Submitted by Maureen B. with Quirine S, Kelly R, Jenny Z and Leah B
5 of us met at Porteau Cove shortly before 8.00. We self-signed in at the camp site office to get a ticket for overnight parking and cars were parked and we were on the water at 9.00. A good start for a very good weekend. Winds were forecast at 10 to 15kn inflow both days picking up at around noon as to be expected in Summer. I checked Pam Rocks, and on Saturday we had 10kn, and on Sunday maybe 3kn.
We paddled straight across to the southern tip of Anvil then proceeded to putz our way up next to the rock cliffs. We knew from previous paddles in Indian Arm to expect lots of baby seals, so Kelly paddled wide to warn us if we were approaching hauled out seals. Once we got halfway up the island, we were all paddling wide because there were just so many babies. At one time I stopped to fiddle with my GPS and as I was carried along by the current, first 3, then 5 little baby heads were curiously accompanying me. After a short while 3 adults approached. When they saw me they dived with commotion, and all the little heads disappeared. I think they were being given the mom lecture to stay away from strangers.
At what we judged to be the appropriate point we ferried across to North Ramillies to check it out. We decided that with the high tides of the full moon on the 9th there would be no opportunity for camping. After a quick break we rounded the headland and landed on Ramillies official camp site. What a beautiful site with tents set up in the forest looking out at the beach. There were 2 spots left empty. Then along came a lone paddler who asked if there was room for one more. He chatted for a bit, then bivied on the beach and was up for a morning swim when we got up at 6.00. With very little to pack, he left as we had breakfast, back to where he had launched from, somewhere close to lighthouse park.
We were on the water at 9.00, paddling out to Pam Rocks. Knowing that there are usually lots of seals on the rocks, we kept wide, but still half of the seals got spooked and jumped into the water. We all felt bad…
Turning back towards Porteau Cove is my favourite part of this paddle, watching the mountains come into view and just enjoying the scenery.
We got back to Porteau Cove at around noon. We had seen very few boats on the water and I was not prepared for the mayhem at the boat launch. Next trip will include a second night so we can explore more of the sites and return on Monday. Hopefully it will be less busy.
Thanks to everyone for a great weekend!
