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.
10 km, 5 NM, YTD1381 km – 4 year total : 4804 km – almost enough to get me to Gander Newfoundland as the crow flies!
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 
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.
Maybe one more paddling day left this year… my 4 year total is now up to 4794 km!
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 
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:
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 km
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 
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#
Yours truly with a silly hat!
a full beach
Coal Island
9 km, 5 NM, YTD 1312 km
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.
wide view 
closer view
16 km, 9 NM, YTD 1303 km
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:
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.
16 km,8.5 NM, YTD 1287 km.
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!
Paulo in the F1 eith Baker in the background
15 km, 8 NM, YTD 1271 km.
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.
13 km, 7 NM, YTD: 1256 km
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!
Interesting mix of satellite and air photo resolution in this track image!
5 km, 3 NM, YTD 1243
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!
13 km, 7 NM, YTD: 1238 km
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!
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:
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.
13 km, 7 NM, YTD 1207 km
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.
rain and hail by Gonzales point.
boat on caddy bay beach!
22 km, 12 NM, YTD 1194 km
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!
6 km, 3.5 NM, YTD: 1172 km
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.
26 km, 14.5 NM, YTD 1166 km
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!
16 km, 8 NM, YTD 1139 km.
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!)
4 km, 2NM, YTD 1123 km
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!
15 km, 8 NM, YTD 1119 km.
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!
49 km, 26 NM, YTD 1104 km
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 
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.
10 Km, 5 NM, YTD 1041 km
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.
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.
8 km, 4 NM, YTD 1041 km
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: 
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
I have condensed the spot messages into one posting: (some how I missed the message on August 22 at Cape Sutil…)
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.
2 km, 1NM, YTD 832 km
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.
8 km, 4 NM, YTD: 830 km
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…
click the image to enlarge
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!
and even bigger…
Photos from the trip – click to see full size:
Opalescent squidd eggs at our lunch beach:
moon jellies in Brentwood Bay
17 km, 9 NM, YTD 827 km
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…
6 km, 3 NM, YTD 812 km.
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!
2 km, 1NM, YTD 806 km
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