Aug 27 - Goose Spit Park to Comox Harbour and the Puntledge River

Ten of our members met at Goose Spit Park to explore the Comox Harbour and Puntledge River. At the pre-trip meeting we learned about some of the places of interest that we were going to see during the paddle. These included HMCS Quadra - the Sea Cadet training base, Filberg Lodge and Park and the Comox First Nations fishing sticks and traps on the Puntledge River.

Jellyfish at Goose Spit

The trip started off at 10:00 am under sunny and calm conditions. Within a few minutes we paddled past some live aboard boats which were definitely in need of repair. Near the entrance to the Comox Marina, we maneuvered around a number of anchored boats 

 

and laser sailboats from the Comox Bay Sailing Club. 

 

After taking a brief rest, we started to paddle up the Puntledge River. 

Comox Glacier in the distance

 A rising tide made for a smooth paddle 

 

as we passed many Comox First Nations’ fishing stakes placed on the banks of the river. This practice dates back more than 1300 years. We then paddled under the noisy bridge deck on the 17th Street Bridge. 

 

 

It was quite a contrast to the enjoyably quiet time we were having on the river. We were then met by some seals enjoying a fish feast. They were very inquisitive and swam right up to our kayaks. A few of us continued upriver to explore the Courtenay Slough channel near the 5th Street Bridge and the Kayak launch area at Simms Park.

 

 

We then turned around and headed downstream. Suddenly strong winds started blowing from behind our backs. 

 

These winds, along with the river’s current, assisted us in paddling to our lunch break at the Comox Marina. Along the way we saw some Seals basking on the river banks along with a Heron and many Canada Geese.

 

At times we had to put extra effort into our paddling as we encountered cross winds. 

 

After being on the water for about 3 hours, we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at the Comox Marina Park.

 

An exhausted SAR's dummy

 

With the wind starting to gain speed, we decided to head straight back to the launch site. Thank heaven the wind was at our backs and we enjoyed surfing the waves with our kayaks. 

 

We arrived back at the launch site at around 2:30 after paddling approximately 16 km. The strong winds created a bit of a challenge in loading our kayaks onto our vehicles. Due to the length of the paddle everyone decided to head directly home after the full day spent on the water.

 

Thanks to Jo Winner for co-leading this trip. Thanks also to Donna and Lil for the photos.

 

Trip Report completed by Jim Swanson.