Thursday, December 31, 2009

December 31 - Vantreight Island - Last paddle of the year (#116)

Dan and I went out for a short paddle this morning to get in one more paddle in the year and help Dan work off a week of holiday eating. The winds were a bit stronger and there were decent wind waves forming to the north of Chatham. We popped into Swing Beach bay and then made our way back via Jemmy Jones. As we were returning, the wind began to pick up and the rain began.


ScreenShot246


10 km, 5 NM, YTD1381 km – 4 year total : 4804 km – almost enough to get me to Gander Newfoundland as the crow flies!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

December 30th - Discovery (#115)

I joined Alan, Duncan, Doug, Simon, John, Dave, Lynn and Dorothea on the last “Wednesday Paddle” of the year. They were setting out from Oak Bay Marina, so I met them at Great Chain Islet. Conditions were great. A bit of wind and chop in the morning but not bad for the end of December! We had lunch on swing beach (what was left of it as the tide was very high). After lunch we went to Jemmy Jones and over to Cattle POint were I parted ways with the group.


18 km, 10 NM, YTD 1371 km ScreenShot243


Given the nice SE wind, I decided to rig up the Megabyte and took it for an hour’s sail. Conditions were excellent andf I had a blast making my way out to Jemmy Jones and back. I was getting some nice speed around 6 knots or so at times. I saw a lone paddler in the race at Baynes which was looking pretty good… was too far up wind to investigate.


ScreenShot244


Maybe one more paddling day left this year… my 4 year total is now up to 4794 km!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

December 29th - Jemmy Jones (#114)

I went out for a solo afternoon paddle in the F1 to Cadboro Point, Jemmy Jones Islet and back via the RVYC. Nice afternoon. There was a good current building in Baynes and I spent a couple of minutes running through it. I met another paddler, Richard, out by Cadboro Point and Jemmy Jones – it was his birthday!


9 km, 5 NM, YTD 1353 km ScreenShot242

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

December 22nd - Arbutus Cove (#113)

Paulo, Dan and I decided to get a last paddle of the year together before Dan and Paulo headed off. We set out just before noon and headed up towards Arbutus Cove where we stopped for a bit. Yet another beautiful December day! Sunshine, winds were not too strong and the temp was not too cold. We passed by the 10 mile POint Weather Station – this is the weather station I find best for checking out the weather around Cadboro Bay. Here is a wind printout for today:


ScreenShot235 looks like the winds were steady at 10–15 knots while we were paddling.


The weather underground version of the site is at: http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IBRITISH32 and the main site is at:  http://www.landspring.net/WeatherSite/weathersite_12_09.htm


14 km, 8 NM, YTD 1344 kmScreenShot234

Sunday, December 20, 2009

December 20th- Chatham Discovery Islands (#112)

Paulo, Dan and I went for another paddle out to our favourite islands. The predicted winds and rain did not materialize so conditions were great. We had fun playing in the currents off Chatham and then did a figure of eight around the islands. I saw Harlequin ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Black Turnstones, Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, Bald eagles, Otters (family of 12!). I was paddling the NF Shadow.


18 km, 10 NM, YTD 1330 km ScreenShot233

Saturday, December 19, 2009

December 19th - Esquimalt Harbour (#111)

Monica and I joined 27 other paddlers at the CFB sailing club beach to paddle across the harbour, up to the falls on Millstream and back to 6 Mile pub for the SISKA Christmas paddle and party. Conditions were great – no wind and no rain and not too cold! The paddle and party were a great success.


Some of my photos are posted at: http://picasaweb.google.com/mhjackson123/20091219_siskaxmaspaddle#  and some of Michel’s are at: http://picasaweb.google.ca/MIchel.the.kayak.guy/SISKAChristmas2009#


IMGP1549 Yours truly with a silly hat!


IMGP1547 a full beach


IMGP1564 Coal Island


ScreenShot232


9 km, 5 NM, YTD 1312 km

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Dec 17th - Cabin Point (#110)

Gordin, Dan, Dorothea and I set out from Gordin’s in-laws to paddle out and around the shores of East Sooke Park to Cabin Point and back. Conditions were good and I was glad I brought my sirocco and wooden GP as I was able to do a lot of playing in the rock gardens. We made good progress as winds and currents were light.


