"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.

"Washed Up"

Well I'm not sure of the event that occurred here but it sure looks like the interpretation stations were shattered by waves here in Witless Bay Newfoundland. This is a beach not far at all from the roadway and local grocer. This Saturday I went for a drive down the south shore taking pictures and of course came across this. This is not the first time in the last month that this site has presented itself. We also saw this at our put-in at St. Philips, where waves and rocks from the beach there breached the retaining wall and washed up on the wharf. So what is going on? Are the waters actually getting higher due to global warming? Are we just in the middle of some astrological alignment? Perhaps storms are occurring more frequently and more treacherously. What does that mean for kayakers? Well beautiful places like caves and such we can now access may be inaccessible. Also areas not reachable may now be accessible. A bit of give and take at what cost, to wild life and habitats of coastal plants and animals. Perhaps us kayakers may be the first to know.

"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!

"Just The Bow"

Sometimes it is just the bow of a kayak you see in photos, not the whole kayak, hard to do if you are taking the picture yourself.

This is my Perception Eclipse rotomolded boat, my first kayak. Alot of bow shots later and alot of different waters under it's hull, it has served me extremely well. From the Pacific to the Atlantic this boat has been. As far north as Fort St. John, BC.

The bow of a kayak is put there on purpose or inadvertently to basically accomplish the same thing in both instances and that is to give perspective to your shot and of course to let others know that that is your boat and you were there....see!

This boat has been recaulked several times, rudder cable changed, new deck lines added, sealed launched many times, beached often, pulled through mud on rivers up north, sat on, pee-ed in, ate on, rudder caught on gargae door, dropped, dunked, rolled, dove off, stood on, laughed in, cried in, humbled in, fogged in, rained in, iced in, frozen, sunned, carried, shouldered, scrapped, scratched, holes put in, fittings added, miles on miles added in strokes, stolen, found, floated alone, retreived, but most of all it has been my confident, my personal psychologist, my proesac, my life saver, my stories, my dreams, my hopes, my disappointments, my love, my passion, my floatation device, my adventure, my prospect, my to do, my to don't, mine to have, mine to give up occassionally to others, mine to gain a better understanding of myself and others, mine to test, mine to excel, mine to challenge, mine to fail, mine to succeed, mine to share something bigger than myself with friends and mine to connect with the out-of-doors and nature and more than anything it has been an imaging platform that I have taken advantage of in every conceivable way, in order to show to you and for myself to review the wonderful activity that is kayaking. So really, it is not "just" a bow, it is life.

"Diggin"

If all things were easy life would be boring to me. So it is when on the water that some paddles require more effort than others. Sometimes it feels as though you are not so much riding or gliding on waves but digging thru them to get out the other side. This is more times than not likely to be occuring when you get a strong head wind or a sudden gust that seems to last for minutes on end. Just paddle on...it works.

"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.

"Spirits"

Spirits or at least their meaning I will leave open to interpretation. Tempeatures may be low these past few weeks in St. John's (-6 to -21 C, with wind) but the spirits of some paddlers like Neville here seem to remain high. These guys have been practising rescues and rolling in some pretty less than ambiant conditions in the past few weeks. I would say they are and have prepared for cold water immersion and what it is like to do different tasks in those conditions. This was shot just after a re-entry and roll in minus 10C.

I know others are paddling in the cold and I respect that. I also know that they are most likely doing it safely, at least the ones whose blogs I visit are and that is what kayaking is all about to me. Getting out there when you can, doing it safe to be able to do it tomorrow and sharing it with friends or paddling pals that just seem to make the sport everything it truely is.

Sean, Clyde, Dean, Tony, Gerard, and Robert are helping making winter paddling another day on the water in this area, namely because they are doing it right. Sweet!

"View To A Dream"

Sometimes I like to dream when I look at pictures. Sometimes that is made easy by the content. Sometimes it is made easy by the mood it portrays. This just makes me think on that.

More at http://www.gullfeather.com/

"A Tranquil Spot"

On a recent hike, on part of Newfoundland's East Coast Trail, I found a spot where tranquility and beauty seem to be one and where living in the moment was worth every bit of life.

"Drifter"

nough said....

"High Tide Cut-Off"

These frozen falls were beautiful to paddle by. Awe inspiring to gaze on. They are from a paddle two weeks ago but this picture was o my header for a while and now I must archive it on my blog which is why you see it here.

"Just The Beginning"

Well Tony, we may have missed the session on the water yesterday but the guys made it out for a session that looked both a little cold and fun. They were undaunted and red faced, and all after the rolls, exited the slip way for a paddle in Conception BAy.

