January 26th - Race Rocks (#8)

Dan, Dennis, George and I gathered at 0730 at Killarney Kayak Base to load up the truck with our 4 kayaks and head out to Pedder Bay. We were on the water just before 9 and out at Race Rocks by 10. It was pretty foggy when we started, but it was lifting as we paddled out. By the time we left Rocky Point we could easily see the lighthouse. There were lots of Steller sea lions and a few California sea lions on the southernmost of the Race Rocks group, and we gave them a nice wide berth as we did not want to disturb them. We then saw the northern elephant seals on the islet between Great Race and West Race rocks. I am not sure if we saw the family with the new pup, but there was a huge male at the water's edge and then a largish female or younger male as well as a good sized pup - perhaps last year's?
We managed to time the paddle for slack tide (thanks Dennis!) and made our way back over to Bentinck Island and back to Pedder Bay where we stopped in for delicious Thai chicken soup or chili - both excellent!
Today was also the day I tried out my new 200 weight fleece hoodie made by Paulo of Comfort Paddling. It was so comfortable and warm - just right for today's cool January weather!
A great winter's day paddle!

click to elarge

15 km, YTD 82 km

June 1st - Pacific Paddling Symposium (#35)

I went to Lester Pearson College for the weekend to participate in the First annual Pacific Paddling Symposium. This was a great event bringing paddlers from far and wide as well as local. I taught a Greenland paddling and strokes class on Saturday morning and then taught rolling classes for the next three sessions. The campus was magnificent, and it was great to meet so many like minds. On Saturday night we were treated to a preview of James' Grand Canyon video and Ginni Callahan gave a wonderful talk about her voyage across the pacific.

the only paddling I got to do!

2 km, YTD 369 km

September 25 - Race Rocks (#93)

Dan and I co led a SISKA "adventurous" paddle out to race Rocks. As things turned out the conditions were excellent: sunshine, little wind, low currents and an experienced group of 14. The sea lions at the Race were spectacularly noisy! We had coffee at the new Pedder Bay coffee house afterwards. Nice set up and definitely convenient!

17 km, 9 NM, YTD 909 km