Paddling Bras d'Or Lake

Hi Blog!

Now that we are further south, the weather has become warmer. Friday, July 20, 2018, promised to be a great day to kayak. As we took our coffee walk this morning, we were treated to clear blue skies. The wind was so calm it was practically non-existent. The waters of MacDougall Pond had a mirror-like quality.

However, by the time we finished breakfast and got the kayaks ready, a slight breeze came up to ripple the water.

Kayaking around the pond was a good warm up for the open lake. By the time we got all the way around it was almost two miles. Along the way, we spotted our summer cottage. It needs a little work, but it's right next to the shore making it easy to launch the kayaks!

As we glide along, we keep our eye out for wildlife. Small schools of fish dart out of our way. The terns take turn diving in after them.

As we approached the far end of MacDougall Pond, we heard a chattering sound that we always equate to squirrels tell us to leave their territory. To our surprise, the sound was actually several belted kingfishers. We managed to catch on perched on a fallen tree.

We finished our circuit of MacDougall Pond and paddled under the causeway out into Bras d'Or Lake. While Bras d'Or is called a lake, it is actually an inland sea.

Bras d'Or Lake is a basin ringed by hills. The lake is connected to the North Atlantic by natural channels and a lock and canal system. The restricted tidal exchange in its three points of contact with the Atlantic ocean, coupled with significant freshwater drainage from the many rivers and streams in the lake watershed, cause the lake water to have less salinity than the surrounding ocean. Although salinity varies throughout the lake system, it approximates a one third fresh, two-thirds sea water mixture, and hence may be termed brackish water. 

It's been so long since we've seen one of these, we almost didn't recognize it - a diving platform. Most campgrounds and public pools long ago removed their dives because it costs too much to insure them. However, we are not in Kansas anymore, so the sign use at your own risk is all the campground needs.

With 621 miles of shoreline, there was no way to paddle the whole lake in one day. We decided to paddle into the wind, so our return trip would be with the wind. Each rig has it's own little section of rocky beach.

We soon leave the campground behind us. Further south, small houses and cottages line the bluff overlooking the lake. The local residents have built staircases down to the beach. This fisherman was responsible for setting up the family picnic site. Now, all he needs is the rest of his family to make a day of it.

This family has also staked out their part of the beach.

You never know what you'll find around the next point. Is this a work area, a place to dry fish or just an artistic expression. Inquiring minds want to know.

Further along, we came upon Marble Point. We could see a small rock garden ahead.

It was too tempting for Kathy. She had to jump out of her boat and add her own monument to garden.

We decided that this would be our turnaround point. It is hard to see in the picture, but our lone tree is just off that far point. With the wind at our backs, we begin the return journey. Paddling in big open water is like hiking in the desert. You can see your car at the trailhead, but it's still two miles away!

As we round the final point, our campground comes into view. Home sweet home!

We still have a few more days here in Ben Eoin and more adventure awaits us. Stay tuned.