Robert is seen here tailing the group as they head out. You can winter paddle and if you go over in it and practise that well, you just get a feeling for what it is like.

"Kokatat"

Well we all wear it. Or at least some form of it. Especially on days like yesterday. "Kokatat" is actually a Native American word meaning "into the water". It only seems fitting that it should brand a company designed to produce paddling gear. Couldn't have found a better one really. Today the literal affirmation of that word was approached by some paddling dudes who felt the need to be 'in the water' on a very cold day. About -20 celsius I guess. I actually liked my vantage point. The wharf.

"Positioning"

HAve you ever done a roll and coming up banged your head on a floating sheet of ice? No, me neither. But the possibility was there yesterday, hence the helmets. A handful of guys got together to practise just that, rolling and assisted rescues. It was chilly and here they are just jockeying for spots to roll in the Gut at St. Philips. How come I'm not in the water? I just came from work but didn't want to miss the photo op so Tony and I are planning fo a colder day! ;-)

"Who'd Know"

Well I would and I am here to tell you that they were rolling in -16- -20 degrees celsius yesterday just to get an idea of what it would be like and what it would feel like. Some rolls seemed fast(just get me out of here) and others more controlled. HAd to be careful not to bang your head on floating sheets of ice though. Sea using his stick to take him through the motions.

"It Does Get Frosty"

When you winter paddle it becomes clear instantly that things are just a little bit different. The water is cold, the air is cold, and well you simply have to be more aware because things just are not going to click and snap as readily as they would in warm weather. Clyde exiting the Gut to the open ocean outside yesterday.

"Into The Light"

Some parts of Saturday's paddle were shaded while others allowed us to paddle in a bit of very transient sun, nice contrast and swell action to propel us along.

"Let There Be Water.."

Where would we be without it? Something neat about creating your own platform or 'kayak island' in the middle of a big body of water. Conception HArbour Newfoundland.

"Open To Blue"

Though we started out on Saturday with overcast skies it was not long into the paddle that we realized a bit of blue poking through the clouds in the distance. Ralph and Gerard chatting it up as they paddle along.

"Crystal Cliff"

Neville cruising near the shore the frozen water seepage from land. Very beautiful to paddle near the frozen stalactites. Some were menacingly sharp.

"Make It An Even Ten, 10"

Nine of us started out today, Robert, Neville, Sean, Dean, Ralph, Gerard, Tony, Tobias and myself and later the even ten Clyde showed up to complete a paddle from Conception Harbour to Collier's Point. We were gone for four hours and had multiple stops to maintain our group.

The scenery of frozen ic falls, blue and grey skies and turqoise, blue and black waters, kept the interest peaked for there was always something worth gazing on around the next bend. But then again in kayaking for me.......there always is! Paddle Safe.....Paddle Hard.

"Geology 101"

To Tony Geology-To me...a big friggin' rock! Watch out ya don't hit that Gerard. :-) Great paddling with you buddy. I love your passion.

"Sky to Sea"

Definitely a sky to see today as the clouds were just beautiful to photograph. You couldn't help but feel very lucky to be where we were today considering what is going on in other countries. Life was good today and we were grateful to be partaking of it. Tony, Gerrard and Robert here.

"Down The Shore"

Hugging the coast and feeling the small swell and wave rebound for that extra umph! Tobias preparing his video camera I think.

"Niceeee Hat!"

Getting ready for the shot. lol Good job Neville.

"Holding Pattern"

The beach was not big enough for us all to land at once so it was done pretty much one at a time to keep it clean and safe.

"Quick Stop"

A quick stop to kick start the energy reserves and be on the way again. Bacon Cove was a tease really as a few of us were discussing how nice it would have been to have bacon and eggs and a hot cup of java at this point. Next Time.

"Homeward"

The hills in the distance would be Witch Hazel Ridge as we make our way to Conception Harbour, in from Conception Bay, NL.

"The Sprint"

Ralph and I decided to sprint back to Conception Harour from Collier's Point. We both agreed that while it was sweet to paddle in the winter, it is equally sweet to make haste for shore during the colder season. 4 hours of winter paddling, is I think, a good limit.

"The Weather Outside Is Frightful"

Not really as bad as it might look and just as refreshing as paddling in a light rain in the summer.

I have to say that I always paddle with a deck bag. This one is from Northwater in BC Canada and they make tough kayaking gear,sometimes "frilly" like the paddle pants, but most times very funtional. This sleek, peaked bag has my flares, waterproof light, spare mitts in small plastic bag for when I get out, rope, and some snacks. All is accessible via a horizontal zipper which I check upon every outing for proper function. In the winter if you happen to get out of your boat in the dunk, the essentials are a small zip away, no fumbling, mumbling or grumbling (you get the umbles when 'the hypo' sets in) just easy access at you mitt or glove tips. At least this works for me. One thing you may want to take care of is having the pump exposed in really freezing cold climes. It may seize and/or break(the skinny handle). It may be wise to store it below deck capitalizing on the enclosed sealed cockpit. This day was not cold enough to present such a problem.

