A total of eighteen adventurous
paddlers and fifteen kayaks, launched from the Nanaimo Brechin Boat Ramp, 10:00
am sharp, with the goal to circumnavigate Newcastle Island and explore the
Nanaimo Inner Harbour.
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Weather conditions favourable, the
group headed north towards Departure Bay, exploring some of the coves along the
way. Turning the corner to head east we
could see the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal ahead.
As an incoming ferry from Horshoe Bay passed the group we stayed clear of the rocks and pointed our vessels into the ferry wake.
All clear, we proceeded to the top of Newcastle Island and open water.
At the top of the island we encountered higher winds than expected, resulting in larger waves and swells that challenged our confidence, nerves and skills, but everyone kept it together and, a stroke at a time, we all completed the most difficult leg of our paddle.
Turning the corner to the south side of Newcastle, we were rewarded for our efforts with wind and waves to our backs allowing us to joyously SURF our way to our picnic stop on Newcastle Island. What a rush and so much fun!
As an incoming ferry from Horshoe Bay passed the group we stayed clear of the rocks and pointed our vessels into the ferry wake.
All clear, we proceeded to the top of Newcastle Island and open water.
At the top of the island we encountered higher winds than expected, resulting in larger waves and swells that challenged our confidence, nerves and skills, but everyone kept it together and, a stroke at a time, we all completed the most difficult leg of our paddle.
Turning the corner to the south side of Newcastle, we were rewarded for our efforts with wind and waves to our backs allowing us to joyously SURF our way to our picnic stop on Newcastle Island. What a rush and so much fun!
Having finished a picnic lunch, the
group headed towards the Dinghy Dock Pub, exploring some of the sights and
birdlife in the area, before collecting and
crossing the channel together as a group to the Nanaimo Inner Harbour.
Inside the harbour, as we paddled through the twists and turns of the waterways, listening to the distant background music of the Beatles – Let It Be, we viewed the new fleet of Government Oil Spill Vessels, various luxury yachts, ferry boats and passengers going to the Dinghy Dock Pub or Newcastle Island, tourists and locals lolling about or enjoying meals in some of the restaurants.
Having completed our scenic tour of the Inner Harbour we continued on past the Nanaimo Yacht Club and other marinas to complete our journey at the Brechin Boat Ramp.
Overall ….. approximately 12 kilometers.
Inside the harbour, as we paddled through the twists and turns of the waterways, listening to the distant background music of the Beatles – Let It Be, we viewed the new fleet of Government Oil Spill Vessels, various luxury yachts, ferry boats and passengers going to the Dinghy Dock Pub or Newcastle Island, tourists and locals lolling about or enjoying meals in some of the restaurants.
Having completed our scenic tour of the Inner Harbour we continued on past the Nanaimo Yacht Club and other marinas to complete our journey at the Brechin Boat Ramp.
Overall ….. approximately 12 kilometers.
Ideal weather, on the water, surrounded
by nature, some challenging accomplishments, wonderful sights, great
companionship.
All in all …….Just Another Day in
Paradise!!
Thanks to Walter for this Trip Report and to Cormack, Gilles and Susan for the Photos.
Thanks to Walter for this Trip Report and to Cormack, Gilles and Susan for the Photos.
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