q3J-ZLU4F_VFIZwhLjMP5ZRZRxFNbrkoQv5kcm1Vq4te_g0Xc81Yt/s400/cr009.jpg" /></a> Here was our camping spot the third night in the tiny village of Krucica. The camp site was just behind the buildings in the trees. Very relaxing.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pfnvNY2xWfkfW8D5Tz_23Uq7uLXhvn4AGbPOLheqCNh-vghmxTKAFOdKo6WbHwqKC8h3tysmkvlBUx2j3nZiFRQzqFe_07Lmh_jLL4782DuNV8Q8JojEzgjOHvN2ZYevyEVN/s1600/cr010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513452953268692290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pfnvNY2xWfkfW8D5Tz_23Uq7uLXhvn4AGbPOLheqCNh-vghmxTKAFOdKo6WbHwqKC8h3tysmkvlBUx2j3nZiFRQzqFe_07Lmh_jLL4782DuNV8Q8JojEzgjOHvN2ZYevyEVN/s400/cr010.jpg" /></a> We crossed to Sipan Island on our fourth morning and continued north. The sea was glass calm.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYpffTXDN9z3AxwZJfRRhZ2ZNERHnGInnDy_fjXWZ36C0k3Vo0QK-8oP9e32BYgVX0cS8hyphenhyphenU2fngTT4ssjtGdgvpcQw-7uxt7YVpTg0YMAJnBMZ2Q07gnUEIZ3Oc6bJzy3-14/s1600/cr011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 263px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513452944006926706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYpffTXDN9z3AxwZJfRRhZ2ZNERHnGInnDy_fjXWZ36C0k3Vo0QK-8oP9e32BYgVX0cS8hyphenhyphenU2fngTT4ssjtGdgvpcQw-7uxt7YVpTg0YMAJnBMZ2Q07gnUEIZ3Oc6bJzy3-14/s400/cr011.jpg" /></a> Ysabelle is floating in front of a deserted vacation resort on Jakljan Island. This once belonged to a large Serbian company during the communist era. Company employees enjoyed cheap vacations here with their families.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfhqNPQXwg8kMLXPSBOPEKlLFISG5NyQuxQXuq9YBSOkkPi0G9FRvZ73Wl10mCLgXuEnjlnriYJNaDFcdWAK9YSbOId-HegMJ73Q2KonUxgoRDO0UXBIPAfCE-HiGiM8bpk_/s1600/cr012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513452936378300322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfhqNPQXwg8kMLXPSBOPEKlLFISG5NyQuxQXuq9YBSOkkPi0G9FRvZ73Wl10mCLgXuEnjlnriYJNaDFcdWAK9YSbOId-HegMJ73Q2KonUxgoRDO0UXBIPAfCE-HiGiM8bpk_/s400/cr012.jpg" /></a> Marko Grubisic was our guide with Adriatic Kayak Tours. Marko was the best! A great paddling companion, who knew the best restaurants in each village, and all the remarkable sites to visit along the coastline. </div><div></div><div>More photos of our trip and Dubrovnik in coming posts.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-84103864370074276792010-07-05T21:07:00.020-02:302010-07-05T21:42:12.466-02:30Bellevue Peninsula -- What a Day!This day is a perfect example of fabulous paddling in Newfoundland! Tony and Leslie organized a paddle around the Bellevue Peninsula in Trinity Bay. About a 90-minute drive from St. John's.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXr4n5wxzpHEaumz0_xUPkLwFmbjvEq9PE7PGwHjQRYwd3i9ebooH0mlBsTDJGI_Fe3vK5vG4FUYfm9CQW9wj90XTr5QWWDorXcR4EAR17eV-Y9lC_7iEXs620ECMnrxX8L6/s1600/BV+01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490572847227747938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXr4n5wxzpHEaumz0_xUPkLwFmbjvEq9PE7PGwHjQRYwd3i9ebooH0mlBsTDJGI_Fe3vK5vG4FUYfm9CQW9wj90XTr5QWWDorXcR4EAR17eV-Y9lC_7iEXs620ECMnrxX8L6/s400/BV+01.jpg" /></a>We started out in a calm lagoon behind Belluvue Beach. After a getting around a shallow gravel bed, we headed out through the gap in the beach into Trinity Bay. Below are Ysabelle and Leslie waiting for Dave Mac and Melissa to launch their boats. <div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o-mo-meJLRhNfmH88LeEY43UNqy9e_lklBrOPb7N2a0l_zvHEEpeQy7T8g1yXUArkWt0fdOfuq9qL5jxb2pN90BuJVyisz-KhHyWdZeQYjkjyIf4pznF-76OBeZpbkhyphenhyphen2_1B/s1600/BV+02.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 155px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490572626863651266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o-mo-meJLRhNfmH88LeEY43UNqy9e_lklBrOPb7N2a0l_zvHEEpeQy7T8g1yXUArkWt0fdOfuq9qL5jxb2pN90BuJVyisz-KhHyWdZeQYjkjyIf4pznF-76OBeZpbkhyphenhyphen2_1B/s400/BV+02.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div>The shoreline started out with rocky bluffs and stunted spruce. Below is Darren.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xi7SXFkrl7cHK2z87d1k5OmqjyTkFCQEtLcvl99Mh4LPaKdgdqkUnQ4I0xWvJsv_NPpjw8P4RrTK3A2ZjURtJspsg5zdA3WbC0GTBcjn2UxmLLAy0r8vdRKxHthkys09SqwQ/s1600/BV+03.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490572507434009186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xi7SXFkrl7cHK2z87d1k5OmqjyTkFCQEtLcvl99Mh4LPaKdgdqkUnQ4I0xWvJsv_NPpjw8P4RrTK3A2ZjURtJspsg5zdA3WbC0GTBcjn2UxmLLAy0r8vdRKxHthkys09SqwQ/s400/BV+03.jpg" /></a>It was a warm day, so Ysabelle used my bow to cool off.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OiFggRm_xDgEC5c8-DD4Tmcriha6klVDbtJZemwYC8mHTntNifrefyxSU2XvEUuf8BZHi_2bLPw6-0DpKNqEPKjRRwHJg4s_v8CyJ-gmwAlILDUy0XonzGn2tFtodKTxuPZh/s1600/BV+04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490572228542588306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OiFggRm_xDgEC5c8-DD4Tmcriha6klVDbtJZemwYC8mHTntNifrefyxSU2XvEUuf8BZHi_2bLPw6-0DpKNqEPKjRRwHJg4s_v8CyJ-gmwAlILDUy0XonzGn2tFtodKTxuPZh/s400/BV+04.jpg" /></a> Soon the cliffs started to get higher.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kwwgb0LrlTIgRVwvCYcyg9NHQj0xTUj6A2_wBxNrnFNcbPMfdg-4XguMmWU4ygiXapL_RO9-_tAZnFUb2nrfYl0S_psL4BD7ahRFrXNCRRglrlmq3htxPAASPnuaQUPWT4An/s1600/BV+05.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490572075625353170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kwwgb0LrlTIgRVwvCYcyg9NHQj0xTUj6A2_wBxNrnFNcbPMfdg-4XguMmWU4ygiXapL_RO9-_tAZnFUb2nrfYl0S_psL4BD7ahRFrXNCRRglrlmq3htxPAASPnuaQUPWT4An/s400/BV+05.jpg" /></a> Below is Tony Lee. He took some nice photos of the day, which you can check out on his website (<a href="http://www.kayaktherock.com/">http://www.kayaktherock.com/</a>)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF5ZMH-_dUUgAuFgOb8Z6ByeGuWCwXhgYzqxCNubIQijX91R-slsE89dAoIr3a6jBxf955oXFzKaZkCkQ__F99BQLm95XoBWpqMs9ToDkBzFPaBMqNckilOUcpRD3GvfM9mUu/s1600/BV+06.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571956400070914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUF5ZMH-_dUUgAuFgOb8Z6ByeGuWCwXhgYzqxCNubIQijX91R-slsE89dAoIr3a6jBxf955oXFzKaZkCkQ__F99BQLm95XoBWpqMs9ToDkBzFPaBMqNckilOUcpRD3GvfM9mUu/s400/BV+06.jpg" /></a>Soon after we started out, a minke whale came by to check us out. The whale came in for a close look. Then we started bumping 3 or 4 bald eagles up the shoreline. Below Darren takes a close look at an adult eagle.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjpw39vO_ara64vDqS0eq1FWmLdEhko8VJobiA17U3OAoKkY4YwQfY60ofgoF5MDuWgsRtI4a03yOhq6kqdwATT8WYT61H-xmwC-FhEm0qYpqZNbCwe-jQEzDGrCyP8xBOxQh/s1600/BV+07.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 366px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571672430328082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjpw39vO_ara64vDqS0eq1FWmLdEhko8VJobiA17U3OAoKkY4YwQfY60ofgoF5MDuWgsRtI4a03yOhq6kqdwATT8WYT61H-xmwC-FhEm0qYpqZNbCwe-jQEzDGrCyP8xBOxQh/s400/BV+07.jpg" /></a> And the cliffs just got higher. Brian provides good scale below.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNfzbneJYIMjP7KioRSIqH3MskAy-RoWKxV_MUD487ClYU0ao_tgwGo8kpRJotWydStTvpTSez-yj8EyYjFoNmCSmWelhmuxRheDEAq8nq2MMzQtvkhXmE-AeQ18T3Uw_dpuh/s1600/BV+08.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571551316984434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNfzbneJYIMjP7KioRSIqH3MskAy-RoWKxV_MUD487ClYU0ao_tgwGo8kpRJotWydStTvpTSez-yj8EyYjFoNmCSmWelhmuxRheDEAq8nq2MMzQtvkhXmE-AeQ18T3Uw_dpuh/s400/BV+08.jpg" /></a> When we rounded the north end of the peninsula, out came the sun! The day became even more beautiful.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tBmdqI2_mkQ-CrRe-vUP6WenHKFk5td5a7lidAhDObJ-LgNDT4iF_Q-HVDCUV-HqUaoXzPP8Mi3XVjMpJB9sn6QRSUhkZj4NVWVcbX9kowdnq81-YAZwEvg_GGIezFCtKkPj/s1600/BV+09.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 231px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571413738370530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tBmdqI2_mkQ-CrRe-vUP6WenHKFk5td5a7lidAhDObJ-LgNDT4iF_Q-HVDCUV-HqUaoXzPP8Mi3XVjMpJB9sn6QRSUhkZj4NVWVcbX9kowdnq81-YAZwEvg_GGIezFCtKkPj/s400/BV+09.jpg" /></a> We headed for lunch on a cobble beach, just southeast of the point.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdIv98dvq-WEvxrCTOSYbBt9DuF0GhfgAhRv8v_SvE6eK7WDQfKEzZHGBRqZziAB7RLsYid_NX06Oj-XihI-jEQEfx4eBEYtgtbFkqqVYkgA3z6wTCzHP6HpfnjxGl2nxYGFv/s1600/BV+10.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571281350290290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdIv98dvq-WEvxrCTOSYbBt9DuF0GhfgAhRv8v_SvE6eK7WDQfKEzZHGBRqZziAB7RLsYid_NX06Oj-XihI-jEQEfx4eBEYtgtbFkqqVYkgA3z6wTCzHP6HpfnjxGl2nxYGFv/s400/BV+10.jpg" /></a> Nothing whets the appetite like warm sun and an enjoyable paddle with friends.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3ceY9UsJ_6koAa4GYK77B6Z763eLcSgqwaT2TU9mpszDJIRjZK8R-WJgytEFs5Q4h6YUDlKBYWl2NAASEGL9zR4fJoTJwxabKPZZNa7MGKzkRJVnYyGCSDsXMfCi-RUv98A8/s1600/BV+11.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 292px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490571110696832530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3ceY9UsJ_6koAa4GYK77B6Z763eLcSgqwaT2TU9mpszDJIRjZK8R-WJgytEFs5Q4h6YUDlKBYWl2NAASEGL9zR4fJoTJwxabKPZZNa7MGKzkRJVnYyGCSDsXMfCi-RUv98A8/s400/BV+11.jpg" /></a> Basking on warm rock.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSPjU5OhlIolMd5SkRiTqYxMGSlo28KsCWDOA7c_GRB8ZxDLollDF9rJcxeBF2usrzJV0uRp-DuCwjqhA9Fef17ZopvBT9FH3kmBikjW_oXHe-ftVsOTahcZu6n_N4eytfkna/s1600/BV+12.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490570949483820642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSPjU5OhlIolMd5SkRiTqYxMGSlo28KsCWDOA7c_GRB8ZxDLollDF9rJcxeBF2usrzJV0uRp-DuCwjqhA9Fef17ZopvBT9FH3kmBikjW_oXHe-ftVsOTahcZu6n_N4eytfkna/s400/BV+12.jpg" /></a></div><div>After lunch, the rock hopping got better on the paddle south to Thornlea. </div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT3pNNVvKziZVgStPyvR02dsTw-QQFZRgQJkasT1-u4YUbcvikqX0cq38uhvBMXWEuB8cUYxDHNw79NgvZmofzAQAIqfLoNYryzYX-0YnxVocUAU4oN2WInCwNxM2YM0853t9/s1600/BV+13.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490570772256797650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHT3pNNVvKziZVgStPyvR02dsTw-QQFZRgQJkasT1-u4YUbcvikqX0cq38uhvBMXWEuB8cUYxDHNw79NgvZmofzAQAIqfLoNYryzYX-0YnxVocUAU4oN2WInCwNxM2YM0853t9/s400/BV+13.jpg" /></a>Towards the end of the afternoon, a bit of a head wind came up, which made us work a bit more to reach Thornlea. I highly recommend this location for a day paddle (25 km), when the seas are calm and the winds low. We saw whales, eagles by the dozen, mink, osprey, and lots of seabirds. Great rock hopping in a gentle swell, pocket beaches, high cliffs and clear waters. You just have have to love it! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-11807541141933813872010-07-02T09:14:00.012-02:302010-07-05T20:28:25.790-02:30Paddling Around Cape Spear on Canada Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-26kS4gKcD4GoAPHxeTvgDSObQu4izQBAS_FFKkFDrPFAtXotjpMOAOt1wNZ2F-w-r9CraSp7ZNlV6fgMyF17Ji8Vl2YUr7w4ISdMaqdzw_QChGIAR3kZZd_7EluU5n0CqJj/s1600/CS+group+Fort+Amherst.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489277355174294050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-26kS4gKcD4GoAPHxeTvgDSObQu4izQBAS_FFKkFDrPFAtXotjpMOAOt1wNZ2F-w-r9CraSp7ZNlV6fgMyF17Ji8Vl2YUr7w4ISdMaqdzw_QChGIAR3kZZd_7EluU5n0CqJj/s400/CS+group+Fort+Amherst.jpg" /></a> 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFVYZBQlq2zoqixhPR4_Nax9_6QM3dvMaHMl5-2QFp7T4F0JWEh6HyLWSV7ijQcP1NkylDIshsX6w_QUrbPYTTx-dDiA1vkqxiU94fzWKh7zZuaBROcM3nKQN4A869e_jgkDE/s1600/Cape+Spear+light.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489276878208246818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFVYZBQlq2zoqixhPR4_Nax9_6QM3dvMaHMl5-2QFp7T4F0JWEh6HyLWSV7ijQcP1NkylDIshsX6w_QUrbPYTTx-dDiA1vkqxiU94fzWKh7zZuaBROcM3nKQN4A869e_jgkDE/s400/Cape+Spear+light.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Here's the view of the Cape Spear lighthouse as we paddled by.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We stopped for lunch at Blackhead. It was a good chance to get ashore and let the queasy stomaches settle down.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtup1Ff5cqKoBcrbMmSsGbgdgt5lmzeSKyE3Z8LsMZRFCHIkbCPbjFfopRBXC-NwH8Ic-XPsr_3f3Zx_1s1h-j6G-RgSlbTWG0k125_705G2Pp-8B3iIkIg8sDFy5Q21KfnSE/s1600/CS+group.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489276178006797218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtup1Ff5cqKoBcrbMmSsGbgdgt5lmzeSKyE3Z8LsMZRFCHIkbCPbjFfopRBXC-NwH8Ic-XPsr_3f3Zx_1s1h-j6G-RgSlbTWG0k125_705G2Pp-8B3iIkIg8sDFy5Q21KfnSE/s400/CS+group.jpg" /></a><br />Here's the group with our Canada Day smiles (l to r: Joy, Neil, Hazen, Gary (in back) and Ysabelle).</div><br /><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7pmAjYqBgjkiJw2pw5u4S6Tbl2swOjVHZY3BV92hcBvuf07STJ5CiJxWIYP6Ym2mMZaf4tJgmv6bZPuCG99Yop2THZmcgOb2lBQ2UI-VzKtBJtZgw_OE9s2PdrNme6TPwasp/s1600/CS+flag.