"Kayaking Dreamin"

"Dragons and Such..."

2009-07-12T10:47:00.000-02:30

We had a Dragon Boat demonstration at our Saftey DAy yesterday. The head and tail of this thing was produced by a local artist. The boat was built by Breast Cancer survivors and is truely a work of art and dedication not to mention an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and determination went into its' construction. The pride is visible on the paddlers. And let me tell you, for an 800lb boat with 20 paddlers it moves quickly and as this picture can't truely demonstrate, comes at you very, very quickly. My work brings me in contact with many people with cancer and it is wonderful to see their individual and collective achievements and I thank the ladies for allowing us the opportunity to witness such a significant part of their lives.

"Opportunities..."

2009-07-12T10:16:00.002-02:30

Nice Boat Michael.

Another nice boat Michael.

Well I finally got to meet fellow blogger from Quebec Townships, Michael Bradley of Canadian Sea Kayaker blog fame. Michael's blog is enjoyed by people around the world. It is like reading the morning rag for most. I've discovered it a bunch of years back now and was thrilled because as a mentioned before it in a blog post it was Michael who twigged my interest in kayaking about 11-12 years ago with an article he wrote about Igoolit and paddling there. Michael has worked in the Arctic as a Teacher I believe, retired now he gets to travel about and enjoy paddling on others' waters. It was a nice surprise to have him at our safety day and certainly a very nice surprise to have met him. I can only hope we get to paddle together during his short stay. My phone number is 753-9812 Michael as I forgot to give it to you yesterday.

Maelstrom Kayaks produces the Vaag, the black and yellow boat Michael brought with him. So we got to exchange kayaks and give each others a try. The Vaag is a delight to paddle and nimble on edging and would be a great rock hopper in our area for sure. I could see this being fun in the surf as well. But I must also say geeez those Nordkapps' just look so good ....can I have my boat back please....LOL. I believe Boreal Designs will be actually selling the Vaag and its sisters under its' own banner.

"A True Trooper"

2009-07-12T10:10:00.000-02:30

At our safety day yesterday this young gal must have been on the water for the whole day. After talking to her father I understand that she just recently took to paddling well today she put in her hours for sure. she was constantly paddling....not just floating. Good on you Bridgette and I hope you had a great time. It sure looked like you did.

"Holding Pattern"

2009-07-04T22:19:00.000-02:30

Tony and Steve are in a holding pattern as we wait for the rest of the group to group up for the Tors Cove paddle today. About eleven of us made the trek.

"Exit... Stage Straight Ahead"

2009-07-04T22:17:00.000-02:30

Heading out of Tors Cove in kayak formation. Another beautiful day on the water.

"Great ISland Bound"

2009-07-04T22:16:00.000-02:30

We were leaving Tors Cove today rounding Ship Island and Great Island, both part of a bird sanctuary in the area. Traces of fog but warm temps made the paddle enjoyable.

"Lemon and Lime"

2009-07-04T22:13:00.000-02:30

I liked the look of these colors together. They stood out in the fog.

"Dr Bob"

2009-07-04T22:12:00.000-02:30

Coming up to Ship Island in the distance. There was fog today but visibility was not bad. However when we finished at days end the fog rolled in quite thick.

"Visitors"

2009-07-04T22:10:00.000-02:30

I can only call them lemon and lime, a mother and daughter paddling duo joined us today from Ontario, visiting the Island, as this was the color of their kayaks.

'Birds and Such"

2009-07-04T22:08:00.000-02:30

Birds in continuos flight today as we paddled in Tors Cove past the Bird Sanctuary. Lots of movement in the water and the air. Tucked in one of the small coves and under a rock outcropping we too can seek santuary from their bombing arsenal if ya know what I mean! My boat was getting a new paint job of .......well ya really don't got to know.

"Open Water Rest"

2009-07-04T22:03:00.000-02:30

Sometimes you just need to take a wee break. Leaning on each others kayak in a bow to stern position is one of the best ways I know how to relax your back and your muscles while on the water. Sue and Brian do just that in our fog infested enviro today.

"Puffin"

2009-07-04T21:58:00.000-02:30

Not much zoom on my camera and Puffins are hard to shoot anyways because just as you think you can get near them, they are gone.

"Fox Island"

2009-07-04T21:52:00.000-02:30

Brian and Pete rounding Fox Island today. To follow Pete or Brian you need many skills, I took pictures, no small feat with these guys. They rock hop hard core, fun to watch and was able to follow on a couple of occaissons mostly was impressed by watching them...and learning. Pete is in my blog header entering one of his "rock hops".

"Backyard: No Plastic Recall"

2009-07-02T23:27:00.006-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T23:04:00.003-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T22:59:00.003-02:30

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

"Underneath"

2009-07-02T22:44:00.003-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T22:31:00.005-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T22:14:00.006-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T16:32:00.000-02:30

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

"Stern Ender"

2009-07-02T16:30:00.000-02:30

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

"Leaving Garden Cove"

2009-07-02T16:28:00.000-02:30

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"

2009-07-02T16:21:00.001-02:30

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

Jeffrey Cove"

2009-07-02T16:18:00.001-02:30

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

"Maggoty Cove"

2009-07-02T16:16:00.002-02:30

Peter and Tony entering MAggoty Cove...

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