Category Archives: Paddling

Trip Report – Kayaking Carrington Bay – 23-25 June 2015

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We took the first ferry to Cortes, drove to Sea Vista to launch our kayaks with our camping equipment. We paddled through Plunger Passage, past Coulter Bay, into the Sutil Channel and onto Carrington Bay. This was interesting and at times a little challenging. On arrival at Carrington Bay we set up our tents near the lagoon entrance. A narrow channel through which the tide flows, mixing salt and fresh water. A lovely camping area with many sunny spots with the lagoon for swimming. (Sheelagh and Valerie had a swim at night)

Carrington Bay is home to a significant amount of wildlife, beautiful old growth trees and a network of hiking trails. After setting up camp, we paddled in the bay only, due to strong winds and white caps in the channel. Spent time exploring Carrington Bay. We discovered a huge number of Sea Cucumbers in the lagoon and on other rocky shorelines. The next day we did a marathon of 27.2km, taking in Frederic Point and onto the Penn Islands. Beautiful rock faces, stunning arbutus groves, seals keeping watch, glorious colours……you get the picture. After lunch, we paddled onto Von Donop to explore. Beautiful purple starfish, a welcome treat to us all. We had a couple of showers, however, they were refreshing and light. Moon Jellyfish in an abundance in the Carrington Bay. We arrived back to camp by 5 p.m……a great workout. All dinners were superb, dishes done and into bed early. The weather called for strong winds arriving by noon on Thursday, we decided to get moving early the next morning.  The return paddle was the same route. We took the opportunity to explore Coulter Bay. Arriving in time to take the 1:50 p.m. return ferry. Tired but all very happy kayakers.

A great group of QIOC members………thank you for joining me on one of my favourite islands.  – Margot

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Kayaking – Carrington Bay – 23-25 June 2015

Kayaking – Kayak Rescue Practice and Potluck – 13 July 2015

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 Postponed until warmer, sunnier weather!

Activity Kayaking and Potluck
Destination Rebecca Spit
Date 13 July 2015, Monday
Trip Coordinator TBA
Contact Info qioutdoorclub@gmail.com
Description This is really two events.  You can do either or both.  We will have a very unstructured kayak practice for bracing and rescues.  There will be no instruction and no gear provided, but we will help each other to practice these important skills.  Following the kayak practice, we will also have a potluck.  You don’t have to be a member to come to the potluck.
Meeting Place Rebecca Spit parking lot by the meadow
Departure Time 16:00 for the kayak practice.   17:30 for the potluck
Difficulty
 It will be what you make of it
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes:

Kayaking – Granite Bay – 8 July 2015

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Granite Bay
Date 8 July 2015, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Kathryn Manry and Mark Zimmerman
Contact Info 285-2103 or kamanry@gmail.com.  Please contact the coordinator prior to the trip.
Description A day paddle in the Small Inlet / Orchard Bay / Chain Islands area. Where we go will be determined by the paddling conditions and the interests of the group…
Meeting Place Granite Bay dock
Departure Time 10:00 am
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs launching fee
Trip limits 10
Dogs? must wear life jacket!!
Notes: This should be a fairly mellow trip, but be prepared, as always, for changes in weather, etc. We should be off the water by 4 PM.  Bring lunch.

Trip Report – Main Lake – 4 June 2015

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Nine happy paddlers left the launch site of Mine Lake in a light wind. It was a glorious day with just enough wind to keep us cool but still make for enjoyable paddling.

We paddled up to the end of Main Lake and easily found the entrance to the narrow passage to Little Main Lake. We made our way up the passage trying to navigate the downed logs and narrowness of the passage. It is a very beautiful serene waterway with lily pads, tall grasses and much evidence of beaver.

Our return trip took us along the opposite shore of the lake to return to the launch site where swimming was enjoyed in the unseasonably warm water. A few brave souls attempted some wet exits and self/assisted rescues.

All in all it was a glorious day in the quiet of the lakes. 15.4 km, 5 ½ hours.

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Kayaking – Village Bay Lakes – 3 June 2015

Kayaking – Carrington Bay – 23-25 June 2015

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Activity Kayaking and camping
Destination Carrington Bay, Cortes Island
Date 23-25 June 2015 Tuesday-Thursday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 285-2393.  Please inform Margot before June 19th, 2015.
Description Three days of kayaking and hiking in and around Carrington Bay.