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489275746702823714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7pmAjYqBgjkiJw2pw5u4S6Tbl2swOjVHZY3BV92hcBvuf07STJ5CiJxWIYP6Ym2mMZaf4tJgmv6bZPuCG99Yop2THZmcgOb2lBQ2UI-VzKtBJtZgw_OE9s2PdrNme6TPwasp/s400/CS+flag.jpg" /></a> Here's the stern of Hazen's kayak emblazened with the Canadian flag.</div><br /><div><br />We got back on the water and set off for Freshwater Bay. Luckily, the seas were much calmer after passing Cape Spear.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItXALJOhtLl7ZzIdQKy4zjutlX0EnmMa6yTzyVsUQJkH-D09ur5jXi_hsfBlLbu9-PO2fd_G6_T9cfv209S-_ZOMsznq1uDaEgXwYdzyC_ZmnrVC2wNNPqn-LagrS9aWW4Pb4/s1600/CS+Isabelle+Neil.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489275372317487330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItXALJOhtLl7ZzIdQKy4zjutlX0EnmMa6yTzyVsUQJkH-D09ur5jXi_hsfBlLbu9-PO2fd_G6_T9cfv209S-_ZOMsznq1uDaEgXwYdzyC_ZmnrVC2wNNPqn-LagrS9aWW4Pb4/s400/CS+Isabelle+Neil.jpg" /></a></div><div>Here are Ysabelle and myself paddling from Blackhead toward Freshwater Bay.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh83rg2MztQIRTmaZBT3RHfj_yQy7pEkW-ryJauBmqxkqjMzInnrsU88c-p9_E1hgn5RcmyHYmeNYHvUgkbr8SnoKvsET7Q8AtMg8mZ_RR9_b0o0K_MqmaCiIjWJCUce4HVAkI/s1600/CS+Signal+Hill.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489274821166388450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh83rg2MztQIRTmaZBT3RHfj_yQy7pEkW-ryJauBmqxkqjMzInnrsU88c-p9_E1hgn5RcmyHYmeNYHvUgkbr8SnoKvsET7Q8AtMg8mZ_RR9_b0o0K_MqmaCiIjWJCUce4HVAkI/s400/CS+Signal+Hill.jpg" /></a> 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.<br /></div><div></div><br />We noticed a major improvement in water quality outside the Narrows now that the St. John's sewage treatment plant has started operation.<br /><div></div><div>We finished up in Quidi Vidi, the historical small harbour at the north end of St. John's.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEF8bp33HBbUEJZpxcSJLO5xv-4ChbNEqbYn9FG8suNSUzPoihIaeZZFqJVlBowzfYzb7VO2EqHoSCF8YQQbRORo6bIieHQdeq9qmmTNidqjbKv0aGOc91mS6fVmxkMghsSAI/s1600/CS+Quidi+Vidi.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489273826912256274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEF8bp33HBbUEJZpxcSJLO5xv-4ChbNEqbYn9FG8suNSUzPoihIaeZZFqJVlBowzfYzb7VO2EqHoSCF8YQQbRORo6bIieHQdeq9qmmTNidqjbKv0aGOc91mS6fVmxkMghsSAI/s400/CS+Quidi+Vidi.jpg" /></a>It's also home to Quidi Vidi Brewery, in the background of the photo of Ysabelle.</div><br /><br /><div>Thanks to Hazen, Joy, Gary and Ysabelle for a great Canada Day paddle!</div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-13915876290918005762009-05-12T22:51:00.017-02:302009-05-13T21:54:03.840-02:30Kayaking in Venice, Italy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5enc61I0MskYId6hSzjciHpNmc-MjOc91Sa8s5IG4YijHPrcF2ts9GUfEB8MK-fkng8eiS2z-FAIFJ22SgiEVIkAiR4CK2L7pDU7VSZ7hBEE2CKBibrg-ytfti3I7vyTFvRn_/s1600-h/Neil+Ysabelle+Venice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113938407461298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5enc61I0MskYId6hSzjciHpNmc-MjOc91Sa8s5IG4YijHPrcF2ts9GUfEB8MK-fkng8eiS2z-FAIFJ22SgiEVIkAiR4CK2L7pDU7VSZ7hBEE2CKBibrg-ytfti3I7vyTFvRn_/s400/Neil+Ysabelle+Venice.jpg" /></a> In mid-April, Ysabelle and I travelled to Venice for a holiday. Luckily for us, Rene Seindal had just opened his kayak tour business for the summer and he took us on a magical day paddle. Rene took the photo above of the two of us in front of Piazza San Marco.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuhl36WsgYk5aDCqv2CSL0jgTnPRf2jl6jrH3Dl7VkfoNEFzyS7Oj-gewBDockvbnMOsePGpLI_yGTy4iX1PX5xokv8YBdX4ILJc-e6WPf9gkt05vIhxfMPeshL_2SdVheBpB/s1600-h/Rene+Venice.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113837554875938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuhl36WsgYk5aDCqv2CSL0jgTnPRf2jl6jrH3Dl7VkfoNEFzyS7Oj-gewBDockvbnMOsePGpLI_yGTy4iX1PX5xokv8YBdX4ILJc-e6WPf9gkt05vIhxfMPeshL_2SdVheBpB/s400/Rene+Venice.jpg" /></a>Rene is from Denmark but he speaks Italian and English well. He knows Venice's history, its canals and the rules of the road for the many types of boats. Lucky for us!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZheSF9-os-DQNZKnXBdY2ksog1rcShTNcKpwTnDPCFIrXzSJ-xJTlSkZ7QJwW3n68gKdD5S0TtEJnuTh0iBF3JVCa5P09yr-cTB63lIyj7JX4rsHFdQRhLUiHTXVQo0TFma8w/s1600-h/San+Marco.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113720038631314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZheSF9-os-DQNZKnXBdY2ksog1rcShTNcKpwTnDPCFIrXzSJ-xJTlSkZ7QJwW3n68gKdD5S0TtEJnuTh0iBF3JVCa5P09yr-cTB63lIyj7JX4rsHFdQRhLUiHTXVQo0TFma8w/s400/San+Marco.jpg" /></a> Piazza San Marco with the Doge's Palace on the right and the Campanile or bell tower on the left, and gondolas everywhere.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rtt4koy5N_0TnDkI-2AtM2Jqx4qcYcr9l_5PqEx4gFYw8iAbWio3-Inqiv95ZoE_WVFRjQYNUvxWZBpUMR0uvG1d8s2RrgRjOSKwcy5qtZmP3xjvsELFg8zQ08vvNvz9CcJC/s1600-h/Canal1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 357px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113597806651234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Rtt4koy5N_0TnDkI-2AtM2Jqx4qcYcr9l_5PqEx4gFYw8iAbWio3-Inqiv95ZoE_WVFRjQYNUvxWZBpUMR0uvG1d8s2RrgRjOSKwcy5qtZmP3xjvsELFg8zQ08vvNvz9CcJC/s400/Canal1.jpg" /></a>We paddled down the smaller canals with the gondolas, passing many homes, palaces, churches, towers and more.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDCSHBevkUs03uIVAd48nl0ENtsQgQqwU-DMVL8Raguwap-3Fh2EMPMUf4vljFDvAQ4XpTLme5Wk0u62BMI9NuUjJV2_ISA8S2E6KDJj_Nmu9k2ENyjreJYB0I5SKxoIrtxOh/s1600-h/canal2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113506258346706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDCSHBevkUs03uIVAd48nl0ENtsQgQqwU-DMVL8Raguwap-3Fh2EMPMUf4vljFDvAQ4XpTLme5Wk0u62BMI9NuUjJV2_ISA8S2E6KDJj_Nmu9k2ENyjreJYB0I5SKxoIrtxOh/s400/canal2.jpg" /></a>The beauty of Venice was hard to miss. To be honest, so was the smell. Sewage from some of the older buildings still goes directly into the canals, so kayaking is not for those with delicate sensibilities. I was just glad we visited in April and not August! In any case, the aroma did not detract from our appreciation of the amazing surroundings.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1QwdyIL4E0C6oolgw4xEgf0Wm7WoTFYQVVG5T0XjcHlm17TpnfXFHRy66wCZpEP9QhjT2Z0xgkwuqZx7BtBOV9cjkMrWSDC6cEqxsV116_YXFyrMaGNI8VexcnEvQoR2K1Co/s1600-h/Ysabelle+Rialto.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113388970956546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1QwdyIL4E0C6oolgw4xEgf0Wm7WoTFYQVVG5T0XjcHlm17TpnfXFHRy66wCZpEP9QhjT2Z0xgkwuqZx7BtBOV9cjkMrWSDC6cEqxsV116_YXFyrMaGNI8VexcnEvQoR2K1Co/s400/Ysabelle+Rialto.jpg" /></a>Here is Ysabelle near the Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal. The boat traffic on the Grand Canal was intimidating at first. It felt like trying to cross highway 401 on a motor scooter ... at rush hour! But Rene was an excellent guide and boldly led the way.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV64Tldn94hFHGkH83SSV_OMJ1nIHq3mNz__-bEJ6C-QvB-IriLip4U7L5Mdz9hzLQFK7Y1PBvH3n99ndzwV5GaXbMVMzLq9gS7uE2ZM2Rsb-P7ySHpQlnlJ6xEw68wPe6U11F/s1600-h/multi+gondola.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113260372779058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV64Tldn94hFHGkH83SSV_OMJ1nIHq3mNz__-bEJ6C-QvB-IriLip4U7L5Mdz9hzLQFK7Y1PBvH3n99ndzwV5GaXbMVMzLq9gS7uE2ZM2Rsb-P7ySHpQlnlJ6xEw68wPe6U11F/s400/multi+gondola.jpg" /></a>The variety of different boats was astonishing. Everything is done by boat in Venice: garbage collection, fire fighting, ambulance, delivery, taxis, and weddings! The multi-person gondola above is from a local rowing club.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr6_DwnFoqXRgEN84HTzOIgbVvK8HBgQfJaKptM4vNSe2_44TryeS9m79EgeEj58ggmU3oZ-_7EggL613-zrTzeWOjqwGyk484-TkWIcCT75f3zbd_v-asItce-KeGqn72_HO/s1600-h/Gcanal1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113105135095010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr6_DwnFoqXRgEN84HTzOIgbVvK8HBgQfJaKptM4vNSe2_44TryeS9m79EgeEj58ggmU3oZ-_7EggL613-zrTzeWOjqwGyk484-TkWIcCT75f3zbd_v-asItce-KeGqn72_HO/s400/Gcanal1.jpg" /></a>Like I said, lots of traffic on the Grand Canal but what a view!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizti97VAbfsJyaSWsJINVciWX4ylvCwR7lGoQawoycikSOVLZO47PlBJhDrnX2pFikoIOCnQ6w9Kjag9TXmtWHIxQENbLlYOOvk7nBGEsACIdimw9afGd08O9yB4XetoS07QSJ/s1600-h/cafe.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 368px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335113000668445762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizti97VAbfsJyaSWsJINVciWX4ylvCwR7lGoQawoycikSOVLZO47PlBJhDrnX2pFikoIOCnQ6w9Kjag9TXmtWHIxQENbLlYOOvk7nBGEsACIdimw9afGd08O9yB4XetoS07QSJ/s400/cafe.jpg" /></a>And paddling in Venice is very civilized when you can just pull over and stop at a canal-side cafe.</div><div></div><div>I highly recommend paddling with Rene if you get to Venice. You will have the trip of a lifetime. Check out his website at <a href="http://www.venicekayak.com/">http://www.venicekayak.com/</a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-69319187099426312782009-04-04T17:07:00.011-02:302009-04-04T17:29:56.892-02:30Kayaking in Sea Ice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUx-ZQTZDohaHxUxAqp-1tt6KbbhvzLWbMfAa3Im6fZkgFsFdxsa8OiBWnqRxI6zxKY-frVC5FwMF6TsnmKYSI6Ep_hon-DOLJVh29UEl4-hBekiZyt4VB6mgH-1ZYr5-myRr/s1600-h/Isabelle+start.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923556633006498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUx-ZQTZDohaHxUxAqp-1tt6KbbhvzLWbMfAa3Im6fZkgFsFdxsa8OiBWnqRxI6zxKY-frVC5FwMF6TsnmKYSI6Ep_hon-DOLJVh29UEl4-hBekiZyt4VB6mgH-1ZYr5-myRr/s400/Isabelle+start.jpg" border="0" /></a> After watching the wind take the sea ice in and out of Flatrock Harbour all week, Isabelle and I finally got the kayaks in the water on Saturday to have a closer look. The shot above shows Isabelle at the Flatrock wharf with chunks of sea ice.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923374023504082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXALBhrX0c7bSDj-KYYq7pX8SRbRGvmZZ-qO5DpoOWJ7WBA52SLV_q7MLlPbaE8wB_uCQyz5oKur-gGR-HbExRNkxYfvI_Yo1vDgnoj5nLxgIRtWhdB8UeqVFBcsKEfBw-UPH/s400/Shoreline.jpg" border="0" />We paddled along the shoreline, which was lined with big blocks of ice.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6kyDrgL50iei1ig5MUaBrgTkeqg2SvXNwuZl2aiX_rcJpvsQRhwSJcW6OWLS0lZdXQzqsfLBLK82sIFSUzPENF0eZ-bK7_jpUX6xhLHUwAaBcWJrEl38jiF03KeuSa6xtNkL/s1600-h/Redhead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923475973925730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6kyDrgL50iei1ig5MUaBrgTkeqg2SvXNwuZl2aiX_rcJpvsQRhwSJcW6OWLS0lZdXQzqsfLBLK82sIFSUzPENF0eZ-bK7_jpUX6xhLHUwAaBcWJrEl38jiF03KeuSa6xtNkL/s400/Redhead.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is the view looking out the harbour towards Redhead, which is obscured in the fog. The sea ice was out beyond Redhead today.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmymKQF92oQVlCtj5al6LkVU5e41LzKznI5V3QlrhSV0xfhKJsA1tC0-yoi6pcmMumo0HkxJDs-xoX5MUcfqGElHf-Kcf6ekCAiCV42rBRQjXnlre8VmNW93ozCWCKi_cXOa7/s1600-h/Murdering+Gulch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923245355753154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZmymKQF92oQVlCtj5al6LkVU5e41LzKznI5V3QlrhSV0xfhKJsA1tC0-yoi6pcmMumo0HkxJDs-xoX5MUcfqGElHf-Kcf6ekCAiCV42rBRQjXnlre8VmNW93ozCWCKi_cXOa7/s400/Murdering+Gulch.jpg" border="0" /></a>We stopped by Murdering Gulch to check out the waterfall, which is running strong with all the spring run-off.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGINNLMB1gkn3o-H83YzZk2aI5bhg1dlGoXV1-xMoMJdnndaTB0WwVL6_TeLoyNNvKirFG06VSLAub16DowfncHKWeG_fDpdsMx3DjASomy7XWc9bDumRN4qUUjtyIOPdbyY2/s1600-h/Isabelle+ice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923149069118258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGINNLMB1gkn3o-H83YzZk2aI5bhg1dlGoXV1-xMoMJdnndaTB0WwVL6_TeLoyNNvKirFG06VSLAub16DowfncHKWeG_fDpdsMx3DjASomy7XWc9bDumRN4qUUjtyIOPdbyY2/s400/Isabelle+ice.jpg" border="0" /></a>We paddled out around Redhead through some mild clapotis and rounded the corner into Redhead Cove. And there was the sea ice! Check out the ice on the cliffs behind Isabelle, too. There were also several thousand eider ducks and some long-tailed ducks, too. Unfortunately, I didn't get any good photos of them.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9mYp-RbkcWLaik8FwtXpX5lAC-gxk5959haOXqhDqp1tBzDaqWA-01fDTIShAbuWm8Fec1ZKw3dsgqO9WLHLCoY6DOz6HPodrPn4ioESgZ-ok6TAAI8TQ-Ac8T1JwcRQbf1C/s1600-h/Isabelle+ice2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320923070017800210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9mYp-RbkcWLaik8FwtXpX5lAC-gxk5959haOXqhDqp1tBzDaqWA-01fDTIShAbuWm8Fec1ZKw3dsgqO9WLHLCoY6DOz6HPodrPn4ioESgZ-ok6TAAI8TQ-Ac8T1JwcRQbf1C/s400/Isabelle+ice2.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the background of this photo, the sea ice is solid to the horizon. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320922839261605986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 337px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bTS-hjSGJVEx5FvLkbf1ITzg13FYMmPvvPWIHQXa_xWmRxIrohyphenhyphenLtcoTDSWuDuak7GdgC3ubADyZWQxOFKGI57xcHm2-6eW9IsM6frPQbCxR49NjWb7_mSISY1EK22E-0CoC/s400/Isabelle+beamer.