Monday, July 8, 2013

To McNabs and back ... but just barely.

For a while I'd been thinking about paddling over to McNab's Island, which is a lovely park in Halifax Harbour.  I'd scouted out a location on Main Road that would provide the shortest paddle from the mainland over to the island.


Since I wanted to take Wendy with me, I got her a life jacket, to ensure that she'd be OK swimming beside the kayak, across the 500 metre (1600 ft.) channel.


What I didn't count on, was Wendy panicking, and becoming frantic, and trying to climb into the kayak!  So after our first attempt, I turned the kayak back toward shore, to re-think my plan.


Wendy gently explained that an "almost" 60 lb. dog could fit on my lap in the small cockpit of the kayak.   I was not convinced, but she was determined to demonstrate that it was doable.


I normally feel quite safe in my kayak, but as Wendy's weight was off-centre, I found myself having to lean the other way to counter-balance for the entire tripacross.  And before you ask, YES, I always wear a life jacket.

After a mildly stressful 20 minute paddle, we reached McNab's, where Wendy happily hopped off and loped along along the shore, while I paddled behind.


Our goal was Timmon's Cove, where we hoped to join up with a trail heading inland.


Once there, I dragged the kayak farther up the shore, but after much searching, was not able to find the trail that would lead us inland.


Instead we had to hike much father up the shore to find a trail I DID know.

The view of the City is lovely from the island.

In the distance you can see a cruise ship and the MacDonald Bridge.
The trail is on that distant point.
McNab's has a fascinating history, with a fort at either end, and marvellous old farm houses in the middle.  Since I've blogged about it before I'll let one of  those previous rambles fill more detail.

One of the abandoned farm houses.
I can never resist peering in windows.
The inland area was covered with lovely ferns and scenic paths.  Just wish I'd been more certain which was the path I wanted.


I had a map, but following map without corresponding street signs, can be a bit tricky.

Decisions, decisions ...
My passing didn't go unnoticed.
Does this look like the right path to you ?  Does it look like a path at all ?


May I suggest if you're ever lost in the woods that you take Wendy with you.


I actually say, "Find the path Wendy" --and she does.

It was a blistering hot day and I'd been paddling and walking for over three hours, and I needed to find the looped trail that would take me back Timmons Cove, and the kayak.  I'd already drunk two bottles of water and was working on the third.  Did I mention that it was VERY hot ?

I was delighted when I found I was on the correct trail, and it lead us back to the Cove.  My delight turned to alarm when I saw that the kayak wasn't there.  I'd left it, the paddle, and life jackets pulled far up the shore.  Had it been stolen ?  Had I misjudged the tide ?


No to both.  

It was on the next cove up, around the next point.   No wonder I hadn't been able to initially find the Timmons Cove Trail when I'd arrived:  I hadn't landed in Timmons Cove !


It was a great outing and a long day.

I must confess that I was relieved when Wendy and I finally made it back to the mainland.



21 comments:

  1. Wow Sybs, sounds like a great adventure you and Wendy had. Bet you are tired, but happy. Good old Wendy, why would she want to swim when she can cozy up with you in the boat!

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    1. Oh by the way, the comment above was from me Vicky xxxx

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    2. Wendy is such a good girl and normally so steady. Her panicking really was unexpected. I basically did nothing yesterday. Totally wiped.

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  2. Wonderful pictures!
    Wendy is awesome :)

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    1. Thanks Margie. Wendy is one of those dogs that come along once in a lifetime.

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  3. Lady you have a lot of nerve to do all of that alone. That is more than I'd have ever thought of doing when I was a "young sprout" like you. Wendy is the best dog ever. She is so smart and good protection too.

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    1. Thanks,

      I have a second kayak with a bigger cockpit and will probably
      use that next time. I did find the paddle over a tad overwhelming.

      You're right. Wendy is the best dog ever. (Don't tell Trey, I told him he was)

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  4. That was quite the adventure. Glad you and Wendy both made it back alive.

    Love your new banner image. It's so 'you.' :) :)

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    1. Thanks. It is me, isn't it ? Not roaringly flattering but it is how I see myself.

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  5. Wow, what a day you and Wendy had! The paddle back to mainland must have been rather exhausting after all the walking around you did looking for your path.

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    1. I certainly was tired the next day ... ;-)

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  6. You are one intrepid woman! I'm impressed. I think I'd have made Wendy paddle herself back home after all of that.

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    1. Believe me, I considered it. But oh, she'd been so upset when we originally set off. She clearly thought I was trying to leave her behind and she's such a good dog ...

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  7. Les left this comment ... (for some reason it didn't pop up on Blogger)

    I've taken my 25lb Penny with me, and even her skinny butt throws the center of gravity to an unnerving new place. She is usually restless at first, but once she settles down its not bad. I bet your heart sank when the kayak was not there, but probably soared when you found it the next cove over. I do like following along on your adventures.

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    1. Thanks so much Les. I'm glad to have you along.

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  8. You had me very nervous reading this post, hoping you and the pup wouldn't go underwater. And then worrying about the kayak being stolen. Then wondering if you would get home. *grin* The mind finds a lot to worry about, doesn't it? Silly mind! You had a wonderful adventure, Sybil.

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    1. Luckily the pup and I both wear life jackets. I had to calm my lil' heart when I thought I'd lost my kayak. But it was a wonderful adventure Kathy: and I was due for one.

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  9. What a handy skill Wendy has, finding paths on request! Sounds like a wonderful adventure for both of you, even if it didn't go exactly as planned... :)

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    1. Wendy is the best "guide dog" ever Barbara !

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  10. I've been looking all over for info about kayaking out to McNabb...thanks so much for your piece!

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  11. McNab's Island is a real treasure. There is now a business on the Halifax boardwalk (I think) that takes guided tours to McNab's and around the harbour.

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Thanks for stopping by. I really do love to read your comments.