I haven't done many posts this year, mostly because I haven't done a whole lot of paddling worth writing about. I got my instructors certification earlier in the year so myself and Dean spent the later half of the summer teaching level one on our free weekends. The last 3 out of 4 weekends I've managed to get out camping. Once was just myself and Dean car camping, then Neville joined us two weekends ago for another car camp, and finally we got a kayak camp in with Terry this past weekend.
Myself and Dean planned a Kayak trip to Wild Cove on Great Colinet Island this past weekend. We emailed a few people to join but only Terry was interested. Three of us met up at the TCH Irving and headed out to Admiral's Beach.
Getting all the gear loaded up.
It was a S wind so we had some fun waves to keep the crossing interesting.
Heading down the East side of Great Colinet Island towards Mosquito Cove.
We had a bit of work paddling into a 15kn wind, but I thought that made for more excitement!
Three of us hand railing the shoreline.
I always paddle as close to the shore as I can manage, the clapotis makes for the most fun!
The conditions were a little more than expected so we decided to stop at Mosquito Cove and make a decision on where to camp for the night. Wild Cove has unlimited fetch, so with the conditions we had we decided it was better to camp somewhere more sheltered than trying to land loaded boats in large dumping surf.
Terry has never been here so we went for a little tour and spotted a decent beach just south of Mosquito Cove that we could make our camp for the night.
We got to our campsite and had a quick look to see that we could hang our hammocks. We managed to find a spot for two hammocks and a tent, so we changed out of our drysuits and set up.
Nice view from our camp.
A few weekends ago when myself and Dean went to Turk's Gut, he named me camp cook from now on. I guess he liked my menu lol
This trip we decided on Salmon Steaks and Sweet Potato! We did up the chopped sweet potatoes in tin foil and got those cooking.
A friend of mine gave me some moose sausage so I brought those along for an appetizer.
I think the bys are enjoying the meal so far...
Next on the grill was the star of the show, Salmon Steaks!
Looks damn good for camp food!
I made this grill last year and its gotten a lot of use since then. I looked around online and couldn't find a grill I really liked so I decided to design and make my own. I'm in the process of making my 4th grill for someone now. If I had to choose between a camp stove or my grill...the stove is staying home.
Bys finishing off the main course.
Dean brought Pumpkin Cake for desert. I swear I eat better on our trips than at home! While he was boiling the kettle to have some tea with dessert, I just sat back and took in the view. I love this part of our trips, no worries, no stress, just relaxing and peaceful.
Ol' Deano
Terry
Nice relaxing night by the fire! A little chilly at times but the stories and laughs were a good distraction.
Dean and Terry are the early birds in the group. I have no issues sleeping in my hammock. I stay warm and comfortable so I have no trouble sleeping until 8 or so. I just started to wake up when Dean comes by and says breakfast is ready! Haha Dean woke up to take a look at the water and when he looked down the beach Terry was down and had bacon and eggs cooked up. I crawled out of my hammock and went down for a feed of oatmeal, bacon, and eggs! Im not a morning person so this works out great, Ill cook dinner an supper, someone else cooks breakfast :)
We got everything packed and loaded, ready to head a little further down the shore.
Winds were a bit stronger today so it was a slow go but a whole lot of fun! I can't remember the last time I paddle in some fun conditions like that so I was loving every minute.
Terry and Dean!
Making our crossing back. It's not a long crossing but us not having padded much the year, the wind and waves took a toll.
Good shot of Dean with the waves crashing!
We took our time heading back up to Admiral's Beach. I love to cliff face going up this shoreline, looks awesome!
Dean and Terry taking their time having a chat while I explore a little closer
Had some pretty big surf breaking on the south end of Admiral's Beach. Too bad it wasn't a sandy or pebble beach...would make for great surfing!
So we're back at the beach after a fun bit of paddling and and excellent night at camp with two of my buddies. I'm guessing this will be the last kayak camp trip for the year, but who knows...
Terry sculling away in the chilly Atlantic.
Wasn't the longest of trips, but as Dean says, the point is to get out and enjoy camping for a night. I'm not one for counting kms, I don't care if I paddle 5 kms or 50, the quality of the trip is what I look for. 5kms of choppy fun is worth more to me that 25 of flat calm.
I'm really looking forward to next summer with my paddling friends, and hopefully we'll get more of the good stuff in next year.
