Today’s early morning, once in a lifetime tour was in the planning stages for the past six weeks. These clients contacted me after my debut on the “Keep Your Daydream” feature of Soley Cove. The request was “We are looking for an adventure!” “An adventure you shall have…” was my reply. And the suggestion of circumnavigating Two Islands and finishing by experiencing the Meeting of the Waters was met with enthusiasm. Not even the start time of 5:30 am brought any opposition.
A group of six friends who travel together for four weeks each summer greeted me with big smiles and an air of anticipation. I led the way to the trailhead. The moon set and the sun rose while we negotiated the rocky beach with headlamps. I am glad I remembered that helpful piece of equipment from my night sky photography sessions! While we briefly stopped and changed into our water shoes we heard a loud rumble echoing off the mainland cliffs. When I looked across to Big Brother I saw the massive fresh rock slide illuminated by the rising sun. This was a good reminder to talk about the “stay one school bus length away from the cliffs at all times” rule. My group was very compliant!
What makes this tour a true adventure, you might ask? Circumnavigating Two Islands has to be carefully timed with the tides. This week we only have five days to take advantage of the special opportunity. After braving the dark beach, crossing the channel littered with barnacle encrusted rocks and chilly water sloshing about your ankles and calves in the early morning breeze is not for everyone. And once you have reached the steep slope of Big Brother Island you carefully watch every step to avoid tripping over large chunks of columnar basalt or slip on the wet, algae and seaweed covered rocks. There is no reprieve! Remember, we also need to stay away from the steep cliffs threatening rock fall. Slow and steady makes for a safe excursion!
The destination is the beach on the opposite side of Little Brother, a place not many have the privilege of ever experiencing. There, the “Hershey Kiss” Key Hole awaits!
Once through the massive natural opening a short section of algae covered basalt rocks has to be carefully stepped over and around before an easier gravel path leads back to the land bridge connecting both islands.
We headed back to our water shoes and crossed to the mainland as the water started to slowly fill in sections of the channels. I had just enough time to get water for tea and coffee boiling before the waters met!
This tour was timed carefully to avoid a long wait at the end. The short rest did us all good and tea and coffee hit the spot. Rejuvenated, with the sun brightly shining, we set out on our hike back to the vehicles.
Thank you Fran and friends, for putting your trust in me to provide you with a holiday adventure to remember! It was a perfect Blue Moon Excursion.
Tide Rollers & Mudlarkers... 