Nearing the top of Henry Island, a small islet presented itself. I could see a number of seals basking in the sunlight, so went out of my way to give them a wide berth of privacy - hopefully helping them with their energy conservation needs. I rode the tide into Roche Harbor, finding the Custom's booth had been moved back to the dormant winter position. With the office displaying a closed sign, I phoned Friday Harbor. An agent was in transit. The young lady officer eventually arrived, glad for the break-up in her daily routine. She fired up the computer, I got my clearance number before finally vacating the dock with a customary seal launch. My host arrived quickly with a friend in the bay, loading my kayak for me as I was feeling unwell. The ensuing weekend was one of peace and repose at a waterfront home known for redoubt, good company, fun and food. Heart, body, mind and spirit were at rest. A paddler who hadn't been kayaking in over two years joined the group paddle on Saturday, adding an unmistakable highlight to the weekend. It's so easy to forget one's seafaring passion amidst the flurry of daily activities, job and family. A particularly bad irregular heartbeat session in the early morning awoke me Sunday, which was just as well. I needed to get back to Canada. Winds were coming up early, swinging to SE 10 to 20 knots, with wind waves 1 to 3 feet. Against a big ebb mid-channel, the sooner the start, the better. I was on the water by 7:30 am, heading for Turn Point where I would attempt to minimize my ferry glide angle over to Rum Island on the Canadian side. By the time I'd passed Spieden Island and made it out along the exposed side of Stewart Island, the wind was picking up to 20 knots. Five minutes out from the lighthouse at Turn Point on Stewart Island, a large freighter loomed into view, quickly having appeared from around the corner. I estimated its speed, my position, and the intended vessel course through the International Shipping Channel. I've played cat-and-mouse with large vessels entering inlets for ports like Tahsis out on the west coast in times past on rougher days, and had come to the conclusion that discretion is always the best option. It was a pain to back paddle in the building seas and await the vessels passage. It didn't take long for the green China Shipping Line freighter to pass by as I skulled for support in its immediate wake. I practiced some deep, square breathing to keep calm, not wanting to get my heart going. The remainder of the crossing was exceptionally wonderful. A Minke Whale passed by. Whitecaps were building nicely, slapping wild at the bow directly abeam to port. Though such a simple phenomenon, I never cease to be amazed at nature's patterns - each so individual and infinite in possibilities. In the case of the waves, every one was dramatically rippled with gusting "Cat's Paws," blowing frantically with the flow up and down the faces of the breaking waves. I developed a lovely forearm muscle burn, in each arm - a true sign of physical, joyous attainment while moving one's self across a body of water under one's own power. The wind proved more of a consideration as opposed to the ebb current direction/strength and my original route selection, causing me to miss Rum Island by a mile northward. No problems. There was lots of scope for a route back to Sidney. There was a gale warning up for Juan de Fuca, and so wind spillage poured over Vancouver Island, giving the sailors a great day out off Sidney. I needed the occasional slap support cum skull, which always brings a smile to my face. One doesn't want to get too bored. I pushed hard into Sidney Harbor, reaching the dock by noon precisely (my intended arrival time). I phoned Canada Customs and got the usual quizzical meanderings about folks kayaking across alone. There was twist this time: they wouldn't give me a clearance number. They couldn't be bothered. Odd, given the recent kayaking drug busts for those who paddle that particular fringe. Doug Lloyd Victoria BC *************************************************************************** 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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