tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44934766941050965382024-03-13T09:36:12.388-07:00John's Kayak Adventures...kayaking Victoria and the We(s)t Coast...Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-83413412812911094832015-07-18T21:50:00.001-07:002015-07-18T21:50:33.093-07:002015.03.262 - 2015 MEC Paddlefest VictoriaThis morning, Louise and I headed down to Willows Beach for the 2015 iteration of the <a href="http://events.mec.ca/node/39406">MEC Paddlefest Victoria</a>. This year's event probably could not have taken place on a better day. With nearly constant sun and nearly no rain since April, today was another gorgeous day. Okay, I'm trying to put a nice face on it -- we're actually facing some extreme drought conditions and forest fire dangers in the province. It's going to be a long, hot summer. But things aren't bad enough that we can't put those thoughts aside for a while and enjoy today's event.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19815198991/in/datetaken/" title="IMGP0534-Pano2"><img alt="IMGP0534-Pano2" height="156" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/461/19815198991_b5e1cd702d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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First, Louise and I wandered down to the <a href="http://oceanriver.com/">Ocean River</a> area where we bumped into Ben, and chatted with him for a while as we caught up with each other. <br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19189440893/in/album-72157653715964834/" title="IMGP0517-2"><img alt="IMGP0517-2" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/261/19189440893_434b93e47b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
But of course the whole point of a paddlefest is to go paddling, so Louise and I took turns trying out the new <a href="http://www.deltakayaks.com/kayak-models/performance-touring/delta-17.html">Delta 17</a>. <br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19815154311/in/album-72157653715964834/" title="IMGP0519-2"><img alt="IMGP0519-2" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/371/19815154311_3f028e2ce5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
I enjoyed paddling this boat so much that I forgot to take a picture of it.<br />
<br />
Then we bumped into our old pal Mark of <a href="https://kayakdistribution.com/">Kayak Distribution</a>, and spent a while catching up. We're starting to do more talking then paddling at these things.<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19187739394/in/album-72157653715964834/" title="IMGP0529-2"><img alt="IMGP0529-2" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/358/19187739394_f40f405ca1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Another successful paddling event!<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19187746874/in/album-72157653715964834/" title="IMGP0525-Pano2"><img alt="IMGP0525-Pano2" height="276" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/488/19187746874_d284be5f36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Trip length: .10 km<br />
YTD: 8.44 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157653715964834">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-86403143451518121532015-07-01T19:34:00.004-07:002015-07-01T21:06:16.970-07:002015.02.261 - Canada Day Paddle<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19332416452" title="IMG_0171-Pano by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0171-Pano" height="202" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/389/19332416452_b4c6d14433_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Louise and I went for our annual Canada Day Paddle on the Gorge. Every year, Gorge Road is closed for a mile-long block party.<br />
<br />
We don't usually see much wild life on our Canada Day paddles -- most of it finds something better to do than hang around with a few thousand humans while they make music, eat food and play road hockey -- but we did see something fitting for this day: Canada geese.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19332409152" title="IMG_0174 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0174 copy" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/276/19332409152_f0cf01197f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
A quick paddle to the bridge and back and we were done. Time to get ready for the fireworks!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19150802020" title="IMGP0508 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0508 copy" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/19150802020_aeea005629_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19332404462" title="IMG_0184 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/499/19332404462_913dc74517_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0184 copy"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Trip length: 3.39 km<br />
YTD: 8.34 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157655266056236">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/19340359415" title="2015-07-01 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="2015-07-01" height="388" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/513/19340359415_7d217335ec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-16148670276971337112015-02-15T18:45:00.000-08:002015-02-15T18:52:54.687-08:002015.01.260 - Back In the Paddle AgainFor a kayaking blog, Louise and I haven't done a lot of kayaking lately. In fact, we haven't been on the water since last July. And the fault is mine, or rather my right knee's. After stoically braving chronic pain and stiffness for some months (I call it "stoically braving" -- others may call it "living in denial"), I finally sought out medical advice. I could not fully extend my knee, nor could I fully bend it without extreme pain. Sometimes I could barely bend it at all. While some days I could walk on it fairly comfortably, on others I was reduced to dragging my leg behind me seemingly in a vain attempt to impersonate <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031455/">Charles Laughton</a>. Paddling my kayak wasn't so bad, but it became quite a struggle to get in and out of my boat, never mind the travails of loading, unloading and carrying it around.<br />
Last July, my knee finally reached its metaphorical breaking point, and clearly brave stoicism was not getting me very far. After an assessment with a physiotherapist, I was diagnosed with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patella_dislocation">patella dislocation</a>. Basically, this means that my kneecap was not resting correctly in the patellofemoral groove at the end of the thigh bone. While generally an injury that is the result of a sudden impact or twist, it can be the result of a chronic muscle imbalance, and that appears to have been the case for me. There had not been any sudden impacts on my knee, but there had been a slow decrease of function and increase in discomfort going back years. I first dismissed this as simply a sign of the aches and pains of an aging body, but now, after a few months of physio and more months of near normal function, it appears that I was mistaken. <br />
