Kelly Green, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.
Date: July 4, 2011
Time: ~5:15 AM to ~7:00 AM
Launch Point: Cherry Beach
Destination: Inner Harbour & Leslie Spit
Crew: Kelly Visscher & Michael Mitchener
Conditions: Smooth seas and clear skies.
Sightings: Many, many, many cormorants; Chyna and her famous Mom; wolfhounds; and a number of rowers.
I had the opportunity to take my visiting sister out for a sunrise paddle recently. With the long days, we had a very early start and launched at Cherry Beach just as the sky was brightening. It was a calm, warm morning and it didn't take long for us to cross the harbour and reach the Spit. We quietly paddled around the many boats anchored in the harbour and explored the numerous bays and inlets of the Spit. The cormorants were in full frenzy as the sun crested the horizon but we were able to avoid any unfortunate incidents. As always, I felt like I was in an Alfred Hitchcock movie as the birds flew around the canoe.
We circled back around past the Toronto Islands, across the Eastern gap and passed along the shore where numerous dog walkers were patrolling the beach. We spotted a familiar fuzzy face (Chyna) and her talented photographer Mom and had a run in with a gaggle of wolfhounds that were fascinated by Nessie.
All in all a wonderful morning which we ended with a latte at Voulez-Vous Cafe. It was great to get Nessie on the water for the first paddle of the year! Thanks Kelly.
