Three kayaks toured Main Lake to appreciate the last day of official summer and it was a perfect day, with sunshine, warm but not hot, a light breeze and very clear water. Very peaceful and only a few other people there to enjoy it. 12.1 km; 4½ hours.
Norris
Our paddling trip got off to a slightly rocky start with an overload on the 9:05 ferry to Cortes and a further delay on the next sailing. Eventually, however, we launched at Squirrel Cove about 1:30 and headed for the Curme Islands. We were a bit anxious about finding camping space as two commercial outfitters had trips in the same week and we knew that the Curmes are a popular destination. Fortunately, East Curme was ‘vacant’ and, with four tent pads and a comfortable kitchen area, was exactly right for our group. After supper and a dramatic moonrise, we headed for our tents and set out the next morning for Prideaux Haven. The weather was perfect, calm and sunny and we had a lovely paddle to Laura Cove where we stopped for lunch, and then explored Prideaux Haven and Melanie Cove, returning to camp about 3:30. We faced some patchy headwinds in the afternoon – very localized (apparently to wherever we were paddling). After a short tea and rest break, four of the group headed over to Tenedos Bay for a “tour de Tenedos”. The moon was even brighter on Thursday evening despite some light cloud cover.
We had hoped to stay out until Saturday, but the forecast promised rain and wind, so we packed up Friday morning for the return trip, arriving at Squirrel Cove about 15 minutes before the rain started in earnest. Fortunately, the ferry back was not crowded, and we easily caught the 1:50 to Quadra.
All in all, a short but very enjoyable trip. Over the two half days and one full day, we paddled 54.5 kilometres.
Darcy
(click on photos to view larger)
| Activity | Kayaking |
| Destination | Main Lake |
| Date | 21 Sept 2016, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Norris Weimer |
| Contact Info | norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator prior to the trip. |
| Description | Weather permitting, we will launch at the Mine Lake boat ramp and paddle over to Main Lake. There are several options, depending on the group, which could include a short hike. |
| Meeting Place | Boat launch, Mine Lake |
| Departure Time | 10:00 (arrive early to prepare) |
| Difficulty |
easy |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | no |
| Notes: | Bring a lunch and snacks. Have all necessary safety equipment. We will do something else if the weather isn’t favourable. |
| Activity | Multi-day kayaking |
| Destination | Desolation Sound |
| Date | 14-17 Sept 2016, Wednesday-Saturday |
| Trip Coordinator | Darcy Mitchell |
| Contact Info | darcm@telus.net or 286-6075. Please contact the coordinator not later than Sept 1. |
| Description | A three-night paddling/camping trip, departing from Cortes Bay on Cortes Island to Curme Islands as base for day trips in Desolation Sound. Departing morning of Wednesday, September 14, returning afternoon of Saturday, September 17. |
| Meeting Place | Ferry terminal at Heriot Bay |
| Departure Time | Be at terminal in plenty of time for 9:05 a.m. ferry departure |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to difficult. Participants must be able to paddle 15-20 kilometres per day with potential for wind and waves. Must have all necessary safety equipment. |
| Costs | Ferry fare, campsite fees, possible launching fee at Cortes Bay |
| Trip limits | 6 people (maximum 4 tents) |
| Dogs? | no |
| Notes: | Please contact the trip coordinator no later than September 1, 2016 if you’re interested in this trip. Once we know who will be going, we’ll discuss details. Please note that all participants must have training in self-rescue and assisted rescue. If the forecast is for strong winds, we may substitute a 2 night outing to the Lakes, departing Wednesday, September 14, returning Friday, September 16. |
On August 10, five club members and three guests paddled from the beach at Len Road to Village Bay, launching about 10 a.m. The original destination for the day’s trip was Granite Bay/Small Inlet, but a forecast of strong winds suggested we switch to a more protected area. Weather was mainly sunny, with a headwind on the way out, and a corresponding boost on the way back (and a bit of favourable current). We were inspected along the way by some mother seals with pups (as well as gulls, eagles, loons and mergansers). With a lunch break at Village Bay, the trip took 4½ hours with a distance paddled of 16.8 km.
Darcy
(click on photos to view larger)
On June 29, nine club members fell out of their kayaks – repeatedly. But with demonstrations and coaching by trainer Douglas Taylor, assisted by his wife, Penny, everyone got back in – repeatedly.
Organized through Coast Mountain Expeditions, the session provided an introduction to assisted kayak rescue and self-rescue for those without previous training, and a refresher and practice for more experienced paddlers. Participants took part in one of two 3-hour blocks, which included a review of kayak safety requirements, discussion of how to rig kayaks to facilitate rescue (e.g. good deck lines rigged loosely enough to grab easily), and a brief demonstration of bracing technique. Most time was spent, however, on the proper way to “wet exit” (after working up the nerve to voluntarily turn upside down….), and to safely and efficiently re-enter the boat either with the help of another kayaker, or with the use of a paddle and paddle float as an outrigger. Doug provided a handout on the steps in self- and assisted rescue which will soon be available in digital form for any club member who wishes one. Please contact Darcy at darcm@telus.net to request your copy.
The weather and water conditions at Mine Lake were perfect – warm air and water, sunny and a slight breeze – great for training, but probably not the most likely conditions for a real capsize. Doug emphasized the need to practice rescue techniques regularly so that the kayaker develops ‘muscle memory’ that will be there when needed for the real thing.
