Paddlers: Brian & Angela Newhook, Trent Hardy
Date: September 4, 2007
Weather: 20 deg. C, sunny with very little wind
The complete loop around the arm is about 17 kms, so it's
a great place for a day paddle. For an extended day trip with a car shuttle it
can also be combined with a paddle from Thornlea (from the west) or South Dildo
(to the east). We started our paddle by heading up the western side until we
reached Chapel Head, then crossed over to McLeods Point (known locally as
Southern Point) and paddled along the eastern side until we were back to the
slipway.
I like this bay because it can give you sheltered paddling options when the
winds are from the east or west. It is not a nice place to be in any wind that
is from the north, and south winds will blow you right out of the bay, but if
it's directly western or eastern, you can paddle on the lee side of the arm and
be pretty sheltered from the wind. There are many little beaches and coves to
sneak into although most of them are on the western side, as well as a few caves
and waterfalls. Trinity Bay is also very cold; colder than most other bays in
Newfoundland, so be sure to have proper thermal protection. A wet suit is fine
for the summer, but any other time of year, a drysuit is a good idea.
During the summer months, this bay will usually have a lot of whales due to the
capelin, which will roll on several beaches in the area.
During the summer of 2009, I was lucky enough to paddle among 50+ dolphins. Hard to get any decent photos, but it was amazing to say the least!
Here is a photo journal of our paddle:
The best place to launch in Chapel Arm is probably on the slipway
just across the bridge once you enter Chapel Arm. Lots of parking available
there.
Heading out of Chapel Arm along the western side.
Small waterfall only a few minutes from the slipway. We saw a few eagles in this
area.
Sea cave along the way.
Inside Stowe's Hole.
Stowe's Hole.
Chapel Head is a very distinct land mark in this area, with its red cliffs.
There is a hiking trail that goes out to the end of the head, and it's a very
nice walk if you have time, although you can't directly access it from your
kayak.
One of many small coves on the Western/Norman's Cove side.
Trent paddling along by the cliffs.
Beach at Chapel Head.
Heading across the arm towards Southern Point.
Along Southern Point.
Small cleft in a rock.
Chapel Head looks different from over here.
Small sea cave. This photo was from a paddle done in 2009.
Going around a small sea stack.
Little Ridge.
On the beach at Little Ridge. You can get a small surf here depending on the
tide and swell.
Great beach for a lunch, or to camp. There used to be a few cabins in this area.
And it's a very popular spot for beach parties, picnics, etc.
Trent catches a wave before we leave. It's a good spot to surf, but the bottom
is very rocky, so it's not the best place to get dumped by a wave.
Cliff on the other side of Little Ridge.
Underneath an overhang on the cliffs.
The cliffs of the eastern side of the arm. Not many places to land between
Little Ridge and Chapel Arm.
Beautiful overhanging cliffs.
This cave is very visible from the road in Norman's Cove/Chapel Arm.
Another small cave.
Sea arch that you can paddle under if the tide is high enough.
Sooley's Cove. Whales sometimes enter this small cove to eat capelin and rub
their bellies on the bottom.
Beautiful waterfall.
Almost back to the slipway.