"Common Guts"

Sometimes "Guts" are innocuous, that is, you can get through them without too much difficulty. A "gut" is a narrow passage or waterway. On the Southern Shore of the Avalon Peninsula about 30 mins from St. John's Newfoundland you will find the Tors Cove "Gut" between mainland Tors Cove and Fox Island. In St. John's itself you will find Quidi Vidi "Gut" which exits the small community of Quidi Vidi to St. John's Bay. Two "Guts" and sometimes, 'no guts, no glory', for different reasons.

The Quidi Vidi Gut is a send off rendezvous for trips to Freshwater Bay, St. John's Harbour and The Cape Spear Light. It opens to the open ocean and the waters sometimes there are treacherous and not without some thrill getting in and out, even on seemingly calm days. This is where we also have our annual January 1st New Year's Day paddle. You can see a video of one of those on YouTube under XM64842. Tony in the bottom image is looking from the ocean into The Gut at Quidi Vidi.

The Gut in Tors Cove is there if you want to go through it. Unlike Quidi Vidi you do not have to go through it to get to open ocean. Tors' Gut is variable depending on tide levels and ocean conditions of course. More exposed and jagged rocks during ebb tides. The waves that can flow through here in various conditions can make for some fun kayak surfing. Can also make for some interesting rescues. I lost a digital camera to the salt here. Pete is looking in from the ocean throught The Gut at Tors Cove in the Top Image.Tors Cove can also be a launch site to Ship Island, Pee Pee Island, Great Island and points beyond but it is always fun on a return paddle or trip to play in The Gut at Tors Cove. Also a nice spot when the Icebergs are Floating down Ice Berg Alley.

"Mussel Pond Cove to Colinet Passage"

Sharing in the kayaking experience 5 of us set out today on a grand paddle. 22 km in length it proved to be a muscle tightener for the first long paddle of our kayaking season but we are coming to realize that all year here in Newfoundland is kayaking season. You just got to pick your day and your spot. Iwas actually hoping to paddle up Salmonier river and get some wnter shots but the river was frozen in many spots. Should have expected this really. So we made the best of it and headed for O'Donnell's and on to Admiral's Beach.

"Kayak Newfoundal Labrador, Retreat 2008"

Received the retreat info yesterday and we are a go for May 16th to 19th, 2008; 8th annual, in the Terra Nova Park area. This is a beautiful spot in NFLD with access to the Terra Nova River in yellow on the Topo map at bottom. There is also access to the ocean and various coves and inlets that will be utilized for sea kayaking. This years guests are Bryan Smith and Fergus Coffey. We look forward to hosting this event and if anyone is interested the registration begins 1930h on May 16th followed by the icebreaker meet and greet.
Early Bird registration includes KNL nylon paddling cap with new logo. Must register before April 16th for early bird. More info can be obtained at The Outfitters Adventure Gear and Apparel, one of our sponsors for the event. They will also be providing rentals of river boats and seakayaks at great discount pricing for the weekend. Contact 709-579-4453 or visit http://www.theoutfitters.nf.ca/

"Cape Broyle, Newfoundland"

Cape Broyle Nautical Chart. The next few shots were taken here during summer of 2007.

"Canso, Nova Scotia"

 
This is where it all began for me. I know vquite a bit of the coast line in this area. It sure is beautiful to paddle in. There are tons of Islands to explore and sheltered coves. Lots of lobster and other shellfish too. Catching fish on a kayak outing is not too hard. There are currents to play in and use to your advantage especially on the flood and ebb tides.

"St. John's Bay"

Well it sure is nice to look at pictures on a blog but sometimes you never get to see the geography of it all. I take pictures of The Cabot Tower on Signal Hill in St. John's NL, a typical landmark, of Cape Spear Lighthouse, another landmark and on this map I pointed out where the Ice Berg Image that is on my header of this blog was photographed. Just a perspective for those new to NL. Click on image to enlarge.