"Blackhead Cove, Newfoundland: 2007"

Remembering this day runs like cool spring water through my mind. As I was gearing up to make my first attempt to paddle near my first Iceberg since moving to Newfoundland in 2005 my heart began to race with anticipation. I longed for many years after many googles of icebergs to paddle near one some day. I am not going to get into the risk assessment and risk management thing here, suffice it to say I was going. I just had to paddle out there to greet it.


As I neared the monstrosity I thought I could smell it, wasn't sure if it was the Iceberg or fear. Didn't want the thing falling on me afterall. I could also hear it's presence which was becoming more evident with every stroke. The wind was picking up so slop was forming along with some white caps. I had to hurry to get shots. As I got near I could hear not only the ocean waves pounding against her but the sounds of the surf that was building and crashing between the two sections. These two sections were attached under water. The ocean water was dark blue that day but the water between the two pillars was a turquoise shade and beautiful to gaze upon. As we near that Iceberg season again in Newfoundland I can only hope that we are treated to a few coming down the alley. About 500 and some last year. Three or four would suit me fine as long as I could try and smell them again, they are truely the nectar of the ocean and when you hear the 10,000 year old air being released as large pops and cracks, you can't help but think about how clean the air must have been back then and when you realize that you are only seeing one tenth of the Berg you are instantly humbled by nature and thank all the nature gods that you were able to share that day with the elements

"Berg Break"

One can only hope that the Icebergs ply the waters off Newfoundland and flow as freely in 2008 as they did in 2007. Their presence sparked alot of constructive debate on whether or not they should be paddled near. I believe it is like most things with kayaking know your environment, know your skills and access the dangers and accept or decline the challenge.
I sure was tired when this shot was taken. I had the most restless sleep as I lie in bed contemplating my paddle with the berg in the morning. I couldn't wait to get on the water. It was extremely choppy, especially trying to take some shots of this thing. Neil happened by and took this shot as I just pulled in to the shore and he actually was a welcomed hand in bringing my kayak up the embankment.

The sleepless night was well worth the thrill of paddling near such a monstrousity. More shots of this berg are in the archives of "June" on this blog.

"Berg and I"

Had to get in at least one of the many I shot of this berg.

"ADRIFT"

Though I felt this Iceberg wanted me to look up, I was totally psyched to keep my attention to the water and my paddle.

"Heaven on Water"

The put-in site at Blackhead Cove and my first Iceberg paddle in the distance.

"Berg-Thedrals"

Scanning my target at Blackhead Cove, NL.

"Iceberg Full Ahead"

My camera is not waterproof and I've been rather fortunate to date with on water shots. It was terribly hard to take this shot as the wind just picked up and white caps were forming everywhere. I got this far so I had to at least get the bow of my boat in the shot. It looks like I am far away still but I am very close. The rest of the berg is to the right and out of view of this picture.

Gives me a new appreciation for the Titanic story.

"The Mystic Berg"

This is a neat setting on my camera sort of imparts a mystical, fantastical feel to the picture.

"BoatBerg Sandwich"

There is only one berg with the boat in the middle!

"Solarized"

This creates a neat combination of real and not so real.

"Frozen Fresh"

There is lots of compressed fresh water there I am sure, makes one thirsty just lookin' at it. On the part of the Iceberg on the right you can see a crack forming down the center of its' shape to the left of the right peak. It would be nice to see this chunk fall apart from the main foundation. The Iceberg from a distance looks like there are two but they are connected under water and there is some neat wave action that hurries through the two structures that would make an awesome shot for someone surfing through. Maybe Sunday.