[Nick Heath]

One of the ongoing task of BC Marine Trails is to conduct Site Assessments on sites or potential sites that are not well-known or documented. Typically, a site is first reported by a paddler or data are taken from a guidebook, but that information usually needs verifying. Almost every site is then discussed with the local First Nation to determine whether they might have any objection (cultural, economic, environmental) to its disclosure for recreational use. Before entering into such discussions, it is important for BCMT to have reliable information about the site’s suitability and strategic value for marine trail continuity.

For the past several years, I have made Spring or Summer boat trips in a very small power boat to perform such site assessments, mostly in the relatively sheltered waters of the Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait, Discovery Islands, Sechelt Inlet etc. In 2023, a companion and I made 2 trips of about a week each from Powell River and Port McNeill, camping at remote sites as we traveled at total of about 550 NM and visited and documented around 200 potential sites.

While there are still lots of sites remaining to be assessed in the southern waters, BC Marine Trails’ focus is shifting to  the Central and North Coasts. These areas are more challenging for all boaters and that suggests we adopt different approaches for Site Assessments.

Sometimes solo or group paddling expeditions can be highly effective in visiting numerous sites along a route, but BCMT’s experience with getting good site data and photos from such efforts has been mixed, at best.

For 2024, we are exploring the idea of a trip by either paddlers or in a small power boat (e,g, inflatable 15’ dinghy) supported by a ‘mothership’, with a scheduled (possibly nightly) rendezvous.

I would be pleased to hear from any member who has suggestions as to who we might approach to assist us with this, preferably on a volunteer/cost sharing basis (e.g. BCMT could pay for fuel and other boat expenses). If the mothership were already located in Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Pt Hardy or similar northern location, travel time and expense would be reduced. I’m also keen to find volunteers to assist as crew. This could be for any area i.e. southern waters in only a small power boat, as was done in 2023, or areas north of Cape Caution, with a support vessel.

Time commitment would be 2 – 6 weeks during May – July.  The site assessment work is quite strenuous because it involves frequent landings on a wide variety of often slippery shores and purposeful wandering around rough sites, sometimes in heavy vegetation.

Join BCMT’s crew and see the world (or a small, beautiful part of it!)

[Heather Kirk]

Yes, I would be thrilled to see this

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

Ben an I are super excited to share the film with the club members and answer any questions. Hope to see you all at the screening!

PS There will be penguin in the film!

 

Katya

[Admin S. Jensen]

From the webmaster — registration is now open!

[Kevin Hall]

Get ready for a thrilling adventure as we invite you to an exclusive event hosted by SKABC! Join us for the in-person screening of “Edge of the Human World: Kayaking in Antarctica,” a captivating film created by our very own SKABC members, Benjamin Walsh and Katya Yushmanova.

📅 Date: Thursday, November 30th, 2023
🕡 Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm
📍 Location: Pure Image Technology, 1251 Homer Street, Vancouver

About the Film:
In February 2022, Benjamin and Katya embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the infamous Drake Passage aboard the sailing yacht “Spirit of Sydney”. Over the next three weeks, they explored the mesmerizing landscapes of Antarctica by kayak. Their remarkable adventure has been beautifully captured in “Edge of the Human World,” an official selection at the 2023 Dana Point Film Festival. The film immerses you in the surreal experience of a place where the troubles of the human world feel both distant and strikingly real.

Meet the Filmmakers:
Benjamin Walsh, a poet and filmmaker from Vancouver, BC, finds his greatest inspiration while sitting in a kayak.
Katya Yushmanova, a painter and landscape architect based in Vancouver, is driven by her passion for adventure, leading her to explore the Pacific Northwest through hiking, sailing, and kayaking.

Event Details:
– 🎥 Watch on a 144″ Projection Screen or 83″ OLED Display
– 🚪 Doors Open at 6:30 pm
– 🎟️ Registration: Opens on November 15 (Members only)
– 🎬 Trailer: [Watch the one-minute trailer here] https://youtu.be/Mkg2GUR7SSM?si=u8iYBz-HRBq0o7bK

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Antarctica through the eyes of our talented SKABC members! Registration is limited, and space will fill up fast. Secure your spot and sign up below.

Sign Up Link: SKABC Events Page

Let’s come together for an unforgettable evening of adventure and camaraderie! See you there!

