On the eve of winter (1)

The bottom of Colliers Bay

Clyde, Dean, Hazen and I had an eve of winter paddle on Sunday from Colliers to Brigus and back. While its not officially winter until next weekend, it felt winter-like as the temperature at put-in was abut-5C. In the absence of wind it wasn't uncomfortable dressing and we were soon on our way generating heat with the paddles.

Cruising along massive cliffs

Leaving Colliers the east side is dominated by cliffs of the Harbour Main volcanic rocks. The Harbour Main group are the oldest rocks on the Avalon Peninsula upon which all the other formations are deposited.

Clyde wore his helmet

This weekend Clyde wore his helmet, not so much to protect his noggin' but for warmth (I think!) because that's why I wore mine today. I wear my neoprene skullcap on cold days and the helmet over it because the skullcap is not very fashionable.

A gentle swell

Proceeding up the shoreline we had just the gentlest of swells that added interest to paddling around rocks and along the cliffs.

It was cool but comfortable

The last couple of days a short cold snap has descended on the Avalon Peninsula where we've been having an unusually warm December. We should be in the throes of winter proper but its forecasted to warm up above zero again.

Pot of gold

The cold made this small waterfall cascading over the rocks turn partly to icicles made a small rainbow when viewed at the right angle to he sun. Here Hazen is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Hole in the wall

What makes a scenic day paddle? How about rocks and passages, sea stacks, caves and arches? Someone to share them with on a cool, sunny almost winter day? The answer is all of the above.

Layered rocks

Paddling on up the coast we came upon a narrow slot between the cliff and some rocks. Taking time to gauge the rhythm of the sea we pushed through and this amazing vista opened up. It was like hide your eyes - surprise.

The alternating red and gray sedimentary rocks indicate changes in depositional environment. The red being deposited in shallower, oxidizing waters and gray in deeper waters without oxygen to oxidize (i.e. rust) the iron hematite in the sediment.

Arriving at Brigus

So, we arrived at our outward destination for the day, Brigus. We paddled around the headland and into Brigus harbour where we discussed options for lunch. It was a bit after 12:30 and some of us were ready to eat but it would have to wait until we returned to Marysvale where we dined in style on a picnic table.