“Find the Buried Treasure”

Destination: Treasure Hunt in the Comox Harbour

Date: Sunday, May 8, 2022

Time: Paddles in the water at 10AM.

Description: The intention of this paddle is to introduce paddlers to using compass bearings, learn about the area and find a buried treasure!  But most of all the paddle is meant to be a fun time out on the water.

All paddlers will launch at the Comox Marina boat ramp. You will receive a set of paddling instructions before you launch. Along your route you will hunt for clues as to where a buried treasure chest is located (within the Comox Harbour).

Ideally you should bring a compass and a protective plastic chart cover. You can also download a compass app on your phone.  Also, remember to put an HB pencil in the pocket of your PFD (needed to write the answers on your boat to various questions along the way – marks are easily erased).

Please pre-register for this trip with Helen at hkoziol@shaw.ca. If the paddle needs to be cancelled, I will send and e-mail notifying participants it has been cancelled (early on Sunday morning).

Length of Trip: 2 – 3 hours. Approximate time in the boat is 1.5 hours but there will be time spent on land finding the treasure map and a buried treasure chest. A lunch break is also planned (consuming your own food and drink).

LAUNCH SITE: Comox Marina Boat Ramp
(distance paddled approximately 5 NM at a leisurely pace of about 2.5-3 knots)

Trip Ratings: “2a. Day Paddle – Intermediate” There will be open water crossings so you need to know how to self-rescue or have someone paddling near you to help you with an assisted rescue – should you happen to capsize.

Preparation:  Pack water, a lunch, compass, chart protector, HB pencil, VHF radio (if you have one). Be prepared for the conditions of that day.

Coordinators Names and Contact Information:

Helen Koziol
Wilf Craats

Other Conditions:
If the weather does not cooperate, this event will be rescheduled for Sunday, May 15.

NOTES:

  1. An ancient chart must be located which shows where a treasure chest has been buried. Compass bearings, clues and a “treasure map” will help you find this chest.
  2. This is NOT a race! You are hunting for a buried treasure that will be shared.
  3. Ideally everyone would have their own compass, waterproof chart protector and something to write with (put an HB pencil in your PFD pocket and write the answers to the clues onto your deck).
  4. The treasure map and clues will be located along the route. Answers to the clues will be used to fill in the required details on your treasure map BUT you must follow the route, find the clues, land on the beach where the treasure is buried THEN use your clues to decipher the map and find the treasure.
  5. Pack food and water – you will “recharge” on land before paddling home.
  6. Bring beach shoes to find the map, clues and the buried treasure chest.
  7. The last leg of your journey will take you back to your launch site.
  8. Pirate costumes are encouraged!

Additional Notes (“tongue in cheek”):

  • live parrots must NOT be harmed
  • only wear your hook if it can properly grasp your paddle
  • practice your rescues beforehand with your peg leg attached
  • only plastic swords will be allowed