There are those days where the sun just doesn't seem to want to shine, literally and figuratively. On those days perhaps it is best just to step back and find your own sunshine. Maybe it's in people, maybe it's in more inanimate things like photos. Photos can almost always guaranteed, take you back or rejuvenate a long lost scent, or simply get those forgotten sounds of summer reverberating once again in your head. This past summer was excellent in St. John's as far as good weather for paddling went. One of the best paddles of the summer was trip done with Alison, Tony and Peter. We paddled leisurely around Woody Island and others, stopping to eat, sun bathe, swim in water holes filled with fresh river water, watch moose, caribou and jelly fish as we just floated on by like Huck Finn floating down the Mississippi on a sweet, hot summers day kind a thing with a straw in our mouths and not a worry or care in the world. Those are the days to be lost in paddling and those are the days to reflect on again and again when you haul out that photo or bring it back up on your screen. This is one of those pictures.

"Backyard: No Plastic Recall"

A toy to most, a reminder to me. A prime example of how limited even the powers of nature are in reclaiming itself, recycling and healing. Plastic is the plague of the earth. Even on this toy you can see how the metal is being reclaimed buy oxidation, rust. That plastic will be around for many, many years. You see this plastic on so much of the coastline you paddle today. This days' paddle was clean, obviously not totally virgin clean but seemingly protected and the life that we saw on land, in the air, on and under the water was an inspiration of sorts to instill hope in that there are beautiful parts of the earth and that they are thriving but perhaps still fragile and sometimes they are right in your own backyard.

"The Kayak-arazzie"

It's a balance most times. Being in the kayaking moment and missing that photo moment or being in the photo moment and missing that kayaking moment. A delicate balance because I enjoy both. We are ever more prevalent than before however. Everyone has a camera everywhere.


It's more than just a photo to me and most likely to most. It is a memory, a thousand words and more, that conjures up dormant smells and sounds only roused by a quick glance at that shot , that image snapped not so Long or even very long ago.


It does not have to be complicated, theatrical, choreographed, even of high or good resolution, as, sometimes an image, just has to be, to invoke the meaning and feelings it can. That's what I like about photos sometimes the more decrepit, unorthodox, lousy picture will instill the most emotion. But more than anything I love that I was there and I like being reminded of that when I look back on my shots because I am taken back to that moment and some days that is all I want, some days that is all I feel I have!

"Clams and Stars"

A little deep for clarity but they were there thriving on the bottom unbeknown st to only those trespassing below and .......above.

"Underneath"

Underneath the water is a realm of life so pristine and captivating that we are sometimes amazed at the beauty that exists there even when sometimes it is not animal. The significance and relevance are just as important in the plant kingdom above and below the oceans and waters we paddle. It is great to just take pictures of kayaks and the people in them and the surroundings that they highlight, but it is truly the living world that really enhances our understanding of the significance of being able to be part of it all and really appreciate our kayaking environments. I guess it brings home the realization of the fragility and vulnerability of any living thing. Thanks Peter for making this day a memorable one for me. There was no rushing, no timeliness, just paddling! I love being lost like that.

"The Jelly"

Jelly Fish we call them. These spineless sea creatures that undulate all around our waters being caried by waves, wind and tides these beautiful acquatic animals are plentiful in most spots but we only ever get to se their tops usually.

Sometimes though we see their stingers trailing like guy wires behind them, or we see them washed up and dried out at low tide on beaches and shore lines. Today however I was able to capture their under water beauty and their dance in their on environment, fluid, cohesion and clumps of tissue coupled with color and fine lines make these "jellies" quite beautiful to gaze upon.

"Caribou Yearling"

Alison signalled to me to come near here quietly. I saw an eagle fly off so I thought there might be another close by. I practically kayaked under this caribou as I was trying to figure what she was looking at. With it's summer coat these animals get protection from their colors. I sure couldn't spot it until it got up/

It's gangly legs under it , the little "bou" started to meander off, curious to it's onlookers yet sensible enough to realize danger perhaps.

Standing in the middle of the small island isthmus the sun fell on the yearling and seemed to warm the whole moment. Never had I been this close to such an animal.

Alison was the caribou whisperer today as she spotted both. One earlier that I missed because I had paddled on ahead lost in my own thoughts and what a day to be lost in thought.

"Garden Cove"

 

July 1st Canada Day paddle put-in. I actually think this should be a KNL annual event for sure.

"Stern Ender"

 


Crossing from Garden Cove to Sound Island an over the shoulder shot, ya never know who may be lurking behind.lol

"Leaving Garden Cove"

 

The beginning of our July 1st Canda celebration of paddling life with Peter, Tony and Alison. What a day, what a paddle....what a life......as you all who paddle well know!

"Sound Island Bound"

 

Alison up to full speed with North Shore in the distance.

Jeffrey Cove"

 

 


By Newfounland cove naming standards it is indeed a tame name....Alison and Tony enjoying everything kayaking and sun......

"Maggoty Cove"

 

Peter and Tony entering MAggoty Cove...

One can only wonder......about the name that is...

"Alison and A Stack"

 

Well she made me pose for one so I thought she'd return the favor....she did.lol

"Back Cove Cabin"

 

A Typical summer day. Just happens to be in Newfoundland for a change. lol This Spring has been spectacular. If this was all summer had to offer thus far I would be grateful.

"What A Day For A Swim"

 

Alison said the water was cool but refreshing. I'll take your word on that! Tony said his dip was cool as well, I deleted that picture Tony..lol

"Back Cove, Newfoundland"

 

Back Cove was our lucnh break on our Canda Day sojourn. What a soft landing. Not use to this on many of our outings. Woody Island is a resettled Island there use to be about five thousand or so soles living here during the robust fishing days but I'm not going to spin that spun out tale. People move on and now the Island offers many a get-a-way from the mainstream life on the mainland. Intersting cabins and homes on the Island as well.

"I Dunno...."

 

Playing with the sun.

"Just Because....."

I'll just take this Little Island.......

This nice little kayak here.....


and be on my way.......

"Dido Tony!"

 

Back at ya. lol