Ladysmith Paddle - June 29 Report

 

It was a very hot day (27 degrees) and there were 22 souls that decided to brave the heat. We set off at the usual time and made way for the gap between the Woods Islands. On our way we passed the marker for the 49^th parallel.

 

When we got through the gap, we came across not just huge log booms (which we were expecting), but also a few boom boats that were actively pushing and sorting logs, to the left and right and it seemed everywhere.

 

So, not trusting the logs to remain calmly in place, we decided to backtrack and go around the front of the Island. It was a little shadier along that shore. At the tip of the island there were submerged rocks that a couple of us got stuck on. It took a bit of teamwork to free the 1st kayak and a second kayaker got stuck but managed to free himself. Eventually we came across more logs, but managed to tuck in behind Dunsmuir Island, which is owned by the Seattle Yacht Club.  

 

Our intention was to go to Elliot Beach, for lunch, but first we decided to take a break in Sibell Bay. Some of us had a little swim.

 

We thought it might be too hot to carry on, but we only had 1.5 kilometres to go, so we decided to press on. Elliot Bay was very nice, complete with portable toilets (up the stairs), and a nice little bay. Being summer, there were a few people there, but it wasn’t crowded. The water was warm and inviting.

 

 

 

On the way back we all gathered at the front of Dunsmuir Island and took off all at once to cross the shipping channel as a flotilla. A water taxi expressed his approval with tooting and waving.

 

Our destination was Transfer Beach, a nice little public park and resting spot before the last leg of the journey. Unfortunately Transfer beach had already been invaded by militant swimmers that warned us not to land. To be fair we probably looked a little intimidating in our flotilla of sea kayaks.  We had no choice but to carry on back to the launch site.

By the time we got back, it was around 1:30. The total distance we paddled was about 10 kilometres.

 

After the paddle, some of us stopped at Tim Horton’s for ice caps to go. Slurp. Next time I’ll get a large one!

 

 

Submitted by Cathy – Trip Leader

 

Thanks for all of the photos taken by Lil, Rick, Cathy, Cormack and Jim.