Hi Nick. Just read your post. My husband and I were on Flower Island a year ago in September as we thought it would be quieter then. When we landed and set up camp there were only 6 other paddlers on the island, and we felt relieved to have got the last site. When we got back from our first day of paddling there were at least 15 people and we could hardly get to our tent or find a place for our kayaks. A larger group of non-commercial paddlers had come in.
The island felt overrun and there was human waste everywhere you looked. We were only there 4 days so decided not to relocate. Next time I definitely will!! It seems there was a lack of paddling etiquette. If we plan to go to a place and it is full when we get there, then we find another place to land.
It may be time to look at the system in the Broken Group islands where you have to reserve and there is a clear indication of what is available. The Guardians in the Broken Group do a great job and were very helpful in an emergency situation we encountered. Some people may not like this idea, but it seems we can’t manage ourselves. Also, Flower is a small island and perhaps it needs a break and should be used for day use only. Just my thoughts. Thanks, Diane