Leaving for Cape SpearYes ladies and gents, today was my 100th time in the boat this year. Malcolm called me yesterday with a proposal to paddle to the exposed Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America. I thought what a coincidence and what an exclamation mark to put on number 100.
We sized up the ocean from Fort Amherst concluding there was no reason why we shouldn't proceed. We put-in at Prosser's Rock Boat Basin paddling between the fishing boats tie up there just inside the entrance to the main harbour.
This would be my last opportunity to take a picture without being bounced around.
Making our way across St. John's Bay We got out of the harbour without incident as the swell was running almost straight in and there was a bit of rebound from each side of the Narrows. We conferred and agreed we'd just as well make a direct crossing to Cape Spear.
The larger swells were about two metres directly into us with no wind to speak of. It was fantastic paddling. Oddly, I found I could get mini surf rides on the back of the swells as they passed under me.
Fog threatened to roll in We made super time reaching Blackhead when the wind picked up at 12 knots from the SE and fog rolled in around the Head. Our bright sunny day ended early. That wasn't in the forecast but we were undeterred as we set a course for just inside the Cape in case the fog crept over us.
What started as a sunny, wind free day had changed but it was still an awesome paddle in swell that averaged between 2 and 3 metres.
Objective reached We reached the Cape after paddling an hour and 5 minutes. Not bad at almost 4 knots an hour.
The sun was partly obscured by the low hanging clouds and the threat of fog hanging around the Cape. We paddled out past the Cape to a point where we could faintly see North Head in the distance but stopped before the point where passage to Ireland begins. We hung out for a while before we turned for home.
Within sight of Cabot Tower We left the Cape under threat of fog rolling in so we took a bearing for Blackhead and if it stayed out we'd cross directly to the entrance to St. John's Harbour. At Blackhead we agreed it was a go for a direct crossing. Malcolm makes good time in the following sea as Cabot Tower sits on the hill overlooking our destination.
Every now and then we'd look over our shoulder in case a ship was entering the harbour at the same time. Looking back I was struck by the seas rearing up behind us that were driving us towards our goal.
Back inside the Narrows As we arrived near the entrance to St. John' Harbour, known locally as "the Narrows" the Coast Guard ship Sir Wilfred Grenfell was leaving port. We kept to port of the channel for larger ships and kept paddling until we were in. Malcolm stopped in front of the Battery for a quick word before we re-entered Prosser's Rock Boat Basin where we took out amidst the heavy smell of diesel fuel on the water.
I hobbled about stowing my boat and gear because for some reason my wonky hip decided to act up. No matter. We shook hands as I departed feeling very content with what was a great centenary paddle - thanks Malcolm.
It was tons of fun. Very good photos. (None showing you, as I forgot my camera.) Your description of the day is quite accurate. What is hard to put in words was the magnificence of the ocean outside The Cape today. Sun reflecting off the water in one area, fog shrouding another area. The cliffs at The Cape, the waves crashing at their base. The whole face of the ocean seemingly tilting back and forth as the long ocean swell passed under us. The sense of immense space and the extraordinary power of the ocean, showing itself in a magnificent, but also benign way today. The paddle to and from The Cape was enjoyable. The time just sitting and watching and feeling the motion of the ocean outside The Cape, that was magic.
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing becasue I was thinking how strong would be an handshake after your centenary paddle ;). awesome!
ReplyDeleteAgain the pictures don't do full justice to the ocean yesterday Malcolm. While the swell wasn't as large as our trip last year, the ocean pulsed with energy and at times it was like looking over a broad valley sitting on top of some swells.
ReplyDeleteGio, I'm embarrassed to say that last year I had 115 days in the kayak. But I am content with my year so far and hope to get out a few more days yet as long as the weather cooperates.
Tony :-)
100 paddles! That's quite the milestone.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Tony. Hopefully we'll have a few more before the end of the year.
I hope so too Clyde that we can get out for a few more yet this year. Last year Dean, Derrick, Sean, Stan and myself had a Christmas Eve paddle in St. Philips. Be great if we could pull that off again and maybe start another tradition.
ReplyDeleteTony :-)
I'm trying to convince Cheryl to join us on Christmas Eve. Hopefully she will!
ReplyDelete