[Nick Heath]

Excellent, Reed! Yes it will be under ‘Events” I guess. You are welcome to bring along a kayak – good plan if the weather is nice. It is a lovely area to paddle.

I want to dig out all the roots – that is the correct way to do this job – but BC Parks have agreed with sishalh Nation that there will be ‘no ground disturbance’ so our hands are tied unless we are willing to hire a professional archaeologist to stand over each volunteer who digs out a root! Somewhat crazy, I know, at this former cleared farm site which has also been extensively logged!

It also means that the cutting will need repeating, possibly annually, until the blackberry or we give up.

[Reed Clarke]

I can do that.

I notice you only mention cutting down the invasive plants. Not digging up the roots?

Will this be listed under Events?

Also, if the weather is decent, I might bring along my kayak and stay an extra day for some paddling.

Cheers, Reed

[Nick Heath]

We are planning to do conservation work at Simson Prov Park on the Sunshine Coast. We received a small Park Enhancement Fund grant for this work. It will enable us to pay ferry fares as needed, buy some tools and leather protective gloves etc.
Last year, members identified a small but significant growth of invasive blackberry and ivy in the Park, which, if controlled early, will prevent a more massive infestation at this near-ideal location for paddlers.
The plan:
Pt 1 Camp 1-2 nights approx 24/25 Feb. Travel to S Thormanby I from Coopers Green, Halfmoon Bay by small power boat. Take brush cutter power tools. Cut down invasive blackberry canes. Gather up canes in heaps. Need 1-3 volunteers.

Pt 2  Camp 1-2 nights approx 22/24 Mar. Travel to S Thormanby I from Coopers Green Halfmoon Bay by kayak. Take rakes, tarps. Move cut blackberry canes and previously cut ivy pieces to beach to burn. Look for other invasive plants in area, document & mark if found. Conduct hiking trail check for continuity N-S in Park. Clear trail obstructions, brush out. Need 4-6 volunteers.

Why so early in the year? We must do the cutting before the birds start nesting.

Sunshine Coast members welcome, and could be especially helpful if any logistical support is needed e.g. tool storage.
The sign-up will be available shortly on the web site. Questions happily answered by Nick H or Cynthia K  –  conservation1(at)skabc.org

[Kevin Hall]

Yes, the presentation has been recorded. We will post it on the club YouTube channel in a few weeks.

[Doug Horswill]

Hi– I was away at the time of this meeting. Is there a recording available?

[Richard Merchant]

Nick’s suggestion about Lee’s Electronics is very good (not only because I love them – lots and lots of bits, and very reasonable prices…).  They have antennae:

https://leeselectronic.com/en/search?controller=search&s=antenna

They are not a radio store so whether they can provide knowledgeable advice I don’t know.

If a reasonable secondary product can be located, I’d still be concerned about water-proofing and would stick with my silicon suggestion…

 

[Nick Heath]

These antennae seem to be all detachable with a screw or bayonet fitting. They are a high loss/frequently damaged item. I suspect that any manufacturer antenna would work equally well. The signals sent and receive by any comparable hand-held marine certified unit will be to a consistent, specific standard.

In the past, for better gain (i.e. more range), I have used a larger boat antenna on a handheld radio to good effect, joined by co-axial cable.The impedance must match, that is all, really.

A radio or electronics store is where to inquire. Lee’s Electronics on Fraser St comes to mind. There used to be a good 2 way radio store at the foot of Main St in Marpole, too, if I recall correctly. Maybe it is still there?

[Sarka Lhotak]

The charts still left and available are:

#3594 Toba inlet , Discovery Passage

#3664 Nootka sound

#3640 Clayoquot Sound, Lennard Is. to  Estevan point

#3643 Approches to Tofino

I am in Squamish. Email lhotaks@mcmaster.ca

 

[Kapila Jayaweera]

PIKA offering Paddle Canada Level 2 training this July 20-23 in Lower Mainland. They still have room if anyone like to join. PIKA membership not required to attend Paddle Canada training.

Please check PIKA training schedule for more information.

https://pikakayak.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PIKA-Trips-and-Training-Calendar-2024.pdf

Contact John Drent if you would like to register or have any questions.

Thanks

Kapila

[Kim Bose]

Hi Sarka, are these charts still available? I am interested, thanks, Kim

[John McIntyre]

Theresa

Helen and I have done two of the Sea Kayak Adventures trips.  The first one we did was out of Loreto and eventually  to Isla Santa Catalina.  When we did the trip it was early March probably the second week.  We saw everything in terms of wildlife – whales, dolphins, rays etc.; there was plenty of snorkeling and hiking opportunities.  However, we were told by the guides that the trip the week before us it was windy and  they didn’t see anything and the week after us they didn’t see any wildlife either.

We also did the trip out of La Paz to San Juan.  That trip was not as exciting, long paddles between stops, some hiking.  We did not see any wildlife other than the fish while snorkeling.  Snorkeling not as good as the Isla trip.  The one good thing about La Paz is that a group of us after the trip went snorkeling with the whale sharks in Magdalena Bay.

[Nancy More]

Kevin, will you be recording this session for people to view afterwards?   I teach until late afternoon out in the Valley, so getting home before the first 100 people may be difficult.  Thanks for your consideration.

[Bruce Pickwell]

Helena and I did the trip to the off-shore islands (National Park) near Loreto  in 2006 over Christmas
We used the tour company Tofino.com (based in Oregon) and they are still around
One of their trips is Loretto to La Paz, so that is probably the best bet.
Terry and Simone past club members organized a self supported trip in spring 2007 but it was challenging because of the poor quality of the rental Kayaks.
I can’t give any advice about cycling because that was not part of our trip.
cheers
Bruce.Pickwell@telus.net 604-613-3827

[Kevin Hall]

We are thrilled to invite you to an exclusive Zoom presentation by Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, a renowned expert on hypothermia and cold water survival. Dr. Giesbrecht’s extensive knowledge and experience make him a leading authority in the field, and his presentation promises to be both informative and potentially life-saving.

Presentation Topic: Cold Water Survival and Essential Knowledge for Kayaking in Cold Temperatures

Date and Time: Monday, January 8th, 7:00 PM

Dr. Giesbrecht will delve into the crucial aspects of cold water survival, particularly focusing on the essential knowledge required when kayaking in cold temperatures. Whether you’re an experienced kayaker or a novice, this presentation will provide valuable insights on how to navigate and enjoy cold water activities safely.

Key Points of Discussion:

• Understanding the risks associated with cold water exposure
• Essential gear and clothing for cold water kayaking
• Techniques to support others and potentially save yourself in unexpected situations
• Receive the latest Cold Card resource to print and use in the assessment and treatment of hypothermia in the wilderness

How to Join: The Zoom meeting link is posted on our website homepage, or click here. The presentation is open to all members of our community, so feel free to invite friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts to join this insightful session.

Please Note: Our Zoom meeting is limited to the first 100 people that join.

We encourage everyone, especially those involved in water-based activities, to participate in this unique opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field. Dr. Giesbrecht’s engaging presentation promises to be an eye-opener and a valuable resource for enhancing safety on the water.

Don’t miss out on this chance to gain essential knowledge that could make a significant difference in cold water emergencies. We look forward to your virtual presence on January 8th at 7:00 PM.

[Quirine Schuyff]

I’d be interested in planning for another year Andrea!

[Author]

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