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 @ 5:12 pm = 14.8 ft (floods north)
1. “Relaxed”
Destination: Paddle on 3 Rivers – Courtenay, Puntledge and Tsolum Rivers
Launch: 3:30 pm from Courtenay Marine Park boat ramp (launch for free)
Parking: Lots of free parking located near to the boat ramp https://goo.gl/maps/tBbFnfpZa6AzkRQS9
Description: Paddle up the short Courtenay River. This soon becomes the Puntledge River which can be paddled until the current becomes too strong to go any farther – must be comfortable turning around in a current. Return to where the Tsolum branches off and paddle that river until you “run out of water”. There is a great swimming area where the Tsolum and Puntledge Rivers join. This route can be paddled even in windy conditions.
NOTE: Public washrooms located near Courtenay marina at D’s Cafe.
Distance: Approximately 5 nm (return)
Return: 5:30 pm (estimate)
Coordinators: Frank and Anne McCullough
NOTE: After the paddle, consider enjoying supper at Roy’s Towne Pub for ‘Raft-Up 2023 Wrap-Up‘ and relaxing here in the Comox Valley for one last night.
2. “Energized”
Destination: Circumnavigate Tree Island from the Historic Union Bay
Launch: 2 pm from Union Bay Boat Ramp https://goo.gl/maps/EqZopHz8gKfiGAir7
(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. Port-a-potties are located here.
Description: Tonight’s high tide will allow us to the circumnavigation Tree Island. We will paddle to the NE along Baynes Sound (~ 2.5 nm) and land on the spectacular white sand beach. Then spend about 1 hour exploring the island (possibly swimming in the warm water) and launch again at 4:30 to paddle clockwise around Tree Island passing near Seal Islets (watching out for rocks). At high tide we will be able to paddle over the sand bar that joins Tree Island to Denman Island. The paddle home will be following the shoreline of Denman then crossing Baynes Sound to return to Union Bay.
NOTE: Outhouses are available at the launch site and on Tree Island (bring TP).
Distance: Approximately 8-9 nm (return)
Return: 6:30 pm (estimate)
Coordinators: Anne Taschereau Mamers & Lem Mamers
Historical Footnotes: Before we launch, arrangements have been made from 1:00 to 1:45 to tour UB’s 1901 Gaolhouse, UB’s post office (built in 1913), & the church (1906) from 1:00 to 1:45pm. [Entrance is free but donations are gratefully accepted]. In 1889 the largest wharves constructed in BC were opened at Union Bay (490 m long) to transport coal. In 1896 a coal washer was erected and 100 beehive coke ovens were completed. The washer produced high quality coke. The notorious pirate known as the “Flying Dutchman” murdered Constable Westaway in a 1913 gunfight in UB.
NOTE: After the paddle, please consider having supper at Roy’s Towne Pub in Royston for ‘Raft-Up 2023 Wrap-Up‘ and relaxing here in the Comox Valley for one last night.