July 30 - Cedar to DeCourcy Island

 

Cedar to DeCourcy Island Trip Report – July 30, 2024

 

Seven PGOSA Paddlers met at the Cedar Boat Launch to head to DeCourcy Island. At the pre-trip meeting Jim went over a brief history of DeCourcy Island and the cult led by Brother XII who populated the island in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Pirates Cove Marine Park on the Island was established in 1966 at the south end of the Island. This is a popular destination for sailors and kayakers.

Under cloudy conditions with a slight chop and light winds from the east we headed past Round Island towards the Tumbolo (a neck of land) between Mudge and Link Islands. After the 3 km crossing, we stopped for a short break just offshore of the beach.

 

We then headed in a southeasterly direction on the west side of Link Island. 

 

As we paddled, we were able to get a closeup view of the amazing multi-coloured sandstone cliffs. It is hard to imagine that these cliffs are natural and created by erosion and wave action.

 

After paddling for about 30 minutes, we took a short break at Hole in The Wall – the narrow channel between Link and DeCourcy Islands. 

 

The channel was quite dry for kayaking and we started down the west side of DeCourcy. 

 

Unfortunately, the winds picked up and we headed straight into 8-11 knot winds. Our spray skirts were much appreciated as we had to handle 2foot swells. After a strenuous hour of paddling, we rounded the south end of DeCourcy Island and enjoyed our lunches on the beach at Pirates Cove Marine Park.

 

With the winds forecast to pick up, we got back in our kayaks and headed up the east side of DeCourcy. Almost immediately the winds died down and they were at our backs. It was a treat to be surfing with our kayaks

 

 and we then entered the harbour at Pirates Cove.

 

 It was interesting to see the ring bolts drilled into the rocks for securing stern boat lines.

The next part of the trip was spent exploring the small protected islands just off DeCourcy Island.

 

 It was interesting to see the many cottages on this side of the island. The people living on the island have to be completely self-reliant for such things as hydro power with many places making good use of solar panels.

We then took a break at Hole in The Wall. 

 

The tide had risen and we were able to paddle safely through the narrow channel.

 

 We were then greeted by a slight swell at our back and we decided to head straight back across Stuart Channel to our starting point.

 

In total we paddled for 15 km and were on the water for about 4 ½ hours.

Thank you to Scott Roy and Lil Harm for helping with the trip and thank you to Lil sharing your amazing photos.

 

Trip Report completed by Jim Swanson