The weather on this trip was relatively benign.  We expected more wind, rain and cold than we got.  Our warm, dry weather was a nice surprise!  That doesn’t mean that everyday was wonderful.  On our fourth day, paddling south from Tidee camp, we encountered a combination of quartering wind, strange currents and tide that, combined with reflected waves from the fjord walls, made for a very chaotic seaway.  This video, when shown on a big screen is almost enough to make me seasick.  Yet, the motion wasn’t generated by some hyperactive videographer.  It was generated by my DeckCam, firmly mounted to the deck of my kayak, just forward of the cockpit.  The motion you see is the motion that the boat was making in those conditions.

At one point a wave striking the port side of my boat rolled it up and onto its starboard side.  Somehow I lost hold of my paddle on the side I should have braced on.  I thought I was going for a swim.  I instinctively threw my body toward the wave and executed a hip snap.  That, and a little luck, brought me back upright. 

Because several in our group were very uncomfortable with the conditions, Bruce, our designated trip leader, directed us into a large protected bay where we waited for a change in conditions.  Before long, a group of Canadian kayakers on a guided day paddle arrived, also seeking shelter.  But that’s another story.  After about forty-five minutes, the wind had dropped and we headed for the Roche Marina across the fjord.