Alison, Peter and Stan along Sound IslandA paddle the four of us did on July 1 in Placentia Bay is my choice of the second best paddle I did in 2009. It was one of those days that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long, long time. Everything came together to make for a memorable day. Peaceful paddling, a resettled community, a natural swimhole at the top of a waterfall, an eagle and two caribou.
On this day we left Garden Cove and paddled down the outside of Sound and Woody Islands, ducked inside between the mainland and the islands and made our way back to Garden Cove. Its a drive of 90 minutes but on the day, worth every minute it takes to drive here.
Lunch stop After paddling down the outside of Sound Island we found this sandy beach at the tip of Woody Island. We took off our wet suits and some of us got wet in the cove.
The water was glassy calm and reflective After our lunch stop we continued down outside Woody Island. Rounding the island, we paddled between Bar Haven Island and Woody Island. It was a zen type place: no wind, beautiful scenery, water clear right to the bottom.
Alison and Peter at Rattling Brook Falls We paddled over from Woody Island to Rattling Brook Falls where the brook takes a 5 metre leap to the sea.
Swimhole at Rattling Brook Falls A walk up an embankment next to the falls revealed a beautiful swimhole about 5 metres above the sea. Stan and I didn't bring swim gear but I'm coming back to this spot and I'll be better prepared for a swim.
A caribou!!! Peter said there was a good chance to see caribou along here and we weren't disappointed, we saw two. This caribou came out of the forest and ambled along the shore as we sat and watched.
tony - i agree, this was a terrific paddle. i always enjoy a summer paddle to woody island & rattling brook and this particular one was special for the sea state, sun, warm salt water (well, i thought so!), amazing dip at rattling brook and the caribou! alison
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