We left five days ago from St. John’s to travel 1400 or so km to Cartwright, Labrador and I’m now in Rigolet where we will start paddling from tomorrow. View our position each day by clicking on the InReach post like the one below:

View the location or send a reply to TA Loeffler:
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I’ll take you through our first few days by reposting here, my Instagram posts.

August 14

Arrived to St. Barbe with a quick check of Forester Point where a bunch of boats on the slipway caught my attention. Tomorrow morning we take the ferry to Blanc Sablon, QC and then drive to Cartwright. Rumour has it than Ernesto may make our lives exciting on Tuesday so we will position ourselves well on Monday. Happy to have the big drive out of the way. #Labrador here we come!

August 15

On the ferry on the Qajak with the kayaks. Took a bit of a breath in as they sent down to the lower deck with the kayaks on top but they just fit. The seas are kicking up a bit so glad to be riding on this big Qajak! some smoke in the air making the sun look like we’re on Mars.

We made it to Cartwright!!! After the ferry, we popped into La Perle Rare LBS for coffee and one of the best breakfast sandwiches I ever had. We then stopped at Red Bay National Historic Site for a quick visit to the Interpretative Centre. After that, coffee called again at the Caribou Cafe in Mary’s Harbour and I answered with a partridgeberry and cream croissant.

We turned off the Trans-Labrador Highway and made our way down the gravel road to Cartwright. So fabulous to have arrived after two big days of driving and to meet the legendary Pete and George-who’ve led kayaking adventures out of Cartwright and will be a fountain of local knowledge for our trip.

August 16

A lovely day exploring Cartwright and talking to folks about our trip. I love learning local knowledge and stories about the places I paddle. We climbed a hill to get a view-the smoke haze curtailed the visibility a bit-and it midday sun was hot but as you’ll see from the view photos, it was totally worth it. We know where to deliver our kayaks tomorrow so all that’s left is to separate the stuff that’s staying from what’s going!!!

August 17

A day of logistics, learnings and loadings! We met with some folks who have spent a bunch of time on the Wonderstrand to gain further insight into landings, launches, and lovely places to visit. We dropped off our loaded kayaks and paid our freight bill with excellent timing to be out of the pouring rain and lightning storm.

Then tonight, we’re all pitched up in Pete’s kayak shed so we can keep our tents dry and be up early to catch our ferry. We were supposed to sail tonight but a second run to Black Tickle was needed to deliver fuel. The chart above covers the Wonderstrand area. I’m hanging with the most wonderfully helpful Pete-she’s been the most gracious host. If you ever need a camping spot in Cartwright-look up Experience Labrador. Pete is also artist and craftsperson and has a gallery here filled with treasures.

August 18

We’re on the ferry to Rigolet and just passing Tumbledown Dick Island. Gotta love all the names of islands, tickles, and points.

That’s Tumbledown Dick Island above. He fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after!

We used some unconventional kayak moving methods this morning since our boats were fully loaded!

If the weather/wind/tide allows, we will start paddling South tomorrow! I’ll be trying to do a location and audio post each day. Welcome aboard!