By Terry Hale

Group: Terry Hale (coordinator), Debbie, Norris, Darcy, Lynn.

Due to marine weather reports (estimated 15 – 20 knots SE winds) the planned destination of Dunsterville Island/Village Bay was left for next year and the meeting place was changed from Valdez Drive beach access to Rebecca Spit boat launch. The group met at 10:30 am, loaded boats and paddled towards Breton Islands on smooth water enshrouded by fog (apparently the Cortes ferry Captain said that the 11:05 run to Cortes was the most dense fog he had ever been in on that route).  Deck compass and handheld GPS proved quite useful for this crossing. We weaved amongst islands to Moulds Bay for a quick lunch, and then crossed Open Bay as wind and waves picked up. Averting a planned stop at Turtle Island, we ferried from Hyacinthe Point to Heriot Island accompanied by rain, thunder and occasional lightening strikes. Everyone remained cheerful and paddled at a steady pace during the trip. We returned to the boat launch at 3:30 pm – close to high tide.

This was a successful trip considering adverse weather conditions. The group stayed together during crossings, wore wet weather clothing and carried navigational and safety equipment. The route plan was changed due to group safety, tracking marine weather, and keeping escape routes in mind.

Kayak Valdez Rd to Village Bay 15 Sept 2013

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Six club members and one guest enjoyed a beautiful day for our paddle from Hyacinthe Bay to Open Bay. A light wind, gusting NW to about 12-15 knots in more exposed waters, provided some challenge, but the warm, dry weather made for a very pleasant paddle overall. The low tide at Hyacinthe Bay made for a good work out in getting launched. A river otter interrupted his fishing off the rocks to watch us warily as we paddled out into the Bay.
Our first pause was to admire the new, custom designed Toelle built, Peterson home in Hyacinthe Bay, which hugs the bluff as if grown, rather than built, there.
We skirted around seal rock, being careful to not disturb the dozen or so seals enjoying the sunshine and low, low tide.
The very low tide at Open Bay gave us plenty of beach to enjoy as we ate our lunch, and chatted with friends there with their dogs for a good beach run.
Somewhat reluctantly we left our relaxing lunch spot to tour the amazing rock formations of Open Bay. We made a note to plan a club tour with a local geologist to learn more about the fascinating geological history of this area.
With the wind rising, we headed directly back to Hyacinthe Bay, admiring the cliffs of pillow lava as we rounded the point. Some members spotted the route they took on an earlier club hike over Hyacinthe Ridge.

Route: Hyacinthe Bay (Len Road) to Open Bay and return
Total time from put-in to return: 4.5 hours (10 am – 2:30 pm)
Number of participants: 7
Winds and Sea state: light to moderate winds, 5 – 15 knots; slight ripples to low waves
Weather: sunny, warm, 23C
Trip Coordinator: Valerie van Veen

Kayaking Hyacinthe-Open Bays 7 July 2013

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