Robyn's 1st Blog Entry - Pat Bay

Apparently it's my turn to blog!  And since we had such a great day today I don't mind. We decided that it wasn't going to rain so we thought we'd go for a paddle in the new Delta's.  We loaded up and drove out to Ardwell Rd. in Sidney.  It was pretty choppy so we headed over to the other side of the peninsula, Pat Bay.  The waters here were flat calm so we pulled up at the launch site, geared up and carted the kayaks down the stairs to the beach.  We headed out towards the float plane dock and watched a Salt Spring Air float plane touch down and dock.  We paddled over and took a few photos.  Mark chatted with the pilot and told him those were ‘his’ windows in the plane.  (I’m not sure if the pilot believed him).

 

 

There was a raft of logs nearby covered in seals basking in the sunshine so we took a few photos.   Although a few of them took to the water, most of them didn’t seem to care that we were nearby and posed quite nicely, even with the noisy float plane taking off close by.  A few seals swam near us and did some spy hopping.  I think they were hoping for a hand-out.

 

The Coast Guard had two ships docked nearby so got up close and checked them out.  They certainly seem a lot bigger when you’re next to them in the kayak rather than viewing them from a dock.

 

We hugged the coastline and continued past the Institute of Ocean Sciences property.  The houses in this area are pretty spectacular, especially the one that looks like a castle.  The water was crystal clear so we spent lots of time staring down at the bottom.  Personally I was looking for a crab for dinner.  I’m not sure what would have happened if I’d seen one.  I certainly wasn’t going in for it and probably Mark wouldn’t either.

 

 

 

 

We paddled around the point and in the Ardmore area we saw a nice beach, so we pulled up and had our lunch.  We did a few seat and pedal adjustments (as we’re still finding that perfect fit with our boats) and just relaxed.  We looked across at Mill Bay and decided we definitely had to get over there one day and explore.

 

 

After finishing off our thermos of hot tea we were back into the kayaks and heading to the truck.  Approaching our launch site we realized our little beach had disappeared!!!  Darn tide.  All in all a very nice day, about 3 hours of relaxation.  And best of all .  .  .  I’m looking forward to going out again tomorrow.

Robyn

Options...... When It's Windy In Victoria

I got thinking about this past Sunday and thought I really should put this in our blog because it was a great learning experience for us. Ya see, it kinda goes like this.......

After our great first day in our new Delta's last Saturday we were excited about getting out there again on Sunday but... the forecast was for winds coming out of the south west blowing 25 knots. Sure enough it was blowing pretty good when we got up so the yaks stayed nice and dry on their racks in the garage. However, I said to Robyn that we should take a drive around the waterfront to see what was happening in different areas to get a better understanding of how the winds effect our diverse ocean shores here in Victoria.

The smile of a Geocache found!

We started out near the end of Portage Inlet and made our way down the Gorge waterway stopping at different points to check what was happening with the water. Since we were out of the car we took advantage of finding a Geocache or two along the way so all wasn't lost and besides we were getting outdoors! To our surprise the Gorge was only experiencing a slight ripple as the fetch ( I learned that in the navigation course :-) )  is too small for waves to be generated by the winds. A canoe with two paddlers came by and I thought.....Yes..... we could have paddled here today!

Next stop was the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club just north of the Tillicum narrows to check out the facilities and water access  for the future. The was a slight chop on the water and we watched as a kayaker prepared her ride for a leisurely paddle north to Portage Inlet. Once again I thought...... Yes we could have paddled here today! 

Since the Tillicum Narrows is also an Earthcache we crossed over to the west side of the Gorge and made our way down to the viewpoint to gather information to log the cache. Part of the challenge is to get a picture of yourself at the narrows which was just coming up to max flood and I thought.... Yes we could could have paddled here today! (Note: our earthcache picture will be in our kayaks...... when we paddle there)




Next stop was the Inner Harbor which was getting the effects of the winds and there was a fair chop present. Maybe with more experience we could paddle here...... but not today. We continued onto Dallas Road where the winds were kicking up some pretty good waves (because the fetch is bigger LOL ) and white caps could be seen a little off shore. There would be........ no paddling here today!

