Feb 23 and 24 - Surge Narrows (#9 &10)

I went up island with Olivier to stay with Alan and Chris for the weekend and to paddle Surge Narrows. We had a good trip up Island (I managed to sneak a quick peek at the Boat and Outdoor show on the way!) and had a nice sunny day on the wave on Saturday. Sunday was a bit windier and cooler but the rain did not start until we were on our way back. Unfortunately for us, the wind was much stronger in Discovery passage and the ferry back to Campbell River was cancelled 4 sailings in a row, resulting in us not getting across until 8:30 PM. We decided that it made sense to stay another night at Alan's and leave early on Monday! Sunday's wave was "interesting" in that it was very hard to stay on until our last hour when it became good fun!
A couple of photos of yours truly on the wave: https://plus.google.com/photos/107085608707498595852/albums/5849146691822213745

the whole track - click to enlarge

Just the narrows... click to enlarge

13 km, YTD 106 km

Febrtuary 17th - Discovery (#8)

Dan, Dennis and I went for a morning paddle out and around the islands. The weather was sunny and calm with a moderate ebb running at times. A great day on the water. I decided to paddle the Tahe LC for a change since all I done with it since getting the T is roll! No sign of the wolf, though we saw eagles, herons, seals and sea lions and many more!

click to enlarge

16 km, YTD 93 km

February 8 & 10 - Courtenay (# 6 & 7)

Monica and I went up to Courtenay for the weekend and stayed at a nice little place by the River (Courtenay River Cottage) . The cottage was right on the river so after an afternoon of Cross Country Skiing up at Mt Washington, I went for a short paddle down to the estuary. The cottage is on the tidal part of the river, so it was a tad muddy upon my return! Bill and Sharon joined us the following day, and on Sunday morning Bill and I went for a paddle down to the estuary again and checked out the marinas in the slough and by Comox Valley Kayaks. We were surprised to run into a beaver!

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It is definitely harder work paddling upstream!

13 km, YTD 77 km

February 3rd - Discovery (#5)

It was good to get out on the water again as my paddling plans for the previous weekend were nixed by a nasty cold. I had originally planned to go up to Surge for the weekend, but decided that it was not wise. Once staying home, I thought I might have made it out on the Sunday, but still was not well enough... The cold still lingers on, but I am much better and went out for a nice paddle around our favourite islands with Dan and George. The Sailboats were starting their races as we headed out and were finishing just as we returned! There are "park closed" signs all over the marine park on Discovery. In spite of a predicted strong ebb around noon, the currents did not cause us much trouble as we were able to keep up a good pace throughout.

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15 km, YTD 65 km