Enjoying Fall by Kayak

I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that this years paddling season was over. That is until my friend and fellow explorer James Kempf messaged me with an offer to hit the waterways one more time.

An overcast Saturday morning and favourable temperatures made the offer irresistible and so it was that I found myself enjoying the fall colours from the comfort of my kayak.

This area is blessed with numerous locations of which to explore by water and the added benefit of the waters reflection just makes it that much more spectacular.

We enjoyed the sight of geese and other birds, the quiet and the brilliant colours and crisp clean air that makes Autumn my favourite of the seasons.

Don't miss out. Before we know it winter will have arrived so be sure that you get out and explore. Whether by mountain bike, on foot or by water it is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the amazing scenery that surrounds us.

Exploring Carroll's Bay

I spent time this weekend paddling through sleepy little coves. I saw dozens of turtles sunning themselves on logs and watched countless fish jumping in the calm water.

Regal looking Osprey watched me from their lofty perches and on a couple of occasions, flew past me with fish wriggling in their razor sharp talons.

Great Blue Herons stood as silent sentries along the shoreline or flew lazily overhead while everywhere around me, ducks, geese and swans went about their business seemingly oblivious to my intrusion.

 

What may be surprising to some is that in spite of being surrounded by all of this natural wonder, I hadn't even left the city and in fact was only minutes away from downtown Hamilton.

 

Carroll's Bay is located on the northwest side of Hamilton Harbour at the mouth of Grindstone Creek. The protection and oversight of this area is provided by the Royal Botanical Gardens. Their restorative efforts have been ambitious and have had an immensely positive impact on the return of Bald Eagles to this area as well as on the protection and sustainment of many other endangered and at risk species.

There is something magical about silently paddling into a protected cove on a calm foggy morning and discovering a couple of sailboats anchored there. Somehow it evokes a simpler time, a time of slower travel and lazier summers.

 

Pushing through, a large group of cormorants glared disapprovingly at me, vulture-like from atop their treetop perch. I left the water, tired and happy from a great work out and with the feeling that I had discovered yet another great local destination in the Hamilton area.

A special thank you to photographer Bryon O'Neill, who I had the privilege of meeting at Carroll's Bay. Please see more of his work at www.flickr.com/bryononeill
His photos shown above are used with permission.

Paradise in the City

We have some pretty amazing gems right here in our own backyard. From spectacular waterfalls to breathtaking trails, the natural areas around Dundas and Hamilton have lots to offer.

An area that I am just beginning to discover is Cootes Paradise. 

Cootes Paradise is the largest wetland at the western end of Lake Ontario and is on the west side of Hamilton Harbour.  It is owned and managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens and is a National Historic site, a Nationally Important Bird Area (IBA), and a Nationally Important Reptile and Amphibian Area (IMPARA).

Rising early this morning, I launched my kayak at Princess Point and headed around the point, then west going behind Cockpit Island and Sassafras Point and exploring the various inlets along the way. The silence was often interrupted by jumping fish and the swans, ducks and geese were plentiful. 

On a couple of occasions I was treated to the sight of large blue herons perched in the trees or lazily flying overhead, their massive wingspan reminding me of schoolbook illustrations of ancient pterodactyls.

Crossing over towards Bulls Point I was able to watch numerous waterfowl including some low flying trumpeter swans and a couple of mergansers that did low flyby's for my benefit, just skimming the water as they passed.

On prior occasions I have seen the pair of bald eagles that nest along the northern shore but unfortunately not this morning.

I enjoyed the site of the water plants and the shoreline, impressed that this level of nature and plentiful wildlife can be found so close to a major city.

I crossed back over heading back towards Princess Point. This area of the bay is one where I often like to pause when kayaking to enjoy the sunset and reflect.

On this morning I simply pushed through, heading back to the dock and making myself the promise to return again soon to this little bit of paradise in the city.