I made it to Portland Island

On October 11, 2008 I joined John and Richard on a paddle to Portland Island. Nothing like peer pressure to make the only woman in the group paddle the longest distance she has ever gone. I'm glad this was also my partner, John's, longest paddle as well. We launched from Ardwell Avenue passing by the solitary heron


We went to Coal Island first to have a look and make sure we would not be crossing ferry traffic. The water was beautiful and there was no wind, rather perfect weather to go.


John and Richard checked the ferry traffic while I hung back close to shore. A lesson learned. While John and Richard headed into the swell, I did not and ended up being too close to shore. This resulted in me being faced with crashing waves, after an initial scare and after John returned to reassure me, I was able to head out again.


And I kept up to John and Richard in their bigger boats.


We landed on the lovely shell beach and took a well deserved break.


I took a little tour to read the information sign and look at the camping deposit box




Richard and John took a break and just chilled on the beach. John even played "I'm the king of the castle"...



We packed up our quick snack and headed out again. Richard took us to the second camp site....


...and even showed us the composting toilet.


Earlier we had seen a couple in a row boat going around the island. We met up with them again and as I passed them I noticed they were looking at something swimming in the water from one little island to Portland. I couldn't figure out what this was...rat?...too bushy to be an otter and not a seal.


Even as it came closer to shore, we still couldn't identify it.




Out of the water climbed a...raccoon! He swam a fair distance to get here. I paddled a fair distance to go there. And on Sunday I was on the water again.