Hello, A group of us are planning a two week sea kayak trip to Canada's Discovery Islands, Desolation Sound and or the Sunshine Coast area. We are trying to narrow down the exact area to paddle. We are going through books and maps now. I was wondering if anyone out there has been to this area and if they would comment on it. My group sure would appreciate input from someone who's been there. Thank You in advance. Rick Niemi 408-394-6278 Please check out my WEBSITE at http://nirvana2000.netfirms.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I have done several trips in the area you describe. In a few spots the camping is a little thin, and be sure you have the navigation charts and the tide charts for the area. You can paddle in safely in the hazardous currents if you go at slack tide. The tide tables for the are excellent. Some of the passages have 14 k currents with extreme tidal rapids. Octopus islands are a must see, but there are many outfitters so you have to camp early. Hard to describe the best camp, but it is a small island just before you get to the Octopus Island group from the south (just as you get into Waiatt Bay start looking). There are some other islands in Octopus Island that afford camping, but it is slopey and rocky. Many sailboats anchor off the Octopus Island group which decreases the camping potential. Beazley passage and Yoculta rapids can be a serious hazards unless you go at slack tide. Hole in the wall is an interesting paddle (slack tide) but terrain offers no camping. I remember some long paddling days looking for camps. Water can sometimes be hard to find so bring plenty. If you come up from Campbell River, Rebecca spit has a good launch area. We couldn't find a place to launch at Village Bay. I would stay out of Discovery passage, too much traffic and development, plus wicked currents. Coming up from Rebecca there is a camp at Conville Pt a tiny island right off the mainland. It is a pain dealing with boats but it is a nice little island to camp on. There were some camps along the other side of the channel, if my memory is correct Hjorth Bay. Desolation is easier paddling, quiet water and a few more camps. There was more water, but still carry an adequate supply. The currents don't flush through as well so water is much warmer, and in late summer you have to watch for red tide. Mosquitos were fierce in spots. Desolation sound has oyster beds everywhere which can be hard on your gelcoat, and you need tough sandles or boots. Neoprene booties don't privide enough protection unless you have tough soles. -- MZ website: http://members.home.net/mzuschlag -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net]On Behalf Of Richard A Niemi Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2001 12:38 PM To: PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net; carigr_at_aol.com; johnnyg_at_asilomar-ps.com; rickniemi_at_juno.com; vicki_at_emeraldegg.com Subject: [Paddlewise] Question about Canada's Discovery Islands, Desolation Sound and Sunshine Coast area Hello, A group of us are planning a two week sea kayak trip to Canada's Discovery Islands, Desolation Sound and or the Sunshine Coast area. We are trying to narrow down the exact area to paddle. We are going through books and maps now. I was wondering if anyone out there has been to this area and if they would comment on it. My group sure would appreciate input from someone who's been there. Thank You in advance. Rick Niemi 408-394-6278 Please check out my WEBSITE at http://nirvana2000.netfirms.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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