Comox Lake Paddle - July 12

 

13 kayakers met at the Comox Boat launch on a sunny, warm summer day. The water was calm, as we paddled along the shoreline after launching at 10am. There were no mishaps or delays getting everyone on the water.

 

Paddling counter clockwise, we passed older cabins/cottages passed from one family to the next, 

 

 

as well as a site where mining and logging took place.

 

 

A little history:

 

Besides being the reservoir for the Courtenay and Comox water supply, Comox Lake is also the water supply for the BC Hydro Puntledge Generation Station. The lake was at one time an important means of transporting logs – you can still see the pilings that were used in the log booming areas.

 

I refer you to the following site for history of the lake:

Cumberland Museum - Up the lake (an interesting article)

 

We paddled over many submerged felled logs, and as the water was quite high, no bumps on the kayaks were felt as we moved along.

 

 

The Rod and Gun Club site was very quiet, no shots heard that morning. Comox Glacier was a beautiful site to embrace.

 

 

 

Our paddle towards our lunch stop (Boston Bay), took us past the Puntledge River inlet, and the Comox Bluffs. After a leisurely lunch, 

 

 

we were back in the water paddling directly into the wind to cross the lake. I am sure the next day, a few of us felt the arm muscles we used crossing the lake.

 

 

On the opposite side of the lake, little wind was felt as we returned to our launch site. On the way, we watched mountain climbers on the bluffs,

 

 

 families enjoying camping at the campground and heard screams of laughter as children were jumping in and out of the water off stumps of logged trees. Oh the sounds of summer!

 

Once everyone was loaded up, several of us were in for an ice cream treat at a kiosk in Cumberland, but sadly, they are closed on Tuesdays. Not to be deprived of eating something, the Bakery was open and we relaxed and snacked on our baked goods in the courtyard next to the bakery.

 

Although, I did not have a GPS, I was told we probably paddled about 11 km. A great day on the water.

 

Thanks for joining.

 

Report submitted by Linda Hays

 

Photo contributions by Norm, Lil, Libby, Linda W. and Jim