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.