Wanderung » Kayak and Canoe

Bowron Lakes 25/07/10

andy — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:04:03 +0000

Cam paddling the Bowron Lakes solo:
“An unforeseen situation and my paddle partner for the trip had to back out. Not one to back out of challenge or an adventure I went solo with words of encouragement. I think those words where you’re crazy, nuts or you’re going to get eaten by a bear.

My GPS recorded 130 km round trip and 4 days 6 hours and hardest section was the last dock, ramp going to the campground. Shake my fist in the air at BC parks engineering department!

Forecast was for a sun all week long!! YES! Orientation was a 9 AM then the portage to Kibbee Lake a large group of people 24-26 but only 7 where ready to go. Was first out of the gate and that was the last I saw of the crowds. The next 4.5 days of blazing sunshine was pure tranquilly. The many warnings about full campgrounds by early evening where never found.”

Manning Park 24/07/10

andy — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:54:54 +0000

Heather in Manning Park:
“Seven enthusiastic people set out on Friday afternoon, bound for a weekend in Manning Park. We all rode up in Chris’s amazing transformer van – everything from hot water to cook stoves to coolers to a bed was in there (although passengers slept in tents.) We camped just east of Manning Park, in a free and beautiful spot on the edge of the Similkameen River. Saturday had one person off fishing for the day, one person solo canoeing, and five of us heading up Skyline trail to Snow Camp mountain, in beautiful sunshine and completely blue skies. We had a few bizarre encounters with zombie-like people that were doing an ultra-marathon (100 km or 100 miles, depending on who you talked to!), including helping one woman down the trail to meet up with her companions. These people had run and walked for 30 hours or so, across the mountains and all night long, and we all agreed that it was pretty sad to see them so zoned out in such a beautiful environment. The vistas opened up to stunning alpine meadows, dramatic drops way down to the lakes, beautiful distant mountains, and an incredible variety of wildflowers. We took a total of 6.5 hours to hike this trail – hot but very rewarding, and the swim in Lightning Lake after was very refreshing. That evening five people drove back to the lake for a full-moon paddle, while two of us slept well! Sunday involved a lazy morning, and then canoeing and swimming in Lightning Lake again – enjoying the refreshing water and relaxing atmosphere. The evening was topped off by a good supper at the Manning Park Pub, and then a drive back to Vancouver in the evening sun. And enjoyable weekend had by all… Thanks to Chris for organizing, driving, and supplying the amazing extra equipment and comfort of the van.”

Galiano Island cycling 24/07/09

andy — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:39:44 +0000

Dana on Galiano Island:
“Five of us caught the morning ferry on a Friday to Galiano. The weather was overcast but the sun came out once we arrived and it quickly became very warm. Though the ride to the campground is only 10 km, the roads are windy and hilly, and with weighed-down bikes and the hot sun it felt much longer. On Saturday, two of us rented kayaks and explored Montague Harbour and the other three biked about 10 km up-island to hike Bodega Ridge. Highlights of this easy hike with desert-like terrain were watching eagles soar beneath (and above) us, and the views of Salt Spring Island and beyond. We also enjoyed the thunder and lightning storm that night (after a quick swim), though instead of huddling in tents we took advantage of the free Hummingbird Pub shuttle bus to indulge in drinks and some incredible pie. Sunday’s ride back to the ferry took in a different route, encompassing the cemetary (which has a nice view of Active Pass and sunning sea lions). To sum: Biking Galiano is not for the faint of heart. There are many hills (both short and steep and long and gradual) and the pavement is cracked and broken in many spots. Still, it is rewarding and a beautiful place to explore over a weekend.”

Polar Bear kayak 01/01/09

andy — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:30:45 +0000

Steve kayaking at the English Bay Polar Bear swim:
“This was my second annual call-out to kayak to English Bay to partake in the festivities of the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim. Bart from kayrak.ca (check it out!), the only other Wanderung member that ended up coming, made a last minute decision to register and go for a swim!

We were in good company despite rough conditions (wavy and windy), and our small numbers because we joined forces with the West Coast Paddlers, and other local kayak personalities such as one of the owners of Delta Kayaks. It was great to see other Wanderung members on the beach, but a bit problematic pushing our boats through the crowds to launch again. In our yellow and orange safety gear, people continually asked for help and directions, they assumed we were lifeguards or something.”

Johnstone Strait Kayak Tour 16/08/08

andy — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:32:50 +0000

Sandra kayaking the Johnstone Strait / Broughton Archipelago:
“Our group of 8 headed out for a great 6-days on the water around both the Johnstone Strait south of Telegraph Cove and north through the Broughton Archipelago (as far north as Insect Island and Echo Bay). We got a little of everything… Half the time there was beautiful sunshine but we also had a day of rain. The winds picked up for sections of our days (including one “exciting” crossing with waves from both current/wind, and also from the wake of a cruise ship!) but we also had wonderfully calm days. Campsites ranged from amazing island set ups with wooden structure outlines ready for tarps & tree swings to simple clearings in the woods. We had lazy easy days and a couple long paddle days.

