Argentia to Fox Harbour Sunday Journey with great people and superb weather.
Monday, May 26, 2008
"The Shuttle"
Not the space one but the kayak one. Probably jammed in as tight as they are in the shuttle though. Thanks to the use of Gerry's Volvo and Kokatat for their bright yellow interior. The beginning of our Argentia kayak trip this past Sunday.
"Put-In"
Our put-in site in Argentia NL on Sunday May 25th, 2008 across from the NL ferry Terminal which opens in June for the summer months.
"Neil & Tony"
Heading out of Argentia Harbour where the NL ferry to North Sydney Nova Scotia runs in the summer months from June to Sept. The Ferry in Port Aux Basque NL runs all year long.
"South Westerlies"
Dave Jenkins and Neil accepting the tail winds from the SW and heading for a run across Placentia BAy. A run it turned out to be as we were swiftly driven into the sound quite fun actually.
"Argentia Harbour"
Beginning our journey to Fox Harbour we leave Argentia harbour and begin to brace for the brisk SW winds we are about to encounter in Placentia Bay.
"Isaacs' Heads"
Coming out of Argentia Harbour and entering Placentia Bay you can look North to Isaacs' Heads the two hills in the distance, before you head down Placentia Sound.
"Paddlers"
Some of the paddling gang for the Argentia, Placentia Bay to Placentia Sound and Fox Harbour kayak trip. Tony Rostenburg, Alison Dyer and Neil Burgess, Dave Jenkins, Peter Armitage and Gerry Power, wow I can remember names in the club now! Great paddle and as always I try and take something learned away from the trip. Today it was that if you are leading and there are others drifting behind more than some it is important at some point to wait for them to catch up but more importantly, when they catch up, to continue waiting while they too have an opportunity to rest and then proceed and maybe even give someone else an opportunity to lead perhaps even with a different pace.
"Ghost Boat"
I think my dinky camera was overwhelmed with the glare of Alison's boat and made it appear like ghost boat to me as most definition was lost in the shot. Watching whatever Neil was doing I think?
"Cragging Neil?"
Neil what are you up to? Thanks for being an accomplice Gerry, I mean boat holder.lol Just round Broad Cove Head.
"Rock View"
I believe we are rounding Coxhill Point here and Neil and Peter Armitage are enrgrossed in paddle banter as they cruise by this rock formation towards the entrance of Placentia Sound.
"Down The Sound"
Paddling down Placentis Sound the crew continue their exploring. I think this area was new to all of us so every little headland passed opened up new unexplored territory.
"Gerry & Neil"
Neil and Gerry cruising near shore inside Placentia Sound on Sunday May 25th,2008. A little photo touch with picasa.
"Food"
A great part of paddling is the munching when you break for just that purpose. There was a rotting building here that provided an excellent platform for sitting and eating. An American Military Base was set up in Argentia years back so this may have been part of their left overs, so to speak. We found a few such things along the way.
"Boat Dock"
This little cove about a km east of Witless head on the opposite shore (north) well into Placentia Sound, we found this dandy take-out spot.
"Fox Harbour"
Our destination on Sunday's paddle from Argentis, NL to Fox Harbour some 15 km away driving. We were crisply blown into this harbour from Placentia Bay. The winds were SW and steady for the whole 20km paddle(because we went into the sound). This Alison, Tony and Dave as they glide to shoreward.
"Safe & Sound"
A friendly chat after an awesome paddle at our take out site in Fox Harbour about 15 km car ride from the Argentia ferry terminal and a bout a 20 km paddle wait for a SW wind and you'll do it no time. Thanks also to Malcolm for the paddling tips on beam seas during our Swale Island paddle at the retreat as we had the perfect conditions to use them.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
"Have Home Will Travel"
This was from a hike on a trail behind the Health Science Center in St. John's that goes up a bunch of stairs to the Botanical Gardens. I was taking the dogs for a walk at about 2030h and almost stepped on this little critter. I was surprised that Brandy our smaller dog did not notice it first. So I stopped, dropped and shot it.
"Sharing Waters"
Lots of lobster traps are set this time of year. My brother I know in Nova Scotia, where I am headin July 1st, is averaging about 1200-1500 pounds a day, everyday. This old timer here is heading to check on his pots set around Swale Island while Shannon passes by.
"The Group"
Getting organized on the water. Des was the sweep on this trip. Always great paddling with experience. From our retreat weekend.