ScreenShot231 wide view ScreenShot230 closer view


16 km, 9 NM, YTD 1303 km

Monday, December 14, 2009

December 13/14 - Tofino surf

I was up in Tofio to work, but we made some time to get out surfing at Chesterman’s beach. I surfed the Cape falcon F1 yesterday and the Wold Nova today. I used the greenland paddle both times and was very happy how it worked.


Some video clips:


 



 

Saturday, December 12, 2009

December 12th - Discovery (#109)

Dan Paulo and I went for a morning paddle out and around Chatham and Discovery Islands and then back via the Chain islets. Conditions were cool but cal. I was in my Tahe and had a tuilik on so I did a number of rolls.


ScreenShot229 16 km,8.5 NM, YTD 1287 km.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

December 2nd - Discovery (#107)

Dan, Paulo and I went out for a afternoon paddle from Caddy bay to Discovery and back. I was in the F1 and Paulo was in the Disko Bay. Clear skies, light northerly winds and a beautiful evening. We watched the sun set as we paddled back to Cadboro bay. Its getting a bit colder!


ScreenShot228 IMGP1544 Paulo in the F1 eith Baker in the background


15 km, 8 NM, YTD 1271 km.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

November 29th - Chatham (#107)

George, Joan, Dan and I went for a morning paddle out to Chatham Island. It was a bit wavy launching and I managed to fill my Tahe Greenland cockpit while launching. Joan paddled the F1 and seem to really enjoy it. The tide was high enough that we were able to visit “cactus islet” in the middle of East Chatham.


 ScreenShot227


13 km, 7 NM, YTD: 1256 km

Saturday, November 28, 2009

November 28th - Elk Lake( #106)

I helped Gary to coach a forward stroke clinic for SISKA. We had a classroom session in the morning and then a on water session in the afternoon. I picked up a few pointers and it was wierd using a euro paddle for a change!


ScreenShot226


Interesting mix of satellite and air photo resolution in this track image!


5 km, 3 NM, YTD 1243


 

Sunday, November 22, 2009

November 22nd - Oak Bay (#105)

Dan, Dorothea and I went out for a morning paddle around Oak Bay. I took the F1 for a change and enjoyed it! After the 50+ knot winds of last night it was a surprise to see how calm things had become. We had a light westerly wind and a moderate ebb. We made our way to Great Chain Island and then through the various chain islets and then over to Chatham. We went through the sluice and then through the “dry channel” which is hardly ever underwater – today it was. There was a bit of standing wave action in Baynes but not enough to keep on busy! We then made our way over to the mooring area  to inspect the various boats that were still on moorings!


ScreenShot22513 km, 7 NM, YTD: 1238 km

Sunday, November 15, 2009

November 15th - SISKA paddle to Sooke Basin (#104)

I led a group of 11 paddlers on a paddle in Sooke Basin. Our original plan was to paddle outside to Cabin Point, but the winds were forecast to be in the 20 knot range, so I decided to paddle the basin. As it turned out the strong winds never materialized and we had a delightful paddle along the south shore of Sooke Basin from Whiffen Spit to Anderson Cove and back via the Goodridge Islets. There was a light drizzle, but not enough to dampen spirits. We also took a look at the burnt out hulk of the boat that has been in the basin for a couple of years now – what a mess of metal!


ScreenShot215


IMGP1533 IMGP1529 IMGP1529 The burnt out boat!


18.5 km, 10 NM, YTD 1225 km.


 BTW, on Saturday I went surfing at Jordan river and had a fun time in my surf boat… nice waves and no wind:

 this gives an idea of what it was like.

 

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Nov 11 - Chatham Island (#103)

Dennis, Gordin and I set out for an afternoon paddle from caddy bay. I got off work early after our Rememberance ceremonies and we were on the water around 1:30. We made our way out to Baynes where there were some good sized waves – we had fun surfing. I was very happy with how the Tahe Greenland performed (though I had to roll it once when I got sideswiped by a wall of water!). We then made our way over to Chatham (big current push) played in the “sluice” and made our way around West Chatham and back via Jemmy Jones. Saw David K, Ian and Nigel on David’s boat while out in Baynes.