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><div>We headed south in a stiffening breeze towards the Beamer. Here is Isabelle checking out the northwest side. </div><div> </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320922968873564578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 297px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6KQ805wownTdHGmnNuPVvEZKFvABBlq59DUM7rJESnqsOg3i3Y0_OwkQ56qc2q-RnPM6e0k7ef-NAecMov-SdTDV_qYtf-ub4TzaFyU8QZE3LD9lR_tXY4SyXIEbgp4ZLCa8/s400/Purples.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p>Paddling back along the Beamer to the wharf, we saw a group of purple sandpipers on the rocks. These little guys are tough to survive the winter here.</p><p>We were very lucky today. The air temperature was 8C and the ocean temperature was OC. Off to the pool tonight to help coach a rolling clinic. Should be a little warmer there, I hope!</p>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-58601506513893310532009-03-29T11:32:00.002-02:302009-03-29T11:33:16.012-02:30Sun & Ice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekFYQ31IoMqean03RgvYZq5HN88oexIyV9u2HnlCvnthPIrB8sURVTNIpWLKBLRy3xHod-CrIZtmN9ARfCiZjVe6r67v3Zxf34HRod-7MZ2OXOIBs3EYB9DoK0K_BXzLgB4Z6/s1600-h/Ice+flatrock2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318609906054962082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 175px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekFYQ31IoMqean03RgvYZq5HN88oexIyV9u2HnlCvnthPIrB8sURVTNIpWLKBLRy3xHod-CrIZtmN9ARfCiZjVe6r67v3Zxf34HRod-7MZ2OXOIBs3EYB9DoK0K_BXzLgB4Z6/s400/Ice+flatrock2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Nice sunny day, so we're going for a walk along the sea cliffs.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-83032541520926688132009-03-28T17:46:00.003-02:302009-03-28T17:53:04.513-02:30Sea Ice Arrives in Flatrock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU-WqcisdAoCcLtswkYz0-0HfuLRz0k0_iey5VZJ8XUVEoDxhNzMKm7plz4jx-lkelS6YMrAWPrQZr96cTeeJk_a3nThdYy9loSEvWBYtq_Y4vxasYPeOppY41Eg8HcTV9QKM/s1600-h/Ice+flatrock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318336798142418370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuU-WqcisdAoCcLtswkYz0-0HfuLRz0k0_iey5VZJ8XUVEoDxhNzMKm7plz4jx-lkelS6YMrAWPrQZr96cTeeJk_a3nThdYy9loSEvWBYtq_Y4vxasYPeOppY41Eg8HcTV9QKM/s400/Ice+flatrock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Every winter, sea ice forms in the Atlantic Ocean off Labrador. Each spring it drifts south towards Newfoundland. It brings with it breeding seals, fog and for those who see it, a reminder of the annual cycle of the ocean. This week the sea ice arrived in Flatrock and Torbay. It is great to see!</div><br /><div>If we are lucky, the icebergs will start showing up in a short while. </div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-62100648208584378992009-03-28T13:00:00.016-02:302009-03-28T13:53:13.637-02:30Bringing Kayaking Courses to Labrador Inuit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYme3GyCJLaMuH5FJdstEPGl2SGabuuEb94yRGpisPcn8x01d7g7F3E_ykv79iiecHChF_AHJlcClGmGby6kvREc3lgrGcvkUWJMb1HYG_TkoOeXiypp4Jd28UG1cInwvzTZHK/s1600-h/sm+Nain1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318268349296328626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYme3GyCJLaMuH5FJdstEPGl2SGabuuEb94yRGpisPcn8x01d7g7F3E_ykv79iiecHChF_AHJlcClGmGby6kvREc3lgrGcvkUWJMb1HYG_TkoOeXiypp4Jd28UG1cInwvzTZHK/s400/sm+Nain1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div>At the beginning of September 2008, Richard Alexander (the president of Paddle Canada) and I flew to Nain, Labrador to teach a Level 1 sea kayaking course. This course was special because we were going to be teaching Inuit youth. The course was a partnership between us and Heather Angnatok, who is the youth program coordinator for the Nunatsiavut Government in Labrador. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318267968838755666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaxNrkcq63paLDA0yJNXIJJY-e83og0cIqblViWPj683D7pUXNPs-tZ3bQuMiUpZ5kN1db48ZSC2fEdM14he6CwiqalKqXwztpJcb-d4KzxQ1OljEUf1GBLuYWe7tEWF6DW79/s400/heather+kayak.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>There are many reasons why a sea kayaking program is wonderful for teenagers: it develops physical skills and fitness, presents a mental challenge, promotes self-confidence and teamwork. For Inuit youth, it has added dimensions like connecting them with their cultural heritage and giving them a new way to explore their homeland, wildlife and coastline.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318268662556899186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUi3f8AuMyG8en3pfH-4oE0PIxI_Mp71viFgsIGRu2-MQrAlSk6jjd05PcQiPPx8_u_ilIZn28uvpOzpVR00GKelR6-ANlYAfIomhfJRS5usD8Xn_HAtLrjIvqDR4TsAm0jjA/s400/sm+Nain6.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318268511664639394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 361px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGi2_2d6fnjrNoF0LEfE5spmMOqnYQZQsxxg_C-af5YjvuvRhxNsZg78oumhPY2hfUdta3omvY78HlwygK2p7rOxnp5HADL29362dACNDSypzbl4gTAQaQlXDX0BNIbt9cRpD/s400/sm+Nain8.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318268815320327842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iTYftpmDN8AVtGap3tXUDpx8Xkbznu_acme8VKgFaeOeqUjtqtKOWzn57P1s2a3iUMj_nvMSHeaahVNA-7aBuYPxiBDtfjul7uE9fbGPxbCKnmitkZ1BhdbmLm0yfZPOG3ZH/s400/sm+Nain9.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We had a great group of youth, adults and one elder. We covered all the Level 1 paddling skills and added an overnight trip. Three of the participants even learned how to roll their kayaks!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318268993794398642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin01khOUhCBtWm6O7_G9AUUZKIrUK1klQIHilGxLhQDm2Hr7-7B8OOypN2p7DYv6uD4aR8tcAxEUvtFNgChCdq6RYS9PKFMDcnK0FgdPn2gdHvCm4v-fDz-2QQocFVNaqseL3F/s400/sm+Nain11.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318269176413949906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ9db7tPrz8ffN_jMRViQ3UoqEg6bSQ96IgPAhf0uSYqeHu0jSZHiHMZwobWtM4YCGWUAI70Fs2SG6OzSmSro1njCHc_G7reVy4de9tLkkeNd6NsDxo1DadWJz0F3B6ygZFXn/s400/sm+Nain23.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318269396862046034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFJSOhc3DwROlAchyphenhyphenD0PpchMmkK0whtIJ5KuZOiVlRCwyBbwQAl4GdHQtz5NXMwgH6sn7I_nmn4QxE_FSVyxRk5Gen3Erq_ukDTG-GZDod7BPKlbelJCxEqV-AYPVgO87mOhJ/s400/sm+Nain25.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318269705279490866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNwJYK9LxbB5O_UThgFR8A8tAZri85EXXmXJuRx1NSQt2-3EhWzYw5yL9C2dfFF-zUu1I3DsTyveokkCi24CR0JTkQJQCrJZV1u0yTFpLNleIF8oZwck5JEUnEjmNV1OUHE9V/s400/sm+Nain42.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318269864105466434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLwpsVVFrbUA3NFLGy8A8VXUOlzU7D5YvYD0GxWM2e9aXcQP1DH3ilQX6ErKFgfxX1AxjcK7DlCFq_GIadREC2hoSSIDxFCOAn_eBygsbCvGnFWaxnEj3PwQph3UEre_-zhMp/s400/sm+Nain45.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>It was a wonderful weekend for everyone. Richard and I had an absolute blast and we look froward to getting back to Nain in 2009.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318269541640699490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw8YGqqvyy4fhxkwhxOR4GMA2I4zL3hhMLZzuKJ1xCoYBK6IFXQu_nQ7sNSh0bZ7T7CNNGA2J1e7NcFugl_d0meTm1LxZlYtb-J9qlhtf3uLHAJmMrUYIjAFobLrp0gc9FYXE/s400/sm+Nain36.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>For more information on the course, check out the article I wrote for the winter/spring 2009 issue of Kanawa magazine called "Full Circle: bringing sea kayaking back to the northern coast of Labrador." www.paddlingcanada.com/kanawa.asp</p>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-35161911471000116312008-06-23T19:07:00.011-02:302008-12-10T10:53:58.505-03:30Level 1 CourseThis past week, the Newfoundland Kayak Company put on a Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills course. I helped out Richard Alexander with the instruction, along with Craig Burden and Jon Walsh. We spent Tuesday night in the pool learning rescues, Friday evening on the pond learning the first few strokes, and all day Saturday on the pond learning more strokes, practicing rescues and learning about gear, weather and navigation.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215199920520850514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8YWWLrPzdEg3-_4iqMBJ-tMiSP2pXrFukK41ouqd_QqBHMFfLLGxkPoQSaToOuGqXOzsZzZZfy0gsOXhrE2bmdllUNKWmeFK69gIAA6jAq-cHgGJ-_mmyfThNJdMz013UvsM/s400/Gear+lesson.jpg" border="0" /> And a little fooling around with balance!<br /><div><div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215197296361797362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkhU92W7362Vf00ImeSbbY4lZV4oCnI6qVYEt_T68l5foeCI11xbBfE1_fJdKsMV4bSC1mtnu7f3oeKMj1VNtl60i_kC4ZsEn3GtPvofyAbWreNmQfNZDokWOGMyXUx0FCcZb/s400/Michael.jpg" border="0" /> Then a day trip on the ocean on Sunday to put it all into practice on salt water. We launched in Cupids on Conception Bay. The sun was out for the first time in two weeks and the wind was light. It was perfect for a Level 1 paddle!!</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215195642333858994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oe6BcPC-MXLFZseKTrjv-UKKNfnF1d93u908b9RgVY7t9MZzT-yqqh6rbh6wSJf-KdxTgIUyxQQIMEAcuhWXQXMkR7xDUSwYlz8ftK9w9HMeM_bBMbJpX3doM-ay-zBTXXp9/s400/Cupids+launch.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>A few kilometres east of Cupid, we came to the Arches, which is a spectacular archway to paddle through. There was less than one metre of swell but it was noisily crashing on the surrounding rocks, so this was an exercise in trust and confidence-building. But the smiles afterwards were worth the anxiety. Craig took the photo below.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215197770831199426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBxiMYQ8r1TVAZXOCc_LYtTSPm6bsPje8vup0Khl1cwigvn7KbA0yeaGN_iRK0vN_fiNQwJLOCx_tflC-3aB4LHCSN6T9n3MTTH5T4-fjpVMpuhMjC6G52SweqavD_KiUiVFh/s400/Arches.jpg" border="0" />We stopped for lunch and Richard put his pastey white legs on display! We managed to keep our lunch down, while he told tall tales and did funny things with rope.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215198467310381218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuBB1J2EpL2LNBocAA2e8zTuMDRC7jGU2EovS29v-Kr-nYCQPXjO3erdH9dfVRzPZxgweESwmr9lHUY3q4F3Rbth7Ew8XnK_2MgHv976PCFJ86ZX-6yz61XkRixJwFdjQLeyh/s400/Richard+daisy+chain.jpg" border="0" />We got back on the water and paddled around the Brigus lighthouse and into Brigus harbour.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215198863426838578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vdcRbp59Huf1w_xrgbwpllQ4GA30ZdbqZoNMKnyS9cePl3VjzaCunzk5YCIQzREHK_AjLyfki4xwRkGSsGmMlu-rUlVyzHrq_jKK8tFYkhxgv6wamtrBq5D0XjUGARMZtE67/s400/Level+1+Brigus+light.jpg" border="0" />Eventually Craig caught up with the class (boy, is he slow!!!) and I took this photo while he caught his breath.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215199245719924386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMtyAU1sqdhQGzxKT51y__NHMalJLtEHx9V2HCrUzCovNoDLi957YsshF9x8j87asmgdOc286vNzlUt0aE69x6JAyIbJCauxta0y4oKtbG2eynaKA8BaG0u-4lH2vMUfd7fcl/s400/Craig+Brigus+lighthouse+2.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><div>Seriously, it was a great course and a lot of fun to instruct. We had a super bunch of students and they all progressed significantly during the course. It was very enjoyable teaching with Richard, Jon and Craig! Looking forward to teaching the Level 2 course with Craig next week in Gros Morne!!!</div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-14688802835930593442008-06-23T18:59:00.003-02:302008-06-23T19:07:33.169-02:30Safety LessonsAfter the capsizes on the KNL Cape Broyle paddle, several of the trip leaders met with the KNL Safety Committee to de-brief the proceedings. We gathered descriptions of what happened from most of those involved. Seeing the situation from different points of view is enlightening. There is always something to learn from rescue situations. We'll apply the lessons to future club paddles. This way the club works to promote safety on our paddles and our trip leaders gain valuable insights for next time.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-60237042625837946872008-06-23T18:30:00.007-02:302008-12-10T10:53:59.730-03:30KNL Father's Day Paddle in Cape Broyle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CZybrtvTcgnAs24-MiRBcem0O8s4mse9Fl2YDr1Bw6p06tGIcbmmqHgdPlYC1Fx19iuECYBB7kUVi5GhZEHU2D6DeEp8facIxZsAXPkiXGAAMOEpifAvot7jrART1iXCe0cj/s1600-h/Greg+waterfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185667744965586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CZybrtvTcgnAs24-MiRBcem0O8s4mse9Fl2YDr1Bw6p06tGIcbmmqHgdPlYC1Fx19iuECYBB7kUVi5GhZEHU2D6DeEp8facIxZsAXPkiXGAAMOEpifAvot7jrART1iXCe0cj/s400/Greg+waterfall.