[Debra Merchant]

Steve Best to be speaking at BCMT AGM!

We loved the recent presentation by JF Marleau about paddling in the Arctic. The team of four paddlers faced harsh conditions. JF’s partner, Justine, faced off a polar bear with a camp chair during her guard watch. Wow! Later the bear returned to the camp, but they were equipped with shotguns and non-lethal ammo as well as bear bangers. The photos in the slideshow reflected the deep beauty of the icebergs and landscape. Most of us plan with charts, but imagine planning with ice charts to navigate the coastline. JF, the owner of SKILS, sponsored the series for our ‘Protecting our Coast’ BCMT work. Thanks, JF. Didn’t know about the presentation? You can get BCMT newsletters by signing up through the footer of our website.

Our next event will be our AGM on November 25th. Following the AGM we will have a First Nations presentation and then a presentation on the Sea to Sky Marine Trail (STSMT). Earlier in the month one of our directors presented to the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) team on the STSMT. We have received funding jointly with SKABC from the TCT and a provincial funder to add tent platforms and aluminum caches. SKABC principally looks after the STSMT with a team of stewards. We hope later in the year or in early 2024 to work on case studies with other provinces and the TCT on the value of marine recreation. Members and non-members are welcome. Register here: http://www.bcmarinetrails.org/bc-marine-trails-agm

Remember to check out our Coastal Cafe for articles. Our editorial team edits the articles as they are submitted. A portion of the articles are for members-only, one small benefit of membership. In our next Christmas newsletter, we will have a review of four books or mapbooks for paddlers. You can always keep up to date with the BCMT on our Latest News webpage.

On the SISKA front: We know everyone is not a happy camper, so a group of paddlers developed http://www.kayakfriendly.com to profile other accommodations. If you could recommend lodgings that are good to launch and land from for kayak tripping, please let Debbie Leach know at director3@siska.ca
—

[Debra Merchant]

Today is the last chance to bid on items in BCMT’s Online Auction. All proceeds will be used for Stewardship.

Also, register for JF Marleau’s Arctic Trip presentation. Tomorrow, November 1st is the deadline for registration with show on Nov 2nd. See you there.

Newsletter follows:

https://mailchi.mp/bcmarinetrails/bcmt-october-newsletter?e=1e312e5a98

 

[Kevin Hall]

Have you been thinking about a new kayak, but wanting to try it before committing? PIKA has organized an event with Western Canoe and Kayak (WCK) and invited SKABC members to join them this coming Sunday! There will be over 15 models to test on the water. Including:

Norse – Ask, Embla, Bylgia, Duva, Eir, Heimdall HV, Ymir.
Stellar – S14 Advantage, S16 Advantage, S18 Touring
Current Designs – Solstice GT
Eddyline – Sitka LT, ST, XT
Delta – will bring 15s,16,17 if there’s enough room on the trailer and van.

Location: Buntzen Lake
Date: Sunday, November 5th
Time: 10am – 1pm

To secure your spot at this exciting event, please register in advance by emailing Neil at Western Canoe & Kayak: neil@westerncanoekayak.com

If you have any questions or want to confirm the availability of a specific kayak model for the demo, feel free to get in touch with Neil.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to try out a variety of kayaks before making your decision. We look forward to seeing you at Buntzen Lake on Sunday, November 5th, from 10am to 1pm!

[Devi Desabhatla]

Hi All

I made a short video of our trip and uploaded to my channel on Youtube.

It is not visible as such, you can only view via this link.

Please advise if I should make it “public” for general viewing.

 

This is the link:

 

 

 

Cheers

DeviPrasad

 

[Dermot Shane]

Hi Elisa!

 

email sent,

and yup, excatly what i’m looking for

 

 

[Former Member]

Dermot,

I have a kayak cable lock which needs a new home.  It is a very long cable that has a locking device on two ends.  Is this what you are looking for or ?

Elisa

elisakreller@shaw.ca

[Cynthia Materi]

You folks have produced an excellent AGM report.  Thank you so much for all the work you have done this year!

[Dermot Shane]

we can’t find any in stock at our go-to stores, any ideas’s  Re: where we could hunt a few down localy?

 

[Cynthia Materi]

It is SOLD

 

[Kevin Amos]

This will be organized at the boat ramp at 9 am.

[Author]

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