We will take the first ferry to Cortes, drive to Seavista to launch our kayaks with our camping equipment. Kayaks have to be carried down to the beach, leaving our cars at the top parking area. We will paddle through Plunger Passage, Coulter Bay, into the Sutil Channel and onto Carrington Bay. This is interesting and can be a challenging paddle. On arrival at Carrington Bay we will set-up our tents near the lagoon entrance, a narrow channel through which the tide flows, mixing salt & fresh water. This is indeed  a lovely camping area with many sunny spots & the lagoon for swimming.
Carrington Bay is home to a significant amount of wildlife, beautiful old growth trees and a network of hiking trails. Days will be spent paddling & exploring Carrington Bay, north to Quartz Bay, all dependent on the weather conditions. Hikes to be taken within the Carrington Bay Park.  The return paddle will be the same route, taking time to explore Coulter Bay. Hopefully arriving in time to take the 3:50 p.m. return ferry.
Please note: one must have camping equipment, food, water, clothing to fit into their sea kayaks,  and all required safety equipment.  Also we are camping in wildlife country. First night pot-luck dinner, will arrange at a later date.
Margot will have different plans to accommodate the weather conditions.
Meeting Place Quadra ferry terminal to Cortes
Departure Time 9:05 ferry to Cortes
Difficulty
 moderate to difficult
Costs ferry to Cortes
Trip limits sea kayaking skills
Dogs? no
Notes: Please do your best to plan car sharing. We will be watching the weather patterns closely.

Kayaking – Village Bay Lakes – 3 June 2015

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 Postponed to Thursday 4 June

 

Activity Kayaking
Destination Village Bay Lakes, Mine, Main and Little Main Lakes
Date 3 4 June 2015, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Sheelagh Elmitt
Contact Info 285-2296.  Please contact the trip coordinator prior to the trip.
Description Come and enjoy Village Bay lakes before the crowds arrive. We will launch at Mine Lake and explore the lakes. Hopefully there will be enough water to go up to Little Main Lake.  Paddling  distances will depend on the wishes of the participants.
Meeting Place Mine Lake launch site
Departure Time Come prepared to leave the launch site at 10 am.
Difficulty
 easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Bring the necessary safety equipment and lunch.

 

Trip Report – Kayaking Gowlland Harbour – 6 May 2015

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Six members met at April Point marina. The very low tide provided an excellent opportunity to see intertidal marine life. Paddled the east side of Gowlland Island, picking up two further kayakers. We kept out of the way of the tug boat coming in with a log boom. The islands gave us a beautiful display of wildflowers, the yellow/pink blush. We enjoyed floating amongst the seals, they put on quite a display. The sea urchins and starfish were amazing along the rock and floor of the ocean.  Paddled over to the shipwreck off May Island and held our lunch on May Island. The island was covered with flowers, such a beautiful wild garden. Margot showed us the old eagles nest and the disaster that happened a couple of years ago.  We then paddled over and along the shore of Quadra Island, beautiful rock faces coloured with an array of flowers. We paddled past Gowlland Harbour Resort, Fawn, Stag, and Doe islands, and eventually on to April Point. The day felt like summer, a brilliant blue sky and warm sunshine all day. The eagles and seals delighted us, a lovely paddle and a good start off for further kayaking trips.

What a magnificent way to spend a day.

Margot Wood

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 5 May 2015

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 5 May 2015

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 Postponed to Wednesday 6 May due to weather.

Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date 5 6 May 2015, Tuesday Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Margot Wood
Contact Info 285-2393.  Please contact Margot before 4 p.m. on May 4th. I need to inform April Point Marina.
Description We will meet at April Point marina to launch – no cost. Paddle the east side of Gowlland Island, passing by Stag, Doe, Fawn. Hopefully the islands will give us a beautiful display of wildflowers, the blue/pink blush. Creatures we may see: porpoise, seals, eagles, herons etc.  I have booked two tables for lunch on May Island, after viewing the shipwreck off May Island.  We will paddle down the inside of Gowlland Harbour, past Gowlland Harbour Resort, Homewood and onto April Point. A lovely peaceful paddle for approximately 3-4h.
Meeting Place April Point Marina Dock
Departure Time 10:30
Difficulty
 easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Bring your kayak, all necessary safety equipment and lunch.  The trip will be cancelled or postponed if it is windy.

Trip Report – Kayaking Open Bay – 8 April 2015

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On Wednesday, April 8, six paddlers gathered at Len Road and were rewarded with a gorgeous day. The wind was light to nonexistent and water near flat. Sunscreen was definitely a good idea. We headed toward Heriot Island to look at flowers on the small dry islands on the way. After rounding the small islets we headed to Seal Rock, where of course there were seals, and then on to the sandy beach at Open Bay.

After lunch some members wanted to paddle more so the group divided. Two went back to Len Road for a total of about two hours paddling as planned. The other four went on to the Bretons, rounded the south island, and then paddled back. By then the tide was quite low and the inter-tidal viewing was excellent. One could not have hoped for a more ideal spring day for a paddle.

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Kayaking – Open Bay 8 April 2015

Kayaking – Open Bay 8 April 2015

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Open Bay
Date April 8, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 285-2029
Description This will be our chance to get things out of storage and ready for the summer.  Plans are to have an easy paddle out to Open Bay, have lunch and paddle back. Approximate paddle time 45-60 minutes each way. Course may be altered by wind or even extended if the group desires.
Meeting Place Len Road water access.  From Hyacinth Road turn right onto Len Road and then a quick left down to beach access.
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 moderate
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: Please be sure to have ALL safety gear required by the Coast Guard.