Trips

...Lund is just north of Powell River and is very close to the best launch sites for Desolation Sound. We launched from Penrose Bay in Okeover Arm and paddled out to the Marine Park.

Most of my trips have been blessed with perfect weather but not the beginning of this one. We were advised not to leave the inlet as it was raining, there were 26-knot winds and the staff person expected 5-foot waves. However, when we reached the opening of the inlet the sea was quite calm and only the rains were an inconvenience so we went on to our first campsite in Tenedos Bay. About half way to the bay we encountered the winds including a little whirlwind off the ocean. That made the last half of the paddle difficult. The total trip took 4.5 hours. Difficult as it was, it was well worth it.

There are not many good areas to pitch a tent in this area but Tenedos is one of the best. It has campsites, an outhouse, a warm lake nearby and a stream running beside it. With it raining we quickly set up camp. This was my first wet weather trip and I found that there is a consistent dampness to everything. The next morning it continued to rain and everyone was sore from the paddle over so we explored the lake and area we were camping in. That night we partied by the campfire with guitar and drinks in hand. It was great fun in spite of the conditions.

The second morning brought more rain and we made the decision to keep our camp and do day trips from there. By 11:00 the rains had stopped and we were out on the water going to Prideaux Haven. This is the heart of the marine park, well protected by islands and very beautiful indeed. On this paddle we encountered many seals, an eagle and a vulture. The calm waters were a pleasure to paddle. On returning to our camp the sun teased us for about half an hour but the joy it brought us was incredible.

The next day was the beginning of the blue skies and sunshine for the rest of the trip. We paddled to Roscoe Bay were we found another good campsite for future reference and swam in Black Lake, We paddled along Mink Island and returned to Prideaux Haven once more to see it in the sunlight.

It was time to go home and there are still so many other spots to visit. My suggestion to anyone coming up the Sunshine Coast is to alot at least two weeks as there are too many compelling areas to visit. I highly recommend it to anyone. On returning to Lund we went for a burger and beer before setting out to go home. I look forward to the pictures and party back in Vancouver where we can relive this wonderful trip.

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...on Gambier Island and the Tunstall Bay side has access to Keats Island and the Plumpers Cove Provincial campsite.

At Halkett Bay Marine Park you can set camp and explore Gambier Island or paddle up Howe sound to Anvil Island. Gambier is a large island so there is a lot to explore and the paddle to Anvil Island is parallel to the Squamish Highway offering picturesque views of the North Shore Mountains. Keats Island offers a softer camping situation. Plumpers Cove is a nicely groomed campsite and with the town of Gibsons a short 15-20 minute paddle away one could stay for quite some time restocking their provisions. On the island there is an hour hike to the Georgia Straight point where you can sit on the rocks and have a nice view of Bowen Island, the mainland, Vancouver Island and the straight. From Keats Island you can visit the Pasley Island group. This group of islands is like a smaller, local version of the Broken Island group and large numbers of seals sunbathe on the rocks in between these islands. On one of the islands closest to Bowen there is a white shell beach with white rocks rising from it making you feel like you are far away from Vancouver.

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...On a beautiful summer day we lazed around on the upper deck. Once we got to Seachart we picked up our kayaks and headed for our one planned destination Dodd Island.

From Dodd island we were able to do day trips to many of the islands. The most memorable was the Benson Island trip where we toured an archeological dig. In our trips we visited some nice sand beaches and visited a lagoon at Jacques Island.

Outside of the trip one of the great things was to have Don and his sailboat with us. It allowed us to have a guitar for campfire sing alongs, to have more room on our kayaks as the sailboat carried the beer and removed our garbage. As well Don and Marlene were great company. To have a mother ship on a kayaking trip is a big plus.

On the front beach at Dodd Island I taught the ladies rock skipping and sausage rock throwing although one almost hit a canoeist. The other campers joined us in our campfire songs and found our antics quite amusing (we thought they might be upset with the sing alongs at night but all seemed to like our spirit). In fact when we left many of the other campers saw us off and said the island would not be the same with out us (a compliment I think).

This is a great area for kayaking and is very popular. If you haven’t done it I would highly recommend it. For more information on setting up your trip visit the website.

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...and Small pack towel.

Group Gear: Repair Kit, Pliers with wire cutters, Spare nut and bolts, Spare cable, Cable crimps, Multi screwdriver, Swiss Army knife, Rudder cable, Duct tape, Aquaseal Fiberglass repair kit, Lighter, Spare hatch buckles, 5 min epoxy in Bag.

Camp Gear: Stove Fuel Pots and pans, Cooking cutlery, Cooking knife, Eating cutlery Cups & bowls, Spice kit, Grill Lanterns, Lighter, Candle, Folding Knife, Waterproof containe,rAxe Sharpening file, Saw, Tarp, Rope (50’), Sleeping bag, Thermarest, Tents, Water, containers (3 litres per person per day), Biodegradable dishsoap,Garbage bags, Ziplock bags, Water proofed lighter, Fire starter, Whistle Rescue blanket.

Boat Gear: Full paddle, Spare paddle, PFD/life jacket Whistle, Pump, sprayskirt, Cockpit cover Serrated knife, Wet suit, Charts (laminated), Chart case, Compass, Tide tables, Weather radio, Waterproof watch, Binoculars, Camera Case, Film, Spare headlamp, battery, Fishing licence and gear, Garden gloves Water bottle, Duffel bag, Sunscreen, Folding Knife, Waterproof containers.