Royston Wrecks to Goose Spit Paddle - Sept 6, 2022

 A fun group of 18 paddlers met at Royston waterfront to start our journey. Our Flotilla consisted of 16 kayaks, 1 double kayak and 1 exquisitely outfitted foot-peddling fishing boat. The tide was very low and most of us were able to drive quite close to the water to unload our kayaks and prepare for our tour of the day. The sun was bright and the water was calm making for a very good start.

 

Look at all the Delta Kayaks

We edged our way towards the 13 hulls (Ghost Ships) that were sunk, beginning in the late 1930s, for a breakwater for the log booms that used the Royston area for collecting before towing to the mills. This breakwater helped prevent storms and tides from breaking up the idle log booms. Canadian warships, windjammers, tug and harpoon boats were decommissioned ( no KAYAKS though) and scuttled to build the breakwater.

 

 

 

We then paddled across the outlet of the Puntledge River to the Comox Marina where most of us were able to safely get out of our kayaks and enjoy the washroom and the coffee/snacks at the food truck in Marina Park. 

 

After a quick paddle around the boats in the Marina, we continued out to Goose Spit. 

 

Wonderful sandy beaches awaited as we landed our kayaks and had lunch on the many logs up on the shore. A sunny, warm day at the beach!!!! This must be one the best sandy beaches on this side of the Island. In 2018 the Komoks First Nation erected a totem pole to signify their tradition lands which include Goose Spit (Indigenous name is Pelxqikw). 

 

Satisfied with our lunch break, we continued to paddle around the other side of Goose Spit and went as far as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet facility. 

 

Cormack headed out in his fishing boat to the Salish Sea for the catch of the day 

 

while the rest of us turned around and then paddled as a group back to our launch site. 

 

Thankfully the tide was almost at the high point and we only had a short walk to our cars for loading up the kayaks. We planned to stop at the Cone Zone, however, they were closed. Next time!! Many thanks to all the paddlers for helping unload, load, launch - helping others with their kayaks. You are a wonderful group!!!!!

Trip Report submitted by Bob and Elaine

Photos contributed by Elinor, Lil, Linda, Michelle, Pam, Elaine, Libby and Jim