ScreenShot214 13 km, 7 NM, YTD 1207 km

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Nov 7th - Oak Bay (#102)

Dan, Dennis and I set out from Caddy Bay to paddle around Chatham, Discovery and Trial Islands. We though we would have a significant current assist, but we only had it for a bit…  As we set out from the bay there were a couple of sailboats on the beach that had washed ashore in the recent blows. I am glad I brought mine in a few weeks ago. We had good weather, no significant wind and sun for most of the time except for the last half hour or so were we had some hail and heavy rain (for a few mins). It was neat to do a paddle with such a high tide – new places to paddle over! I took the NF Shadow for a change and it performed well. We had a nice lunch break in sunshine on the north Trial islet.


IMGP1515 rain and hail by Gonzales point.IMGP1512 boat on caddy bay beach!


ScreenShot213 22 km, 12 NM, YTD 1194 km


 

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

November 4th - Cadboro Bay (#101)

Dan and I went for an afternoon paddle and roll in Caddy Bay. I snuck out early from work and we did a warm up paddle to 10 mile point. Nice afternoon and fun rolling!


ScreenShot212


6 km, 3.5 NM, YTD: 1172 km

Saturday, October 31, 2009

October 31 - Sidney Island - (#100)

Dan, Heike, Paulo, John and I set out from Amherst to paddle around Sidney Island. There were some reasonably strong winds forecast, but these did not materialise. It was alonger paddle than I have done in the past few weeks, so I was pretty tired at the end. The Tahe Greenland performed well in some chop at the south end of Sidney and was a good choice for the day. Paulo and I did some rolling at the end of the day.


ScreenShot211 26 km, 14.5 NM, YTD 1166 km

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Oct 25 - Discovery (#99)

Dan and I set out fairly early from the end of Killarney to paddle around Discovery, planning to be back by noon. Conditions were better than predicted andthe winds were quite light. I was paddling the Tahe Greenland which continues to impress me with its handling. I was able to practice some of the strokes I learned with Shawna and Leon yesterday and hope to do more in the pool tonight. I saw Liam and Sheila in Rudlin bay where they were doing a guides’ exam. Hard to believe that this is paddle #99  of the year and we staill have over two months of paddling to go!


ScreenShot207 16 km, 8 NM, YTD 1139 km.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Oct 24th - Shawna and Leon Clinic (#98)

I participated in a strokes clinic put on by SISKA with Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme. We had a great morning improving our strokes and also learning some good teaching techniques. I definitely improved my bow rudder, bow draw and bow jam strokes – a great morning! (and I also really enjoyed their talk up at UVic last night on their Haida Gwaii trip!)


ScreenShot206 4 km, 2NM, YTD 1123 km

Sunday, October 11, 2009

October 11th - Discovery (#97)

Dennis and I went out for an afternoon paddle around Discovery. We stopped briefly at the yacht club to have a look at a Megabyte which is for sale. We also touched land for a few mins in Rudlin Bay to take a break. I was paddling the Tahe Greenland but did no rolling as there was a bit of a nip in the air! There was a bit of an ebb building as the afternoon progressed and it  gave us a bit of a push in a couple of spots. The Tahe is a nice fast boat!


ScreenShot205 15 km, 8 NM, YTD 1119 km.

Sunday, October 04, 2009

September30-Oct 4 - Vargas Island (#93-96)

I co led (with JF) a group of grade 11 students on a paddling trip around Vargas Island. Due to an extra trip back to Tofino from Milties Beach, I ended up paddling 49 km (instead of 32 km). After some heavy rain during our first night we had calm conditions and mostly sunny weather for the rest of the trip. We took a day “off” on “Fingers” beach. Amazing weather for the west coast AND October!


ScreenShot202 49 km, 26 NM, YTD 1104 km

Sunday, September 27, 2009

September 27 - Gabriola Island (#92)

Monica and I went up to Gabriola so I could participate in the fall SKGABC guides’ exchange. It was great meeting new people with a similar interest and I also got quite a few good ideas. It was also fun to show off the Tahe Greenland. Everyone who tried it seem to come up with a big grin after their first butterfly roll! On Sunday we went to Drumbeg Park and Gabriola passage to play around in the currents. I continue to be impressed with how well the Tahe Greenland handles.