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every year Alex McGruer leads a club paddle on Father's Day to Cape Broyle. This year we had a good turnout and a great day for an adventure. Greg Stamer had a arrived in St. John's a couple of days before and was getting ready to circumnavigate the island. He decided to come out and join KNL members for the day. Above is Greg in the waterfall near the start.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmuUs-GsVt2kQTKKUhyphenhyphenpBSQLB8hma88vpzQtlwYFr_QTjj0Dai6Ceosr-sWQRhxZ3-zMp23wJNg65y4i1Sjp2zTBQmDHmSHHtWSY6UMFYoNW0_Equw-HeHLd1djfPkn5swTar/s1600-h/Isabelle+waterfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185484598665570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmuUs-GsVt2kQTKKUhyphenhyphenpBSQLB8hma88vpzQtlwYFr_QTjj0Dai6Ceosr-sWQRhxZ3-zMp23wJNg65y4i1Sjp2zTBQmDHmSHHtWSY6UMFYoNW0_Equw-HeHLd1djfPkn5swTar/s400/Isabelle+waterfall.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's Isabelle wearing a big smile next to the falls.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D5i7GKMLQ368Ujn6Dd2M8rozzbacop8_7de22r5_zOzgzMATBOxt8MT6kS6vRCv9bE5vPByq7RGzR4eu2QHJws2Yg4Rc9_OsV5p1-YWsoykc-v32-7HvhYGbHJjTSSpmQV2-/s1600-h/Greg+berg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185394583402626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D5i7GKMLQ368Ujn6Dd2M8rozzbacop8_7de22r5_zOzgzMATBOxt8MT6kS6vRCv9bE5vPByq7RGzR4eu2QHJws2Yg4Rc9_OsV5p1-YWsoykc-v32-7HvhYGbHJjTSSpmQV2-/s400/Greg+berg.jpg" border="0" /></a> This iceberg was just off Lance Cove, so Greg and a bunch of us went out for a look. Below is Kam who was visiting from New York and came along for the fun. He loved the icebergs.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6q97ucIqN64fSyVSBZqDp48CsZ_pMqnW2HanKEfyzSc4XQLF-tDdoXpWfJiL5-fCxdRe0tSYV8tvbEPNGMg_UjE2BThTi9sCQLLypNAusyanQDTDImmJoAmuPsreWXjsz3Zi/s1600-h/Kam+berg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185317470919186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB6q97ucIqN64fSyVSBZqDp48CsZ_pMqnW2HanKEfyzSc4XQLF-tDdoXpWfJiL5-fCxdRe0tSYV8tvbEPNGMg_UjE2BThTi9sCQLLypNAusyanQDTDImmJoAmuPsreWXjsz3Zi/s400/Kam+berg.jpg" border="0" /></a> We landed at Lance Cove for lunch. Below is Greg wondering if it's safe to join the lunatics by the damp fire?!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAHOL08JkTkGZ_RUOfDD0xsiTQOekIhaREEjo_mhpe5YGFXK1B5FxTU0ZRcDgT7ZwwaFY-t7YCcygulw3P9G3Aop9-obXjT80ZvYCtlo60a4lvolP03o02bu_vQkEnsSN8SwF/s1600-h/Greg+beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185233731975650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAHOL08JkTkGZ_RUOfDD0xsiTQOekIhaREEjo_mhpe5YGFXK1B5FxTU0ZRcDgT7ZwwaFY-t7YCcygulw3P9G3Aop9-obXjT80ZvYCtlo60a4lvolP03o02bu_vQkEnsSN8SwF/s400/Greg+beach.jpg" border="0" /></a>You couldn't find a better crowd of paddlers anywhere. The smiles tell the story. Well ... almost...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIjfRwnC7o3AN-h4UFJMRUz5GqyKKpPpT9_vSzTLRtpPB3F7wxL9-aN8b1xtUYM8vE03vBaw8fKcwVxneSXo6HjoRoqCyPFnhUZnr4DNwVPscdhzeLhLfTPyFIWQwVLYf7y0m/s1600-h/Fire+gang.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215185139048760130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkIjfRwnC7o3AN-h4UFJMRUz5GqyKKpPpT9_vSzTLRtpPB3F7wxL9-aN8b1xtUYM8vE03vBaw8fKcwVxneSXo6HjoRoqCyPFnhUZnr4DNwVPscdhzeLhLfTPyFIWQwVLYf7y0m/s400/Fire+gang.jpg" border="0" /></a>After the lunch stop, the group split in two. The more experienced crowd headed out to Church Cove and found big swells and excitement. There was no wind, so it was a perfect learning environment for those with less big-water experience. Despite a bout of sea-sickness by one paddler, there were big smiles all-round once we got back to calmer water and the adrenaline subsided. Stretching your comfort zone in a safe situation with capable mentors provides long-term benefits in terms of paddling experience and self-confidence.</div><div></div><div>The other half of the group headed straight back for the launch site. On the way, a couple of paddlers capsized and were quickly rescued. One swimmer was wet, cold and unable to continue. Alex took him ashore in Freshwater Cove and got him into dry clothes. Alex called the Coast Guard as a precaution, and they dispatched a power boat from Cape Broyle. The <em>Ocean Predator</em> was on the scene in a very short time and took the mildly hypothermic swimmer back to the wharf. A happy ending to the incident. Honour is due to Alex, Malcolm and Peter for their leadership and sound decision-making. And a big thank-you to the Coast Guard Auxillary Boat <em>Ocean Predator</em> and its crew.</div><div></div><div>With water temperatures here around 5 degrees Celsius now, even a brief swim in a wetsuit and paddling top can seriously chill a paddler. Rapid response by rescuers ensures a rapid recovery. </div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-21420685304215076942008-05-28T19:52:00.002-02:302008-05-28T19:57:51.700-02:30Atlantic Paddling Professionals SymposiumOn Friday, I'm off to the Atlantic Paddling Professionals Symposium in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia. It is the first regional event aimed at paddling instructors and guides from all three disciplines: canoeing, sea kayaking and river kayaking. The symposium is bringing in instructor trainers from across Canada. It should be a great learning experience. And a great chance to paddle with a super group from all parts of Atlantic Canada. Paddle Canada and the provincial paddling associations are major sponsors.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-20967168731579139072008-05-26T19:39:00.009-02:302008-12-10T10:54:00.691-03:30Placentia Sound<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupnofGrsquXXaQRiMiU39FQ8WUd7OXU6Jk5aSoUlq4CQs6EiwQ0sYBdbzviX731dwpPqi3CDdMDE-yYAFBCIwc3s7o3XG4aXc2o2J8PkLnb2gj2f908KnhuwXkcq7hu1UUQFc/s1600-h/Argentia+launch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204818579438083170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupnofGrsquXXaQRiMiU39FQ8WUd7OXU6Jk5aSoUlq4CQs6EiwQ0sYBdbzviX731dwpPqi3CDdMDE-yYAFBCIwc3s7o3XG4aXc2o2J8PkLnb2gj2f908KnhuwXkcq7hu1UUQFc/s400/Argentia+launch.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last Sunday, seven of us headed out for a paddle from Argentia Harbour into Placentia Sound. Argentia is where the longer ferry to Nova Scotia begins its journey in the summer. The photo above shows us getting ready to go. The former US Naval Air Station is in the background. No longer an airport, it is now an industrial site.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdJKEipuJ03mvUBr8Bfz48WlFFow8s_BQSCBq2nlS-45zwiPwkjnc8UingLRzZEtNI0m2wmcXCcE1l3uVZj1GSBn2M4AwCrPoE5qCpZbcodou7upgC3tNaenWKNqC6aU8lBSR/s1600-h/Alison+sign+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204818459178998866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdJKEipuJ03mvUBr8Bfz48WlFFow8s_BQSCBq2nlS-45zwiPwkjnc8UingLRzZEtNI0m2wmcXCcE1l3uVZj1GSBn2M4AwCrPoE5qCpZbcodou7upgC3tNaenWKNqC6aU8lBSR/s400/Alison+sign+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a> Paddling around Broad Cove head and turning east into Placentia Sound, we left the industrial Argentia behind. But not all traces of the American presence. The photo above shows Alison Dyer and an old American property sign. Nationalist sentiments reared their ugly head, and I felt compelled to remove the offending sign.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEa6S1MbzgKBrb4oBRNm07qQYSqUnhy5iBmA4CtpxQcSnxjaaF1SmjqlZeEhGLoKYYaMYfP63P99VI01YfEvxsGYXEl-VX-Y94qAACAYKHe1FDNm2DA6mMh6GuHWjc8PkhkUK/s1600-h/Stan+creek.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204818210070895666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEa6S1MbzgKBrb4oBRNm07qQYSqUnhy5iBmA4CtpxQcSnxjaaF1SmjqlZeEhGLoKYYaMYfP63P99VI01YfEvxsGYXEl-VX-Y94qAACAYKHe1FDNm2DA6mMh6GuHWjc8PkhkUK/s400/Stan+creek.jpg" border="0" /></a> Entering Shalloway Cove, we found this beautiful brook cascading down into the sea.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmYEKADQX8b8k-pvcCAlzlVsWH1Onr9URTUu5ANV9Vq20IEuYvz7iFPTkNDZeAs34B4uVD60C4jnxYKDAAHegGC_MVzEH0hQ-zIp_pmz8HeHh6e4dmoOnUIm1KSJExKXNV20A/s1600-h/Stan+hill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204818106991680546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmYEKADQX8b8k-pvcCAlzlVsWH1Onr9URTUu5ANV9Vq20IEuYvz7iFPTkNDZeAs34B4uVD60C4jnxYKDAAHegGC_MVzEH0hQ-zIp_pmz8HeHh6e4dmoOnUIm1KSJExKXNV20A/s400/Stan+hill.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Stan MacKenzie with a headland in the background. The high hills along the shoreline of the Sound reminded me of the fiords in Gros Morne Park on the west coast of Newfoundland. We stopped for lunch at the ruin of an old cabin across from Witless Head. Then we fought our way out of the Sound against southwest winds towards Fox Harbour.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAWUQ8Q4fCyvXD9vVasbF7JwOWcYALCbfZlnIDJoMl_BU6Gv4mPf_5lzrGMxMOXsTDmhxTCSJFhqd8DXtI5CsDt1Lr5PesHbKRgqtRuJIznYJ6tvhS4ET_1Twynf-mTSHVSEO/s1600-h/Peter+Fox+Harbour.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204818012502400018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAWUQ8Q4fCyvXD9vVasbF7JwOWcYALCbfZlnIDJoMl_BU6Gv4mPf_5lzrGMxMOXsTDmhxTCSJFhqd8DXtI5CsDt1Lr5PesHbKRgqtRuJIznYJ6tvhS4ET_1Twynf-mTSHVSEO/s400/Peter+Fox+Harbour.JPG" border="0" /></a> We finished up the paddle in picturesque Fox Harbour. Above is Peter Armitage passing by a fisherman and his family unloaded nets and gear from their speedboat. This paddle was my first contribution to KNL's Circle the Avalon Challenge for 2008. We're hoping to complete the Challenge this year. For better photos from this paddle, check out the link to Stan MacKenzie's blog at the right.</div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-18182460234863939632008-05-25T21:15:00.007-02:302008-12-10T10:54:01.457-03:30Iceberg Paddle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiLcsA5dFSv7aAUT2BXVaBvAUAlIS5g08M6LOBddiQm1mDOXTCGczlwSQkCS9MjViwFIkqFz8QNqKfQrVSVZeH2as_ekMWIKyATxIPPFxBUM6bNFJ3AVL3pz9t1mJbwIj0Ed1/s1600-h/Ice+Neil+DaveMac.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204810045338065922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiLcsA5dFSv7aAUT2BXVaBvAUAlIS5g08M6LOBddiQm1mDOXTCGczlwSQkCS9MjViwFIkqFz8QNqKfQrVSVZeH2as_ekMWIKyATxIPPFxBUM6bNFJ3AVL3pz9t1mJbwIj0Ed1/s400/Ice+Neil+DaveMac.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This spectacular iceberg was the goal of our paddle on Saturday (photo credit: Dave MacDonald). Fifteen KNL members launched from Turks Gut, just south of Brigus in Conception Bay.<br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204467006300134370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqY6Qja0jyAY67l3mGwghYf7GXVIznswzutlOqzcXeRQefObK_Pw_vhbkqSeO_fbHUX-60-32mTGKY-e7EZNHP8czBt2A8boEG-WtNr3I_FlQtDik0Iu4wLGTEIVy1M1v6Ltji/s400/Paul+archway.jpg" border="0" /> Paddling north we found the archway above, which Paul Benson is paddling through with a big grin.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplG32JzR2-L86vr2We7ESUyro-ggFPySycpmJ1fmgazSvNbDt6gToQEN4TWiDIflRaBxe0HdLQVJkFh65PRBXpTGTDL8cZkA2YCgsjbMuDUcOibH15oof98jn0KASGERcGNLk/s1600-h/Isabelle+iceberg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204466697062489026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplG32JzR2-L86vr2We7ESUyro-ggFPySycpmJ1fmgazSvNbDt6gToQEN4TWiDIflRaBxe0HdLQVJkFh65PRBXpTGTDL8cZkA2YCgsjbMuDUcOibH15oof98jn0KASGERcGNLk/s400/Isabelle+iceberg.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the pinnacle iceberg with my partner Isabelle.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN-0gFWqnAYzOCe8By1_OMCOrZa97ZjXPzulZpwnOGJ-GE3uAj2SRiEbgaLSEI6cCxQlIha3fsDo7RmuEHicH0MUx9EB2bPBQ3_ANcFQr6zJlPTxaD1YbH404NxJL0BD5xccZ/s1600-h/Dave+Laura+iceberg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204466555328568242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN-0gFWqnAYzOCe8By1_OMCOrZa97ZjXPzulZpwnOGJ-GE3uAj2SRiEbgaLSEI6cCxQlIha3fsDo7RmuEHicH0MUx9EB2bPBQ3_ANcFQr6zJlPTxaD1YbH404NxJL0BD5xccZ/s400/Dave+Laura+iceberg.jpg" border="0" /></a>The other side of the iceberg with Dave Dobbin and Laura ?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbYVAg8xDvhCJCJGnEdy4yKASOkAd7jyEoPUKX7kKG73824abl5PouuaFU59oMJT2lCqvIu38TjqSee3bOH4M0gVpA7hb0FI75NyeDyzNUCShydZ4wlv2wjdpTxAQPjeCm_4K/s1600-h/Paul+archway2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204466417889614754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbYVAg8xDvhCJCJGnEdy4yKASOkAd7jyEoPUKX7kKG73824abl5PouuaFU59oMJT2lCqvIu38TjqSee3bOH4M0gVpA7hb0FI75NyeDyzNUCShydZ4wlv2wjdpTxAQPjeCm_4K/s400/Paul+archway2.jpg" border="0" /></a>From the iceberg, we paddled north into Brigus Bay, where we stopped for lunch. Then we headed north towards Cupids. Coming around around the headland we passed through The Arch above. </div><div></div><div>Where else but Newfoundland could you have such a great paddle, just an hour's drive from St. John's. </div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-87987738706612710022008-05-11T20:42:00.002-02:302008-05-11T20:48:56.480-02:30It's May and it's snowing!You just have to love the weather here in the so-called spring. Today is May 11 and it's snowing out! I was out to Gull Island in Witless Bay for work today with two other Canadian Wildlife Service biologists. It was a bumpy ride out in the Zodiac. Lots of icebergs about. Just when we started our seabird work on the island, the snow started. It was cold and windy but we finished the work quickly and headed back in the Zodiac. It was snowing so hard, we could not see the shore. It was good to get the work done today, since there are big winds and seas forecast for tomorrow and another storm coming up from New England later this week.