[Paddlewise] Storm Island - Headed back

Just wanted to let the list know I'm leaving this weekend for the Storm
Islands. I have unfinished business up there. I plan to paddle out of
Port Hardy, skirt along the Gordon Group, then head for the Buckle
Group, and try and hit Pine Island, so as to set up for the Storm
Islands. Currents are strong in the area, so it will take a bit of
planning. My kayak is repainted, repaired, re-keeled, and ready for
action. Hopefully, I can land on Storm for some quiet reflection. I am
still very nervous about the crossing, due to all the emotional baggage.
I will cross Queen Charlotte Strait to the BC mainland coast, as this is
a much better way to cross than the reverse which was tried in April of
1999 with bad consequences. It will be fairly difficult to miss the BC
coast, doing it from this direction (as opposed to leaving the coast
behind and trying to hit a pin prick out in open water), plus I now know
about the "Net Ebb" and will use it to advantage.

I hope to land at Burnett Bay, described in the guide books as one of
the biggest and best beaches in the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully there
will be some fun surf. I will then head down to Shelter Bay, and make
the safer crossing through the Deserters Group back to Port Hardy - the
route that should have been taken on the last trip. I will not be giving
the Coast Guard my float plan. One store told me up there that I have
given kayaking a bad name now. I have alternative arrangements. I'm not
very welcome up there, although someone on this list who runs an
alternative business up there will be scouting out Storm Island by
powerboat for me this weekend to suss out landing spots. I am prepared
for seal landings if needed. I need to do this trip. I want to visit the
Storm Islands under my own power, abilities, and navigational means, an
finish the crossing(s). I will not proceed further at any point in the
trip if conditions are not perfect. I want the "Perfect Storm Island
Trip" to be perfectly safe and fun and done properly.

I have installed better front paddlefloat straps for skirt reattachment
after a reenter and roll scenario. I didn't get around to putting in an
electric pump yet. I picked up a hand held flare. I may inflate my Sea
Seat prior to the crossing just in case. NW winds against the tide could
pose a problem if something blew in unexpected. I may also take a side
trip to Nawchacko (don't have the correct spelling in front of me).
Tremble Island, in the middle, sports a rooster tail at full ebb. I may
try to camp on it one night.

Some good did come from the last Storm Island mishap. A call has gone
out to BC paddlers from Dr Bill Crawford of Canadian Hydrographic
Service, soliciting input about areas of tidal currents that impact
human powered craft, yet are below chart thresholds that normally only
focus on larger boat traffic.

BC'in Ya again in a week or so.
Doug Lloyd (who's biggest challenge on this solo trip is psychological)

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************