"The Barrens"

A cabin looks like a welcoming spot on a snowshoeing trek onsome of the "Barrens " that exist in various parts of the Island. This was a foggy day but mild and the pond in front of the cabin provided some nice goreground for a panoramic shot. This shot is actually the culmination of nine pictures.

"Snow Shoeing The Barrens"

There exists in various parts of Newfoundland especially along the, South Shore, of the Avalon Peninsula areas that are flat with lots of marsh, bog, ponds and rolling sprawls of brush but know trees. Newfoundlanders call these areas the Barrens, simply because they are Barren, especially in the winter. There are huts or cabins for summer visitations and stays also useful in winter for lots of ski-dooing, snow shoeing or cross country skiing but you have to keep in mind should the weather turn there is not much to shelter you. From last Saturday.

"Repost Of Ralph"

This got deleted in my archive somehow so I am just reposting to add it back. Kind of a mood I am in anyway.

"Petticoat Island"

I believe this was near Petticoat Island or Smock Islands as Tony and I made our way to Long Harbour in Fortune Bay. On February 17th, we will be giving a slide presentation of the full trip taken last year to KNL members at the Govnor's Pub on Elizabeth Avenue.

"A Fortune"

A paddle last year in Fortune Bay, Newfoundland saw Tony and I experience some wonderful scenery and witness a remarkable coastline in geology and topography that changed subtlely as we paddled along. This was a kayak/ camping weekend and we never really do get enough of these in throughout the year.

The fortune of this paddle, may not be equated in dollars and cents, but it's value in enjoyment was priceless!

"Wave Rider"

The weather outside is horrendous. We are currently in the middle of a 50cm snow storm with blizzarding conditions. No paddling tomorrow either as winds will be high.

I've revisited this photo. It always humbles me as I am lead to think on the size of waves. This is actually Tony, one of my best photo subjects and avid paddling partner, coasting down the side of a big roller. This image is actually waves on a wave.

When I kayak, I feel as much in touch with the sky as I do the water and most times they seem to be one, just separated by a horizon. Our eyes are always on both for different reasons. The sky for weather information and just plain eye aesthetics. Of course the water for clues on how to control our boat as we paddle along. Where sky, paddler and water meet is where I can find some harmony.

"Sign Says..."

Tony chill'n while we wait for Malcolm to begin a wicked paddle in St. Philip's today. GAve us a chance to catch up on some news and such. Seems our paddles together now are less frequent but they aways have the enjoyable and fun factor associated with them when ever we are at it. Great paddle today Tony.

"Colliers', Newfoundland: Reflections"

 

We are being blasted with a reminder of winter as I type, mercilessly shattering the quiet of a spring night, are the snow squalls and rain components of something more unseasonal than hail pellets on a warm August day. But we get those too. In this photo such are reflections of paddles in winter under quite gentle conditions if you will. The kind of conditions for taking pictures as you glide through the virgin waters of a crisp winter morning. Taking in reflections of the coming paddling season and reflections of light off objects such as ourselves and hills that slope endlessly to the sea entrance and to submersible points beyond. When spring comes to us again next week the excitement for the coming paddling year will no doubt build again. Highs and lows, like ebbs and flows, we ride knowing one is not right without the other.Tony on one gorgeous winter day.

"Then There Was Three...."

As we turn into spring it becomes time to hit the water and "limber up". As I type most of the snow in St. John's is gone but there is a storm warning for 20-40 cm forecast. I am anxious to get out there and practise some strokes and shed some of the winter stiffness. Maybe lots of close to home paddles for warm ups I figure.

"Brandy & Riley:The East Coast Trail"

"The East Coast Trail"

Well Warming up to spring, you might say, so I took this afternoon off and did a hike on part of our Eastcoast Trail here in Newfoundland. It is a bit icey to say the least and trecherous in some places. I had to be extremely careful in a lot of spots but this is only due to the recent cold tempeatures we've been having. The dogs didn't seem to have any problem though. Most of the snow is gone so if we had just one warm day I am sure the rest would melt away. The scenery is always captivating along this trail and when the sun is shining, regardless of the cold, it just becomes refreshing.

"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

" The Baffin Bay Nudge"

 It looks like the bow of my kayak is giving the The Baffin Bay a bit of a nudge. The nice thing about taking pictures with a waterproof camera is that you can get some different perspectives at water level without fear of wrecking your camera. The trade-off of course is that a lot of times you are limited to automatic point and shoots, no manual settings per se, and an inability to apply different lenses to gain of course various depths of field, mags, etc. You can of course by an expensive camera and then spend the same price on water tight case which will probably fog up when you want to take the most coveted shot of your trip. So it appears most quests are a compromise and obtaining the most desired image no different.

"Winter Paddle"

More of my videos can be seen at YouTube type in "xm64842" that's my YouTube identity where I post some of my "shenanigans".

"Tire Toss"

 Well not actually . I found this tire underwater and reached in with only wool gloves on my hands to fetch it out. Within 3 minutes my hands became pretty much useless not to mention burning. I had enough function to open the truck door and start the engine to warm them up. I purposely done this of course to see how much time I would actually have to make good use of my hands if submerged......not very long at all. Forget about holding a paddle!

"Winter Dip"

Tony doing water exercises practising water angels not the bubbly kind but the ones akin to snow angels.

If I am going to boat in it I figured I might as well get a feel for what it would be like to be actually "In" it. The water is cold make no mistake. I could feel the coldness trying to get through my drysuit but dry it was, and buoyant with the trapped air and of course the PFD. Figured not bad for a February in Newfoundland. A storm just rages outside right now.

"Collier's Put-In"

 Tony lugging his boat over the crusty snow laden shore. I took the day of work to paddle in Collier's today and I must say ........it was worth every stroke.

"Tony At Rest"

 What can I say Tony you are the greatest of paddling companions. Thanks for the float today. Excellent subject matter too. LOL, LOL.

"Hard as Rock"

 Water frozen hard as rock.

"Wood Warmth"

 Nothing like a bit of wood to add a bit of warmth to the paddle. It was cool today but we were nice and toasty inside our drysuits. This retaining wall was lining the entrance to Marysvale, Newfoundland. Went hunting for an iceberg in this area last year. I thought it amazing how a ten story floating chunk of ice could hide but when you paddle in and around these coves you get an idea.