<br /><br />I sure hope all this cold weather is gone for next weekend's Retreat in Terra Nova!!!!Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-8174717402537996612008-03-29T17:24:00.004-02:302008-12-10T10:54:01.840-03:30Greg Stamer returning to Newfoundland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_bqSgw2i9NQXVkV29G-8v508YuioSFMQgha0UEjPaTxSnl54ELOU08OrSrtyquL6HLRE0a_98nG34VEFQwhuCXeXT-rZvoOe3UQgNXV0aLdU_FlSUy7GMg9iKZtOE4FTDLaO/s1600-h/Greg+Stamer+Avalon+2007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183264575193692674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_bqSgw2i9NQXVkV29G-8v508YuioSFMQgha0UEjPaTxSnl54ELOU08OrSrtyquL6HLRE0a_98nG34VEFQwhuCXeXT-rZvoOe3UQgNXV0aLdU_FlSUy7GMg9iKZtOE4FTDLaO/s400/Greg+Stamer+Avalon+2007.jpg" border="0" /></a> Greg Stamer has announced that he is coming back to Newfoundland in June 2008 to paddle around the island solo. Check out Greg's plans on his website at <a href="http://www.gregstamer.com/">http://www.gregstamer.com/</a><br /><br />Greg and Freya Hoffmeister were guests at the KNL Kayakers Retreat in May 2007. Their Greenland paddling and rolling clinics were an inspiration. After the Retreat, Greg and Freya did an 8-day trip from St. John's to St. Bride's around the southern Avalon peninsula. I took the photo above of Greg when they started their trip at Quidi Vidi Gut. You can check out Greg and Freya's photos from their trip at <a href="http://www.gregstamer.com/?page_id=17">http://www.gregstamer.com/?page_id=17</a><br /><br />Later in June & July 2007, Greg and Freya paddled around Iceland in record time. That trip included a 110-kilometre day that lasted 22 hours on the water. Amazing endurance!<br /><br />I am looking forward to Greg's return with a big smile. Greg is a fantastic paddler, mentor and down-to-earth guy. I'm looking forward to paddling with him again in 2008.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-81662912886648574322008-01-28T11:27:00.000-03:302008-01-28T11:38:56.254-03:30Going PoliticalEvery once in a while, I am jarred out of my kayaking daydream by reality. Let me explain ... St. John's is "blessed" with a mayor known best for his bombast and bullying. His name is Andy Wells. Mr. Wells has accepted a new full-time job as head of the provincial Public Utilities Board (PUB), starting in March 2008. Unbelievably, Mr. Wells has indicated that he is debating when to step down as full-time mayor of St. John's. He is seriously considering staying on as mayor until late September 2008. During that period he would receive his PUB salary (reported to be almost $180,000 per year) and his mayor's salary (more than $90,000 per year). The mind boggles at the arrogance of this greed!<br /><br />Anyway, I was compelled to send a Letter to the Editor to the St. John's daily newspaper, the Telegram. You can read my letter here:<br /><a href="http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=101625&sc=87">http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=101625&sc=87</a><br /><br />The Editorial in the paper the same day explored the same topic:<br /><a href="http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=101624&sc=80">http://www.thetelegram.com/index.cfm?sid=101624&sc=80</a><br /><br /><br />And now back to kayaking ...Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-61813695529549387772007-11-02T22:39:00.000-02:302008-12-10T10:54:07.123-03:30Paddling Around Bell Island<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0_o4swYuYvSpnOif7hOjxX4Ah6R1DhVLcl084WmSK3HU9DlOsS48dhlJCCTcum0uj0nGaxIM_4G7r7f71HjZwatRrXcY18Isazy_iBCTMPT-6ngHOXHqh9XVmyQ21v_DR7bx/s1600-h/BI31+South+side.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128419660371909010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0_o4swYuYvSpnOif7hOjxX4Ah6R1DhVLcl084WmSK3HU9DlOsS48dhlJCCTcum0uj0nGaxIM_4G7r7f71HjZwatRrXcY18Isazy_iBCTMPT-6ngHOXHqh9XVmyQ21v_DR7bx/s400/BI31+South+side.jpg" border="0" /></a>Paddling around Bell Island is a classic day paddle near St. John's. Once you've done it, you can safely call yourself an intermediate sea kayaker. It tends to be a popular paddle for groups and the local crowd usually does it a couple times a summer. For some reason, I had never been around Bell Island before. The photo above shows the high seacliffs that characterize the island. There are few good landing spots, the swell from the north can be huge, and Bell Island Tickle has a nasty reputation for sudden rough water when the wind opposes the tide.<br /><br />The weather gods smiled on us on 22 Septemeber 2007. David Carroll organized the trip and a dozen people jumped aboard.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgpncXfShMBU9w6tua28-6goRuY1GWK0brT3U1ueseXMiP5rAll3BqIRoxEAaxNXZqiiGKLg7zisdJYpv7l6eDav2xsCycCf1Hd1k26kF3qPnR3Zng7lOTVBxBAQWp-QE3pDv/s1600-h/BI00+map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128419488573217154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgpncXfShMBU9w6tua28-6goRuY1GWK0brT3U1ueseXMiP5rAll3BqIRoxEAaxNXZqiiGKLg7zisdJYpv7l6eDav2xsCycCf1Hd1k26kF3qPnR3Zng7lOTVBxBAQWp-QE3pDv/s400/BI00+map.jpg" border="0" /></a> The map shows the route of 25 km. We loaded our vehicles and kayaks aboard the Bell Island ferry at 8:30am.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zx7mrLrexFCvh_5HgEeiJbVeJgXfNHAGOvndRs11pNH_zow9aGAV0DQy68wdNzWtNThwA69rqmeAGmi4JaN2Ouo8DHFj8xd6g_CUpFqgWy7tu7uG_EEoxCp4galJgDefVdcg/s1600-h/BI02+On+the+ferry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128419303889623410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Zx7mrLrexFCvh_5HgEeiJbVeJgXfNHAGOvndRs11pNH_zow9aGAV0DQy68wdNzWtNThwA69rqmeAGmi4JaN2Ouo8DHFj8xd6g_CUpFqgWy7tu7uG_EEoxCp4galJgDefVdcg/s400/BI02+On+the+ferry.jpg" border="0" /></a> The crew were a little puzzled by the sudden invasion of kayakers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg_xh8sNGW60Ucekab81tZUmwFF9HnmCihpYecwmJoHGI_RhIlinyjiQxtgWdnDU_SRc4H6_7eEQuhMFNdITmATziNWs1TNEN1oLuifA2NXf2sLRxz8ASAA-pf8xlncDFXn52/s1600-h/BI03+The+gang.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128419041896618338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg_xh8sNGW60Ucekab81tZUmwFF9HnmCihpYecwmJoHGI_RhIlinyjiQxtgWdnDU_SRc4H6_7eEQuhMFNdITmATziNWs1TNEN1oLuifA2NXf2sLRxz8ASAA-pf8xlncDFXn52/s400/BI03+The+gang.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since the sun was out, we headed for the observation deck. Here's the gang with David and his father Joe Carroll in the front.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJAex_RDXHDFjph2Ga9Ldx3_duELtRfUoeCe3lSuIPJeHEfsaGtZTgvI6FuaEenBJ76qTtbZyrVS7N3kjyW13IJj0QznFA3bYxMGruo0gonUukNU8_QHZbg2WmCBfrq5fmPCs/s1600-h/BI07+Getting+ready.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128418848623090002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJAex_RDXHDFjph2Ga9Ldx3_duELtRfUoeCe3lSuIPJeHEfsaGtZTgvI6FuaEenBJ76qTtbZyrVS7N3kjyW13IJj0QznFA3bYxMGruo0gonUukNU8_QHZbg2WmCBfrq5fmPCs/s400/BI07+Getting+ready.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the put-in not far from the ferry dock on the island. There was almost no swell on this side.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqkKA4UgrtxZc1tvtq6t9e4L0XP9aLYfqSZNEYfISablVgZGv1WJKAWmJkUmijUWpZ0-4vPB_gXeNhUWsA30LiFV8XDcAGuw8wuL_dS9IKl8tGl8bdqxDx5aISSCqvegLd8wi/s1600-h/BI09+Heading+north.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128418651054594370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqkKA4UgrtxZc1tvtq6t9e4L0XP9aLYfqSZNEYfISablVgZGv1WJKAWmJkUmijUWpZ0-4vPB_gXeNhUWsA30LiFV8XDcAGuw8wuL_dS9IKl8tGl8bdqxDx5aISSCqvegLd8wi/s400/BI09+Heading+north.jpg" border="0" /></a>We headed north along the towering cliffs. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSnai9JEEy3JrEUFTN1LB2A878LINeeVNpAaY3q4qJWUqhj3i-QAsqNocNYATAqy8umKkOg30UA9Tt7BtZPDp8B_ULsMX4CxBi2VFovadPcSS3Zg6hID9LY8Vc1MSS4_ttj3/s1600-h/BI10+Stan+tunnel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128418543680411954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zSnai9JEEy3JrEUFTN1LB2A878LINeeVNpAaY3q4qJWUqhj3i-QAsqNocNYATAqy8umKkOg30UA9Tt7BtZPDp8B_ULsMX4CxBi2VFovadPcSS3Zg6hID9LY8Vc1MSS4_ttj3/s400/BI10+Stan+tunnel.jpg" border="0" /></a>After a few minutes of paddling, we came to this 100 metre tunnel through the cliff. The swell was bigger here and crashing inside the tunnel. So we debated and then decided to give it a pass.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhgp-1VWz6rrLJl1D6pPsZeQlHrDPyPvVWpb_NSSXyCdLqDffWZbb08Pq6mxaI41CQD9Ast-IDpuS8CCiurCoynied4VhYe0aYArolB-e1Rnod19qpXA7dcJnR4SjsS9WwFGq/s1600-h/BI12+Ralph+North+lighthouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128418225852832034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhgp-1VWz6rrLJl1D6pPsZeQlHrDPyPvVWpb_NSSXyCdLqDffWZbb08Pq6mxaI41CQD9Ast-IDpuS8CCiurCoynied4VhYe0aYArolB-e1Rnod19qpXA7dcJnR4SjsS9WwFGq/s400/BI12+Ralph+North+lighthouse.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ralph is paddling strongly through the increasing swell on the north side of the island. The lighthouse is on top of the cliff in the background.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU6Nl1INf_McFp5Rdnf60RLJXuWosWyJE9ok3kH-PDwv2keNdIoajpruM0IKt7fHVrLhr9Af4AnLMQapU6SsRPMN6ee3JlHFCaaspKpwxrIB9N7NOzw_ASfvKiG2zdsGr3_ST/s1600-h/BI13+Swell+at+north+end.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128418079823943954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU6Nl1INf_McFp5Rdnf60RLJXuWosWyJE9ok3kH-PDwv2keNdIoajpruM0IKt7fHVrLhr9Af4AnLMQapU6SsRPMN6ee3JlHFCaaspKpwxrIB9N7NOzw_ASfvKiG2zdsGr3_ST/s400/BI13+Swell+at+north+end.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the swell breaking on the shoals and seacliffs.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdzpZKimD20xWP2KnyV7ITdPrg49VSlUvNCIEnVjk7ZYxKND60M7NN4DZqN1Fhz7ypKHEusyRRoR6-yREkDpP4TRPZwMlevGjFww7buGSXnI5s_qA0JrhmUZ60kNgB8EtXft-/s1600-h/BI15+David.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128417929500088578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdzpZKimD20xWP2KnyV7ITdPrg49VSlUvNCIEnVjk7ZYxKND60M7NN4DZqN1Fhz7ypKHEusyRRoR6-yREkDpP4TRPZwMlevGjFww7buGSXnI5s_qA0JrhmUZ60kNgB8EtXft-/s400/BI15+David.jpg" border="0" /></a>We started south down the back side of the island. Here is David with some nice waves behind him.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3okZM2HZ-Rh-I9C_ivdq98JTkRzPOdmeI6_3LJjnVqzDCKZxfmrovxTva8DWjidpgXfjOaQxFB5eL-1sHReZOX_mk9E1JyIH9xkzajrVWFPToMDuZ4exvyXrAc1_1XVmi3tq/s1600-h/BI17+More+shoal+break.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128417766291331314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3okZM2HZ-Rh-I9C_ivdq98JTkRzPOdmeI6_3LJjnVqzDCKZxfmrovxTva8DWjidpgXfjOaQxFB5eL-1sHReZOX_mk9E1JyIH9xkzajrVWFPToMDuZ4exvyXrAc1_1XVmi3tq/s400/BI17+More+shoal+break.jpg" border="0" /></a>More swell breaking on shoals. Below the seabed here are tunnels from the large iron ore mines that operated on Bell Island for decades. During the Second World War, these were the largest iron ore mines in the British Empire.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC_5aRwBJVQduLQg4gGDJLLIMOI9YkXD8a3mMM8kQ8OT7bPELIuEEWnyK27pYi6l8kxAwmFa652qWHbGbIAp7X9yy0QAcIB3L34yZnbPcO0qVVykegZr6m0RAAxu-YbUZW_3_/s1600-h/BI23+Stan+Chimney+Cove.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128417392629176546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC_5aRwBJVQduLQg4gGDJLLIMOI9YkXD8a3mMM8kQ8OT7bPELIuEEWnyK27pYi6l8kxAwmFa652qWHbGbIAp7X9yy0QAcIB3L34yZnbPcO0qVVykegZr6m0RAAxu-YbUZW_3_/s400/BI23+Stan+Chimney+Cove.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Stan MacKenzie taking photos near the Grebes Nest. <div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6oNJ3eg1W2lk0qJWuJjxM0XTYz3PHCpaCTmNZb4wFCtxPv6IXLdTs0x94vTs9-4VcRaDERVKD4xz5piHV68i3d2SQOG0fen5ywoyKWX1Zlppy4cKTeL5xNlgRdNxxEWLglqb/s1600-h/BI26+Bell+Isabelle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128417156405975250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6oNJ3eg1W2lk0qJWuJjxM0XTYz3PHCpaCTmNZb4wFCtxPv6IXLdTs0x94vTs9-4VcRaDERVKD4xz5piHV68i3d2SQOG0fen5ywoyKWX1Zlppy4cKTeL5xNlgRdNxxEWLglqb/s400/BI26+Bell+Isabelle.jpg" border="0" /></a> Continuing south, we came to the Bell which gives the island its name. The folks in the distance are sprinting for the lunch beach.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaAwRYXLS8lgopNUThTTK8uTPPsbAobt2S2Y8dwBH0bV645yaunw_FKv3BLIN5DDvdaBFfYoqX10kG5F2qgHmJs37BwOFCEYXxYNiOmNMJVi-1rpRQaG8vjftAwwSc54pDAnn/s1600-h/BI28+Alison.