Dildo and beyond

Our track in Trinity Bay

We paddled Saturday in the bottom of Trinity Bay from South Dildo to Southern Point and back. At one point we wondered why the name of the community hadn't been changed. The name "Dildo" comes from the term for the pegs that hold an oar in place on a fishing dory. Its since of course become to mean something else. Credit the people who live here though with a sense of self-confidence to stick with the name.

Off we go

Every paddle starts off with anticipation. Every paddle is different, even if we paddle with the same people and in the same places. We three paddled here last year but this day would prove to add new memories.

Old Shop

Old Shop is a collection of houses and fishing stages along the shore of Dildo Arm. Generally I don't like paddling along populated areas but this was different today. Spring was in the air, people were out cleaning up and making repairs to damage caused over the winter. As we paddle along there were cheery hellos and comments about what a beautiful day it was. Maybe they were also amused at our mode of travel.

In the wind

We had the protection of the land from the westerly winds since leaving Dildo South. As we rounded the point to paddle into Spread Eagle Bay we had the wind directly in our faces. The wind only created small wavelets due to the limited fetch.

Clear waters

After a short lunch stop at the bottom of Spread Eagle Bay we set out again on crystal clear waters.

Exploring

Paddling up the left side of Spread Eagle Bay became more interesting with a few rocks paddle around.

Stack

And sea stacks ... OK just one, but a beauty.

Marley's Cove Campsite

On our way to Southern Point we happened upon a lovely secluded beach with a level grassy area that would make a very nice campsite. It was a developed site complete with picnic table, accessible overland but it didn't seem to be used that much because there wasn't much garbage around. A little river running through the site added to the ambiance and would surely lull anyone in a tent to sleep.

Hello down there

At Southern Point Clyde got out of his boat again to check out whether there was a suitable campsite here. Dean and I waited in our boats as Clyde scampered around to deliver the verdict.

Missed 'em by that much

Leaving Southern Point we made the 2.5 km direct crossing to Dildo Island. Dildo Island is an archaeological site once occupied by the native North American Indians, the Beothuck. We arrived to find them gone. Gone by a couple of hundred years from this area but with the teepee in the clearing we we could imagine they still existed.

Homeward bound

Having checked out another small, un-named, island for possible campsites we headed back to Dildo South and the end of a glorious day on the water. The GPS said 23.2 kms. We felt good for more but after seeing as much as there was to see in this area we were content to call it a day. And, a great day it was.

Everyday on the water is great. Some more memorable than others. This one rates an 11 out of 10!