When we arrived at the Royston Boat launch the skies were grey with heavy smoke and light rain was falling, but there was no wind. The marine weather forecast had predicted moderate winds and sun by 11 am. However, visibility was poor. We could not see Comox Harbour across the bay. After a brief discussion all 14 participants opted for a revised plan to launch in the Puntledge River behind the Comox Valley Kayaks and Canoe Shop at Cliff Rd and 20th St. in Courtenay.
The tide was low and while getting our boats into the river we noticed hundreds of Chinook Salmon working their way upstream in the shallow water. Cormack was familiar with the route and volunteered to lead. Jim offered to be the sweep. During our leisurely paddle down the Puntledge River the 14 paddlers in 3 canoes and 8 kayaks observed wildlife and other features of the shoreline of the river and its estuary.
