[Nick Heath]

This is lovely. Than you Ken!

I’ve been plumbing my brain to identify the wonderful birdsong that forms the sound track. I’m assuming it is a well-known local songbird (actually sounds like a pair of the same species, possibly somewhat attracted to each other) taken from a fine recording or possibly very meticulously recorded at this site, but, so far, all I think is that it is not Pacific Wren nor Varied Thrush.

Go on, somebody, please tell me who is singing so beautifully here!

btw we can almost guarantee lively birdsong at each of the 6 Howe Sd Rec Sites under our stewardship, but the screeching of the Black Oystercatchers at Islet View might  be less melodious!

[Former Member]

Ken Bigelow, a volunteer with BC Marine Trails, has produced a Virtual Reality Tour of Ramillies Channel. If you’ve never visited this site on Gambier Island, the tour lets you see what’s there before you go. Ken has plans to add tours of the other Howe Sound sites over time.

This was highlighted in the current BC Marine Trail’s newsletter. To get the newsletter in your email, click link and then the subscribe button on that page.

[Theresa Davies]

I’ve kayak camped on Bligh Island. Call or email me.
Theresa

[Doug Horswill]

Does anyone have insights into camping and kayaking in the Bligh Island marine park area. My son and I are thinking of doing a few days there this September.

[Chris Fleming]

I launched at Grant Narrows on May 4/21.  The boat launch was being used, the place seemed clean and tidy.  There were lots of cyclists, bird watchers, and canoe paddlers.  Some boats were at the docks and several boat trailers were in the parking lot. The  only complaint I heard was from a lady expecting washrooms.  Parking was free and the gates were apparently locked at night. (I chatted with some campers at Widgeon Creek who had called someone to confirm their car would be locked in)

[Maureen Benzon]

Does anyone live in Campbell River or travel regularly from there to Victoria. At the moment I am still disallowed because of non-essential travel restrictions.

Thanks, Maureen 778-712-1035

[Nick Heath]

Thks Cam,

I’ve put a note about this problem on the BCMT web map. I agree with John – this has been allowed to go on since last year (or longer) when the whole launch was locked and barred for a time. The rumour I had heard was that the Katzie FN company that  previously was the operator had difficulty getting insurance (maybe because they could not or would not maintain the docks properly) so they either lost the contract as site operator or else they decided it was just not worthwhile. Anyway, this matter is obviously getting zero priority from our well-paid reps at MFLNRORD – appalling!

If someone has more accurate info, posting it here might be useful so some of us can try to achieve resolution.

[John Drent]

Thanks Cameron for bringing that up. The level of government apathy on this is appalling.

How much effort is required to hire the porta potty contractors to put this site back on the list for their weekly rounds. They don’t need a ” site operator” to place this order for them. The contractor has left a portable there, but installed a lock, presumably because the last site operator didn’t bother to pay his bill. Seems like the boys at   FLNRORD are asleep at the switch.  I’m going to call that number.

John

[Former Member]

Recently visiting grant narrows and questioning the awful conditions  I sent Pitt meadows a email asking why…

here is the response :

Good morning,

Grant Narrows is recognized as an important recreational destination and launch point for the public. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) does not currently have Lands Act tenure in place for the ongoing management & maintenance of the parking lot, boat launch and associated infrastructure. This means that services such as parking lot security, boat launch, washroom facilities, canoe rental and some general maintenance are not currently provided. It is recognized that this situation is not preferred and FLNRORD is working hard with other government partners to get an operator in place as soon as possible. In the meantime, FLNRORD has chosen to keep the site open in order to not restrict COVID-friendly recreational activities at the site. This means the gate will continue to be opened and closed daily to allow access (dusk till dawn) and some basic garbage removal maintained. However, those attending the site should not expect any washroom facilities or security for the time being. We also encourage the public to respect signage on-site to avoid accessing any unsafe infrastructure (docks etc.) and to ensure COVID restrictions are complied with. If members of the public have any further concerns or questions they may contact FLNRORD directly by phone (877) 855-3222 or email Frontcounterbc.surrey@gov.bc.ca and their query will be directed appropriately.

Sincerely,

City of Pitt Meadows –

[Reed Clarke]

Also, don’t forget to tell the Parks people at Porteau that you will be leaving your vehicle there overnight. It’s okay to park there, just make sure they know.

[Former Member]

I have paddled from porteau and hiked to the peak of anvil in one long day. Wow just amazing views from the top of anvil.
Found my old clubtread post i took the unorthodox route to avoid the bible camp

questions ask away

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/forums.clubtread.com/27-british-columbia/42504-anvil-island-leading-peak-east-cheapskate-approach.html%3famp=1

[Nick Heath]

If you go to Ramillies Channel on Gambier there is a bear-proof food locker. Halkett Bay also has them, but Sir Thomas Lipton does not. I have not experienced bears at any of these locations and some Gambier folk say there are none on the island, but I don’t think that is likely or dependable. Take normal precautions and I doubt there will be a problem.

Winds can be a problem but early morning does not necessarily avoid higher winds. The is a diurnal flow which often starts with a strong morning N outflow – the katabatic “Squamish wind”.  Then, some time around 10 am to 12 noon this often reverses to give an adabatic S inflow as the heating of the interior land mass (think of Lillooet) makes its air hot, so up it rises, sucking in a sea breeze so that, far  away in Squamish, the kite-boarders can get their maximum adrenalin rushes at about 3 pm. Nature is so considerate! Paddlers can then take sneaky advantage of tail winds both ways and these are often stronger than the tidal currents, but depending on which way the water is moving wave steepness and height is affected – and wind against current, of course, gives a steeper chop than vice versa.

The area off Porteau and all along Montague Channel (between Anvil I and the E shore of the Sound) is a classic funnel where ‘gap winds’ and accelerated current and hence chop are often the roughest/strongest in Howe Sd.

In unclear where in Anvil you plan on heading but irs few landing beaches have different aspects, so at least one should be sheltered.

[Sandra Waddle]

Hi! I am an intermediate paddler planning a trip with a similarly skilled friend porteau-gambier to camp for three nights. Are there bear lockers at all the campsites? What are bears like? I am thinking leaving with the tide receding is better for possible stops at anvil? And of course low wind forecast so early morning departure if possible. Any other advice?

PS I thought I posted this before but don’t see it here!

[Sandra Waddle]

Thanks everyone!

[Monty Drake]

It was an amazing journey! and, when he arrived in Australia he was immediately arrested and put into a POW camp as World War 2 had started!

Well worth a read. Lots of information on the internet

[Author]

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