Rest interrupted

Flatrocks

Saturday Dean and I did a 16 km paddle out to Little Bell Island and area. I wanted a relaxed paddle due to a couple of weeks of intensive labour. I planned to take it easy to recharge my batteres on Sunday. Then Neil posted a paddle from Flatrock to Outer Cove. Too much to resist.

Inside channel

We rounded The Beemer and pointed our bows southerly paddling between cliffs to starboard and a string of rocks to port.

Massive sandstone cliffs

The sun was in our faces bathing the cliffs in brilliant sunshine.

In the shade

Caves along the way towards Torbay meant respite from the sun and heat. The difference in temperature emerging from the caves was marked.

Caves to explore

This is really a cave paddle. I was here with a few of the guys a couple of weeks ago and posted a bunch of cave shots then.

Cross to Middle Cove

We didn't paddle into Torbay proper, rather we crossed the mouth of the cove towards Motion and Middle Cove beyond.

At Motion

Motion was very placid Sunday. Normally any amount of swell produces active water and therefore its name "The Motion".

Prospective kayakers

We took out at Middle Cove for a stretch. We recruited some future kayakers who wanted to sit and try it out.

Low headroom

After a brief rest stop we were on our way again towards Outer Cove exploring the caves along the east side of Middle Cove. This cave didn't have much headroom and is impossible to get into with any swell.

Moving on

We took our time moving from cave to cave and as we did we were building up the mileage under our hulls.

Dark world

This cave must have been 200 feet deep. At the end it was so dark none of the light reached and even the camera flash couldn't fill in the cave details.

Timing is everything

A narrow slot and even a little action means stopping to look and time the run through.

Heading back

We entered Outer Cove, explored a cave there and decide to cross to a point halfway between Torbay and Flatrock.

A little breeze came up for the run in to Flatrock but its cooling effects were welcomed. A day that started out as a day of rest turned into a fantastic 24 km paddle. On a day with the right conditions it is truly a jewel so close to the city of St. John's. Thanks Neil for posting and thanks to Dean, Paul and Ysabelle for the company.