We continued on our way towards Cadboro Bay checking out the Oak Bay Marina and Willows Beach where the waters were displaying a slight wind ripple....... we could have paddled here today!  We checked out Cattle Point and saw a group of small sailboats playing in the slight breeze and once again....... we could have paddled here today!  

At this point we needed a caffeine fix so we stopped at the Cadboro Bay Starbucks (got a Geocache too) and headed for Gyro Park to check out the popular kayaking location. Although there were no kayakers on the waters today the small sail boats arrived at the boat compound in the park. Once again...... there was only a slight breeze present and ......... we could have paddled here today!  LOL

Our intentions were to head to Sidney and Brentwood Bay but having figured out that south west winds were probably not going to effect those areas like the Victoria waterfront it was time to call it a day and lick our wounds. So our lesson learned?....... Unless it is blowing one of our crazy west coast storms that makes recreational paddling out of the question, all you just need to know where to go!

Get a Kayak..... Go Paddling!

I have to admit that I didn't sleep too well last night in anticipation of the busy day ahead. However, we woke up to perfect fall conditions with the warm sun shinning and calm winds. The perfect day to go pick up our new Delta 15.5 Expeditions kayaks and take them out for a test paddle!

Right on time we were at Ocean River Sports as soon as the doors opened at 09:30 met up with Jordan who has been handling the details of our purchase. A word of note, right from our first experience of walking into Ocean River and signing up for our first course the staff we have talked to at the store, emailed with, been taught from have been simply amazing. Brian, you should be really proud of the people who represent you and your company!

After finalizing our equipment choices we headed down to the storage area and unwrapped our new "toys".  It was neat to see them emerge from their padded packaging (I should have taken a photo DOH) and we completed a quick and perfect PDI before getting them loaded onto the truck. We had decided earlier that our test paddle would be at Elk / Beaver Lake Regional Park so off we went.

The perfect fit!

We have walked around the 10km shoreline trail of Elk / Beaver Lakes many times before and know of all the beach launching areas so we chose Hamsterly Beach as the portage from the truck to the shoreline is short and the beach is sandy. I have also seen kayakers launch from this area before and the parking area is good too.  We got to work adjusting our seats and rudder peddles when a lady walking the trail stopped by and said she also has a Delta kayak and loves using it on the west coast of the island. It was great to hear that comment prior to our first trip out!

Suited up and ready to go!

After some final adjustments of our PFD's, skirts, paddles our kayaks we were ready to go. We had noticed the winds had come up a bit from the west and on Elk Lake typically really strong westerlies can create good chop and whitecaps so we planned our departure direction and return if the winds increased. Our first beach entry was uneventful (we didn't go splash LOL) and we completed a few final  equipment adjustments and headed out. About 15 minutes after launching the winds dropped off to a slight breeze.....perfect!!!

Robyn "I love my kayak"

The first thing that both of us realized was that WOW! we sure made the right decision in our selection. When we first used Delta's several weeks back we really like the cockpit comfort factor and with the boats being new the feel is so "crisp". After a few minutes I started working on some edge turns doing circles around Robyn as she paddled and it felt like I could just keep leaning the kayak further and further without it wanting to finally roll. At one point in my circle I stopped paddling and took a picture of Robyn who had the smile of happiness on her face as she paddled.

Continuing on our clockwise direction we passed the Elk Lake Rowing Center which was bustling with activity on the docks. Boats were being ready to head out onto the lake and it sure is a different perspective seeing the impressive facility from the water. As we passed the docks we came across lily pads and reeds in the shallows that were home to various birds. I was surprised by the number of Blue Herons that we spotted and also surprised when I paddled up on top of a submerged stump that stopped me dead in the water. "Full reverse captain" and I backed off the stump. LOL


We continued south towards Beaver Lake by-passing the customs agents (LOL) but paddled past one of the small islands separating the two main lake bodies. Here we found Cormorants warming themselves in the sun as well as a Western Painted Turtle resting on a log. I was surprised how large the turtle was and figured it was at least 6 to 8 inches long! Pretty cool!