Highlights from the trip included seeing porpoises everyday, orcas half the days, visiting First Nation reserves / abandoned communities, campfires every night, amazing food, freezing dips in the ocean (did I mention the WARM campfires?!?!), navigation practice during early morning fogged-in paddles & hunting down camping areas amongst the islands and the distance we got from the crowds of Johnstone Strait. Good times on and off the water!”

Johnstone Strait 09/08/08

andy — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:34:42 +0000

Sandra kayaking in the Johnstone Strait and Broughton archipelago:
“Our group of 8 headed out for a great 6-days on the water around both the Johnstone Strait south of Telegraph Cove and north through the Broughton Archipelago (as far north as Insect Island and Echo Bay). We got a little of everything… Half the time there was beautiful sunshine but we also had a day of rain. The winds picked up for sections of our days (including one “exciting” crossing with waves from both current/wind, and also from the wake of a cruise ship!) but we also had wonderfully calm days. Campsites ranged from amazing island set ups with wooden structure outlines ready for tarps & tree swings to simple clearings in the woods. We had lazy easy days and a couple long paddle days.

Highlights from the trip included seeing porpoises everyday, orcas half the days, visiting First Nation reserves/abandoned communities, campfires every night, amazing food, freezing dips in the ocean (did I mention the WARM campfires?!?!), navigation practice during early morning fogged-in paddles & hunting down camping areas amongst the islands and the distance we got from the crowds of Johnstone Strait. Good times on and off the water!

Widgeon Falls 12/07/08

andy — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:58:49 +0000

Nancy at Widgeon Falls:
“Nine of us enjoyed a fabulously wonderful day canoeing and hiking to Widgeon Falls. A huge lineup for the rentals resulted in all of the kayaks being taken, so everyone climbed into canoes. First-time paddler Neil was a trooper, trying out 3 different positions in the canoe. Brave Stephani went for a dip in the cold Widgeon Creek, exclaiming that she felt like a million dollars afterwards. On the way home, we stopped at a blueberry farm, buying some of the very first harvested crop, and we ended the day with a nice sushi dinner. A great outing with an excellent group of people!”

Prevost Island kayak 17/05/08

andy — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:00:02 +0000

Brenda kayaking at Prevost Island:
“Daphne, Mazie, Michael and I spent 3 beautiful days kayaking Prevost Island (launching point was Mayne Island). This is easily accessible area that is well worth a weekend trip. We were able to take the bus from Vancouver to catch the Gulf Islands Ferry then Mayne Island Kayak rentals picked us up from the terminal. Unfortunately, Mazie learned the hard way to not make it just in time for the ferry. The bus she planned to take was full and drove right by her. She was still able to make it to Tsawwassen in time but they were not taking any more passengers onto the ferry. She ended up taking a ferry to Schwartz Bay then to Ganges; rented a kayak there then paddled on her own to Prevost Island where she met up with us. That is what I call determination! We spent the second day kayaking around Prevost Island; at times paddling against wind and currents and other times relaxing while the current did the work for us. Prevost was a beautiful island to spend 2 nights although there were a lot of people there on the long weekend. Mayne Island Kayak was a great company to rent from. They were very helpful but we did find the shuttle fee of $10 per person per direction a little steep!”

Bowen Island kayak 26/04/08

andy — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:00:49 +0000

Su-Laine kayaking at Bowen Island:
“This was a gem of a trip! Evenings, as the kayak rental place told us, tend to have less wind than afternoons. We had flat water and clear skies, and with the snow still in the mountains Howe Sound is gorgeous at this time of year. This is a scenic trip I’d definitely do more than once a year, and with great group dynamics it was one to remember.”

Widgeon Falls 21/03/08

tim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:00:01 +0000

Greg M. at Widgeon Falls:
“After a very, very last minute callout, I ended up having to turn away people. In just the first 20 minutes I had 10 replies. I over filled the trip with eight: Harris, Kevin, Daniel & Charlotte, Nadia & Joel, and me. For those who know me and have heard about the horror story last weekend of driving up to Nelson (2 flat tires, highway closures, 80kph spin, and a near empty tank), you will not be surprised with what mother-nature had in store for us this weekend. We began our saga at the trail head where we rented canoes. We suited up and readied ourselves for the adventure. Since we were running a bit late, we met up with Joel and Nadia at the rental house who planned to catch us later on the trail. Warmly greeting their arrival and gladly sharing the canoe costs, we made our way up river. The sun was shining from behind and the view of the mountains in the clouds was perfected only by the white of the snow on the trees. Then something hit our heads. Many things, actually. And we realized that we found ourselves in a hail storm. It sounds terrible, I know, but you at least stay dry. Then it began to rain. And we concluded our hike quite wet. However, the feeling in the camp was very good, and we had a great time. We learned about the J-stroke, chanted 1-2-1-2 like warriors, and some of us even had to get out of the canoe at one point as it had run aground. Hard. We have video. Upon review of the pictures and movies, everyone was laughing the whole time. And the hot chocolate really made drying off fun.”