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128416817103558850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaAwRYXLS8lgopNUThTTK8uTPPsbAobt2S2Y8dwBH0bV645yaunw_FKv3BLIN5DDvdaBFfYoqX10kG5F2qgHmJs37BwOFCEYXxYNiOmNMJVi-1rpRQaG8vjftAwwSc54pDAnn/s400/BI28+Alison.jpg" border="0" /></a>The channel between the Bell and the main island offered some interesting swell, which Alison took advantage of.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpmemggmquqkcxHVEx1hygwQ3rhlNWlzBfBNCgqYuDkOZQve6PvdEL_6chOhsHnNZ8QpX1NJo3tUREl-CD8LX_fR9M4-6QqhKVRvwk5sPKVjTPXOEYnfuI7RmrD2V239uE3t9/s1600-h/BI29+David+lunch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128416576585390258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpmemggmquqkcxHVEx1hygwQ3rhlNWlzBfBNCgqYuDkOZQve6PvdEL_6chOhsHnNZ8QpX1NJo3tUREl-CD8LX_fR9M4-6QqhKVRvwk5sPKVjTPXOEYnfuI7RmrD2V239uE3t9/s400/BI29+David+lunch.jpg" border="0" /></a> David at the lunch beach. Little Bell is behind him. I should probably title this photo "Spot the Knob", but I don't want to get David cranky with me.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9URpR1yf0W7xRk0fsCZL_txZp1s5Ro07KbyG2xgWxdQt2k249IvGBRYVqmmG7_GIE0IJ2hjpvIrlzcrDRMkTyNG8LDCABz2ep6Q4Dk_qZ9TVpqoI8UsZWOUnvTmxJdiny0VBD/s1600-h/BI32+Bell+and+Little+Bell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128416379016894626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9URpR1yf0W7xRk0fsCZL_txZp1s5Ro07KbyG2xgWxdQt2k249IvGBRYVqmmG7_GIE0IJ2hjpvIrlzcrDRMkTyNG8LDCABz2ep6Q4Dk_qZ9TVpqoI8UsZWOUnvTmxJdiny0VBD/s400/BI32+Bell+and+Little+Bell.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Little Bell, the Bell, and the lunch beach. Spectacular spot!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DVoTzRw6LNx5Xe8uhNc5A6iuH-geRCG2cr_r34h6aq-Fb4lpltnUkRxg29OOmFezcpa6ciIwx0bwOM11rWwr0wHk_OFl3xfDL1-gQVfQcyAezv7KrqQNYcOyVFRGPzZ30Zfs/s1600-h/BI35+The+Clapper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128416112728922258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DVoTzRw6LNx5Xe8uhNc5A6iuH-geRCG2cr_r34h6aq-Fb4lpltnUkRxg29OOmFezcpa6ciIwx0bwOM11rWwr0wHk_OFl3xfDL1-gQVfQcyAezv7KrqQNYcOyVFRGPzZ30Zfs/s400/BI35+The+Clapper.jpg" border="0" /></a>Continuing on around the south end of the island, we came to the Clapper.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbxaJX-SQCDek3VCeCORj-QSvEQ829uINCMeF0LWftxysqKbdQSMbFdSp6CB2CCJVyZQ60aIz2tOemkIymAGA6N1sOE_Wi5eWPZo758L3FLZjksnuFIgtTfSU1d0nJwXXTUVC/s1600-h/BI35+Lance+Cove.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128415996764805250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbxaJX-SQCDek3VCeCORj-QSvEQ829uINCMeF0LWftxysqKbdQSMbFdSp6CB2CCJVyZQ60aIz2tOemkIymAGA6N1sOE_Wi5eWPZo758L3FLZjksnuFIgtTfSU1d0nJwXXTUVC/s400/BI35+Lance+Cove.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Stan paddling by Lance Cove. This is where a German U-boat sank four ships during World War II. One of the U-boat's torpedos exploded on the beach in Lance Cove. Things were not quite as exciting the day we were there. But the sun was great!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp9oGrNy0blLNDo2gl7ZbdfUzwca6Nqldbqo3Co27qGv_QSbPUeWbx0U2iTz-6BuxulqexOczIEEy6ThT8sYywPDMzX8jVJqzA7QO_-YCoQAi3djOEsBN4cF0JoDfanZE7HtD/s1600-h/BI38+Finished.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128415408354285666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp9oGrNy0blLNDo2gl7ZbdfUzwca6Nqldbqo3Co27qGv_QSbPUeWbx0U2iTz-6BuxulqexOczIEEy6ThT8sYywPDMzX8jVJqzA7QO_-YCoQAi3djOEsBN4cF0JoDfanZE7HtD/s400/BI38+Finished.jpg" border="0" /></a>We finished up around 2:30pm. A bunch of us set off in search of an ice cream cone to celebrate the day, before heading back on the ferry. A great trip with a great bunch of friends!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-87576758699949381792007-10-28T12:48:00.000-02:302008-12-10T10:54:11.484-03:30Dream trip around Cape St. Mary's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f1SbQL6TTU2Ze78RM6q8CSblx32xWrhRzFgIkhIL-CzbYWmQZ4vva7Y_RmIsVC3qlN8K0QpUcv55VnD3m1-X3w0ct6uOnzDXQr2O-H0OHIKGFcwNq3KthWstkCCQG9cw97hl/s1600-h/CSM37+Neil+Bird+Rock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410775318550610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f1SbQL6TTU2Ze78RM6q8CSblx32xWrhRzFgIkhIL-CzbYWmQZ4vva7Y_RmIsVC3qlN8K0QpUcv55VnD3m1-X3w0ct6uOnzDXQr2O-H0OHIKGFcwNq3KthWstkCCQG9cw97hl/s400/CSM37+Neil+Bird+Rock.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of the most popular ecotourism destinations in all of Newfoundland & Labrador is the gannet colony at Cape St. Mary's. Thousands of people take the short hike every summer to overlook the tens of thousands of breeding gannets. The sights, sounds and smells of Bird Rock are simply overwhelming.<br /><br />Far fewer people have visited Bird Rock by boat. Many fisherman and the odd group of kayakers have marvelled at the panorama of a sky filled with northern gannets and the overpowering noise of all their squawking. I won't even try to descibe the odor!<br /><br />Paddling around Cape St. Mary's has been a goal of mine for many years. The headland juts out from the south coast of the Avalon into the northwest Atlantic. It is usually battered by winds and huge swells ... but if you pick your day, you can enjoy brilliant sunny weather, calm seas and no more than a gentle breeze.<br /><br />September 18, 2007 presented just such a day. I contacted several experienced paddling buddies, and Ian Fong of St. John's and Jonathan Walsh of Placentia were interested. The forecast looked excellent.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSn3OX-MTLEof5nARHfLnP4-OGXwx8f83MM8voDczLMfcwVp0kScwsHfIeq4mVvozGPKndAB_l2w7Xttfi1QXLdZLPV0mEATWaQ5A4PDY8UkbbFo_g_fSGHygFPPwXvhHJ88R/s1600-h/CSM00+map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410642174564418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSn3OX-MTLEof5nARHfLnP4-OGXwx8f83MM8voDczLMfcwVp0kScwsHfIeq4mVvozGPKndAB_l2w7Xttfi1QXLdZLPV0mEATWaQ5A4PDY8UkbbFo_g_fSGHygFPPwXvhHJ88R/s400/CSM00+map.jpg" border="0" /></a> We decided to start from St. Bride's and finish at Point Lance, 25 kms in all (click on map and photos to enlarge).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOZb1w-Jr8qaRIatujYK5VIZ-K_RwKaX3suWMzPSMgV9A3Jzx7OraEnpD7GS4cs_mA2DWT2q16UTAeG-cTb4ezyu4yE0S-Okw11cvCM-puF4ipTZ8HZQyTi8uxh0D_-__TFY/s1600-h/CSM01+St+Bride%27s+launch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410504735610930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOZb1w-Jr8qaRIatujYK5VIZ-K_RwKaX3suWMzPSMgV9A3Jzx7OraEnpD7GS4cs_mA2DWT2q16UTAeG-cTb4ezyu4yE0S-Okw11cvCM-puF4ipTZ8HZQyTi8uxh0D_-__TFY/s400/CSM01+St+Bride%27s+launch.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here are Jonathan (aka pastey white guy on left) and Ian Fong (aka the Fongman) getting ready to go in St. Bride's. We began at 11:30am.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjf425RrYEGiGF9SSVY92viHUTOrMuoJU9dYwu3Wiu4nVI4itv2UndJl_obvIJcWmILf6Z4EZezfQP6pCSNL8QxT9B0R3CDVbHEQa3MwqN64cttQ5VMH2OjI7qI7WdJyFEAGE/s1600-h/CSM07+Approaching+Island+Head.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410384476526626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjf425RrYEGiGF9SSVY92viHUTOrMuoJU9dYwu3Wiu4nVI4itv2UndJl_obvIJcWmILf6Z4EZezfQP6pCSNL8QxT9B0R3CDVbHEQa3MwqN64cttQ5VMH2OjI7qI7WdJyFEAGE/s400/CSM07+Approaching+Island+Head.jpg" border="0" /></a> Almost the whole coast along our route was seacliffs (200 - 300 feet high). Here we are approaching Island Head, south of St. Bride's.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFprdGKIfqZLRh_jr_GfyGTTrAlyOAMLkSB3Cs22C_A-Og2_mot7b8pdIth8ZNMIchuLy2XpRGvAVeeL5qI2C04YWetoyp1_k6oVcGGyxu4Ku3rg-YYYP4UZMY-Wy-Fkc33g_p/s1600-h/CSM08+Sneaking+through.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410294282213394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFprdGKIfqZLRh_jr_GfyGTTrAlyOAMLkSB3Cs22C_A-Og2_mot7b8pdIth8ZNMIchuLy2XpRGvAVeeL5qI2C04YWetoyp1_k6oVcGGyxu4Ku3rg-YYYP4UZMY-Wy-Fkc33g_p/s400/CSM08+Sneaking+through.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the narrow passage through Island Head. We were lucky to have ideal conditions. The swell was less than 1 metre, the winds were very light, and the sun was splitting the rocks.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriUO_O50qpxLpr0HI_kuw98G1gTmRYt0AZPW-_wASlMS_0Y5126d78ileYXsm53T_maiYePBfx77r3cKaLXKQ_70bvPqdEEPgvjpO8f3w1s6uNMshq3VXkFxFPGrTus1-PxFC/s1600-h/CSM13+Rounding+Norther+Head.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410186908030978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriUO_O50qpxLpr0HI_kuw98G1gTmRYt0AZPW-_wASlMS_0Y5126d78ileYXsm53T_maiYePBfx77r3cKaLXKQ_70bvPqdEEPgvjpO8f3w1s6uNMshq3VXkFxFPGrTus1-PxFC/s400/CSM13+Rounding+Norther+Head.jpg" border="0" /></a> We carried on to Norther Head and played in the swell running through the rocks and stacks. In the distance you can spot the Cape St. Mary's lighthouse on the cliff top. We stopped for a quick lunch just inside Lears Cove.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf-dC7i5sXG8YMFCuLWGanYxhqbASAfIdTAjYYHaeJplWoWmcciJGDHm2mu3b_sPbQgq0DC_zjCp-WQ1N4ilsisvEA-34fs8Vr9Jjzu0Z8pT53iGqyziEaWz-6to3TuK5pv8L/s1600-h/CSM18+Campsite+Lears+Cove.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126410027994241010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgf-dC7i5sXG8YMFCuLWGanYxhqbASAfIdTAjYYHaeJplWoWmcciJGDHm2mu3b_sPbQgq0DC_zjCp-WQ1N4ilsisvEA-34fs8Vr9Jjzu0Z8pT53iGqyziEaWz-6to3TuK5pv8L/s400/CSM18+Campsite+Lears+Cove.jpg" border="0" /></a> In Lears Cove, we found this excellent camping spot, which had 2 streams and level areas for many tents.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwAKRxaxviUBPsCu4NFzOS33gTPg4P-Xxefs_SZveag6ljmIjzQmJK4r8ryJjdYPIVv8RXx2-yXE2KMOlEdaQNJr97lOFZeKMctT2_xWy-_g96T8zorABSxjJfgE0k7rmgCAJ/s1600-h/CSM19+More+rock+hopping.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409924915025890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwAKRxaxviUBPsCu4NFzOS33gTPg4P-Xxefs_SZveag6ljmIjzQmJK4r8ryJjdYPIVv8RXx2-yXE2KMOlEdaQNJr97lOFZeKMctT2_xWy-_g96T8zorABSxjJfgE0k7rmgCAJ/s400/CSM19+More+rock+hopping.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nearby, we found this very narrow passage between the cliff and a tall seastack. The swell was magnified going through the passage to several metres. You can just see Ian's yellow shoulders disappearing in front of the surging wave in the photo. Exciting!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrptmpHykuE8hQjpwd1SaonSu2EEipVjnt5MeulBMw89wB9TaLeyJQUrL3AKfwkqQ2lB26DZmhv2ho4ar3Zkse_WidfhWktFHX-7kqimkM3aKbeCYnTYHDmlf5rkGID6DWQet/s1600-h/CSM22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409826130778066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrptmpHykuE8hQjpwd1SaonSu2EEipVjnt5MeulBMw89wB9TaLeyJQUrL3AKfwkqQ2lB26DZmhv2ho4ar3Zkse_WidfhWktFHX-7kqimkM3aKbeCYnTYHDmlf5rkGID6DWQet/s400/CSM22.jpg" border="0" /></a>The seacliffs were amazing all along the route. Here's Jon in Brierly Cove.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0wsEJ7REgMlQqMuLe9ws9q_vMnNvPIU9z6gBUBsL1yPpI63icW9TTtxQ5411DViVeMOi2I2P40py0iVElsFu8AnDfFsYyUnJnyJRzfdjxzT4nm7EhfdvJ-W_cr-rVVf9oepY/s1600-h/CSM27.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409671511955394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0wsEJ7REgMlQqMuLe9ws9q_vMnNvPIU9z6gBUBsL1yPpI63icW9TTtxQ5411DViVeMOi2I2P40py0iVElsFu8AnDfFsYyUnJnyJRzfdjxzT4nm7EhfdvJ-W_cr-rVVf9oepY/s400/CSM27.jpg" border="0" /></a>This photo, looking north into Brierly Cove, shows how calm it can be on a good day.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409448173655970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwNzqOKCS32rr-3LgfSHB8F2XKa7nZoixwp-jp6ls9sWgnZprxcms8HSpw-QOUzceaUkvA4U8xHnqPB1fPmboHUqxIefStJW5Q_hD7pX2VJmnW__nj6sm7UTX8pfj5RhJ3zIy/s400/CSM31.jpg" border="0" />As we pulled further south, the Cape St. Mary's lighthouse came into clear view.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS7-TxBw1G1m0HvB2p4Iopa1NkzDWRkLkzYAjgj98Z7SNiUvu7yE_LyTmjV8lOM9iJd72VyMxnZDoEL29HxMILp5MXczlsVMCEkRwJYWHjEDM7uVS8nRrurQIi5_HDPpfQQeA/s1600-h/CSM30+Waterdragon+antics.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409572727707570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLS7-TxBw1G1m0HvB2p4Iopa1NkzDWRkLkzYAjgj98Z7SNiUvu7yE_LyTmjV8lOM9iJd72VyMxnZDoEL29HxMILp5MXczlsVMCEkRwJYWHjEDM7uVS8nRrurQIi5_HDPpfQQeA/s400/CSM30+Waterdragon+antics.jpg" border="0" /></a> The Fongman just had to celebrate the moment with a few antics!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdSKgnvWlJizfU-2nQ5OxhfNqcrLeJAmKf8LtNGvNVI9A2m4QvoZxqFCVulf79c6MaSbSkqAIG9-K4VCmHWkkel3M708s0mhSAaXu_NEb7_vw4WRo2ipig6rw8cOUM3cwwE_d/s1600-h/CSM33+Cape+St+Mary%27s.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409259195094930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdSKgnvWlJizfU-2nQ5OxhfNqcrLeJAmKf8LtNGvNVI9A2m4QvoZxqFCVulf79c6MaSbSkqAIG9-K4VCmHWkkel3M708s0mhSAaXu_NEb7_vw4WRo2ipig6rw8cOUM3cwwE_d/s400/CSM33+Cape+St+Mary%27s.jpg" border="0" /></a>And here we were at last, paddling around Cape St. Mary's!!!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS6QpQqZ_KCeYnGY802Nz_g6nJUdlP8oz4h_WGTpdRWEIimlt3ByodxwB5GfaVOMGFHCiT30ZSM2TQoUN6Q9Wxbm3TW9r7CobfEQ2ccHttpZO81W7bOjCSXW9YZfGU3gVDBay/s1600-h/CSM40.