Re: [Paddlewise] Trip destinations in SE Alaska

Philip,

Thanks.  I've been eyeing that middle section of the BC coast.  "Kayak
Routes of the PNW Coast" describes the area around Bella Bella (the
Hakai rec area).  But I've not yet had an obvious, desirable trip leap
out at me.

One thing I'm trying to get a feel for is now much distance I'd like to
cover.  I think that I'm likely to be an above average sort of paddler. 
In sailing trips that I've done I generally find that I was able to
cover more ground than I had planned.  And I get satisfaction from long
days covering "ground".  So, not knowing the intricacies of an area my
tendency is to plan a trip that covers ground.  Then, at the end of the
trip I'll say "gee, that was great, but next time I'm going to spend
more time just in X."

So I didn't see a trip here because:

 o the Hakai rec area is mostly outer islands, perhaps too exposed 
   for this trip.

 o I couldn't get much information about access and scenery in the more
   inside passages.  In the research that I've done so far I've come
   across the fact that there are some first nation tribes that don't
   want visitors.  Don't want to show up in the wrong place out of
ignorance.

 o The region seems small for a three week trip.  Would paddling north
   through grham reach make a nice trip?  "Kayak Routes" says that this 
   the Kitasoo nation region and, while they are welcoming to visitors, 
   they have not developed a tourist policy so no information about
   that region was provided.  

 o Paddling all the way to Port Hardy seemed too far and there is no
   intermediate ferry stop.

But there are lots of things to recommend the BC coast:  easier to get
to, less expensive, more frequent ferries, and friendly natives being a
few.  I would appreciate suggestions.  Particularly, what would it be
like to dink around Bella Bella for a while, then paddle north to some
point and get picked up by the south bound Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
ferry?

Thanks,

Tom.




Philip Torrens wrote:
> 
> Alright, I'm biased as a patriotic Canuck, but have you considered BC's
> Inside Passage? Route options allow for exposed or sheltered paddling, there
> are friendly natives who speak both English and American, and best of all, a
> totally kayak-friendly ferry (they even have the capablity to land and lauch
> you right from the boat, and will do pick up and drop-offs at non-scheduled
> stops by prior arrangment). Even just using their scheduled ports of call
> you can do wonderful "open gate" trips without having to return to where you
> left. Having been up in this area on a couple of multi-week trips, I can
> hartily recommend it. Check out
> http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/schedules/discovery/dcp-20000613-20000906.html
> for more info.
>
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