Eagle and Gull Islands are better known as Two Islands along the Parrsboro Shore. I finally found time to revisit this elusive destination. So close and yet the access is somewhat limited. You will meet locals who encourage others to cross the shallow waters anytime. Based on personal experience and the many rescue stories that circulate among locals and newcomers alike have me stick to the five or six days around full moon when it comes to forging my way across to Big Brother.
It was a misty morning yesterday but the breeze was refreshing and the beach nearly deserted as my friend and I arrived at the crossing point. The water was not quite low enough to begin the trek. I had time to change into water shoes and get acclimatized to the cool water.
The rocks along this beach are encrusted with barnacles and it is vital to protect one’s feet to avoid injuries. I was grateful for the thick soles on my water shoes and my trekking poles provided the stability needed to ensure I didn’t lose my balance. The beach on Eagle Island is made up of large basalt chunks. I needed more support and changed into my hiking boots. Soon we were making our way along the cliff examining rockfall that was new to us. We found agate and other interesting minerals along the route toward Gull Island.
Each time I reach the far side of Eagle Island and get rewarded with my first glimpse of Gull I am overwhelmed by how different it presents from when I view the same landmass at Clarke Head.
We forged ahead toward Gull, our goal was to access the beach area near the keyhole. There was a brief moment where we second-guessed the tide level but after a brief reevaluation we moved ahead and were soon standing on the beach rarely visited due to its limited access.
It’s difficult to show the scale of the keyhole but suffice it to say that at high tide one can easily maneuver a canoe through this passage.
And here we are through the keyhole looking toward Clarke Head…
…looking back toward the keyhole and the majestic basalt cliffs of Gull Island
We once again turned our focus toward Eagle Island and the exposed ocean floor we needed to negotiate avoiding submerged sections. Keeping my boots relatively dry was my goal.
We soon arrived back at our starting point. Brian built a small cairn using flat rocks. We are aware of various opinions about the assembly of such small non-permanent edifices. We also know that the next high tide will bring waves that quickly topple the small tower and redistribute the rocks.
In closing I need to issue a cautionary note: circumnavigation of the Two Islands is possible. If you are not familiar with the tides and their fluctuating levels based on the moon phases find someone who knows them and can safely advise. Trust me, a rescue mission due to miscalculation of the tide is expensive and nerve-wracking. Don’t take chances and if you are at any point uncertain or are second-guessing your level of confidence don’t proceed.
Below is the map of yesterday’s tour. We crossed approximately 45 minutes before low tide. We spent two hours hiking around the islands managing wet, uneven and very rocky terrain. We walked counterclockwise by choice and returned to the mainland about 1.5 hours after low tide. Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers is the only tour company guiding small groups (up to four people, 16 years and up) around Eagle and Gull Islands when conditions are safe.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 