Against the Wind

Last Saturday the land forecast was for SW winds 30 km, gusting to 50 with snow squalls. Four of us decided to head to St. Philips to play in the waves. We paddled into the wind for a while. Although it is good practice, it can tire you very quickly if you don't pace yourself. Paddling back to St. Philips was easy with the wind and waves pushing us along. After a couple of hours, we gave it up and headed to the beach side restaurant for coffee. Another great day!

Nice wave

Neville, waiting for the right moment

Time to wash the salt from the gear

Kayakers' Playground

Have you forgotten how to have fun? Yesterday, we did not forget! I forgot about everything else and just enjoyed the moment. It was easy to see from watching others play in the waves that they get it. They understand that you just have to get out there and do it. Seven of us had a short paddle of about 15 km out of Witless Bay. We paddled out to 'Top of the Point' where we were exposed to the wind. There we stayed about 300 metres offshore to avoid the more chaotic conditions near shore. The we headed back and played in the waves crashing over the shoals near Camel Head. Thanks to Stan, Gary, Gerard, Tony, Dean and Neville for a great day.

Tony

Dean and Gerard dig in

Stan waiting for the right moment

Neville, on the wave

lunch

our playground - near Camel Head

Breakin' through the ice

Yesterday was the kind of day to be outdoors. Although the temperature was minus ten degrees celsius very early in the morning, it was sunny with blue skies. While many people were no doubt heading to the ski slopes or to the back country on their snowmobiles, six of us travelled to beautiful Cape Broyle for a paddle. After breaking our way through the ice, we paddled along the north shore for about ten kms and had lunch at Coughlan's Cove near Brigus South. After lunch, we crossed the mouth of the harbour and headed for Church Cove, a distance of just over 2 1/2 km. By the time we got back to our starting point, we had paddled about 24 km. A great day and a great place to live!

breaking through the ice meant extra effort

Tony checks out the falls

Dean takes a close look

Many places to explore: Gerard moves in for a closer look

a good place to stop

enthusiastic paddlers

you don't get this in July

while some boats are tied up for the winter, others keep moving