"Contrast"

Well Ralph has a Nordkapp with a light grey deck and a white hull and I have a black nordkapp which on this day's paddle were excellent contrasts for white snow and seemingly black rock. So needless to say it was kind of neat taking shots and besides Ralph seemed to be having some fun on the water as I believe we all were.

"Rock and Water"

Surrounded by rock and water on a winter's day with a light snow we were. This was the header of my blog for a few days and now I just want to archive it to my site.

"Y"

Becasue they can!

"iMMERSION"

Tony and Dean Cleaning the salt off in the fresher water.

"Vignette"

Ralph with Tony in the barely visible distant kayak in Conception BAY.

"Distant Headlands"

Visible to us now the distant headlands were a range point. Soon though they were lost to the snow we enjoyed on a nice leisurely winter jaunt to Portugal Cove.

"The Plan"

Almost to Portugal Cove we decided to stop and evaluate conditions and give everyone an opportunity to choose to continue or not. Group consensus was to continue paddling to Potugal Cove even though a snow squall had moved in. Visibility on the distant horizon was gone but we certainly had visibility as you can see here.

"Snow Lessons"

Well if you can learn something new every time you go for a paddle it kind of enhances the paddling experience for me and if not that, then at least the stories are livlier.

Today I found out that when I padle head on into a snow squall my eyes hurt like hell and couldn't adjust to the beating. Now I have paddling into what seemed like torrential rains and never felt the same annoyance or pain on the eyes. This face must have been the one I paddled with all the way to Portugal Cove and was relieved to be able to turn around and head back to St Philips and let the snow pelt the back of my head.

"To Portugal"

On the way to portugal Cove today we paddled in a light snow with temps hovering around -1 celsius and 15 knot winds. It was an excellent day on the water for Jan, 2010. Dean up ahead is being followed by Tony through a rock channel.

"Kayaking Newfoundland Waters"

Kayaking Newfoundland waters is an exciting prospect. Kayaking is an exciting prospect. Not everyday is a kayaking day nor is every kayaking day without it's inherent risk. It is managing risk in this area to enjoy the waters that it has to offer. The amazing thing about all this is that there is so much beautiful coastline the non-paddler cannot see, and it is very close to St. John's and area.

So sometimes when it is dark and seemingly gloomy and waters to rough to be plied by kayak or any other boat we will always be thinking where our next adventure lies and if you cannot for what ever reason make it on the water yourself, visit this site and you will enjoy photos and some fun banter on our beautiful coast that is Newfoundland. More photos at gullfeather.com/

"December 24th"

Reposting this image because I had it as my blog header and they do not get archived on my site. I wanted this image archived so here it is again. Some of the boys of St. John's kayaking club preparing for Christmas.

"It's All In The View"

One of my favorite paddles last year was a trip I took MAy long weeekend to The Dungeon campground in Bonavista Newfoundland. The wind was howling when I arrived that evening and set up my tent on the edge of a cliff in the park. I had read about the Dungeon Sea Cave and how long ago it was covered and caved in over time, when that actually happened I am not sure but it left an indelible mark on the beauty of the cave.

You can paddle in and of course out of the cave as I did. The wind was so strong through the openings it blew me against the inner shore and out.

The upper image is looking down on the sea cave from a viewing platform in the park.

The bottom image is a view from my kayak seat exiting the sea cave via the left portal as viewed from the top image. What a beautiful and mystical kind of paddle that morning. I wonder if the roof was on the cave when John Cabot paid his visit to the area in his ship the MAtthew in 1497. If he knew of the cave he would have had to find it by row boat because it is a very shallow draft.

This is my first post of the year and I think it only fitting to look on the new year with the same anticipation of excitement in new adventures as John Cabot surely had in making his discoveries in his many trips across oceans, bays and likely coves of foreign lands. Though I may not paddle foreign lands I certainly hope to paddle new waters, bays, coves and the like. Maybe even some lake trips this year. One can dream of plying new waters and feeling the freshness of their spray as we are whisped along by tides and winds of distant origin.

"Under The Bridge"

Under the bridge in St. Philips is the gateway to the fresher water flowing in from a stream to the little harbour. It is where we generally wash off apres paddle. No different yesterday and afterall ya gotta have your boat clean for Christmas??????