Re: [Paddlewise] Hotsprings Cove

Steve posted:
>Thanks Kirby and Alex. I'll look into it. The last time we spent two days
getting to Hotsprings Cove. The first day we got a late start and ran into
strong head winds so we stopped that night at a little buggy beach on Vargas
Island. <

One would normally expect a standard n/westerly headwind as the day
unfolded.

>The following day we paddled via the outside of Flores to the cove. It's a
great paddle, we counted seven grey whales in Cow Bay. However the outside
is pretty exposed without anywhere to run if things blow up so be sure of
your weather. In bad weather the inside route would be more prudent.<

Bad weather isn't too bad for a good paddler - it's when it's bad AND packed
in solid suddenly with fog. I hate that. Rafael Point is where a lot of
paddlers get into trouble, even on seemingly good days as they come around
the corner. Also, if rain is expected, don't camp on a steep seaward facing
slop, unless you really like it wet.

>The beach we stayed on wasn't identified as reserve land on the main chart
but it was noted on the inset detail of the cove. Like I said before we
didn't have any problems, most likely because we arrived late and left early
the next day under the cover of fog. I'll be checking out the alternative
spots this time round.<

I only commando camp on IR land in an emergency or with prior permission.

>The best time to go to the springs themselves is early in the morning or at
dusk when the zodiacs and floatplanes aren't bringing in the tourists from
Tofino.<

Agreed, but daytime off-season is still the best. I find a bit later in
September can be awesome, when everyone is back at school and the crowds
have died down and the wind has died down. There's nice camping just north
up the coast between Hot Springs and Hesquiat (called the Seal Coastline by
some locals). Easy to get in and out of in September.

>We also spent two days coming back via the inside of Flores and the outside
of Vargas, stopping for the night at Whitesands. The end result was a figure
eight route around the two islands taking three nights and four days. I
think it's quite possible to make Hotsprings in one day but it would be a
grind.<

Not worth the grind. However, a one day run back to Tofino with reasonably
agreeable currents and the wind on your tail is a nice days paddle.

Back in the early eighties, Hot Springs Cove was the undressed capitol of
the world. Now everyone wears clothes. Such lament.

I normally don't hike in the the springs, preferring to wet-exit, then
re-enter and roll, whence to depart. Seal-landing your body takes a bit of
skill in the swirling bay at the springs (tie-off to kelp beds). If you like
your coastal kayaking (which I do for certain venues), here's a site with a
list of possibilities:

http://www.island.net/~bcamp/#GGGG

Good paddling. Don't bump into too many whales, Zodiacs, float planes, other
kayakers, water taxis, aluminium whale-watching vessels, etc. If that blond
German girl is skinny-dipping at the springs again, pls send digital images.
:-)

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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