Participants agreed that annual training and practice are vital both for individual paddlers, and to build a cohort of club members with confidence in each other’s skills and knowledge.
Thanks to Lannie at Coast Mountain and trainers Doug and Penny for a very worthwhile day.
Darcy and Valerie
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| Activity | Kayaking |
| Destination | Granite Bay to Small Inlet (and hike) |
| Date | 10 Aug 2016, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Darcy Mitchell |
| Contact Info | darcm@telus.net or 286-6075. Please contact the coordinator prior to the trip. |
| Description | Paddle from Granite Bay to Small Inlet, hike across to Waiatt Bay and/or to Newton Lake depending on energy and interests. If Newton Lake, possibility of swimming. |
| Meeting Place | Boat launch, Granite Bay |
| Departure Time | 10:00 (arrive early to prepare) |
| Difficulty |
easy/moderate |
| Costs | parking at Granite Bay boat launch |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | no (unless they can paddle…) |
| Notes: | We’ll plan to be back at the boat launch by 4:30. Bring a lunch and snacks. Have all necessary safety equipment. |
Our paddle on Monday, June 6, started from a new launch site for most of us, the end of Breton Road in Open Bay; a short downhill, a short walk avoiding the nettles, a few logs and the inevitable rocks though not as big nor as steep as at the more commonly used Valdez beach launch site. Five of us were on the water by 10:30 am. The overcast soon dissipated and the weather quickly turned from warm to hot, northwest winds gusted to about 20 knots throughout the day.
We paddled east along Open Bay shores, admiring the contorted and dramatic geology, peered into one cave, then turned north into Moulds’ Bay. The rapidly dropping tide prevented us from taking the shortcuts so we paddled through Shellaligan Pass into Hoskyn Channel, past the north Breton, then into Village Bay. The snow-dappled peaks of the Coast and Vancouver Island mountain ranges provided dramatic backdrops to the north and west.
Our lunch stop, after one and a half hours of paddling was Village Bay beach where we noted the new signage posted by the We Wai Kai nation, as this is Reserve land. The very low tide revealed eel grass and its many inhabitants and the rich marine life in the intertidal zone.
After a short lunch break we were boosted on our return by a following sea pushed by the north-west winds and the flooding tide. We stayed in Hoskyn due to the very low tide, and turned west to Open Bay on the north side of the southernmost Breton. Here we stopped to admire the seals laying on their backs on rocks just above the tideline, apparently sunning their bellies. We also saw many oystercatchers and a flock of wood ducks as well as several herons, gulls, and eagles.
As we came into Breton Beach we could see sea urchins, pencil stars and bat stars on the rocks below. The very low tide meant a long haul up the rocky beach, the usual challenge of launching from Open Bay. We were off the water by about 2:45 pm after a hot but very pleasant paddle.
Valerie
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| Activity | Kayak training and refresher course |
| Destination | Mine Lake |
| Date | 29 June 2016, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Darcy Mitchell and Valerie van Veen |
| Contact Info | vvv@qisland.ca. |
| Description | Doug Taylor, Paddle Canada kayak skills instructor, will provide training (or skills review) in assisted rescue, self-rescue and bracing (techniques to avoid kayak capsize). Depending on the number of registrants and their background and experience, we may have one session for those without prior training, and one for those with training in these skills. Assignment of individuals to particular sessions will take place once registration is complete; if most people are looking only for skills review, we may not be able to offer basic training in this session. Contact Val van Veen at the email address given above to be sent a registration form that will include requested information about your current skills level and completed training. |
| Meeting Place | Mine Lake boat launch/ beach access, 2 km beyond Village Bay Lake |
| Departure Time | Session 1 – 8:30 am; Session 2 – 12:30 pm |
| Difficulty |
NA |
| Costs | $55 per person |
| Trip limits | 10 (5 per session) |
| Dogs? | no |
| Notes: | Space is very limited and participants will be registered on a first-come, first served basis. Deadline for mailing the registration form with payment is 8 June. |
| Activity | Multi-day Kayaking |
| Destination | Carrington Bay, Cortes Island |
| Date | 12-14 June 2016, Sunday to Tuesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Margot Wood |
| Contact Info | 250-285-2393. Please contact the coordinator by June 1st. |
| Description | We will leave on the 10:50 a.m. ferry to Cortes. Drive over to Coulter Bay and launch from there. A nice paddle to Carrington Bay, to set-up our tents at the tent site. Explore Quartz Bay/Penn Islands. After dinner we can explore Grandma’s Grove plus the trails in Carrington Bay Park, which has a rich homesteading history along with a gorgeous lagoon. Next day paddle to Von Donop Inlet to explore. Planning to leave Tuesday afternoon, returning to Quadra. Time either 3:50/5:50p.m. ferry. |
| Meeting Place | Cortes ferry line-up |
| Departure Time | 10:15 for the 10:50 ferry |
| Difficulty |
Moderate to difficult, weather dictates the difficulty. Some exposed crossings. |
| Costs | Ferry and gas cost. |
| Trip limits | Must have kayak rescue skills. |
| Dogs? | no |
| Notes: | I will organize car-pooling and pot-luck dinners. Bring your own breakfasts, lunches and water for three day’s. Ocean kayak and all necessary safety equipment, camping equipment, walking boots. |
Quadra Island Outdoor Club 