 










 

 It's funny how you don't see all of the islands in the middle of the lakes when you walk the trails but they are there and I can only imagine what it would be like to explore them closer. Rumor has it that there is a Geocache on at least one of them so we might have to see if there is a good landing location to visit the site. There are lots of stumps (hidden) and above the waterline especially in Beaver Lake which probably is a result of the system being dammed many years ago to supply Victoria with water. Many are marked with orange buoys so that boaters don't happen to hit some of the larger ones.

Gecko Paddler and his new kayak

Remember what I said about the westerly winds??? Well after making it around 3/4's of the lake system the winds started to come up from the south east and we got to experience a pretty good chop and stiff breeze (5-10 knots?) into our face. This was our first real wind challenge since taking on kayaking but the Delta's were very stable and we had no difficulty making our way back to Hamsterly Beach. 

Robyn leads the way back to Hamsterly cutting through the slight chop and breeze.

After 2 1/2 hours we landed back at our starting point with smiles on our faces from ear to ear. It was a great
maiden voyage of our new Delta 15.5 Expedition's and everything worked flawlessly.

The "twins" ready to be striped down and loaded back onto the truck after a great first paddle.

Yes, we are going to have so much fun exploring and challenging ourselves with this new pastime.  Want to go paddling with us??? Send us an email or post a comment.....see you on the water soon!

Mark & Robyn

Almost Like Christmas Eve

It was the night before kayaks, when all through the house
Not much was stirring, just my cat Tom with his toy mouse.
The Farmer Johns were hung drying with care,
In hopes that our Delta's soon would be there.

Robyn was nestled all snug ready for bed,
While visions of calm seas danced in her head.
And papa in his ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long fall nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen leaves;
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects under the trees.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a big delivery truck, and a robust fellow with big ears.

That little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it mustn't be a trick.
More rapid than white horses his calls they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Kokatat! now, Scotty! now, Yakima and Aqua-Bound!
On, PFD's! On, Paddles! On, Whistles and maps for all around!
To the front of the drive! To the front of the door!
Now go and play in the water! Go play in waves some more!"

And then, in a twinkling, I heard in the shop.
The movement and shuffling of each of our mops.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
In comes the driver, he came with a bound.

He was dressed in rain slickers, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with truck oil and smoke soot.
A bundle of safety gear he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like apples, his nose like a cherry!
His little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And his grey beard looked like it took long to grow.

The stump of a stogie he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a big round belly,
That wiggled when he moved, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, kinda like an old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And unloaded our Delta's, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his head,
And giving a nod, the shipping list he read!

He sprang to his truck seat, to his horn gave a toot,
And away he went as he gave her the boot.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Have fun with your Delta's, the decision was right!"


Yeah...... We're excited ;-)

Kayak's...check, PFD's...check, Paddles...check!

Great news arrived yesterday when Jordan at Ocean River called Robyn to let her know that our new Delta 15.5 Expeditions have arrived! Yipeee!!!  But since we are so busy with work (thank goodness) this week that we have arranged to pick them up this Saturday at 09:30.  I still can't believe we are doing this!!!

The past 7 weeks have given us a lot of time to research, try on and play with the things that will make our paddling adventures safe and fun. We have acquired our Scotty Paddle Sports Accessory Kit that includes a 21" Hand Pump, Throw Bag and Life Saver Whistle. Our other Scotty items include Sea Lights, Paddle Leash, Paddle Clip, extra whistles and various Snap Hooks. We have used Scotty products while fishing for many years and it is great to be adding their products to our Kayak equipment inventory.

