Ladysmith Paddle - August 9, 2022

 Our Ladysmith harbour to Elliot Beach paddle was a very hot day (starting at 22 degrees and finishing at 29 degrees). There were 23 souls that decided to brave the heat. 

 

 After a brief historical talk about the area to be paddled, we set off from the Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf at the usual time 

 

and made way for the gap (denoted by the 49^th parallel marker) between the Woods Islands in the hope that we would be able to get through and witness the log boom formation activities on the far side. Unfortunately, the low tide level prevented us from doing so, and we therefore took the shoreline route along the West side of the Woods Islands instead.     

 

We proceeded to make our way towards Dunsmuir Island, and traveled along its’ eastern shoreline, which is home to a wharf outstation of the Seattle Yacht Club. As Dunsmuir Island is currently up for sale, a few of our kayakers tried to determine if it was really worth the current $2,000,000 asking price…….

 

After a brief on-water stop at the Southern tip of Dunsmuir Island, the group proceeded around the tip of Sharpe Point, through Evening Cove, and onto the destination of Elliot Beach Park. A few seals were seen along the way popping their heads up to remind us who was visiting who. The sky was clear and the sea was quite calm throughout the 85 minutes it took us to paddle against the tide to get to the beach.

 

We landed at Elliot Beach Park, which was picturesque and being enjoyed by a few small groups of other beach goers. As the sandy area of the beach at the ocean’s edge was limited, all kayakers worked together as a team in getting the kayaks away from the water’s edge above the anticipated incoming tide level.

 

                                      

The group had lunch in the shade of the trees that lined the beach.  

 

A rest room was available for use at the top of the ramp to one side of the beach. Unfortunately, our group all learned the valuable lesson of always being prepared and bringing your “own” toilet paper.   

                                

After lunch the majority of the group decided to kayak around Coffin Island, since we were in balmy seas and it was so close at hand.

 

On the way back to Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf, the group decided to go along the Western shoreline of the bay that is Ladysmith Harbor, past Transfer Beach, and the major wharfs of Ladysmith.  The trip back was relatively quick as the tide was in our favor and pleasant despite the 29 degree temperature. A slight breeze ushered at our backs.

 

After the paddle, some of us stopped at the Old Town Bakery, known for its’ large variety of cinnamon buns. The choice was limited due to the lateness of the day but some of the group, even took a few extra buns home.

 

Submitted by Norm and Michelle – Trip Leaders

 

Thanks for all of the photos taken by Bob, Elaine, Lil, Elinor, Cormack, Penny, Norm and Jim.