Friday, May 23, 2008
"Paddle Group"
Paddling in a group is many things. It is safety, camraderie, security, stability when you may need to raft up, company when ya want to chat and paddle, hospitable when you paddle with others you've only met on this trip, encouraging as you may seek confidence in paddling with others, opportunity to challenge yourself in situations you may not be able to when paddling alone, it can be exhilirating and educational if someone on the paddle knows the history of the area and the geography that can allow you to explore caves and coastlines or surf waves etc., and of course many more things and certainly rewarding in that you are left with a new experience no matter if you traversed the same waters before and memories of another kayak journey....no matter how small or big the trip.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
"Screechin'-In"
Newfoundland Screech-In
Bryan Smith and Fergus Coffey are Screeched-in during a brief ceremony at the 2008 KNL kayaking retreat. It is always a great laugh to see this being done. Jim Price one of our club members and one of the better paddlers in NL performed the MCEE honors.
First time visitors to Newfoundland may be submitted to a “Screeching-In” ceremony which entitles them to become an honorary Newfoundlander. This is intended to be a fun time and the ceremony is usually thoroughly enjoyed by both the visitors and anyone who happens to be watching.
Accounts of Screeching-In ceremonies vary slightly depending on the personalities involved and the materials on hand but the idea is all pretty much the same.
A Newfoundlander is selected as Master of Ceremonies who is familiar with the history of Newfoundland and, preferably, capable of playing the accordion or guitar. The MC introduces the candidates to the Newfoundland tradition and some Newfoundland customs and songs, especially “I’se da Boy”. While this is going on the candidates are encouraged to eat some of our famous bologna and hard tack washed down with Screech and coke. Meanwhile, the MC might poke a little fun at the candidate for their ignorance of Newfoundland customs and traditions or even their accent.
The candidates then, in turn:
---dons a sou’wester and dances a little jig as instructed by the MC
---downs a shot of Screech (unmixed) after repeating “thru the teeth and over the gums, look out stomach, here she comes"
---recites “Long may your big jib draw me ol’ cocky!”
---kisses a raw cod fish (now-a-days we like to emphasize the reduction in cod stocks by getting the candidates to chew the head of a "capelin" or kiss the butt of a stuffed Puffin. Fergus and Bryan got the capelin.)
The MC then asks if the candidate is a Newfoundlander to which the correct reply is, “dee’d I is me ole trout and long may yore big jib draw”. When answered correctly and after a sprinkling of salt water the candidate is tapped on both shoulders with an oar from a fishing boat and declared an Honourary Newfoundlander.
Once the ceremony is over each candidate is given a copy of the Royal Order of Screechers certificate which declares that he/she is enrolled in the Order.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
"Terra Nova River"
The NL kayak club is very fortunate to be able to host whitewater and sea kayaking events simultaneously at their retreat as both waters are within very easy reach of the designated camp site and retreat base. There is always tremendous paddles either on the sea or various rivers around that area of NL. The Terra Nova empties in an area known as Glovertown, which in itself is an extremely scenic community as are all the communities in the Terra Nova Park area. This geography also allows for the whitewater and sea kayaking members to socialize together and share their skills and beer.lol It truly is a great time and as can be seen in the pictures that follow you can enjoy the energy of both venues WW and sea kayaking, as I like to do. Last year we had Greg Stamer and Freya Hoffmeister as guests and this year we had Bryan Smith who is making a movie in NL in the Twilingate area, lots of icebergs up there, and Fergus Coffey who I did not meet but also was a guest at our retreat this year.
The interesting thing is, is that they had to fly to St. John's twice only to be unable to land due to fog. Finally they landed in Deer Lake at 12 midnight on the eve of the retreat and drove 5 hours in fog to their destination to hold clinics at 10 the next morning......and they did. It seems so true in kayaking that the best layed plans always seem to encounter a hiccup.
"Good-To-Go"
Part of the briefing for the ensuing whitewater instruction was that smiles are essential and that was easy. These whitewater instructors Bryan Smith and Mark Dykeman ensured that the outing was thrilling and educational. Felt quite privileged to be paddling in the company of such talented whitewater instructors. The trip was a blast. The old mill in ruins in the background provided a colorful backdrop and psych for our run.
"The Group"
The white water group at The Ruins on the lower Terra Nova river during our Kayak Newfoundland Retreat for the May long weekend. Needless to say again everyone was stoked to paddle with Bryan Smith and Mark Dykeman of our club.
"The Ruins"
Our set up site for our WW day. We gather at a place called the Ruins because of course of the old mill that now sits in ruin at the edge of the river. Our Sunday white water day proved to be very exciting and educational and extremely fun.
"River Prep"
Stretching for a river run or instruction or both is totally essential. Our heart rates were up already as we had about a 100 meter hike with our boats to the put-in site on the Terra Nova. We were all anxious to launch.
"Took-A-Look"
Always good to take a peek at the put-in to make sure everyone has capable access.....so we did after the stretching.