Category Archives: Paddling

Trip Report – Morton Lake Provincial Park – 23-25 May 2023

Posted on by
2

Tuesday:  There were seven of us on this camping, kayaking and hiking trip, with flexible arrival and departure times.  Les went out early and stayed Monday night at Morton Lake Provincial Park.  The rest of us arrived on Tuesday morning and set up our campsites right away.  After a picnic lunch at the Mohun Lake boat launch in the sun, we launched and paddled south into Mohun Lake with a light northwest breeze following us and fabulous views of Strathcona Park ahead.  We checked out two campsites on the way and then got out at the Pacific Yew Rec Site to stretch our legs before heading back.  The Lake and campgrounds were very quiet and we only saw two canoes all day.  The water levels were high everywhere, sometimes making it tricky to get ashore.  After returning to the Provincial Park, most of us took a short walk along Morton Lake to a rocky outcropping along the shore where people had made many, many cairns.  We enjoyed a great happy hour at Les’ campsite with much too much yummy food, before a restful evening at our campsites.

(click to enlarge photos)

Wednesday: We were on the water shortly after 9:30 on a clear day with a light northwest breeze.  We headed north through the old trestles into Goose Lake, with the Menzies Massif high above the Lake.  We made leisurely progress checking out the campsites on the shore and getting out at G6 and G7 for closer inspection.  We continued north to Seagull Bay and hauled out there.  After lunch on the dock, most of us walked the portage trail connecting to Twin Lakes.   The forest walk was lovely with dappled light in a good forest and the trail often following a creek.  There was a guided group of students at the north end with four canoes, just about to launch.  We returned to the boats and headed south, enjoying the many islands and islets, before turning into the lagoon to explore.  We paddled the very shallow waters over to the campsite at Loon Bay, which had a great location and set-up.  We headed back to the campsite and again had great appies at Stephen and Carrie’s campsite before another quiet evening.

Thursday: Terry had to head home and Les departed at check-out time.  The remaining five of us first walked the loop trail north of the campground leading to Andrew Lake and then back.  Next, we walked the old railroad line out to the trestles at the narrows between Mohun and Goose Lakes.  There were flowers and lake views along the way.  We went a bit further through the forest to open shore by an islet, with a spectacular view of Mohun and the mountains beyond it.  After returning to the campground, Bonnie, Norris and Debbie departed, with Stephen and Carrie remaining another night. They explored Morton Lake by kayak and poked into Mohun Creek.

Friday:  Stephen and Carrie took a trail south of Morton Lake to a lovely lake perhaps named Oglarama, if you can believe the sign on the tree.

This is a beautiful area book-ended by Menzies on the north and Strathcona Park on the south.  This was the perfect time to visit with excellent weather and very few people on the Lakes and in the campsites.

Debbie

Thanks to Carrie, Bonnie and Norris for the photos

Multi-day kayaking and camping – Morton Lake Provincial Park – 23-25 May 2023

Advertisement

Trip Report – Maud Island and Petroglyphs – 18 May 2023

Posted on by
1

Five paddlers put in at Whalebone Cove and set off by 0900 on glassy seas, with bright sunshine, and warming temperatures. A beautiful summer day in the spring! And finally, after many attempts to undertake this trip, we were doing it.

Working with and against the ebbing current we made our way northward, close to shore and observing the life below. An hour’s paddling brought us to the fish farm near Maud Island and then we decided that our early lunch stop would be at the entrance to the saltwater lagoon which was at this point not navigable.

We then headed for “Kawston”, the ancient village site and its petroglyphs at the mouth of Morte Creek just east of Maud Island. Locating the flat-topped large rock with the quartz line was easy and on it was a fairly obvious petroglyph as indicated in Inglis’s little guide book. Over the next 45 minutes or so we searched for further examples and came up empty handed. However the many canoe pull outs were quite evident as we walked across the top of the beach.

As we paddled back, southward, with an increasingly strong flood current, we stayed close to shore and were passed by a solitary cetacean (porpoise?), spotted an otter, and a sea lion. We rode the fast current for several minutes, got pushed around by boils and whirlpools, and then cruised back into Whalebone Cove. 6½ hours and 17 km covered.

A fabulous outing!!

Vic

Thanks to Vic and Tak for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Maud Island and Petroglyphs – 18 May 2023

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 10 May 2023

Posted on by
1

Ten kayakers met at Gowlland Harbour resort for our spring wildflower paddle. It was a beautiful sunny summer day with only light wind. Gowlland Harbour Resort was very gracious and allowed us to launch from their beautiful Resort. Les had hurt his shoulder earlier in the week, so was not able to join the group on the water. He showed up to help everyone get launched, but Debbie shepherded the group on the water.

