A shot in the arm

Salmonier Arm (NRC map)

The forecast was for 15 knot SW winds. Dean suggested Salmonier Arm in St. Mary's Bay. Here the wind would be blowing straight into the Arm. None of the other regular group were interested so it was just the two of us.

The raison d'etre for the destination was that we could paddle as long as we liked into the wind and when satiated, we'd have the wind behind us to propel us back. We put in near the bidge at St. Catherine's with the objective of paddling 10+ kms to St. Joseph's - paddling with the Saints *lol*.

Looking out the Arm

The was only a light breeze in the upper reaches of the Arm where we put in and it was sunny. Further up the Arm the wind increased and off and on rain clouds passed overhead to dump on us.

The Arm is not naturally scenic with low laying land on both sides. No cliffs, no caves. It is what it is. It was a paddle but not one of my favourite paddle destinations.

Not too shabby

All along the Arm people have built their versions of Paradise. Some able to build sizeable mansions, others with more modest means have to be content with cabins.

Tugboat Annie

This tugboat was tied on behind a couple of barges at Mount Carmel. It was calm here whereas to the left in the open arm the wind whipped up the sea. I asked Dean to hold up a minute to get this shot but I was really about taking a moment respite.

Between a rock and a rock

Two hours paddling into the wind and St. Joseph's reached we were ready for lunch and a break. We got out our lunches and cowered behind the rock outcropping to eat. Every minute or so a large wave would break and spray water over us. It didn't matter; we laughed at ourselves for being so clever to pick this place to stop.

And, it rained

Back on the water with the wind behind us, clouds crept in and the sky opened up. We paddled a while in rain but before long the sun came out and followed us all the way back to Salmonier. A total of 21.+ kms paddled, half into the wind and half in varying weather. Not that scenic but a great paddle in any case.

Back at the car there was a message on my windshield from KNL member Paul H. Unknown to us, he's building a summer home close to where we put-in and asked us to drop in before going home. Very nice spot and now a place to refrigerate our beer for a cold one the next time we paddle here.