August 29th, 2014

As a sea kayak guide with East Coast Outfitters (ECO), I was directed to a location in Seabright to set up to guide a touring celebrity who enjoyed kayaking and needed an afternoon of rest and relaxation.

Sure!

With the kayak trailer packed and ready for me at ECO, I traveled from Lower Prospect to Seabright.

I arrived at what would be considered a “Picture Perfect Nova Scotian Seaside Cottage” and unloaded as instructed.

A little bit later, Dave – the owner of ECO – arrived with a few SUP boards.

We moved the kayaks and SUP boards from the middle of the lawn to a location off to the side, then settled in and waited for the celebrity to arrive.

The celebrity was legendary American singer/song writer James Taylor.

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But Would He Show Up?

Mr. Taylor and his band were aboard the Queen Mary II, during an eight day trip between New York and Southhampton; this day was a stop over in Halifax.

The weather in Seabright was iffy for kayaking and it seemed there was a hold up on the cruise ship in Halifax.

The plethora of hired staff at the cottage flitted about nervously, including a hotel chef with a lobster buffet that was spread out decadently for a king.

Then, suddenly, a line of vehicles pulled up and a driver opened a car door.

James Taylor and his family stepped out to this welcoming seaside getaway.

Meanwhile, Dave and I sat with the kayaks, watching the activities from afar.

Outfitting The Taylors

With grey clouds moving in, accompanied with strong winds, we had no idea if anyone was going to kayak, let alone Mr. Taylor.

We sat. We waited.

Then, suddenly, it happened.

James Taylor walked towards us, indicating he wanted to go kayaking.

I stepped back while Dave stepped in as excited as a little boy at Christmas.

I outfitted Henry, and I will never forget this moment:

“Are you excited to go kayaking with your grandfather?” I ask.

“He’s not my grandfather, he’s my father.” Henry replied.

D’oh!

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Once Mr. Taylor and his son were outfitted, this legendary American singer turned to me and told me to pick up the end toggles of two kayaks while he picked up the front ones.

I walked in awe as I carried two kayaks with James Taylor to the beach area.

I launched first, then Henry, James and Dave.

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Kayaking

We brought father and son to an inlet, a lee out of the wind, to give them time to themselves. I asked if I could take pictures to later be sent to him, and Mr. Taylor said yes.

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I took a few photos, as Dave and I stayed respectfully off to the side.

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Eventually, the winds picked up, and Henry didn’t seem to fond of this adventure and was ready to return.

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Henry started to struggle, so I towed him back to the beach.

It was a thrill for me, as I loved paddling in adverse weather and pushing into it.

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Back On Land

As we pulled onto the beach, the staff were there to greet and take photos of father and son.

I pulled Dave back, knowing better than to ask to have our pictures taken with Mr. Taylor because I had worked in the film industry and was trained to give famous people their space.

As we stood there, waiting for everyone to leave to start packing up the kayaks, Mr. Taylor looked over and walked to us.

“Would you like your pictures taken?” he asked.

I thought Dave was going to faint as I replied yes.

Two photos were taken.

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An Amazing Day & Memory

CTV news interviewed Mr. Taylor – who mentions kayaking!

Singer-songwriter James Taylor stops over in Halifax on Queen Mary 2

Afterwards, when all famous people were gone and we packed everything away, Dave and I enjoyed leftover lobster and cheesecake from the buffet.

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I was given a contact email to send the photos I took during the paddle to someone who would send the photos to another person and so on, to make their way to Mr. Taylor.

I am not sure if he ever received these photos.

Maybe one day he or Henry will read this blog, and see the pictures!

S, 🌻

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