Re: [Paddlewise] North IS. info needed

>It will be to Vancouver Island area, off North island.(hope I got that
>correct) I don't know the exact area as of yet.

I believe what is meant here is the North end of Vancouver Island?
The Pacific Northwest is my home waters, so I hope these suggestions help:

>I would like information on the area, advice, warnings, and in general,
>anything you can throw at me, that will help me plan for this. Quite
>frankly the water don't worry me half as much as being on a tour. :>)
>
>I might add. Everything is supposed to be furnished, except personal
>gear, sleeping bag, and the kayak.

Bring light and midweight polyester fleece layers so you can "mix and match" 
on coolish evenings and mornings. For basic clothing, I find the 
"faux-cotton" nylon pants and shirts offer nearly the comfort of cotton, 
without the clammy dampness that you will not be able to get rid of until 
you have a sunny day. I personally prefer a synthetic sleeping bag because 
of the damp air and the possibility of a leaking drybag, but if you troll 
back through previous disscussions, you will see that my lack of confidence 
about keeping down dry marks me as a total boob with no business being in 
the backcountry, according to some. Either way, consider your personal 
metabolism and the damp air when deciding on a temperature rating: I use a 
bag rated for about -7C, and although the temperature doesn't go anywhere 
near freezing, I am not too warm.
If the organizers of the group are not already bringing them, you can be the 
trip hero by bringing one or more large tarps to rig as kitchens and 
cafe/pubs on rainy evenings and storm days.
I find even a Gore-Tex drysuit too warm for the air temperature at that time 
of year and place, so I have a 3mm farmer john wetsuit which I may wear 
peeled to the waist, zipping it up and topping it off with fleece and 
paddling jacket if conditions detererate. The so-called "chicken" suits, 
short arms and legs, and 2mm or less thick neoprene, would not offer you 
much time in the water round here.
If you happen to be a "birder" bring approrpriate guides and your lifelist: 
it's a paradise.
Email me if you have any specific questions, and hope you have a happy trip.

Philip T.


N49°16' W123°08'


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