Today’s trips are part of “Raft Up”, a cross-club paddling event with SISKA (South Island Sea Kayaking Association). Two trips are being offered with the “Energized” option being the same as our club’s Trip Rating #2 – Day Paddle (intermediate). Our members are welcome and encouraged to participate and paddle with the 14 SISKA members who are coming our way. Helen Koziol is the coordinator for this event (hkoziol@shaw.ca).
High Tide @ 2:40 pm = 12.4 ft (floods north)
1. “Relaxed”
Destination: Point Holmes – Cape Lazo – Kye Bay – Airforce Beach
Launch: 1:30 pm from Point Holmes Boat Ramp https://goo.gl/maps/pVd4xADhRnd3FQDAA
(ask the coordinator for a CVPC decal to put on your dash then launch for free)
Parking: Lots of free parking located near to the boat ramp
Description: Shoreline paddle around Cape Lazo heading north to the gorgeous sandy beaches at Kye Bay and Airforce Beach. Experience the stunning views across the ocean to Texada Island, Powell River and the mainland mountains. Stop and spend time to soak up the experience of either Kye Bay or Airforce beach before returning to the launch site. Watch out for submerged rocks. If windy conditions exist, an alternative destination will be chosen.
Distance: Approximately 6 nm (return)
Return: 4:30 pm (estimate)
Coordinators: Norene Wells & Sue Wenman
2. “Energized”
Destination: Comox Harbour (from Royston) “With a Bit of History”
Launch: 1:30 pm from Royston (Royston Rd & Marine Drive) https://goo.gl/maps/5FRGa837oL7Rjtby8
(drive your vehicle onto the hard shoreline to launch for free close to the water)
Parking: Lots of free parking nearby
Description: This paddle will likely be done in a clockwise direction. Learn about and paddle around what’s left of the “Royston Wrecks”. If you have a deck compass, bring it and we will point out local landmarks like Mt. Arrowsmith, Forbidden Plateau (1928 Ski Area), Mt. Washington as well as Tree Island. The beautiful sandy beach on Goose Spit will make a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs before paddling across ~ 1 nm of open water to return to Royston. Expect boat traffic especially from the mouth of the Comox Marina.
Historical Footnote: On June 23, 1946, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake occurred beneath Forbidden Plateau. This revealed thousands of wooden stakes in the Comox estuary. These formed FN fish traps near their village of Kus-kus-sum. Carbon dating indicates some stakes are 1300 years old. Goose Spit is where FN gravesites (coffins) were located in the trees. During WW1, Goose Spit was used for training and artillery practice.
Distance: Approximately 6 nm (return)
Return: 5 pm (estimate)
Coordinators: Cathy Hale & Barbara Robson
NOTES: Reminder – Tonight is the Potluck at Lions Den!
Consider checking out the historic Filberg Lodge located in Comox and its gardens – they are free and worth visiting. The lodge is open to the public Friday to Sunday during the day with tours available on Thursday afternoon.