Category Archives: Paddling

Trip Report – Village Bay – 29 May 2019

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Six kayakers put in at Len Road and across a low tide exposed beach on a beautiful spring morning – sunny and warm. Because we found ourselves in very calm conditions as we crossed Hyacinthe Bay, and with the forecast not calling for significant wind until late afternoon, we made the decision to add Dunsterville Islet to our itinerary. It took about an hour to reach the islets and we decided to land on the smaller of the two to explore and have a short break. We found excellent campsites, a profusion of wildflowers of many kinds, a pair of oystercatchers and the inevitable plastic junk. An hour later (not such a short break) with two hatches full of trash and many flower photos taken, we headed back across a still calm Hoskyn Channel with our sights set on Village Bay and lunch. The views in all directions were fabulous and only slightly obscured by smoke from very distant forest fires. We thought about going a little further on to Crescent Channel but time and hunger kept us on track for the beach, on Wei Wai Kai land, at the head of Village Bay. As we ate lunch in the hot sun and sheltered by the small island just offshore, the afternoon wind was picking up and we could see the water sparkling off in the distance. One brave swimmer tried the water.  We put in at 1300 and headed south into a rising tide and increasing southerly wind. The sparkly waves in the middle of Hoskyn soon sprouted whitecaps and we had a very different afternoon paddle. The changed conditions gave us some variety in our day and allowed one of the group to give her brand new kayak a good test. We took the seas broadside as we crossed Open Bay and then had the tide and the wind help us cruise into Hyacinthe and into the beach, now much closer to the parked vehicles. 17.2 km; 5½ hours.

Vic

Thanks to Norris, Vic and Terry for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Village Bay – 29 May 2019

Kayaking – Main Lake Prov Park – 20 June 2019

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This trip was originally scheduled for June 15th

Activity Kayaking
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 20 June 2019, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure and sign up so I can call you if weather changes.
Description We will first cross Mine Lake and paddle the creek to Village Bay Lake. Then we will go to Main Lake. Once there we will decide on a route considering wind. We may go all around or just stick to one end. The plan is to have one short stop before and after lunch. This will add to the time. About 3 hours paddling but trip may take 5 hours.
Meeting Place Mine Lake boat launch; be there by 9:30
Departure Time 10:00 am
Difficulty
 Easy as long as the wind is down
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? no
Notes: Must have all safety equipment as stated by Coast guard. Should also have a spray skirt in case wind comes up.

 

Multi-day kayaking – Octopus Islands – 8-11 July 2019

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This trips was originally scheduled for Sutil Channel from July 8 to 11

Activity Multi-day Paddle
Destination Octopus Islands Cortes Island and vicinity
Date 8-11 July 2019, Monday to Thursday.  We may return sooner if the weather is uncooperative.
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell
Contact Info mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com
Description Multi-day paddle with camping in the Octopus Islands or Waiatt Bay.  Please read all the Notes below.
Meeting Place launch from Surge Narrows
Departure Time please contact the coordinator for all details
Difficulty
 Moderate (depending on wind conditions)
Cost
Trip limits Eight with no more than 4 tents as camping space is limited
Dogs? No
Notes: All participants must review and conform to QIOC paddling guidelines. Only ‘sea kayaks’ (with waterproof bulkheads) equipped with spray skirts and all required safety equipment are eligible for this trip. Participants must be self-sufficient in camping equipment, fresh water and food. Please note that all participants must be able to perform a wet exit and assisted rescue, at minimum. If you do not have fairly recent rescue training and practice (e.g. Paddle Canada basic courses or equivalent), you must take the club training workshop scheduled for June 26 (see the trip schedule for details). If you have not paddled with the coordinator previously, please contact her no later than June 20. Final registration is July 1st. The trip will be cancelled if forecast winds are higher than 15 knots, or steady rain is expected. Participants will be informed by 7 p.m. on July 6 if the trip will be cancelled.

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 24 April 2019

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Seven of us launched our kayaks from April Point Marina.  The weather was great – sunny and clear, except that the wind forecast was more than we wanted – strong northwest.  The short first leg of the trip was into the wind, but still a bit protected, so we got a taste of what the actual wind was.  Northwest, but not strong, without big waves.  So we elected to continue north along the west side of Gowlland Island, which has a nice view of the snow-covered Vancouver Island mountains.

There was one short stretch just before Steep Island where the wind-against-tide was causing some short, steep waves.  After we passed Vigilant Island the wind was behind us, pushing us into Gowlland Harbour.  We wound around several small islets, then had lunch on the south end of Stag Island, with sunshine and wildflowers.  After lunch it was a short paddle back to April Point, with a good view of the sea urchins and sea stars at a low tide.  10.1 km; 3¾ hours.

With Les’ kind invitation, most of the group continued on to his deck for libations.

Norris

(click on photos to view larger)

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 24 April 2019

Kayaking – Village Bay – 29 May 2019

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Village Bay
Date 29 May 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111; (cell 250-287-0459).  The coordinator should be contacted no later than 24 hours prior to departure.
Description We will meet at and launch from Len Rd Beach access and paddle to Village Bay, and return. Approximately 16 km. You MUST use a fully equipped sea kayak with all required safety equipment as per Club guidelines. (https://qioutdoorclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/paddling-guidelines-aug2018.pdf) Bring water and lunch.
Meeting Place Len Road Beach Access
Departure Time Meet at put-in 0830; Depart by 0900
Difficulty
 Moderate depending on winds
Costs Nil
Trip limits 7 + coordinator
Dogs? No
Notes: If you want to carpool (saves space at put-in) email me. If you can take 1 more person, kayak, and gear please let me know. I can take 1 additional paddler.
It will be mid ebb tide when we put in but should be an easier take out in mid afternoon.

