RE: [Paddlewise] Advice for Weak Paddlers in Kyuquot Sound?

Hi Dave. I spent a week up in the south Brooks area last summer. It's an
awesome place and a week just doesn't do it justice. I plan to go back. We
encountered humpback whales, sea otters, bears, sun, surf and all of this
with out the crowds associated with places like the Broken Group.

I think three days from Fair Harbour to Kyuquot Village is a little much.
Kyuquot was our lunch stop on the way to the Bunsby's. I think the area
conditions would suit intermediate paddlers but I wouldn't recommend it for
an extended paddle. There isn't a whole lot to see in that first stretch.
The area has been extensively logged and there are few camping spots. The
ones I did see looked buggy and were small, more suited to bivy bags than
tents. Timing the currents would certainly help but there wasn't any
dangerous tidal conditions that I saw. Once outside of Crowther Channel you
are subjected to ocean swells for the short stretches between the islands
but nothing technical. Chances are very good that you would encounter a head
wind in the afternoon as well. 

A better idea would be to catch a water taxi from Fair Harbour directly to
the Bunsby's and do day trips from there. There is at least one outfit in
Zeballos running these trips. Once inside the Bunsby's the area is fairly
sheltered, much like the Broken Group. 

I would suggest that your friends pick up one of Kirby Steven's maps when
they get up here. I think he has one for the area and they are invaluable
for showing camping areas and points of interest. The usual west coast
doctrine of paddling in the morning before the wind comes up applies. They
should also be prepared for rain, fog and cool temps. Check the weather
forecast often, it can change in a hurry up there.

Steve Davis	
Victoria, BC

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