4 km, 2 NM, YTD 1055 km  ScreenShot200


 

Sunday, September 20, 2009

September 20th - Sidney Spit Cleanup (#91)

Corinne, Roger, Duncan, Dennis and I set out From Amherst to paddle over to Sidney spit to do a SISKA cleanup of Sidney Spit as part of the RD great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Conditions were excellent with a reasonable ebb in the morning which turned to a gentle flood after lunch. We paddled over to the Flower Group and then to Dock Island for some scenic variey and encountered a little bit of current in between the islands. From Dock Island we caught the current to Sidney Spit, avoiding the many racing sailboats. We landed at the north tip of the spit and then proceeded to do our cleanup. Much of the debris was miscellaneous plastic bits and pieces and pieces of styrofoam. We had a nice paddle straight over to Sidney on the return and I did some rolling in the Tahe Greenland when we were back at the beach.


ScreenShot198


10 Km, 5 NM, YTD 1041 km

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Light station destaffing

It has come to my attention that the Government wishes to destaff and automate more lightstations on the west coast. Having seen many of these stations and met the keepers, I do not support this proposal and encourage you to sign the petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/Lights1/petition.html and let your friends know about this.


 

Saturday, September 05, 2009

September 5th - Fulford harbour (#90)

Monica and i set out for a paddle from a beach near Kellie and Eric’s in Fulford Harbour. We went over to visit the Jackson Islets (which are called “eyelets” on the Oysteractcher conservation sign!) and then over to Russel Island and then back over towards Eleanor Point.


ScreenShot192 8 km, 4 NM, YTD 1041 km 

Monday, August 31, 2009

August 21 to 30 - North Island (#s 84 to 89)

A brief report of our trip… will be posting more details and picytures and video soon


We (Pete, george, dennis and I) drove up to Port Hardy on Friday August 20th. We encountered some heavy rain near Sayward but this had pretty much stopped by the time we got to Hardy. After chatting with Pat from Odyssey Kayaking (http://www.odysseykayaking.com/)( a great help in many ways) we decided to overnight in Hardy at the North Coat trail Backpackers Hostel (http://www.porthardyhostel.webs.com/) and have a good meal at Sprty’s Bar and Grill (great food!). The folks at the hostel were friendly and the rates were good and it was just around the corner from Odyssey Kayaking and our planned launch spot.


Day 1 August 22nd – Port Hardy to Cape Sutil –


Day 2 August 23rd – Cape Sutil to Guise Bay -


Day 3 – August 24th Guise Bay – stormbound


Day 4 – August 25 – Guise Bay to Hanna Point


Day 5 – Hanna Point, Sea Otter Cove to San Josef Bay


Day 6 – San Josef Bay – stormbound


Day 7 – San Josef Bay to Grant Bay


Day 8 – Grant Bay to Coal Harbour


Our trip track log: ScreenShot190


The zoomable Google Maps track can be found at: http://www.islandnet.com/~mjackson/google/northisland2009trip.html


Total trip was 201 km, 108 NM, YTD 1033 km


Average moving speed: 5.6 kph, 3 knots. Moving time: 36 hours

Sunday, August 30, 2009

SPOT Messages from trip

I have condensed the spot messages into one posting: (some how I missed the message on August 22 at Cape Sutil…)


Friday, August 21, 2009 –  Port Hardy




Latitude:50.7207 Longitude:-127.4909
Time:08/21/2009 18:56:57 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.7207,-127.4909&ll=50.7207,-127.4909&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Sunday, August 23, 2009 –  Guise Bay




Latitude:50.7714 Longitude:-128.4022
Time:08/23/2009 16:47:40 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.7714,-128.4022&ll=50.7714,-128.4022&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Monday, August 24, 2009  – Guise Bay




Latitude:50.7713  Longitude:-128.4019
Time:08/24/2009 16:58:14 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.7713,-128.4019&ll=50.7713,-128.4019&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

 


