[for a trip report on Conception Harbour/Avondale, see: http://www.kayakers.nf.ca/sea_kayaking/trip_reports/avondale1.html]
One (or both) arms duely twisted, 7 of us headed out of Conception Harbour in Gaster's Bay (Conception Bay, Newfoundland - about 45 mins drive from St. John's) for a lovely wee spring paddle (~14km), seeing new hills (sprinkled with snow they look large and prominent on the landscape); carving through ice (do not suggest doing this with a wooden greenland paddle - half of paddle is superior according to Derek - maneuverability being everything), with a clear view up the bay to the fine spread of sedimentary rocks of Bell Island.
Paddling out of Conception Harbour, or nearby Avalondale, at the bottom of Conception Harbour is a sure (well, as sure as sure can be when kayaking) bet for night or winter paddling. Lots of takeouts and possibilities for beach cookups.
The first stretch of ice took some hammering to get through... then it got a little easier.....
