"Keeping Things In Sight"

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

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

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

"Aquafort Back At Ya"

Sometimes paddles are exhilirating and you need to recant or decant a little more. A bit more from Sunday.

Paddling out of Aquafort Harbour was like a scene out of Sea Kayaker or Ocean Paddler magazine. It made you want to be there. I was lucky to be!

I love paddling with people who thoroughly enjoy it. I think all in our group fit that mold. Clyde here sure does as he feels a little current leaving the launch site.

Gary passes by the fishing boats at dock. I never tire of seeing them. They complete the imagery of what a coast means to me.

The other thing I like about the coastline are the docks, the shacks, the sheds and the walkways. Sometimes they just look so unfinished but no matter how they look they all fit in and add so much to the feel of a paddle along our shorelines. They are so acceptable. Bit of paint here, a dab there. You have to love it.

A Dory. I really don't need to say anything more!

We love our boats, kayakers do. I like including mine in scenery shots sometimes just so people can get a glimpse of what is possible by such a simple craft.

Oh yes, some in our crowd like Nordkapps. It doesn't matter to us if you don't own one but ya gotta like the looks of 'em.

"Aquafort Newfoundland"

Aquafort to Ferryland and Back.

Aquafort has a long harbour and it is one of those spots you paddle when seeking shelter from northerly or southerly winds. Yesterday was one of those times. A group of us got together for a very nice Sunday paddle and what started as an overcast drizzly day turned out to be one with sun and blue skies. Just as forecast. The harbour pretty much heads due east when you are paddling out. Enough fetch to be nasty with a true easterly for sure.

Railing the north shore as we build up a cadence for the rest of the trip. Probably about 18-20km total.



Located on the north side of the harbour is a waterfall that was bustling with energy as remnants of rainfall from the hurricane Igor were thundering down through its banks. Here we are jockeying for position and opposing the current flowing out from the base.

It looks like we may be in ice but not so just lots of froth from the fresh water smacking the seawater below the falls.

Well if you are going to paddle upon the likes of this you definitely have to stop and play. We had a grand time mucking around in the waters here that were more fresh than salt.

Some of the rocky groves were narrow to get through but the waters very calm to allow for close single file exploration.

Eugene is crossing into Ferryland territory heading for Crow Island.

Taking out at Freshwater beach looking back from hence we came, Aquafort.

In Ferryland is an old archaeology dig known as the Colony of Avalon. I guess because that is what it was called in the early 1600's when it was settled. There are unearthed many stone walls and rock partitions that delineate where black smiths, homes, and barns once existed. We decided to walk over to this site for a bit of a nostalgic bite to eat.

Of course the ever present wind kind of intensified so we walked until we found a bit of shelter from it and sat to enjoy our lunches in the light drizzle we are always accustomed to on our outings and the setting of the Colony of Avalon. Just across the road from where we ate the stone walls unearthed from the 1600's extend out into the harbour now. Times and tides have changed indeed. The spot looked directly into Ferryland.

After our bellies were full we packed up and headed for Burns Head which has the Ferryland Lighthouse. In the summer months you can enjoy a gourmet picnic served out of the lighthouse where everything is made on site. Very delicious but no landing spots when trying to access it by boat.

We had a mixture of sea states but for the most part the waters were easy to navigate. A bit of swell and wind waves rounding Burns Head though.

When you round Burns Head there are two huge rock promontories called "Hares Ears". The water was very chaotic around here but nice and tranquil in between so we jotted through having played in the chop for a while then headed back near Freshwater.

On the way back the weather changed as forecast. The sun came out the wind dropped off and the clouds started to file out of the sky in a very layered fashion. Like peeling the covers of a bed.

This is Clyde and Dean passing freshwater on the way back. So guys thanks to the other members, Gary, Eugene and Tony for a grand old paddle in an old environment recently unearthed and laid bare for modern explorers all within an hours drive of St. John's.

"Too Narrow"

 
I could see Eugene but could not get through but the rise and fall of the gentle swell held me captive for a while. It was nice.

"Ripping Water"

 

The ladies ripping up the water. They had a smooth cadence going here.

"Shot"

 

Sometimes when you are doing the shooting you rarely get shot. Personally I like it that way. Tony Lee shooting in Aquafort last weekend.

"Pete Sizing Up"

 

I trust that Pete would attempt most things along our coast. This was a narrow entrance and exit and very dependant on small timely swell to avoid the sound of gelcoat on rock.....like I say....it's replaceable but the sound will still make you cringe. lol

"Traffic"

 
When there are a group of 41 paddlers on the water at one time there is bound to be a jam at an area of interest.....just like the real world.

"Ya Gotta Like Nordkapps"

 
Had to put you in here today Tony. You are my 1292nd post. It's kind of traditional. I named my Nordkapp today. It will be "Gull Feather" and I am having one air brushed on the deck of my kayak. Why you might ask? Simply because on any paddle I do on the coast I am always sure to have a paddling companion in a seagull and therefore I am never truely alone on any paddle. Thanks for the company bye's!

"Aquaforte Put-in"

 

Today couldn't have been better for the annual Aquaforte paddle led by Dan M. Aquaforte is on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and this year has been spectaular for sunny weather in an area that is usually host to RDF, rain, dizzle, fog. There are kayak gods afterall.

"Harbour Paddle"

 

Tony Lee and others head up the harbour on our most likely last club paddle of the year.

"Not Coal"

 

This looks like Paul and Dean were paddling in a coal pit but it is just the light.... I think!! I liked the color at anyrate.

"Water Mingle"

 

An on water social essentially. It is great to catch up with fellow paddlers at the end of the summer and share a paddle and story or two.

"41 Kayaks"

 

41 Kayaks left Aquaforte today for our yearly club paddle in this area. A beautiful day and a beautiful paddle.

"Elephant Head Rock"

 
That's what I would call Spurwink Arch. From the water it looks like an elephant has his trunk embedded in the side of the cliff. Marie positioning for a shot.

"Just Plain Solitude"

 

Some just wanted to paddle in open water and have a nice Lighthouse as a back drop. Ferryland Head in the way distance.