"Beamer"

 There was nothing but confused waters on our paddle in ST. Philips today with a bit of swell. Paddling to Topsail Beach we had a moderate head wind with lots of lop and confused waters as the tide was changing. Coming back we were in following seas and made good time. 40 Min's back from Topsail but an hour and fifteen minutes to get there. On the way there however we had beam and quartering seas, such as this one that well almost caught me off gaurd. The neat thing about it though is that you can see reflections os my yellow boat in parts of the wave about to break. Maybe I'm just reading too much into the wave. lol

"The Lighthouse House"

 A paddle from St. Philips to Topsail with Tony today took us past this interesting house. Not sure if there is a working light there though. Something I am sure the neighbors may not be interested in, having a light bounce off their windows. I am sure however that the lighthouse turret is probably a sun room with a most amazing view of Conception Bay, Newfoundland. Another short paddle for a bit of exercise and in noticeably colder waters. Had to have pogies on all the way and hands were cold tying up the boats once we landed. Thanks for a great paddle Tony and always good to shoot the $%#@ afterwards.

"Come"

 Joe was silently beckoning our attention. A great paddle organized by Joe and his son Dave. This is a Monday and Thursday event in June where paddlers can come and partake in these two instructors expertise for a couple of hours for free. Very admirable that these guys would give so freely of their time twice a week. I noticed after the paddle that everyone was anxious for the next one. Dave you may have started a trend.

"Tony and Craig"

 Good to paddle with a bunch of people who share the same enthusiasm for paddling. Excellent conditions for Topsail this evening.

"Ar-Resting Gaze"

 Sometimes kayaking is just taking time to stop and ponder.........

"Topsail Practise"

 I say practise because we did participate in some fun exercises during this outing in Conception Bay at Topsail Beach. Kelly's Island is in the distance. The weather was perfect for such a thing. We paddleed lots backwards, sprints for warm ups, follow the leader much like snow shoeing, the one in the back of the line moves to the front and so on. Some practise paddling with half a paddle should your paddle break. In general just hanging out and being kayakers. Thanks to Joe and Dave for great instruction.

"Shy Sue"

 Sue shying from the camera on our outing at Topsail Beach just a ways from Paradise on Thursday evening.

"Drawn"

 

Perhaps it is only me that likes this kind of shot where I've messed with the picture lots. This however makes me think on more of what might be going on in the picture. What is the paddler looking at? Is it raining? That sort of thing as opposed to the clearer picture giving it all away. I really like this texture too. Brian appears to be clearly focused on something.

"It's Gotta End Sometime"

 Unfortunately all good paddles must come to an end. The mind already conjurs up images and plans for the next outing. The girls carrying their boat to dry dock. Fun had by all I dear-say!

"Straggler To Navigation"

The Icebergs are still floating by St. John's and there are sweet spots like Tors Cove for viewing them close up in their still huge forms. This morning shot coincided with a 25 foot fishing boat plying the waters of St. John's Bay on its' way to the fishing grounds no doubt, you can barely see the boat but you know it is there by the "V" shaped wake emanating from behind it. The Iceberg was stealthily maintaining it's course as well for places only known to it, or unknown as the tides and currents may decide its true course. A beautiful sight to behold in the forces of nature as the ominous skies darkened the waters of the still bay.

"Windy at Topsail"

 

Topsail Beach on a very brisk day, at least as far as the wind was concerned. I guess this would be a typical UK day on the water. Bell Island is in the distance.

"Sunny Topsail"

Sunny Topsail beach on Sunday April 15th, 2007 at about 3pm.