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408898417842034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS6QpQqZ_KCeYnGY802Nz_g6nJUdlP8oz4h_WGTpdRWEIimlt3ByodxwB5GfaVOMGFHCiT30ZSM2TQoUN6Q9Wxbm3TW9r7CobfEQ2ccHttpZO81W7bOjCSXW9YZfGU3gVDBay/s400/CSM40.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just under Bird Rock, we discovered these towering caves.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45vGwP6Z88U4vNsBx2hkKkcNNf6uROBmUI2OvTWJnXOZgKJacAXlgZmyM0xqeRiPCIXELbEg-QZWvUiz-wlYzYD__bdr7ojXI3oBx0tK7bxhFgwZ9BHAY80eZIXbooDzmAa28/s1600-h/CSM43+Looking+out.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408778158757730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45vGwP6Z88U4vNsBx2hkKkcNNf6uROBmUI2OvTWJnXOZgKJacAXlgZmyM0xqeRiPCIXELbEg-QZWvUiz-wlYzYD__bdr7ojXI3oBx0tK7bxhFgwZ9BHAY80eZIXbooDzmAa28/s400/CSM43+Looking+out.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's the view looking out of the cave. The sky is full of flying gannets. It was silent in the back of the cave, except for the swell. As you paddled out of the cave, you were hit by a wall of noise from the gannet colony just above. Incredible!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_QuRLY3YdNe0ODKOJdlZ9uJ4KcbOZNivtSiso24GOsEhOkh7JwnvJlsi40q1cuexdFrZjUSFBdGvjo8A4n3GPk_9r2WDRP9dyJPRvjXOH0VcHDzUr9ekBDQ9AG9sHVdG5Ba7/s1600-h/CSM48+Bird+Rock+Jon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408516165752642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_QuRLY3YdNe0ODKOJdlZ9uJ4KcbOZNivtSiso24GOsEhOkh7JwnvJlsi40q1cuexdFrZjUSFBdGvjo8A4n3GPk_9r2WDRP9dyJPRvjXOH0VcHDzUr9ekBDQ9AG9sHVdG5Ba7/s400/CSM48+Bird+Rock+Jon.jpg" border="0" /></a>Here's Jon below Bird Rock.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126409061626599298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvxDWNQjFaAIkpa2KSm0omnoS7y-mygfu3I5YVaQhdO4jNdu-NxomfSQNuzEmZbUw4w7GvHIzor7sG6wZ07gBF-uxmdtpJi2lLzMF0P66JM3Mbpb0vPaockH_ts0jTgt4SlP1/s400/CSM38+Gannets+and+chicks.jpg" border="0" /> Here's a close-up photo of the adult gannets (white) and the large gannet chicks (brown).</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408632129869650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznJ8MMwOts_ruvCXhK225Ghq8PQHS_u-GZSHgkN1cTZLItmuOWYHIgzKgHVCxeepPE2AAQqPNo_ZdW6uj3w9oQWoLpO99ip5roOb_9dok5JYgKFpcx-RUhsW2LG-uZtsGCxrt/s400/CSM46+Happy+Ian.jpg" border="0" /> From the big smile on Ian's face it's not hard to tell he was enjoying the trip.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP23nQ_WUZyROLXkX7KDsO9HIlBqjlrgUYHWtZ-PbahoJ3G3UUQ3yNfpTIw48_kJgeJo5x6FWRJZV9L1ffGHSHH5KmqX0-Yi7ZwFAiRFznXXIfIi72C4B_05FODPudhWChvGg/s1600-h/CSM60+Jon+into+it.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408374431831858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP23nQ_WUZyROLXkX7KDsO9HIlBqjlrgUYHWtZ-PbahoJ3G3UUQ3yNfpTIw48_kJgeJo5x6FWRJZV9L1ffGHSHH5KmqX0-Yi7ZwFAiRFznXXIfIi72C4B_05FODPudhWChvGg/s400/CSM60+Jon+into+it.jpg" border="0" /></a>We paddled further east and entered Golden Bay. There we found a sandy beach with gentle surf. We couldn't resist. We each got in a few runs in the surf before stopping for a break.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh9_BQsDiq6kAaiUHNsvnP2ZGqhKoB3cPfrw6mdaZALj_FUUd_KQpmTfdMkQEa7xj_bLYKY7SKZe1P5ywZim_Epo5G2ooxxq3F6dX3OqtP56VBBA_-fDOURudl7_dEbkCUkHO/s1600-h/CSM61+Golden+Bay+beach.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408258467714850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSh9_BQsDiq6kAaiUHNsvnP2ZGqhKoB3cPfrw6mdaZALj_FUUd_KQpmTfdMkQEa7xj_bLYKY7SKZe1P5ywZim_Epo5G2ooxxq3F6dX3OqtP56VBBA_-fDOURudl7_dEbkCUkHO/s400/CSM61+Golden+Bay+beach.jpg" border="0" /></a>The beach at Golden Bay is beautiful, but not very accessible. It's a long hike from Cape St. Mary's. Unfortunately camping is not allowed here, as the beach is located within the Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BuvlcLzi020iicreAEtNx0mMaz-NaBAuCrdrkBz3elnTrPLoUZlQ4Ah-eX2WcHFBew8-Yg0RrQDxXRH2UYsFa8lnj_JFX5C69AHplUz_LOElVmMJa8VK69_zQnQHbagAX18J/s1600-h/CSM65+Bull+Island+Point.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408155388499730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BuvlcLzi020iicreAEtNx0mMaz-NaBAuCrdrkBz3elnTrPLoUZlQ4Ah-eX2WcHFBew8-Yg0RrQDxXRH2UYsFa8lnj_JFX5C69AHplUz_LOElVmMJa8VK69_zQnQHbagAX18J/s400/CSM65+Bull+Island+Point.jpg" border="0" /></a>Paddling east out of Golden Bay with Bull Island Point in the distance.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDwT3jIV0JQpVkSBm2AQ-xzOYXSWRTRCx__OkYcsKAI1dXCxtM-xKNm01Nj1rWhgvl9VN_wwZ6GPphYPw8STuhh8L7PLG28IsgsOSp-AjQK9-p3_hRGzMPgYNR2YulfnrsXOg/s1600-h/CSM68+Approaching+Point+Lance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126408056604251906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDwT3jIV0JQpVkSBm2AQ-xzOYXSWRTRCx__OkYcsKAI1dXCxtM-xKNm01Nj1rWhgvl9VN_wwZ6GPphYPw8STuhh8L7PLG28IsgsOSp-AjQK9-p3_hRGzMPgYNR2YulfnrsXOg/s400/CSM68+Approaching+Point+Lance.jpg" border="0" /></a>Rounding the point and entering Lance Cove, the village of Point Lance came into view.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGLVNO6V4oaVoTI4nYj4dclD0YxG5zRPamq9kRdfL29QNpix999gL8Qlp-cTBe-wt3qvhsEq8Jg_XWu43z_BELdsOJ3KTdKZc7Zx5GDRNEHs-q6ZuuPApWsU_I5ZgotfQWRzr/s1600-h/CSM69+Ian+surfing+in.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126407833265952498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGLVNO6V4oaVoTI4nYj4dclD0YxG5zRPamq9kRdfL29QNpix999gL8Qlp-cTBe-wt3qvhsEq8Jg_XWu43z_BELdsOJ3KTdKZc7Zx5GDRNEHs-q6ZuuPApWsU_I5ZgotfQWRzr/s400/CSM69+Ian+surfing+in.jpg" border="0" /></a>Luckily, there was another long sandy beach in Lance Cove, so we did some more surfing to end the paddle on a high note.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXo5JG7gsasLGoS3lHhn8vbIU3E5E27NAkGRW2DUKlVTJOhcEyJHnL8h7oGWWVjiUgkvXgoaBakKhu3WqAHu1W5feK9dPVTBMEBJbcukKF-6L9yZDy2B6YTjSUpxJu0yoe7DI/s1600-h/CSM73+Wow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126407670057195234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXo5JG7gsasLGoS3lHhn8vbIU3E5E27NAkGRW2DUKlVTJOhcEyJHnL8h7oGWWVjiUgkvXgoaBakKhu3WqAHu1W5feK9dPVTBMEBJbcukKF-6L9yZDy2B6YTjSUpxJu0yoe7DI/s400/CSM73+Wow.jpg" border="0" /></a>About all we could say after such a marvellous day was Wow! This paddle was definitely a highlight of the 2007 season.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>If you are interested in looking at more photos from this trip look here <a href="http://205.251.50.54:3500/neilcape07/index.htm">http://205.251.50.54:3500/neilcape07/index.htm</a> on my buddy Tony Lee's great website <a href="http://www.kayaktherock.com/">http://www.kayaktherock.com/</a> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Including our stops, the paddle took six hours (11:30am - 5:30pm). There were only the 3 spots mentioned that were good for stopping. There were many other small pocket beaches that could be used as landings (only on a calm day), but the cliffs above do not provide any escape. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>The sea conditions and light winds on this day were well within Level 2 conditions, but the high seacliffs with very few landing spots make this a Level 3 or 4 paddle under ideal conditions. On average, there are only one or two days each month with ideal paddling conditions at the Cape.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-88178531328298784382007-10-21T11:15:00.000-02:302008-12-10T10:54:11.643-03:30Notre Dame Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jn50-ZmTArTe-awZ4tez73FNOO7dZk9PxmnlRNTDpgDcXhg48T-OaG6z2hbpWU09s4pIecFxlNWQRbGq1VBdyEDgItDQ3qsl83i0Jd08LrUQD_djnzpwUxMNYEv0w-j7visu/s1600-h/Trip+map2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123786388425223074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jn50-ZmTArTe-awZ4tez73FNOO7dZk9PxmnlRNTDpgDcXhg48T-OaG6z2hbpWU09s4pIecFxlNWQRbGq1VBdyEDgItDQ3qsl83i0Jd08LrUQD_djnzpwUxMNYEv0w-j7visu/s400/Trip+map2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is a map of our entire trip. Start and finish at Pilley's Island. We paddled 136 kms over 6 days. I will post a more complete trip report, listing campsites and water sources on the KNL website later this fall.<br /><br />It would be easy to paddle from this area to the west towards White Bay or to the east past Leading Tickles towards the Bay of Expoits. It would all depend on the weather.<br /><br />I highly recommend a trip to the Triton area for Level 2 sea kayakers. The rewards are many.<br /><br />Thanks again to Colin Hiscock and Harvey Rice for providing valuable tips beforehand on good campsites and places of interest in this area.Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-67592540336398476302007-10-20T13:51:00.000-02:302008-12-10T10:54:13.494-03:30Notre Dame Bay, final day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHaExjKYGca43GnYrj5LiW0fjVXHP5RD_WGea2osj1vhZcJ4LXeeB7CxTfWmkCP2XS96QiqzucmNwHyZOPUWoeXJZaUFM51Ci3tfW4h8NsFcHE6204EaNrPRwgJ4alwmYRTMB/s1600-h/Day+6+map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123456028130749282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHaExjKYGca43GnYrj5LiW0fjVXHP5RD_WGea2osj1vhZcJ4LXeeB7CxTfWmkCP2XS96QiqzucmNwHyZOPUWoeXJZaUFM51Ci3tfW4h8NsFcHE6204EaNrPRwgJ4alwmYRTMB/s400/Day+6+map.jpg" border="0" /></a> Our last day began with light rain as we packed up our camp at Triton East. We were philosophical about it. We'd enjoyed good weather all week, so a little rain on the last day was tolerable. The lack of wind made it better.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhjTbEINmbTkA-tK2OXS2UkvSxnPpOJgLYgF_KGMFn445QTcsLYw_RTL3gyk-VT1g68eyr6p2KCdt8c0z6krqWh-s4x_lOvKUh5pidrXJfqCkWQzCMVmGi2cZJLhsf-LtQvtT/s1600-h/Keyhole+rain1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123455890691795794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhjTbEINmbTkA-tK2OXS2UkvSxnPpOJgLYgF_KGMFn445QTcsLYw_RTL3gyk-VT1g68eyr6p2KCdt8c0z6krqWh-s4x_lOvKUh5pidrXJfqCkWQzCMVmGi2cZJLhsf-LtQvtT/s400/Keyhole+rain1.jpg" border="0" /></a> We crossed Little Triton Harbour passed the fish plant and over into Brighton Tickle. We found this keyhole as the rain picked up.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintJt69lfWdvR0ibGKtbDDND8h0ltpn4S8GnpjEuCTVwiGZGyyJs7cVbnjZAt4rrIdJAM0-H9fMH6YqJqr-juHS-azb24xuicTNOStcDbJrG0HfNIEyf8EAvNuReleAEt67CZq/s1600-h/Fisherman2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123455779022646082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintJt69lfWdvR0ibGKtbDDND8h0ltpn4S8GnpjEuCTVwiGZGyyJs7cVbnjZAt4rrIdJAM0-H9fMH6YqJqr-juHS-azb24xuicTNOStcDbJrG0HfNIEyf8EAvNuReleAEt67CZq/s400/Fisherman2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Across the tickle a couple of fisherman were pulling their lobster pots.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zl44nzo0DfYFmVYpzrHQhYwMd8GY486N7FvUEqJw9z8fD6OcOUPOVhpsz6SaDe31J9B17vZ_kmqabsd6neS_5dYTxMY77kg-y6gD-iqZ6Sw4JsOPHv30k7CNWZqask7h0oG2/s1600-h/Isabelle+growler3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123455641583692594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Zl44nzo0DfYFmVYpzrHQhYwMd8GY486N7FvUEqJw9z8fD6OcOUPOVhpsz6SaDe31J9B17vZ_kmqabsd6neS_5dYTxMY77kg-y6gD-iqZ6Sw4JsOPHv30k7CNWZqask7h0oG2/s400/Isabelle+growler3.jpg" border="0" /></a>We paddled under the Brighton Causeway and came upon this growler, floating in calm water.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALNez11fXt5lhlz4QE4Q64gTFc5awb74uM1O4R0_BJLQaDpr4Yn2qnb6BsTC8hyphenhyphenCbg5kidYA45OVC7Q_AKkpzUjPYsC_FdStNibJvFGxfuQGnW2QUqZi_C993jFb-2W9uWKFB/s1600-h/Isabelle+growler4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123455525619575586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALNez11fXt5lhlz4QE4Q64gTFc5awb74uM1O4R0_BJLQaDpr4Yn2qnb6BsTC8hyphenhyphenCbg5kidYA45OVC7Q_AKkpzUjPYsC_FdStNibJvFGxfuQGnW2QUqZi_C993jFb-2W9uWKFB/s400/Isabelle+growler4.jpg" border="0" /></a> With the overcast lighting, we could see down to the bottom of the growler underwater. It was a great example of an iceberg in miniature ... and small enough to approach safely.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb_ri2ldD0Dlke5oRb8JrZESb-THD41MyNeJDR8bELiJtD9s5uhxno1OSFV5lXKPUe_prwpZxEkjI-CfCl9NOtC3ujKoGTB41dgZ_1DMK3Ya9iNOvQCl8yby-uvaO0NkF9Nvp/s1600-h/Brighton+icebergs5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123455388180622098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKb_ri2ldD0Dlke5oRb8JrZESb-THD41MyNeJDR8bELiJtD9s5uhxno1OSFV5lXKPUe_prwpZxEkjI-CfCl9NOtC3ujKoGTB41dgZ_1DMK3Ya9iNOvQCl8yby-uvaO0NkF9Nvp/s400/Brighton+icebergs5.jpg" border="0" /></a>Two icebergs had floated into Brighton Harbour. The one on the left was threatening the town wharf.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>The rain let up and we turned south and paddled up Pilley's Tickle, passing Horse Chops Head and Dogfish Point. We explored the narrow channel on the south side of Big Island with its steep sides and dark passage.