2008 Trip Reports & Pictures
August
August 2/3/4 - Grand Manan
Didn't paddle Monday, but we had a couple of days of
flat-water fog-paddling. We all went over Friday afternoon.
It was my brother and I, and Marc & Paulette Bourgeois.
It rained Friday night.
On Saturday we did the paddle from Seal Cove to Southern Head. It was almost
white-cane paddling with thick fog. The difference this time is that it was
high-tide - totally different, that huge sand beach where we had lunch last year
was completely covered. It was foggy and rained Saturday night so there was no
fireworks.
On Sunday I had wanted to paddle from the White Head Island ferry at Ingles Head
to White Island, but the fog was in again and visibility was such that we went
to Plan "B". We planned a paddle from Whale Cove to North Head, so positioned
cars for the one-way paddle. Again it was glass calm, so we tooled along on the
way there exploring all the little coves on a rising tide, but it was less than
6km and after a lunch stop the fog had risen significantly. We decided to head
back, more directly. Once we got to Whale Cove, it was completely clear, and
calm, so we headed directly across the mouth of the cove to Ashburton Head on
the other side. We saw birds, seals and a Minke Whale - first whale in
the wild for the others, so they were stoked. I showed them the rip-tide that is
a favorite of Kilby (which we avoided), and we had an easy paddle along the wall
back to the put-in point.
We went to the Grand Manan Rotary Club BBQ at The Anchorage and as we were
walking back to the tent/cars after the meal, it poured rain. It rained
off-and-on all evening (with T-Showers) and night, so no fireworks Sunday night
either.
Marc and Paulette decided they were going to tour and hike Monday, my brother
and I decided to head home early. We did a bit of exploring, and went to your
favorite beach where we watched a couple of dulse boats being winched up over
the rocks. We caught the 11:30am boat across, and for the most part couldn't see
the water from the rail, but there was a period of time when it was visible, and
it was glass calm. It rained and misted all the way home, I need a new wiper
blade.
Gerry
For more memories, check out Grand Manan
August 6 - Shediac Island => Shediac River
We seem to be plagued with less-than-ideal weather lately, and rather than being
caught out in the Straits by another rain storm, the decision was made to paddle
the river.
August 13 - Aboiteau Wharf
Interesting what 14 days of rain can do to get kayakers out. We had 19
show for tonight's little paddle.
August 17 - Buctouche Dunes - North End - Saint Edouard de Kent
Well, it was a good plan anyway, but only two showed up for the paddle.
August 20 - Buctouche Dunes (inside the dunes) and BBQ
We had only seven turn out for this paddle. The weather was cool and heavy
cloud cover - it looked like it could rain but none was forecast, and none did.
We decided to paddle from the put-in point on the Little Buctouche River over to
Le Pays de la Sagouine on the Buctouche River.
Le Pays de la Sagouine in Bouctouche is a private island which preserves the Acadian culture and heritage. Currently in its 14th season, enjoy its authentic Acadian village, theatre, restaurants, gift shops and comedy. The main show is L’Odyssée: le grand dérangement, a play from the renowned Acadian playwright and author, Antonine Maillet.
Following the paddle and brilliant sunset, we adjourned to Kilby's house for
a BBQ.
August 23 - Kouchibouguac Grey Seal Adventure
It was hot! It was sunny! There was a light wind blowing! What
more could you ask for!
We had 13 show up for this paddle (not counting seals).
August 27 - Aboiteau Wharf
It was a blustery day, but by the time the six of us hit the water this evening,
the winds were down to about 15kph.
The waves however were another issue, with 1-meter waves being normal, and
sometimes with confused waves coming from different directions. Nobody
tipped, nor had any real problems - it was somewhat exciting.
August 31 - Wolfe Point to Alma
Well that was the plan anyway - Mother Nature had other ideas in mind.
Rather than the forecast winds from the WNW, they came from the ENE, which would
have been right in our face for all 14km of the paddle. We also had a
severe thunder storm, coupled with heavy rain and hail. Fortunately we
were sitting in our vehicles, waiting for it to blow over. After an hour
we gave up and headed home.
