Sunday, March 3 - Kayaking day 3

     We decided to go out and explore the coast fairly early while the winds and sea were calm.  Leaving the tents up with most of our stuff behind, our boats were quite a bit lighter and easier to maneuver,  and as it turned out, the weather was perfect for us the whole day.

The view from our beach just after dawn.  The water stayed quite calm all day.

Kristy models the latest in fashionable and functional kayaking equipment ...

... a lanyard tied from your pony tail to your cap in case a gust of wind comes
along

... keeping the cap well within reach.  It also has the
added functionality of aiding rescuers if her
boat has tipped and she's gone under.  If you
see the cap floating on the surface, just reel it
in and you'll have your thankful victim at the
other end of the line.

We head out to explore the coast

Kristy spots a sea gull with a beak full of starfish

He worked on the starfish for a few minutes, trying to dismember it

Finally he gave up and swallowed it whole.  That's part of the creature
bulging out the side of his neck.  Yummm.

This pup was crying for his mother.  She finally flopped up on the rock,
rolled over, and let him nurse.

Moving on

We explored Shag Cove, the rising tide carrying us up the river

Self portrait in sunnies

Our kayak was called the Packhorse Express, and it was packed full
of stuff.  Way more than we would have wished to carry on our
backs for a five day hike.  Which was nice, we could carry plenty of
 food, books to read, extra dry clothing.  With the rudder and 4PD (four
 paddle drive) it was quite easy to manage, except against the
heaviest winds and seas. Then the extra weight made it quite a
challenge to keep moving forward.

I made couscous and veggies and Tasty for dinner.  Then Kristy whipped
up custard for dessert.  Now that's living!

We ended the night with Kristy reading to us from The Hobbit until it
got too dark to see.  Then we retreated to our tents and each read a little
by headlamp.