When: August 4, 2018 until August 5, 2018 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Either of two BC Marine Trails campsites at the north end of Thornbrough Channel, known as Thornborough and Bain, are the destination for a hopefully calm and clear Saturday night. Either 5 or 7 nautical miles from the launch at Porteau Cove, the journey across Howe Sound should be under 3 hours.
With at the latest a 10:00 AM launch time, we should avoid the strongest of the common Howe Sound crosswinds and arrive at our campsite by lunchtime and with plenty of time to select a tent-site.
Camping at a BC Marine Trails site is primitive, having no toilet or other facilities, but a safe and comfortable landing and flat camping spots have been constructed by volunteers from the Sea Kayak Association of BC and the BC Marine Trails Network Association. Bring a good sleeping pad, tent, tarp, hammock, and/or what-have-you, and expect to rough it.
Be prepared for a true back country camping experience, and all the camping gear for that is required. Each participant must bring their own fresh water, which should be approximately 5 liters at the minimum. Should we overnight at Bain Creek then we will likely have stream water available as well. Depending on the group’s interests, we may organize a potluck-style dinner and breakfast. Lunches both days and snacks are for each to provide for themselves.
We will organize a short group paddle Saturday in the later afternoon or evening and Sunday morning on the way home from the campsite, possibly circumnavigating Anvil Island.
A sea kayak or decked canoe is required due to the possibly rough crossing of Howe Sound, as are advanced beginner to intermediate kayaking skills. Experience paddling in rough conditions, bracing against cross-chop, performing wet exits and managing group rescues are must-haves. There is a very real possibility of rough water with strong southerly winds, so spray skirts or autobailers (in surfski kayaks) will be necessary. It is not a distant paddle, BUT Howe Sound is famous for its adiabatic winds and truly rough conditions. Boat rentals are not available at the launch point.
Depending on the weather, we expect to be back on Sunday in the mid-afternoon to ensure an easy drive home for dinner, and maybe we’ll organize a stop at a restaurant on the way back to the Lower Mainland.
Contact the trip leader Randy Chatterjee to register: rchat@me.com
TRIP CLASSIFICATION: https://www.skabc.org/skabc-trip-classification
GEAR CHECKLIST: https://www.skabc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Checklist-Gear.pdf