It was a beautiful sunny morning when 20 kayaks and 2 canoes set out from the Union Bay boat launch looking for an adventure and a destination new to the group. The skies were bright and blue, not a cloud in sight, the waters fairly calm with a light northwest wind keeping the air cool.
Heading northwest from the launch we paddled toward the seal islets just a little west from our main destination. Although we had the wind and small waves in our faces, the tide was with us, ebbing, so it wasn't difficult or a struggle to make good progress across Baynes Sound.
Our goal was to stay grouped as we did not want to present to any boats passing by, as a string of kayaks a kilometre or more long. A few stops during the crossing allowed us to stay grouped and we made the crossing without any paddling issues.
Excitement was high - beautiful weather, a large group of paddlers, and a destination many had heard about but had not yet paddled to. Eyes were peeled in the water looking for mammals of any size or kind but we did not see much except flying seagulls as we made our way across the channel. As we approached the sea islets the tide had gone out considerably exposing the sandy beaches surrounding the islands. Turning west we headed toward the outer islet where I was told by another boater," That’s where the seals are." Before long we were passing the cute "sea dog" heads that poked out from the water as they kept a sharp eye on us, deciding if we were friend or foe!
The seals in the water became plentiful as we approached the outer islet. Many were also sun bathing on the rocky shore of the little island. Many think they are sooo cute but my own opinion is that they look like stuffed sausages with a head and flippers attached to their body tube. A variety of color markings were seen on their bodies as they lay on the rocky shore. Their movement on the rocks is by sliding or wiggling on their stomachs with some small pushes by their side flippers. Clumsy and slow would describe their movement on land but put them in the water and they swim freely and can move very quickly. A few were doing their acrobat movements on top of the water making big splashes as they flipped and cavorted on the water's surface before diving down. Many were giving us the "evil eye" as they watched our movements before disappearing underwater if a kayak came too close. A few squeals were heard from the animals on the rocks but they really are very quiet mammals and they don't bark like their counterparts, the sea lions.
After viewing the animals for 15 minutes or so we decided it was time to paddle back to the main beach on Sandy Island for our lunch break. The tide was still ebbing and though we had the wind at our backs it was a stiff paddle against the ebbing tide. Sandy Island or Tree Island as it is also known has a huge clump or stand of trees in the middle of the island which is surrounded by tall grass that goes down to the high water mark.
By this time the main beach was well exposed from the ebbing tide and literally covered with shells and sun bleached sand dollars. After parking our boats on the beach we headed up to the logs at the top of the sand to sit and have some lunch.
After a quick bite some of the group headed off to explore the island while others remained on the logs and absorbed the sun rays. Although very sunny it wasn't too hot, just the perfect temperature for a paddle, a hike or to socialize as we enjoyed the spectacular view of the mountains on Vancouver Island!
The island was fairly quiet with visitors on a Tuesday morning/afternoon - quite different from weeks before when I was there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Then the beach was packed with those looking for a weekend excursion and the bay filled with anchored boats. Many tents were pitched just above the beach as some families had arrived to camp for the weekend or even longer. Today, we enjoyed our peaceful lunch and break before setting off to paddle back to Union Bay.
By the time we left the beach in our boats the tide was slack and changing to a flood tide which meant paddling with the water flow, making it a very enjoyable paddle back across Baynes Sound. We were hoping to see some Orcas cruising in the strait but that didn't materialize. With all the seals in the area it would be an ideal place for some Transient Orcas to stop for a meal but no whales were spotted. Maybe....another time we should be so lucky!
About forty-five to fifty minutes later we were back at the boat launch and ready to unpack and load the boats on our vehicles. The tide had gone way out making for a long beach - we drove our cars down to the beach to load the kayaks onto them – this beat packing them up the beach to the parked cars!
All in all...a fun paddle in beautiful weather, low winds, and a day of comradery and friendship which we will remember as one of the highlights of our Slo-Mo paddling season!
Trip Report by Jim P.
Thanks for the photo contributions from Linda H., Pat A., Penny, Rick, Isy, Lil and Jim
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