After launching we paddled over to Vigilant Island, where about half the group went ashore to explore the wildflowers. There were Sea Blush, Monkeyflowers, Death Camas, tiny Blue Eyed Marys, and Chocolate Lilies, so it was a great show. From there we crossed the channel to Steep Island and chatted with the couple on the three-masted sailboat before crossing the Gowlland Harbour entrance. We skirted the outside of May Island and got a glimpse of the submerged wreck, which was less than a metre under the water. We headed east across North Gowlland Harbour checking out the old stone house and glimpsing large anemones around the islets. The cliffs along the Quadra shore were a perfect rock garden in places, with sedum and Monkeyflowers on dripping walls. We dipped into the bay and chatted with Jill and Vibeke before paddling east around the islets in Gowlland Harbour where the Harbour Seals were basking on the rocks in the sun. Passing by two large sailboats at anchor, we continued on by Fawn, Stag and Doe Islands with the Sea Blush coming out and the Canadian Geese nesting.  As we landed at Les’ place, there were Geese with goslings making their way along the shore.

Les fixed appetizers for the group. We had Nan bread with cheese, ham and turkey, as well as rice crackers with cream cheese and crab, a mixed vegetable platter and cookies.  After that the group paddle back to Gowlland Resort. Les met them there to load up.  (11.2 km; 5 hours with all breaks)

Les and Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 May 2023

Multi-day Kayaking, Camping – Main Lake Prov Park- 6-8 June 2023

Posted on by
Reply

Activity Multi-day kayaking, camping and hiking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 6-8 June 2023, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; text 250-287-0459
Description We will set up camp at Main Lake and spend three days exploring by hiking and paddling. Destinations can vary with the group’s interests.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch
Departure Time On the water at 1030 hr.
Difficulty Easy to moderate if windy
Cost https://bcparks.ca/main-lake-park/
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No.
Notes: This multi-day trip is relatively easy on a local lake, but requires good paddling and camping gear. Bring footwear suitable for hiking (easy).

Ask coordinator about joining for just 1 or 2 days if you have a schedule conflict.

Multi-day Kayaking, Camping – Morton Lake Prov Park- 23-25 May 2023

Posted on by
1

Activity Multi-day kayaking and camping
Destination Morton, Goose and Mohun Lakes
Date 23-25 May 2023, Tuesday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710; please contact the coordinator well in advance of the trip
Description We will camp at Morton Lake Provincial Park and explore the three accessible lakes.  Mohun and Goose Lakes are on the Sayward Canoe Circuit. We may do some light hiking including one of the portages. This trip can be done as a one, two or three day trip.  Camping is not required if you wish to come for just one day.  Each participant must book their own campsite.  Morton Lake park is accessed by Menzies Main.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal or Morton Lake Provincial Park
Departure Time 9:00 ferry to Campbell River or by individual arrangement
Difficulty Easy to moderate.
Cost Ferry, fuel and camping costs.  If you are over 65, the camping cost (not the booking fee) is half price.
Trip limits 10.
Dogs? No.
Notes: Camping reservations can be made at https://camping.bcparks.ca/    Most of the available tent sites are double sites, where both have to be booked.  If you are trying to join up with someone else, please call the coordinator.  Site availability is limited.

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 10 May 2023

Posted on by
1

Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date: 10 May 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 250-285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description We will paddle around all of Gowlland Harbour, checking out the many small islands and the wonderful spring flowers. This will possibly take about four hours. Course will depend on weather. Be sure and sign up one day early so that I may contact you if things change. May stop at my house for appys and beverages.
Meeting Place 823 Gowlland Harbour Road
Departure Time 9:30 (unload and prepare at 9:00)
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring your kayak and all necessary safety equipment as per transport Canada safety rules. Bring a lunch and spray skirt as it might be needed. Only two vehicles can unload at the beach at one time, so please be on time. Gowlland Harbour resort has kindly granted us permission to use their boat launch for this trip. This is not a public access. Many thanks to Gowland Harbour Resort.

