Comox Lake Paddle Report - July 28, 2020

17 PGOSA Paddlers and 1 Spaniel met at the Comox Lake Boat Launch near Cumberland.

After the pre-trip meeting on land we headed out in 12 kayaks and 2 canoes under cloudy conditions with calm waters for paddling. 

We started paddling in a counter clockwise direction and first saw some cottages and homes on the shore of the lake. One home did not appear to be in good shape and looked like it was about to slide into the lake. We then encountered the first of many deadheaded logs which were left when the lake was flooded many decades ago.

The first stop we made was to view a large rock slab which had recently slipped down a slope. Time was spent trying to figure out what type of animal the rock looked like – Seal?

 The calm of the trip ended abruptly when we next paddled past the local Fish and Game club’s rifle range. We were all glad that the shots fired at the rifle range were being directed away from the lake. The next thing that came into view was the construction site for the new Comox Valley Water Treatment Plant. This plant is located at the start of the Puntledge River which drains the lake. Comox Lake is the main source for the area’s drinking water and the plant will eliminate the annual boil water advisories. We then looked past the far end of Comox Lake to get a good view of the Comox Glacier.

Heading further along the western shore of Comox Lake, we paddled past the Comox Bluffs Ecological Reserve.

 

Lunch was on a sandy beach at Boston Bay. 

We then headed across the lake where we encountered some choppy waves and brief spotty rain showers. There were some amazing cliff faces to view before we ended the trip back at the Boat Launch.

After everyone loaded up their vehicles, we met at the Wandering Moose Café in Cumberland. People were able to socialize next door in the park and enjoy treats before heading home.

 

We paddled a total of 11.88 km and the trip lasted 3 ½ hours.

It was a great day on the waters of Comox Lake.

Contributions for this report by Cathy, Connie, Patricia, Lil, Jo, Linda and Cormack.

Jim S – Trip Leader