No kayak camp trip last so when Clyde mailed about a one night trip to Carroll Point on Bar Haven Island Brian, Hazen and I accepted the invitation from him and Dean. We met at 8:00 for the two hour plus ride to Garden Cove in Placentia Bay where we loaded up the kayaks to paddle the top of Sound Island on choppy waters.
Dean and I were first to reach Bloody Point at the top of Sound Island where ...
... we were joined by Brian, Clyde and Hazen and entered the channel between the island and the mainland and headed south.
Sticking close to shore we paddled through numerous kelp beds.
Two hours later we reached the bottom of Sound Island and paddled into Muddy Hole where we stopped at this beach for a short break.
The idea was to continue down the same channel to the west of Woody Island but after crossing Muddy Hole and reaching Otter Point we had a change of heart. The forecasted wind arrived early with lots of whitecaps whipped up by gusts between 20 and 25 knots. I suggested to Dean we paddle down the east side as we would be protected from the wind and he sold it to the others.
I knew the east side was more appealing having paddled there before and it did not disappoint with offshore rocks to navigate through.
Looking across Placentia Bay that was dead calm it was a complete contrast to the other side of the island.
So, the plan was to evaluate conditions once we lost the protection of Woody Island. We had discussed the possibility of having protection at Little Woody Island .8 km across windswept water. After crossing and seeing the frenzied sea towards Bar Haven we decided to retrace out steps and search out a camping spot along the shore just paddled.
Brian and I made note on one location on the way down. Returning we got out to scope the spot and all agreed it fit the bill. After setting up the tents and furnishing with sleeping arrangements we started happy hour leading into supper.
As the evening wore on there was talk of a camp fire. There wasn't much wood but most of it was big logs. Scraping up small sticks there was just enough kindling to make a worthwhile fire. The bar was opened again as we enjoyed some beer and conversation as the light faded. Darkness enveloped us and the stars came out with some 8 satellites to track as they sped through the sky.
Time came to hit the sack. We were content with the 18.5 km paddling effort in the windy sections and especially the judgement to change plans to fit the circumstances.
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