Thursday, September 9, 2010

Kayak around Cockburn Island

Another excellent trip full of stunning vistas, secluded beaches, and near death experiences. Last week we circumnavigated Cockburn Island, just west of Manitoulin Island, Ontario (the world's largest freshwater island that we circumnavigated last year. See here for details) It is so remote we didn't see a soul, not one boat, for days at a time.

The highlight for me is one that I have no photos of because I needed both hands clutched to the paddle - or die. Well, maybe just horribly, horribly maimed.

On the second last day, we surfed for two hours with man-eating following seas and then when we were good and tired, tried to squeeze through some wave-beaten reefs. My man glanced back at me and said my kayak stood straight up and down, then disappeared under a wall of white, then popped back up. I felt as though I'd been sucked up and spit out by an impossibly powerful, wet monster. Huge adrenaline rush, but not sure I'd do it again.

The rest of the trip can be seen in these photos.

before a gale blew in - the water was magical. paddle blade dips.
tired to hold camera up to get me in there. almost made it. I'm looking at a raft of loons calling across the water.

one of many private beaches

we brought back many rocks that needed a home
doe and three spotted fawns behind her

If anyone can tell me what kind of tracks these are - leave it in comments! Five toes on front feet. Fisher? The tracks were all over the beach apparently having a fun romp



26 comments:

Unknown said...

Sign me up for day one. Day two would have killed me dead.

nephite blood spartan heart said...

Such awesome true life adventures Terry!

The tracks look like otter to me.

JB said...

Wow, look at the awesome places your kayaks take you. Too beautiful! I love rocks and collect them on my travels, too. Beautiful pictures, I want to be in them! Enjoy!

Jonathon Arntson said...

So serene. I love it.

There are thousands of monarchs all over the place here too. They're so pretty. We also have dozens of buzzards circling in the area. Such an odd start to Sept.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

*sigh* Oh, girl...just the photos make me feel peaceful. Thanks for sharing yet another of your enviable adventures with us. :-)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Oh my but that water is luscious. Gorgeous photos. You lead a life of such wonder and adventure. I love the vicarious thrill.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great trip. The waves sound scary. Kind of life-changing.
Those beaches are A-1 beautiful!

Valerie Geary said...

Every time you post pictures like this, I want to go on an adventure! So... thank you! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, this armchair traveler loves it when you post pictures and wilderness tales. Thank you!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'd love to do that...

Sara {Rhapsody and Chaos} said...

I LOVE those photographs!! So beautiful :)

Jackie said...

I LOVE THE FIRST PIC

Cinette said...

This wilderness lover has never even seen an ocean yet. Landlocked and chained to the farm, I guess I'll just have to live 'the life' through you;-)

Cinette
http://cinettesmusings.blogspot.com

Natalie Aguirre said...

Wow! Your pictures are awesome. And your vacations are such amazing adventures.

Laura Pauling said...

Sounds exciting! It would be scary to kayak in waves but exhilarating too!

Artemis Grey said...

Those look like otter tracks to me. Were there claw marks at the tip of the toes? It's hard to see in the picture.

Sounds like a great trip! *sighs dreamily*

Talei said...

Wow, that water looks magical...was that the calm before the reef? Sounds exciting and terrifying at the same time. I'm glad you got to the beach. ;)

jenn said...

It looks so beautiful and serene! This sounds like an amazing trip.

Heather Kelly said...

Terry--that picture of your paddle was AMAZING. It brought me right back to my rowing days in college. Hit me right in the heart.

Amy Holder said...

Once again, I'm blown away by your pictures! These are gorgeous!

Alana said...

Great pics Terry . Looks like you had a great time . No pics of it once the winds pick up , cant hold the camera and kayak at same time heehee hahahahaha !~
Take care - chat soon

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled upon your blog through shewrites. What great adventures you have. Looking forward to your book, my step-daughter will love it.

Alastair said...

Lovely photos and a great adventure.
I am particularly envious of your dogsled trips: as a British adventurer that seems to me like the best adventure I can imagine!
Alastair
(www.alastairhumphreys.com)

Catherine said...

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog the other day. What an adventure you are having ~ the photo with the butterfly is stunning!

Happy November!
Catherine

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Big water out there It can eat you up and spit you out