It was a perfect way to send out 2014, paddling with friends in perfect conditions to play in Gabriola Passage. No wind, lots of sun and even with the temperature hovering around 0C it didn't matter. December on the west coast can be amazing and it today was one of those days.
We met up with Reale, Joanne, Dave, Walter, Gordon, Susie and Gerhardt at the Cedar BC boat launch for a 10:30am departure with the plan to head to Gabriola Passage to play on a small standing wave as the ebb developed. Although I have paddled through the pass this was Robyn's first visit and the first for both of us while the current was running. Usually my pre-trip planning is pretty spot on but today I forgot my camera and my radio so Robyn stepped in to take the photos. Luckily I did have my GoPro mounted on my kayak though.
With a high tide we headed for the tombolo that connects Mudge and Link Islands with the hope that there would be enough water for us to paddle across it instead of portaging. We have done that before and it isn't fun especially if your kayak is loaded. As luck would have it there was water covering the tombolo and we just about made it across but had to get out of our kayaks to push them a few feet across the top. Another couple inches of water and it would have been perfect.
We arrived at Gabriola Passage just as the ebb was beginning and so we landed on a exposed rocky outcropping at Cordero Point on Valdes Island to warm up and have a bite to eat before heading to the main feature where the wave would form.
We met up with Reale, Joanne, Dave, Walter, Gordon, Susie and Gerhardt at the Cedar BC boat launch for a 10:30am departure with the plan to head to Gabriola Passage to play on a small standing wave as the ebb developed. Although I have paddled through the pass this was Robyn's first visit and the first for both of us while the current was running. Usually my pre-trip planning is pretty spot on but today I forgot my camera and my radio so Robyn stepped in to take the photos. Luckily I did have my GoPro mounted on my kayak though.
 |
| Leaving Cedar BC we head towards the gap between Mudge and Link Islands 1.5 nm away than can be seen on the left. |
With a high tide we headed for the tombolo that connects Mudge and Link Islands with the hope that there would be enough water for us to paddle across it instead of portaging. We have done that before and it isn't fun especially if your kayak is loaded. As luck would have it there was water covering the tombolo and we just about made it across but had to get out of our kayaks to push them a few feet across the top. Another couple inches of water and it would have been perfect.
We arrived at Gabriola Passage just as the ebb was beginning and so we landed on a exposed rocky outcropping at Cordero Point on Valdes Island to warm up and have a bite to eat before heading to the main feature where the wave would form.
 |
| Not much space to land but enough to warm up and refuel our bodies before play time. |
It was just a short paddle around the corner from our lunch stop where the wave would form but with the sun being so low on the horizon it meant that it was pretty chilly in the shade of the trees. Pogies were a definite must even though I prefer not to wear mine when in dynamic water. I'm glad I did today though.
Today the maximum ebb was forecasted to be around 5 knots and Robyn climbed on the rocks to take some pictures right at the wave. Having never been here before I surveyed what the feature was doing not just at the wave but also downstream. Because the passage is so narrow at this point it almost has the illusion of being a swift flowing river. Only looking past the feature towards the Flat Top Islands confirms that the flow is coming from the Salish Sea.
 |
| The view from the back eddy towards the Flat Top Islands as the wave starts to form. |
Today the maximum ebb was forecasted to be around 5 knots and Robyn climbed on the rocks to take some pictures right at the wave. Having never been here before I surveyed what the feature was doing not just at the wave but also downstream. Because the passage is so narrow at this point it almost has the illusion of being a swift flowing river. Only looking past the feature towards the Flat Top Islands confirms that the flow is coming from the Salish Sea.
 |
| There's lots of space to wait in the back eddy before getting onto the wave |
 |
| Gerhardt Raven using a greenland paddle |
 |
| Joanne and Walter share a ride |
Thankfully I had my GoPro and managed to capture a few of my rides. I like this one because I really focused on relaxing and tried to be as smooth as I could be while edging the kayak from side to side.
Click on the YouTube link in the video frame to access the HD version
 |
| Paddling out the 2014 with a bunch of friends. The perfect way to end the year. |
2014 was an exciting year for Robyn and I even though we didn't paddle as much as the past couple of years. We did however manage to go on our first extended trip to the Bunsby's, complete our Paddle Canada Level 2 & 3 certifications and once again met new friends and paddled with many that have been along on our kayaking journey since the beginning. Thanks to all of you for stopping by and reading about our adventures. Happy New Year!!!
2014 Paddle # 55 - Gabriola Passage
Distance: 8.84 nm (16.37 km)
YTD: 297.23 nm (550.46 km)
Figured you might enjoy this paddling/cycling blog from Northern Europe: http://www.yetirides.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Vik for the link!
ReplyDelete