Wednesday I landed a Browns Cove on Bar Haven Island. As I set about making supper it began to drizzle lightly. It eventually stopped and I had my campfire. During the night I was awaken by rain beating on the tent. Oh well, I thought, I'm 17 kms from completing the trip and rain wasn't going to put a damper on it.
Morning came and I must have paid my dues because I woke to sunshine.
The tent was in shadow but south of the cove the sun was making its mark.
I was only 17 kms from the take out and I had only one stop to make on the way. I had lots of time to have a leisurely breakfast and take my time breaking camp. I put-in and left the cove heading back to the mainland on the Burin Peninsula.
I was back at LaPlante Cove where I stopped for lunch four days earlier on my way south to Isle Valen. This time I didn't stop but paddled inside of a small island claimed by a cabin owner.
To starboard the tip of Bar Haven Island was left behind and Little Woody Island floated on the horizon.
As I made my way north I kept an eye on the map to make sure I identified Soldiers Cove. Here it was, not much of a cove but people made an attempt to settle here in 1911. It was a small "community" as the census for 1921 listed 18 individuals in 3 families. I didn't see much room for expansion and maybe it wasn't such a good idea in the first place as the cove was abandoned in 1945.
And so I arrived at Rattling Brook Falls. I was stopping here for a dip, for, if you only checked this out from the seat of your kayak you missed the best part.
In 2009 I was here with Allison, Peter and Stan. I was newish but Allison and Peter knew about the swimming hole above the falls. Then I didn't have swim gear so I had a dip in my drysuit. This time I came prepared with swim trunks. I got out of my paddling gear, put on my trunks and light footwear and walked up around to ..
... what is a natural infinity pool.
I had a sweet swim and a most enjoyable treat on the last day of my solo expedition to Isle Valen.
I was sped along the last four kms by a tail wind that created small surfable waves. The end of the trip was close at hand at the north end of Sound Island. I turned around the point and made for ...
... Garden Cove.
Like all good things, they have to come to an end. I had four super days with a bit of everything.
Its not recommended to paddle alone. IMHO, its not recommended for unexperienced paddlers to paddle alone. I've paid my dues with practice in all kinds of conditions. I had two short solo trips last year. This year it was building on what I learned, not only about solo tripping but also about myself. I was alone but never lonely.
I checked the weather forecast each day the previous week. It was clear a stable air mass had moved in. I planned a four day trip but I had supplies for more days. There's always some risk involved in every undertaking. The key is to minimize the risk through good judgement, skill development, reliable back-up plans and all the recommended safety gear.
Its up to the individual to assess the risk - reward equation. When the rewards outweigh the risk its time to take the leap.
I'm glad I did with this trip!!!
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