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