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Then we retraced our strokes under the Triton Island Causeway and back to our starting point in Pilley's Island Harbour. Our last day was short, only 14 kms. With mixed feelings, we packed our gear into the car and strapped the kayaks on the roof. Finishing the paddling early was a good idea, given the 6-hour drive back to St. John's. </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I vowed to make time for a least one extended kayak trip each summer. Newfoundland has so many areas to explore by kayak, and trips like this are the best way to do it. </div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-51298553296098593002007-10-14T13:45:00.001-02:302008-12-10T10:54:15.426-03:30Notre Dame Bay, Day 5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQPi3jC4B67mBe3kTBIkoaQiHu0O2Eq1NlCZ2PDwBZ4lpNkrrdqL68uo6JTJ1wXnOduf6Gw4AG5HNccFfB61wEP3wDiAIHCi3HRqc9gGsGhlIuzd7kXmELBRFjgrnsCiPobBJ/s1600-h/Day+5+map.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121228434752744178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQPi3jC4B67mBe3kTBIkoaQiHu0O2Eq1NlCZ2PDwBZ4lpNkrrdqL68uo6JTJ1wXnOduf6Gw4AG5HNccFfB61wEP3wDiAIHCi3HRqc9gGsGhlIuzd7kXmELBRFjgrnsCiPobBJ/s400/Day+5+map.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 5 of our 6-day paddling trip was outstanding. We started from our magical campsite at Julies Harbour (no sign of the rumoured ghost) and ended at Triton East after paddling 33 kms.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwldwwohq_l58jCx0xExlZILXCADPhGYtshuQSxrDcVzH-CS8ufIGaSVPSIVMeLc3TUXv6RjYWZVjGw68n4TP0MlZXFjc0aFDCrsOAbbSeMwZ2D49XLmojlNL1ZOJbAB84c0M/s1600-h/Julies+Hr1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121228327378561762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTwldwwohq_l58jCx0xExlZILXCADPhGYtshuQSxrDcVzH-CS8ufIGaSVPSIVMeLc3TUXv6RjYWZVjGw68n4TP0MlZXFjc0aFDCrsOAbbSeMwZ2D49XLmojlNL1ZOJbAB84c0M/s400/Julies+Hr1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is our Julies Harbour camp. A great spot (sheltered, level and lots of freshwater) with lots of history to explore.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zmN-jExbV5PJSz_t8KE2f0Xd4ySrTyLr3tnL1gJWqi0FLaNJHalsdfq9gGnQ_IFDpaBoyy4PKwyfgD3jO2vIuGysLglhyijwfb-KfR1IARxXWFpVBLtqvyqMca2jLP2qPFfs/s1600-h/Badger+Bay2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227846342224578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zmN-jExbV5PJSz_t8KE2f0Xd4ySrTyLr3tnL1gJWqi0FLaNJHalsdfq9gGnQ_IFDpaBoyy4PKwyfgD3jO2vIuGysLglhyijwfb-KfR1IARxXWFpVBLtqvyqMca2jLP2qPFfs/s400/Badger+Bay2.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is the view paddling out of Julies Harbour and into Badger Bay. We paddled south by Gull Island and into Wild Bight.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LS-wSZdmsZRcwItdskIsweGBgaTbn-zonVcjNylrk6ISf-fOko2MlX2JNkEz5Xfucjd8kLs1fc7dclwgLxY358Ynj_0cSO6c0ugoxHk4-rI9yVHFcc4N6LLusvwmlVFVUww5/s1600-h/Pissamere+Falls3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227653068696242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LS-wSZdmsZRcwItdskIsweGBgaTbn-zonVcjNylrk6ISf-fOko2MlX2JNkEz5Xfucjd8kLs1fc7dclwgLxY358Ynj_0cSO6c0ugoxHk4-rI9yVHFcc4N6LLusvwmlVFVUww5/s400/Pissamere+Falls3.jpg" border="0" /></a> On the southeast side of Wild Bight, we found Pissamare Falls (above), a dramatic waterfall on Badger Bay Brook. This was the scenic highlight of our trip. We decided to stop and hike up the falls for lunch.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a4oq2CXmebdXBCYRYV1_mr2vT7vkk31a4aKiEvgxSZeaL8EPXlWNSBLxPV52lKkouTR4mQi5QbNTUu-oyq69MbdDH5_gk3pL4LIJi4-3upbms4laVyx_QK1KRVolMx1UtfK9/s1600-h/Falls4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227524219677346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a4oq2CXmebdXBCYRYV1_mr2vT7vkk31a4aKiEvgxSZeaL8EPXlWNSBLxPV52lKkouTR4mQi5QbNTUu-oyq69MbdDH5_gk3pL4LIJi4-3upbms4laVyx_QK1KRVolMx1UtfK9/s400/Falls4.jpg" border="0" /></a>The view was breath-taking.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXLO6qMzilhOk7ihCRZrhln4aGJWbxY1bmerq6faRC3tni_RUOH7Gx9l8aj1NtS9ZiC30odQFmRqSChp2svl4sz9FdB-htMew0MoupuKZQMn5nLWJXccAZQlhPhLKUPYzkhAi/s1600-h/White+Pt5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227434025364114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXLO6qMzilhOk7ihCRZrhln4aGJWbxY1bmerq6faRC3tni_RUOH7Gx9l8aj1NtS9ZiC30odQFmRqSChp2svl4sz9FdB-htMew0MoupuKZQMn5nLWJXccAZQlhPhLKUPYzkhAi/s400/White+Pt5.jpg" border="0" /></a> We continued paddling north up the east side of Badger Bay under ideal conditions. We found several good beaches suitable for breaks. We stopped at Locks Harbour, which was another good camping spot (but lacking a stream). The photo above shows Isabelle at the mouth of Badger Bay, with White Point on the right and Triton Island on the left. We paddled north to Triton Island and took a short break on a cobble beach on the north side of Great Denier Island. We paddled on across Grand Dismal Cove (no place to land). When we came around Ragged Point and turned west, we found half a dozen huge icebergs directly in our path.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06VEB-Z18KtI_weK1QfVVd7YMJWmS6E55kEcekENivujlYYKRlIHNQ7HgEx-knuEYpajV6V7yl3J2IuLHKpaqZ5si4nLr-GTroEqP3bU0isdwMaQZpqDaYZx89kXiQ_DSK72k/s1600-h/Isabelle+iceberg6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227292291443330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06VEB-Z18KtI_weK1QfVVd7YMJWmS6E55kEcekENivujlYYKRlIHNQ7HgEx-knuEYpajV6V7yl3J2IuLHKpaqZ5si4nLr-GTroEqP3bU0isdwMaQZpqDaYZx89kXiQ_DSK72k/s400/Isabelle+iceberg6.jpg" border="0" /></a> The icebergs were sculpted into wild spires and drydocks. They were slowly breaking up and in places the water was full of frazzle ice, crackling and fizzing as it melted.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisophzYWeV8dCOw9rv7PJ1ba1oX-anXkpwGdy-KUmoC_Dyti6lgYTG4gtLLMJKSDG7a4_KHAMK14A7TZ4J9PL-EKsIJImWjKo-XBfmBa-vr0NvCWmOoUoqt3HS_TGqneyrKfjJ/s1600-h/Isabelle+iceberg7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121227090427980402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisophzYWeV8dCOw9rv7PJ1ba1oX-anXkpwGdy-KUmoC_Dyti6lgYTG4gtLLMJKSDG7a4_KHAMK14A7TZ4J9PL-EKsIJImWjKo-XBfmBa-vr0NvCWmOoUoqt3HS_TGqneyrKfjJ/s400/Isabelle+iceberg7.jpg" border="0" /></a> We kept a safe distance from the unstable bergs.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYSvTvXJAeHmaql2n03VFyCoPiDROvgjnV5ANWVhF9TSfvB4ydNZ2dG-0XaM1HCCAchf7_ulLLtHpAYMWceEDyFwnSXPHHGACUtVdnGTf9Ms0Iy0RN-wv7U26vXPRnS7Erpkg/s1600-h/Iceberg8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5121226991643732578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYSvTvXJAeHmaql2n03VFyCoPiDROvgjnV5ANWVhF9TSfvB4ydNZ2dG-0XaM1HCCAchf7_ulLLtHpAYMWceEDyFwnSXPHHGACUtVdnGTf9Ms0Iy0RN-wv7U26vXPRnS7Erpkg/s400/Iceberg8.jpg" border="0" /></a> As we passed this berg, a loud crack rang out. The berg wobbled slowly in the water, sending off big waves. A huge bergy bit floated to the surface, broken off underwater. We paddled hard in the opposite direction, half expecting the iceberg to roll.</div><div></div><div>We paddled by Big Triton Island and into Little Triton Harbour. The old community of Triton East offered a sheltered landing spot and good camping behind the cabins. A brief rain shower started just as we finished pitching our tent.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>What a memorable day! A huge waterfall, awesome icebergs, sun, rain ... a bit of everything. After all the paddling, we gobbled down supper and slept like logs. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27482954.post-52817077153607157412007-10-10T21:27:00.000-02:302008-12-10T10:54:17.056-03:30Day 4, Notre Dame Bay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoqThgJxqvGuo0sXI8TRY19SOZVxTqFcMJ_E389UjjRriKYjTFvEjF7kd5GZQ1S9clR8NfuhDucnJN5Ip9JNodmxjhp_3_V-dcG_b6NWo8WQkh6K5YJ14OpZs1G7utCuuECPw/s1600-h/Day+4+map0.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052901275249330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoqThgJxqvGuo0sXI8TRY19SOZVxTqFcMJ_E389UjjRriKYjTFvEjF7kd5GZQ1S9clR8NfuhDucnJN5Ip9JNodmxjhp_3_V-dcG_b6NWo8WQkh6K5YJ14OpZs1G7utCuuECPw/s400/Day+4+map0.jpg" border="0" /></a> On Day 4 of our trip (4 July 07) we started out from Stag Cove, just south of Sunday Cove Island, and we paddled 21 kms to Julies Harbour in Badger Bay (click on map & photos to enlarge).<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2mYAxqvmNujJEOhHodWwjZQJWZETO-O5ycZp5ErXhIthiZq76AkzlQ7K-eXg61YkuQNh_VZfAfXcC2yYA0oyfpNGUXzpmKcuXqqpWt58080hWSRY62sudDBLMeWMobYJvuoE/s1600-h/Dock1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052759541328546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2mYAxqvmNujJEOhHodWwjZQJWZETO-O5ycZp5ErXhIthiZq76AkzlQ7K-eXg61YkuQNh_VZfAfXcC2yYA0oyfpNGUXzpmKcuXqqpWt58080hWSRY62sudDBLMeWMobYJvuoE/s400/Dock1.jpg" border="0" /></a> We packed up our tent on the wharf and headed out.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSARi1PB3RAsiVKqH-jRa4RgegKFA-kNfnZU_T0HihH6rqsBMC8shu12PRshwhQKJ9JxtgU0t2NjZcOiPRd3mtwzjRAyC1Y3IE1kjFL-YYHwdoPYXBn9YJD78iwPjljDGZjxhA/s1600-h/Haywards+Head2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052660757080722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSARi1PB3RAsiVKqH-jRa4RgegKFA-kNfnZU_T0HihH6rqsBMC8shu12PRshwhQKJ9JxtgU0t2NjZcOiPRd3mtwzjRAyC1Y3IE1kjFL-YYHwdoPYXBn9YJD78iwPjljDGZjxhA/s400/Haywards+Head2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here's Isabelle paddling towards Haywards Head in ideal conditions.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiUHG4jl64vw-u0hslbkJvNOCCDSn6roQCpb28ypHDTg9qxh361mjnnXZeSd9dprL7142IhyphenhyphenMgJD4Zr2uWsT6r1naHjku6nU81x2DL7ndLBIkY6gFn74S7MLTNKQKOjTyRO52/s1600-h/Eagle+nest3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052553382898306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiUHG4jl64vw-u0hslbkJvNOCCDSn6roQCpb28ypHDTg9qxh361mjnnXZeSd9dprL7142IhyphenhyphenMgJD4Zr2uWsT6r1naHjku6nU81x2DL7ndLBIkY6gFn74S7MLTNKQKOjTyRO52/s400/Eagle+nest3.jpg" border="0" /></a>We entered Charley's Cove (2 kms northeast of Robert's Arm), and I heard the high-pitched call of a bald eagle. After scanning the cliff in the cove, we spotted the eagle nest in the photo.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnJGXHAz-P9N00W58lzGH8Lv3ma95VvBvHbgZkZm0UknNa7D7zpFa6IgYunonQtRjHAWV-4nab7xxYFP1uNoOEsfG9XP8XMgc_u3x5KtOt2U0Lbosfqusyk5N9Y203QbmYjxD/s1600-h/Isabelle4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052437418781298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnJGXHAz-P9N00W58lzGH8Lv3ma95VvBvHbgZkZm0UknNa7D7zpFa6IgYunonQtRjHAWV-4nab7xxYFP1uNoOEsfG9XP8XMgc_u3x5KtOt2U0Lbosfqusyk5N9Y203QbmYjxD/s400/Isabelle4.jpg" border="0" /></a> We then crossed to Hayward Gull Island and onwards through Flat Rock Tickle (which separates Pilley's Island from the mainland). A moderate head wind came up late in the morning, just to keep things interesting. We stopped for lunch on Raft Island (next to Pretty Island). As with many of the afternoons on our trip, the clouds darkened and we could see isolated showers nearby.</div><div>We crossed Sops Arm and paddled around Burton's Head, passed south of Duck Island, and entered Badger Bay.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_YefYHbxh5vftUQ_akOgBGl2RlhhjBuAlB9cDGQdtV_aXjrysYb79dxTBAruZEM7kvcd90d2oycmynRjXc5PfCw-QsGlqpfzoDmI1wUpS4xbp2zflshXfGv1QnsUaq02kPn/s1600-h/Osprey5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052330044598882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_YefYHbxh5vftUQ_akOgBGl2RlhhjBuAlB9cDGQdtV_aXjrysYb79dxTBAruZEM7kvcd90d2oycmynRjXc5PfCw-QsGlqpfzoDmI1wUpS4xbp2zflshXfGv1QnsUaq02kPn/s400/Osprey5.jpg" border="0" /></a> We headed southwest along the shoreline in Badger Bay. Crossing the first cove, we discovered this osprey nest. An adult osprey flew in, carrying a fish in its talons.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBoXP1gX353cusCZiDXhK86gOxJLfFDUJyJ2yEfsTk3dVq2BGqfcggy7ayfdaWi-0rZzs_MDL9I8_iUa6XefxIjopImFhXhrPe-lX0ZrCzkcc3lSXHJAVyxmsz8ov7QlXvLzD/s1600-h/Camp6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120052222670416466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBoXP1gX353cusCZiDXhK86gOxJLfFDUJyJ2yEfsTk3dVq2BGqfcggy7ayfdaWi-0rZzs_MDL9I8_iUa6XefxIjopImFhXhrPe-lX0ZrCzkcc3lSXHJAVyxmsz8ov7QlXvLzD/s400/Camp6.jpg" border="0" /></a> We arrived at our campsite in Julies Harbour in mid-afternoon. This spot was recommended to us by several paddlers. What a memorable spot! A long gravel spit (shown above) protects the harbour. The wreck of an old Bombardier snow machine sat rusting in the sun. Two streams provided an abundance of freshwater. There were dozens of houses here a hundred years ago, as this was once a bustling fishing community. An old road led into the forest, past an abandoned cemetary. One cabin was set back in the woods. The siding had been ripped off it in several places by black bears. We found fresh bear scat in a couple of spots closeby. We quickly decided to pitch our tent across the harbour on the spit. Taking advantage of the afternoon sun, we had a quick bath beside a stream, filled our water bottles, and feasted on supper. A day to savour.</div></div></div></div></div></div>Neil Burgesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03441516521665342891noreply@blogger.com0