Tuesday, August 25, 2009  -Hanna Pt, San Josef Bay




Latitude:50.6708 Longitude:-128.3421
Time:08/25/2009 20:19:24 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.6708,-128.3421&ll=50.6708,-128.3421&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Wednesday, August 26, 2009 – San Josef Bay




Latitude:50.6736 Longitude:-128.2732

Time:08/26/2009 15:00:26 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.6736,-128.2732&ll=50.6736,-128.2732&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Thursday, August 27, 2009 - San Josef Bay




Latitude:50.6737 Longitude:-128.2732
Time:08/27/2009 09:37:30 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.6737,-128.2732&ll=50.6737,-128.2732&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Friday, August 28, 2009 – Grant Bay




Latitude:50.4798 Longitude:-128.0979
Time:08/28/2009 21:43:33 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.4798,-128.0979&ll=50.4798,-128.0979&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1


Saturday, August 29, 2009 – Coal Harbour




Latitude:50.5988 Longitude:-127.5812

Time:08/29/2009 17:21:25 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=50.5988,-127.5812&ll=50.5988,-127.5812&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

August 19 - rolling in caddy bay (#83)

Dan and I went for a rolling practice session in Cadboro Bay. We also were able to show my mom what I have been learning! Another beautiful day and rolls keep getting smoother.


ScreenShot188 2 km, 1NM, YTD 832 km

Monday, August 17, 2009

August 17th - 10 mile point (#82)

I had a window of opportunity and went out for a solo paddle to 10 Mile Point and back. Nice conditions. I paddled the CD Expedition to make sure all was ship shape for the North Island trip.


ScreenShot187


8 km, 4 NM, YTD: 830 km

Saturday, August 15, 2009

North Island Trip August 21-30, 2009 - pre trip info

Pete, George, Dennis and I plan to paddle from Port Hardy to Coal Harbour starting on Friday August 21st. There should be regular SPOT messages on this blog starting Friday 21st. This will be our third leg of our “around the island in bits” trip…


Northisland click the image to enlarge

Thursday, August 13, 2009

August 13 - Elk Lake (#81)

I went up to Elk lake on a rather damp evening to host SISKA’s “Ask a Pro” session, but the weather kept most takers away. So I was able to focus on practicing my rolls in the Tahe with Bill.
I discovered as a side effect of trying Bill’s boat how inmportant it is to be seated somewhat forward of the back of the cockpit when doing rolls.
1 km, YTD 828 km

a sample SPOT messsage:

OK ESN:0-7349589
SPOT Check OK. Group is well. Check out the location using the link below.
ESN:0-7349589
Latitude:48.5252
Longitude:-123.3876
Nearest Location:not known
Distance:not known
Time:08/13/2009 18:02:50 (America/Vancouver)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.5252,-123.3876&ll=48.5252,-123.3876&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

Sunday, August 09, 2009

August 9th - Kayak for a Cure Saanich Inlet (#80)

I joined 24 others on a fund raising paddle out of Brentwood Bay with Kayak for a Cure – Organized by Don Lowther and Mark Starkey. We started the day off in a bit of drizzle but condfitions were calm and things gradually improved over the course of the day – finishing off with sunshine!


ScreenShot184 and even bigger…ScreenShot185


Photos from the trip – click to see full size:


IMGP1124 IMGP1125


Opalescent squidd eggs at our lunch beach:


IMGP1127 IMGP1130


IMGP1132 moon jellies in Brentwood Bay



17 km, 9 NM, YTD 827 km

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

August 5th - Loon Bay (#79)

George and I went out into Caddy bay to try some sailing as there was a good breeze. The Junior National sailing championships were happening, so there were sailboats all over! Georeg used the windpaddle and I was using the small spirit sail. Both worked nicely and then we went into Loon bay to do some rolling. I was paddling the sirocco which I was able to do a rolling stick roll in but not a hand roll yet…


ScreenShot183 6 km, 3 NM, YTD 812 km.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

August 4th - Loon Bay (#78)

Dan and I went to Loon Bay to practice rolling – Dan made great progress with his braces and was able to do a body brace and a butterfly roll. I continued to firm up the usual rolls. At the end I rolled by my sailboat to inspect the bottom and keel!


ScreenShot181


2 km, 1NM, YTD 806 km