Quidi Vidi
Back to the countdown after our icicles paddle in Middle Cove.
On July 23 Dean, Gary and I had a paddle out to Cape Spear. Not a lot of people get out to Cape Spear because its exposed and the water there is usually very active even without wind. The main feature about Cape Spear is that its the most easterly point on the North American continent. The original post has other shots of the paddle.
We left from the small fishing village of Quidi Vidi.
Fort Amherst
Leaving the protected harbour of Quidi Vidi and heading south we approach the entrance to St. John's Harbour. The harbour was protected at various times by Fort Amherst, identified by the luster of buildings clinging to the cliff.
Freshwater Bay
We handrailed along the shore down into Freshwater Bay. We could have made a direct crossing, it would have been shorter, but we were out to also enjoy the scenery.
At Blackhead
Near Cape Spear we paddle into a cove containing the community of Blackhead, named after a prominent headland in St. John's Bay.
Cape Spear
Arrived at the Cape. We paddled east of the Cape to be able to look south down the coast. Next stop east of the Cape is Ireland. We did a couple of rolls for the tourists before heading back.
Heading back
We decided to skirt along the mouths of Blackhead Bay, Deadmans Bay and Freshwater Bay on our return. See original post.
Fog rolled in
When we arrived at the mouth of St. John's Harbour the fog started to roll in. A few boats were at the entrance to Quidi Vidi engaging in what is known as the "food fishery". Newfoundlanders historically had a right to fish cod for food anytime in the year. Now, with the collapse of the cod fishery we're allowed to catch cod for food two weeks in the year.
Back to Quidi Vidi
Back from the Cape we entered Quidi Vidi Harbour with whisps of fog in the air. It was a fine paddle. Cape Spear is a special place. Paddling out there is not done lightheartedly. Careful attention to forecast and picking the right day is a must. On this day we had the best of it and therefore its on my list of top ten paddles.
Hi Tony, What a great trip! About the same time we were making our way round the west end of Hirta in the St Kilda archipelago. What I hadn't appreciated, until looking at a map just now, is that St Kilda is 10 degrees further north than Cape Spear. Despite this, there is no sea ice because of the Gulf Stream.
ReplyDeleteHave a great 2012.
Douglas :o)
Yes you are blessed with the Gulf Stream. We are subject to the Labrador Current that channels cold Arctic water south. That's a curse or a blessing depending on how you look at it. It makes the water cold all year round but it also brings us icebergs.
ReplyDeleteYou have a great 2012 too Douglas. I imagine we're all making plans for new paddles etc for 2012.
Tony:-)