[Nick Heath]

I was recently at Arbutus Rd (and for that reason it is now on the BC Marine Trails map – previosuly no-one had checked this launch site). Last year I was at the Southey Pt launch site across the narrow bay. Of these two, Arbutus Rd definitely has more parking.

Throughout the Gulf Is, many road-ends have a mass-produced official signs saying “No camping or overnight parking”. No doubt with the preponderance of campers on wheels there is little to distinguish between these 2 different activities. This is complaint-driven, so one takes a chance if such a notice is posted, but a small respectfully parked vehicle might be tolerated, depending on who lives in that neighbourhood and how grumpy they are.

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t recall and did not record the signage posted at either of these sitse and will need to go back to check. Certainty there are several sites around SSI that lack any such signage, but the regional district might nevertheless have over-riding by-laws that put time limits on all roadside parking.

[Nick Heath]

I, too, understand this to be correct but cannot verify.  Any cellular ph is capable of a 911 call even if it is not under any company service agreement (or the $ ran out on a prepaid phone) and/or has no SIM.

“I have read that it may even be usable as an “emergency” phone—apparently cell providers have to let you dial 9-1-1 over any network in range, even if you are not subscribed or have a sim card. **can anyone verify if this “emergency” use is true?**”

[Nick Heath]

When I camped on Tent I several years ago for one night I tried first to contact the band to pay but did not get a  response, so I just mailed them some cash afterwards. We were there early in the year and the place was deserted, except for some day visitors/fishers from Chemainus who scoffed at the notion that with was FN land -apparently it had been leased in earlier years by the BC Govt and called a BC Park and that’s the way these locals preferred to remember it. Overall, this lovely island needs better management – daily warden visits or something. The party zone laissez-faire setup works against paddlers and could easily result in the island being burned by stray fires.

[Nick Heath]

I geuss my comments will come too late for you , but this is a nice paddle, Lorraine. As Cam suggests, look at the bcmarinetrails web map for info

https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/bc-map?mapitem=6886

When I was last at Tunstall Bay, there was more parking than at Bowen Bay and no posted restrictions on parking. That doesn’t mean to say necessarily that overnight parking is permitted – most municipalities have blanket by-laws (such as in Vancouver) that don’t allow it beyond 24 or 48 hr but it is complaint-driven, meaning that you have to irritate a local resident enough to get them to phone the by-law control officer to get you ticketed or towed. Some coastal areas seem to have curmudgeon-like vigilantes  who delight in doing just that,  but most don’t, thankfully!

I would not be concerned about currents. You might get 0.5 to 1 kn. I’d be far more concerned about wind – this area is a classic wind funnel and gap winds will often exceed nearby winds. Sailors love Barfleur and Collingwood Channels!

 

[Mary Yee]

Hi Harley, Ditto on the heel hook method. And also recommend an inflatable paddle float too. Although I am successful using a regular paddle float, using the inflatable one was so easy, my friend who is heavier kept failing when using a regular float , did the self rescue with the inflatable one on the first try.

Mary

[George Prevost]

In my chart case I carry a copy of the West Coast Marine Weather Services map that can be found on page 9 of the Marine Weather Hazards Manual: West Coast. It shows the locations of all of the areas and places that are mentioned in the marine weather forecast.  I also carry a list of the VHF radio channels that are pertinent to kayakers, and their uses.

[Former Member]

Did you look on bcmarine trails ?

Bowen bay on google earth shows a pretty parking spot 2-3v?

I think bcmarine trails says the same.

navionics doesnt show any indication of current but if you look at the tide chart. Your going to get a idea of ebb and flow times and rough severity.

 

[Lorraine Sharpsteen]

I am planning an overnight trip this weekend to Keats Island, leaving from Bowen Island. According to my map there are put-ins at both Galbraith Bay and Bowen Bay, both on the west side. Has anyone paddled to Keats Island from either of these locations and do you know if overnight parking is allowed? Are there any hazards crossing between the two islands that we should be aware of? And where can I find information on currents? I did find tide charts on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.

Thanks,

LorraineSharpsteen

[Former Member]

Thanks Heather. I will take a look 🙂

[Heather Kirk]

Hi Harley,

Try the heel hook rescue. It’s bomb-proof. Here’s website to do it assisted but it can be done solo too with a good paddle float:

https://ca.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=heel+hook+kayak+rescue#id=1&vid=4d3b4d67e89f1ef72005c94c92448aee&action=click

Cheers,

Heather K.

[Former Member]

Hi,

I used to belong to this group years ago, then sold the Chatham 17 for a Hobie fishing kayak. Anyway, back again now after purchasing a used CD Solstice GT in Kevlar. Great boat and a lot more stable than my Chatham. But, this has pluses and minuses. One of the negatives appears to be re-entry after a wet exit. Maybe being a few years older it’s me, but with the boat being wider it’s harder to get up on and scramble. Anyone have/had this boat and have any tips/advice?

apart from learn to roll lol. Many thanks

Harley

[Former Member]

Thanks for all the info everyone. We decided to stay the 3 nights at Chivers Point on Wallace Island. We did paddle over to Tent, and it is very  scenic.  The bay on the west side of the island was very busy with boats.

Thanks Again

Stan

[Peter Kearney]

Try the free version of GAIA – worldwide topo maps and GPS tracking.

And of course, Navionics for charts but now you have to pay for North America.

The biggest issue I have with old phones is battery life.

Cheers, Peter

[Peter Kearney]

Hi Tracey,

This is a great opportunity for someone. Steve Konik and Ocean Sound are fabulous. Katrin and I have done 2 tours with them.

If you collect ‘Airmiles’ you can redeem for this flight – a good deal.

Hope you find someone!   Cheers, Peter

[Admin S. Jensen]

Hi Daniel, on the Trip Planning page of the website we have a gear checklist — does this help?

[Author]

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