Kayaking – Maud Island and Morte Creek petroglyphs – 18 May 2023

Posted on by
1

This trip was previously scheduled for May 24th.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Maud Island and Morte Creek petroglyphs
Date 18 May 2023, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description According to Joy Inglis’s “Petroglyphs of Quadra Island” there are several petroglyphs located along Quadra’s west shore at the outflow of Morte Lake creek just east of Maud Island.
We will put in at the Leishmans Rd shore access by 0930 am and paddle north to Maud Island, likely bucking some current as we will want to stay close to shore to avoid any hazardous turbulence. Lunch at Maud Island and then backtrack to the mouth of Morte Creek to the old village site of Kawstin to find and view the petroglyphs. Then return to Whalebone Cove and the takeout.
Meeting Place Shore access at Leishmans Rd
Departure Time 0900 on the water; meet at 0830
Difficulty
 Moderate to difficult depending on weather and currents.
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: The tides/currents will be a factor. In order to view the petroglyphs I am planning our arrival for low tide with less attention to what the current will be doing. Poor weather and/or wind will mean this trip will be cancelled.
All participants must be equipped for ocean paddling in cooler weather – required equipment as per club guidelines (https://qioutdoorclub.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf) and appropriate clothing.
I will email to each participant the petroglyph information relevant to the location.
Bring lunch, hot drinks, extra warm layers and something to sit on.

Kayaking – Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek – 20 Apr 2023

Posted on by
Reply

This trip has been postponed.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek
Date 20 Apr 2023, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description According to Joy Inglis’s “Petroglyphs of Quadra Island” there are several petroglyphs located along Quadra’s west shore at the outflow of Morte Lake creek just east of Maud Island.
We will put in at the Leishmans Rd shore access by 0900 am and paddle north towards Maud Island. It is about a 1 hr paddle to the old village site of Kawstin at the outflow of Morte Lake creek. Depending on the amount of time spent here we may or may not paddle another 30 minutes into Maud Island and perhaps hike to the Seymour Narrows view point.
Meeting Place Shore access at Leishmans Rd
Departure Time 0930 on the water; meet at 0900
Difficulty
 Moderate depending on weather and currents.
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: The tides/currents will be a factor. In order to view the petroglyphs I am planning our arrival for low tide with less attention to what the current will be doing. Poor weather and/or wind will mean this trip will be cancelled.
All participants must be equipped for ocean paddling in cooler weather – required equipment as per club guidelines (https://qioutdoorclub.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf) and appropriate clothing.
I will email to each participant the petroglyph information relevant to the location.
Bring lunch, hot drinks, extra warm layers and something to sit on.

Kayaking – Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek – 22 Mar 2023

Posted on by
Reply

This trip has been postponed to April 19th.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Maud Island and petroglyph at mouth of Morte Creek
Date 22 March 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description According to Joy Inglis’s “Petroglyphs of Quadra Island” there are several petroglyphs located along Quadra’s west shore at the outflow of Morte Lake creek just east of Maud Island.
We will put in at the Leishmans Rd shore access by 1000 am and paddle north towards Maud Island. It is about a 1 hr paddle to the old village site of Kawstin at the outflow of Morte Lake creek. Depending on the amount of time spent here we may or may not paddle another 30 minutes into Maud Island and perhaps hike to the Seymour Narrows view point.
Meeting Place Shore access at Leishmans Rd
Departure Time 1000 on the water; meet at 0930
Difficulty
 Moderate depending on weather and currents.
Costs None
Trip limits 8
Dogs? No
Notes: The tides/currents will be a factor. In order to view the petroglyphs I am planning our arrival for low tide with less attention to what the current will be doing. Poor weather and/or wind will mean this trip will be cancelled.
All participants must be equipped for ocean paddling in cooler weather – required equipment as per club guidelines (https://qioutdoorclub.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf) and appropriate clothing.
I will email to each participant the petroglyph information relevant to the location.
Bring lunch, hot drinks, extra warm layers and something to sit on.

Kayaking – Bays and Bretons – 1 Feb 2023

Posted on by
Reply

This trip has been cancelled due to poor weather.

Activity Paddling
Destination Bays and Bretons
Date 1 Feb 2023, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-285-2111; or 250-287-0459 text
Description This might be our only club paddle for the winter! Let’s call it Groundhog Day. After putting in at the Len Rd shore access we’ll paddle the bays working our way to Breton Island for hot drinks and snacks (in the sun!). The return trip could take us on a beeline to Herriot Island and back to the take out.
Meeting Place Len Rd
Departure Time 1000 hrs at put in and on the water by 1030.
Difficulty
 Easy to medium depending on weather.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? No
Notes: This outing is for fully equipped and experienced paddlers due to the season. Bring a lunch and hot drinks.