Next up on our list was to check out a number of PFD's and we were very pleased to select the Kokatat OutFIT Tour and MsFit Tour models. We like the fact that they have lots of gadget pockets, are fully adjustable to fit our middle age bodies :-), offer a great range of motion and they look great and feel great as well. We also choose the Kokatat Gore-Tex Deluxe Sea Skirt for a few reasons. As new paddlers rolling our kayaks is pretty much out of the question at this time so if we capsize it will be a wet exit anyway. The Kokatat skirt is light weight, has an antipooling bar, adjustable Smoothskin neoprene waist closure, pile lined hand warmer, zippered mesh deck pocket and other features.

Although not 100% positive yet, we are looking at a Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Hybrid paddle for Robyn and I am leaning towards the Eagle Ray Carbon version. We are both low to mid angle paddlers and I feel that I need a fairly stiff blade. Although a really nice fiberglass or carbon fiber blade would be sweet we need paddles that can get beat up a bit and the higher end price range at this point doesn't make sense.

This past weekend we test fit the Kokatat skirt as well as Delta's cockpit cover and they fit perfect! It's going to be a busy, fun morning this coming Saturday and hopefully the weather Gods will allow us a test run possibly on Elk Lake in the afternoon.

Hook, Line and Kayaks!

Well its' been only just over a month since we first tried (the Hook) and immediately became (the Line) obsessed?, passionate?,  can't stop thinking about it day or night? or is it just being amazed of what have experienced and what the future possibilities could be?

During this time we taken a couple of courses through Ocean River Sports, been out on the water 5 weekends out of 7 and have paddled in polyethylene, thermoformed ABS and composite fiberglass kayaks ranging from 14 feet all the way up to 18 feet. Some have been recreational and some have been touring sea kayaks but all have had the same effect on us to the point that we simply had to get our own sooner than later (and Kayaks).

 

As we experienced, there are a lot of good, well made kayaks and each have their pros and cons. We factored a number of items in our decision making process but it came down to the feel of the kayak on the water and the cockpit comfort. Of course they also had to look good to us as well and the Delta 15.5 just fit the bill (and the wallet) perfectly.

The folks at Ocean River Sports have been great in assisting us through the purchase process and today we finalized our order. The great news is that Delta have the kayaks in stock which means that we should have them by the middle of next week. In the meantime we are completing the purchase of our personal safety equipment and will figure out what paddles we want.  Excited??? Nah............  LOL

"I'm the Navigator....I Have The Right To Know Where I'm Going"

I love that line from an episode of From The Earth to The Moon, when Apollo 7 Commander Wally Schirra quotes Command Module Pilot Donn Eisele being the person responsible of navigating the spacecraft..... so do we when we are paddling our kayaks!

So last night Robyn and I took the Introductory Navigation and Marine Weather course presented by Ocean River Sports. It was a small class of just us three students, myself, Robyn and Trish who has been kayaking for about five years but her husband does all the navigation so she decided that she wanted to learn how to do it herself. Our instructor for the session was Gary Allen who was also one of our instructors at the Introduction to Kayaking Skills course a few weeks back. It great to see him again.

Having my pleasure craft operators license I felt that understanding basic navigation skills, weather, tides and currents in relation to being in a kayak was so important in comparison to a powered pleasure craft. I have to admit that I take the conditions that I will be in while kayaking way more seriously and I want to know when, who, why and how come before heading out. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that you are on your own in terms of staying out of the water and don't have all the fancy safety amenities that are found on many power boats. Nothing like having a little bit of nerves, anxiety or what ever you want to call it to nudge you to plan properly for the conditions you might be going out in.

Although you can't learn all the navigation and marine weather skills in one evening we found the course to be very informative. We both took away from the course a number of useful topics such as reading tide and current tables and how they relate to each other especially in a kayak. It was Robyn's first experience of really looking at a marine chart and she liked how to determine the time it would take to transit to a particular position using known distance and paddling speed.

Anyway.... the course was a good start in how to properly plan a safe paddle and the things to watch out for. The waters around Victoria are amazing but so are some of the other factors like wind, tides, currents etc. that can really mess up your day. Time now to do a little bit more research to expand our navigation skills and get out there practicing but we need kayaks first!   BIG SMILE......... guess what's arriving next week :-)

Next Up: We Are Expecting