Kayaking Training – Main Lake Provincial Park – 26 June 2019

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Activity Kayak training session
Destination Main Lake Provincial Park
Date 26 June 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Darcy Mitchell; Instructor Monica Russell
Contact & Registration Info mitchelldarcy51@gmail.com (preferred) or 250-923-5540.  The registration deadline is May 26th.  Payment must accompany the registration and is non-refundable.
Description Led by trainer Monica Russell, this session will start at 10:30 and end about 3:30, with a half hour lunch break. Training will include:
– the basics of kayak safety and necessary equipment;
– strokes including forward, reverse, sweep, draw, stern rudder, bracing and edging;
– controlled wet exit, assisted rescue and self-rescue.
Rescue practice, when participants will be wet, will take place after lunch.
Meeting Place Boat launch at Mine Lake
Departure Time 10:00 meeting for 10:30 start of training session
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs $80; send your course fee to Julie at PO Box 397, QCove
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Participants will benefit most from the rescue training if they are able to stay in the water for some time – wet suits of any type, together with neoprene hoods or caps, will be very useful.  Bring lunch and warm liquids.  Participants provide their own kayak, paddle and all necessary equipment, including pump, paddle float, sponge, whistle. This session is the pre-requisite for participation in multi-day club kayaking trips and is an excellent refresher for all paddlers.

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 24 April 2019

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This trip description has been substantially revised.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date 24 April 2019, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710
Description The plan is to launch our kayaks at the April Point Marina and go around Gowlland Island.  The exact details will depend on the weather and other conditions.  The weather forecast is good and we are hoping the spring flower will be in bloom.  We will check out the interesting islands, such as Doe, Stag, Fawn, Crow, Wren, Mouse, Vigilant.  This trip is planned around the currents in Discovery Passage.  We will go north on the end of the ebb and return south on the beginning of the flood. About 8 km; 4-5 hours.
Meeting Place April Point Marina
Departure Time 9:30 (arrive, unload and prepare) launch at 10:00
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs none
Trip limits max 10 kayaks
Dogs? no
Notes: This trip is dependent on weather.  Bring your kayak, paddle and all equipment required by the Coast Guard. Bring your own lunch and water.

Multi-day Hiking – Cowichan Valley – 7-11 April 2019

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This trip is full.  Contact the coordinator if you wish to wait-list.

Activity Multi-day hiking
Destination Cowichan Valley
Date 7-11 April 2019, Sunday to Thursday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 250.285.2393; please contact the coordinator as soon as possible and payment needs to be received by Feb 15th.
Description A multi-day trip in Cowichan Valley.  We have changed the originally proposed accommodation due to the particular demand for this trip.  Now we will be staying at a beautiful home on Shawnigan Lake near the Cowichan Valley Trail.  For details view: https://www.canadastays.com/p291463
Possible hiking destinations include: Kinsol Trestle, Skutz Falls along Cowichan River, Maple Mountain, Mt Tzouhalem, Stocking/Heart Lake Trails, Jack Fleetwood Trail, Fern Grotto, Eagle Heights Grasslands, an ancient forest hike up Koksilah River, and Cable Bay to Dodd Narrows.  You may also bike on the Cowichan Valley Trail or kayak from the house.
Margot will organize car-pooling and dinner preparation teams. Each hiker is responsible for their breakfast and lunch. ****************************************************************************
Meeting Place QCove ferry line-up – appointed vehicles to be in line-up by 8:20 am.
Departure Time 9 am ferry, April 7th, returning on Thurs. April 11th.
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Dogs No
Trip Limits 7
Costs Accommodation at $60/night/person (this may vary depending on the final number that come), ferry costs, fuel
Notes Please take time to check out the accommodation, the hikes and area plus your calendar. I am hoping to accommodate everyone’s needs as much as possible. This, hopefully, will be a lovely spring trip, with longer days and maybe sunshine.
I will be working with Debbie and Norris regarding hiking trips. Please remember to submit dietary needs regarding dinners.
All payments go to Julie.  Please makes cheques out to Quadra Island Outdoor Club.
Margot

Trip Report – Open Bay and Breton Islands – 2 Dec 2018

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It was a chilly day, as there had been frost, but sunny and calm. Five paddlers set out from Len Road access to enjoy the sun and an afternoon on the water. There were a large number of eagles and loons out enjoying the sun as well. We paddled out of Hyacinthe Bay and headed over to the North Breton Island. The tide was quite high, 15.7 feet, so we were able to cross the rocks near the south end. From there we traveled north and came back down through Shellalligan Pass. We stopped on a little stretch of sand in Moulds Bay for tea and cookies. It was quite warm in the sun for this time of year. Afterwards we made a circle into Open Bay before returning to the cars. 3 hours, 6.6 nautical miles

Les

Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Kayaking – Open Bay & Breton Islands – 2 Dec 2018

Kayaking – Open Bay and Breton Islands – 2 Dec 2018

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Open Bay and Breton Islands
Date 2 Dec 2018, Sunday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029 or leshand@gicable.com   Be sure and sign up so I can call you if weather changes
.Description The weather forecast is sunny but cold so dress accordingly. We are leaving as late as possible so it will warm up a bit. Have lunch before you come but we will stop for a snack so bring one and maybe something warm to drink. The exact course will be set by conditions and the people that go.
Meeting Place Len Road public beach access
Departure Time Meet at 12:30, launch at 1 P.M.
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: All participants must conform to QIOC paddling guidelines. Participants must have all Coast Guard required equipment and spray skirts.  The standard for participation in winter trips is higher than for summer outings.