[Paddlewise] Trip planning from Catala to Rugged Point

Evan posted (snip):
>The stretch from Catala to Rugged point is an area I've never paddled. 
>Assuming a morning launch (like 8 to 9 am) and
moderate conditions, can anyone tell me how difficult this area is? <

Well, obviously "Rolling Roadstead" gets lumpy, especially with 
swell/current interaction. Places like Yellow Bluff are a good bail-out, but 
I doubt this is an area you would commit to without a good window of 
opportunity, meaning you'd be more likely to run into trouble further north 
on your route up to Rugged Point. And yes, this outer coat section can and 
does get rough with rocky landings the norm, with only a few pocket beaches. 
However, there can be days of low swell, allowing easy meandering. Just make 
your moves early in the morning. It can also really rain out there; I mean, 
visibility zilch...and rain so hard it hurts the back of your hands. It can 
also be very hot, dang hot ("hmmm, should I take my PFD off?").  Don't miss 
the Grassy Islands - a great place to escape the bears of rugged Point. 
Again, make your crossings early, but don't be intimidated: the island 
chains do provide a sense of hop-scotch security. However, if an eight to 
ten foot swell is running, it should convince you to keep well out from the 
reefs along and near Jurassic Point (I've always managed to get in and land, 
and scout around for fossil evidence. Regardless, keep a good weather eye, 
and monitor your weather reports.

> I am familiar with the area from Kyuquot village north to the base of the 
> Brooks peninsula, so one way to respond is to
compare the two areas.<

Swell generally comes in perpendicular to the shoreline along the section 
you are planning to paddle. Unlike South Brooks, there is no sense of being 
in a bay or having large islands to run to. Nearshore perks include 
extensive reefs, a more intense seascape, and few paddlers, if any. Scenery 
is different - different rock, trees, sand, you know? :-)

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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