Re: [Paddlewise] Kayaking Gwaii Haanas National Park

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 1999 03:35:21 -0700
Jodyhotch_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
>          I am an experienced kayaker from CT going on a group trip (Tofino
> Tours) to the Park.  I am taking the trip to scout out the area to return
> with a friend alone next year.
>          Can anyone tell me about outfitting in Sandspit, and the ease or
> difficulty of yakking in the park? Tides? Wind? Waves? Protection? Campsites?
> We will go in summer between June and August.

Jody, I've done three separate independent trips in the Charlottes, two of
them two weeks in duration.  If you are already experienced *at multi-day
trips,* I'd suggest skipping the outfitter and going with the friend your
first shot out.  The "popular" area in GH is on the east side of Moresby
Island, and is largely "protected," with a few spots which are quite exposed
to SE or NE winds/swell (both of these are rare -- prevailing wind/swell is
from the W).  Of course, larger waterways will build up a pretty good lump if
the wind is from the SW or NW, also, so you will have to use your
paddle-savviness!

The primary shuttle service has a web site (Moresby Explorers: 
http://www.cybersurf.net/~Moresby/  ; and email:  Doug Gould
<dgmorex_at_mail.island.net>) and can fill you in on details of dropoff points,
fees, etc.

Saul Kinderis has already alluded to problems getting a permit if you are an
independent.  This is a *very* sore point with me, as I was completely
frustrated in my efforts to get a permit for 1999 for my SO and I, even though
I was experienced with Parks procedures, and started my queries in March
1999.  Saul is correct:  the mechanism Parks used in 1999 unfairly squeezed
out independents from the "best" part of the summer.  Email Anna Gajda of
Parks Canada <bkcount_at_qcislands.net> for a preview of Parks plans for the
summer of 2000.  She is in charge of formulating and publicizing Parks back
country management policies -- a big job, as she has to placate several
constituencies, including the legitimate needs of outfitters.  Anna is a
terrific person, and helped me immensely.

I think the long and short of it is that if you FIRST secure a permit for
yourself and your friend, it is then easy it arrange transportation to the
Charlottes and shuttle service -- subsequently.

Email me directly if you want more info.  The Park is a terrific place to
paddle, and the folks in the Charlottes will work hard to make your paddle a
memorable experience.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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Received on Sat Aug 14 1999 - 04:39:51 PDT

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