Cedar to Pirate's Cove Report - July 26

 It was a beautiful hot day when 16 kayakers set out from Cedar boat launch for their bimonthly paddle – waters were mostly calm with a slight northwest breeze, the skies blue, and the enthusiasm high with anticipation of another great paddle.  Conditions could not be better and we were heading to Pirate’s Cove at the south end of DeCourcy Island.  Whether looking for buried treasure, or wanting to see where Brother’s X11 had his cult followers sequestered, or just wanting a another paddling adventure, the stage was set.

 

We headed across Stuart channel to the bottom of Link island where there is an opening called “hole in the wall” -  one can scoot through a narrow passage when the tide is half up or higher.  The passage was high and dry when we got there as it was nearing low tide.  Stuart Channel can be busy with power boats but wasn’t too crowded with Tuesday being a weekday and not on the weekend.  Link and parts of DeCourcy Islands have sandstone cliffs going up from the water’s edge making it a spectacular scenic view if using one’s imagination to look at the carvings made from centuries of wind and water against the cliffs.

 

 

Also many houses and summer cabins are situated on top of the high cliffs, overlooking the channel and giving great views of Vancouver Island.  With a slight wind on our backs and paddling with an ebb tide we made good time as we scooted down the west side of DeCourcy Island.  A couple of raccoons made themselves visible on the shoreline and the odd harbour seal was spotted poking it head out of the water.

 

 

As we rounded the south tip of DeCourcy we could see power and sail boats anchored in the distance – in the bay we were headed.  Pirates Cove Marine Park is an anvil shaped piece of land which juts out the side of DeCourcy.  It has one large bay on the east side known as the kayaker’s beach and on the opposite side, a large cove where the boaters can tie up or anchor in sheltered water. 

 

We headed into the kayaker’s beach where there are campsites on the side hill, an outhouse, and an old fashioned pump which brings up clean, clear, and cool water.  From the beach looking out towards Ruxton Island, with boats anchored, made for a post card view of the surrounding area.  What a beautiful sight!

 

After lunch and a quick washroom break we headed out deciding to circumnavigate DeCourcy and head back along the east side of the island.  As we passed the entrance to the boater’s cove numerous boats could be seen tied up to wharves or anchored in the protected waters.  With the great weather many boaters both American and Canadian were taking advantage of the sunshine and calmer water conditions.  I’ve been told the winds around Nanaimo always blow until the Bathtub Races are over and then it calms down.  As the marine event had wrapped up two days ago, under very windy conditions,  this tale proved to be true again!

 

The waters were flat on the back side of DeCourcy making for a warm paddle up its shoreline.  Lots of cabins and homes were seen as we paddled along the shore.  Nearing the north end of the island the homes got larger making us wonder if some of the population lived year round on the island.  The houses were certainly large enough…. but getting there and maintaining supplies to live comfortably would take planning and effort – one couldn’t ask for delivery from the stores on Gabriola island or nearby Lantzville or Nanaimo.

 

As we rounded the end of DeCourcy into a large bay we could see the waters weren’t quite high enough to scoot through the small passage but weren’t far off so we decided to break for 15 minutes, hang out in the bay and wait for the tide to come up a few more inches.  It wasn’t long before we just squeak over the oyster ridden bottom of the opening and see our home base - Cedar across the channel.

 

There was a small northwest breeze blowing up the strait so that made the 45 minute crossing bearable as we were approaching mid- day when the heat was at its hottest.  Heads down, muscles starting to tell us it had been a long paddle, We headed for the boat launch. 

 

Upon arrival at the launch site the tide had risen a few feet so bringing the boats out of the water, up the ramp was a little easier.  Always a challenge after a long paddle as the ramp is steep and the exceptionally hot weather made it even more strenuous.

 

All in all – a wonderful excursion, great paddling conditions, beautiful scenery, and great camaraderie!  It doesn’t get any better folks so enjoy the memories!

 

Jim Powell

Paddle Leader

Photos contributed by Lil, Elaine, Norm and Linda.