Re: [Paddlewise] Barkley Sound, Canada

Christopher Hvid wrote:
> 
> Mike...I paddled there several years ago, stopping on Hand and Clarke Islands.
> Hand Island is pretty sheltered. From there it is pretty easy going to get
> to the outer islands. [snip]
> It's a good idea to paddle before 11 am in the summer as the wind
> usually comes up from the [north]west in the afternoon. If you are a novice,
> it would be a good idea to go with someone else, and practise your
> self-rescues with them, as the water is very cold. 

Mike wrote:

> > Anyone with experience camping Barkley Sound on West Coast of 
> > Vancouver Island?? 
[snip]
> > Toquart Bay is where I plan to put in, anyone with experience getting there
> > and where to put in around the bay??

Chris' advice (much snipped) is good.  From the Toquart Bay boat ramp
launch point (obvious -- lots of good sandy beach to use), the gnarly
section is from the Stoppers to Hand.  

If you wish to avoid that crossing, and leave your vehicle in (safer?)
digs in Port Alberni, you might want to use the Lady Rose service from
Port Alberni, which will drop you off at a float near Sechart (look for
Canoe Island on the chart), on the E edge of Barkley Sound.  From there,
the crossings are generally more sheltered and much shorter than the
gnarly one mentioned above.  In addition, you should have fellow
paddlers also launching and headed the same place(s) you are, and the
folks who monitor campsites (and collect the $5/night fee) will be on
the float to dispense useful tips and advice.  The drawback is that you
will not get onto the water until probably noon or later the first day.

Camping should not be crowded during May, and as a single, you will fit
in where larger groups can not.  Try to look forlorn, and I suspect you
will get invited to eat with larger groups! <grin>

I favor Willis, for its sheltered campsites, and pretty decent access to
Benson, Clarke, etc.  On "bad weather days," you can tour around the
Willis/Dodd/Turtle complex, to relieve being stuck in camp. (A tarp is
mandatory for waiting out poor weather.)

The campsite on Turret is less-protected and a little more work to haul
your stuff to a tent site.  If you feel up to committing yourself to
crossing Coaster Channel, Gilbert's campsite gives quick (and reasonably
sheltered) access to the protected sides of Effingham, Wouwer, Batley,
Howell, and other "outer" islands.  Gilbert's tentsites are in an
impressive stand of older cedars, and quite sheltered, though a little
dank in heavy rain.  I suspect Gilbert will be less-crowded than Hand,
Gibraltor, Dodd, Clarke, and Willis, this time of year.

Coaster Channel is a barrier only when there is steady, higher wind. 
I've never found it to be a problem, but have avoided it when the wind
was above 10 - 12 knots.  Do pay attention to the weather forecasts --
Amphitrite (sp?) Point and Cape Beale are the forecast points to listen
to on the weather channels, and will generally have higher winds than
you would experience "inside" the islands.

Have a great trip!
-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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