The obvious question is what sent my knee down this road. Was there an incident that injured my knee just enough to create a minor injury that at first was an unnoticed inconvenience but without treatment developed into near-debilitating aggravation? Or is this the result of a long-untreated residual injury from <a href="http://kayakyak.blogspot.ca/search/label/The%20Big%20Ouch">my bike accident</a>? Or just a chronic slight misalignment of parts that finally became unbearable? <br />
That is an unanswerable question. But at least now I can walk around free of pain while I think about it.<br />
<br />
So having been off the water for over seven months, this was really nothing more than let's-get-reacquainted-with-paddling paddle. Working out the kinks and seeing if everything still works. Where's my paddle? Did I remember my waterbottle? Where did I put my lucky kayaking underwear? Am I the only paddler who has lucky kayaking underwear?<br />
One thing we suddenly remembered was that the last time we went out paddling, Louise blew out the knee seam of her neoprene pants. Clearly, that might have been an issue for a long day of paddling on the ocean, but not so much for our little jaunt in The Gorge. But Louise came up with a great idea -- she put a piece of duct tape on the inside of her neoprene covering the hole. Not a permanent solution, but it worked for today. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16357874567" title="gorge_Panorama1 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="gorge_Panorama1" height="348" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/16357874567_175ab69d15_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
So we wheeled the kayaks down the hill and put in at The Gorge. Although quite mild for February, it was still a bit cool overall, but I was hoping the sun would be enough to keep us warm. <br />
<br />
And we're on our way!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16542684692" title="IMG_0043 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/16542684692_2bd292c6c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0043"></a><br />
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I took along a new piece of gear, a selfie stick. I was hoping to try and get something other than the same old kayaking camera angles. A bit of a work in progress, I think.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16542673022" title="IMGP0004 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0004" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/16542673022_aa0fdbe8aa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We headed under the Craigflower Bridge....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16517766826" title="IMGP0493 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0493 copy" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/16517766826_e46d3c7dcd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
...and into Portage Inlet.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/15923574883" title="IMGP0497 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0497" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/15923574883_2b124b64b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Louise was starting to feel the brisk air. Fooled by the bright sun, she was wearing thin gloves instead of her Hot Shots paddling mitts and the cold was getting to her. We turned to head back as we weren't planning to stay out long anyway. <br />
We saw a hawk fly by, but not much else. But as we began our turn around, I saw a heron in a tree. Then another. Then another....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16356286940" title="IMG_0053 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0053 copy" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/16356286940_1463de4f43_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Twelve herons in all. Do we have a new heron rookery in Portage Inlet?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16357470419" title="IMG_0057 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0057 copy" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16357470419_3accace224_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We'll have to check it out next time we're out here. In the meantime, Louise needs some hot tea!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16517765016" title="IMGP0502 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0502 copy" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/16517765016_06a32b9c67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 4.95 km<br />
YTD: 4.95 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157650776899596">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/16542363321" title="2015-02-15 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="2015-02-15" height="388" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/16542363321_b0c8de8ec3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-69424514754177454152014-07-01T18:11:00.000-07:002014-07-01T18:11:16.789-07:002014.06.259 - Canada Day on The Gorge<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14554207635" title="Gorge Panorama1 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="Gorge Panorama1" height="253" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14554207635_6c12101fb8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A beautiful sunny morning greeted us as we rolled the kayaks down the hill, and it was only going to get better. Forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far, it's also Canada Day. So Happy 147th Birthday to us!<br />
<br />
Every Canada Day, Gorge Road is closed for a mile-long block party. It starts with a parade.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367750997" title="IMG_2314 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2314 copy" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/14367750997_c49bee8a2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14552618364" title="IMG_2321 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2321 copy" height="348" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14552618364_3e2b2e2ffc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Ace Mascot, the mascot of the local Saanich police came by and surprisingly did not try to arrest me, but gave me a high-five before joining the parade.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367749917" title="IMG_2317 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2317 copy" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14367749917_40b8da2a7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Paula joined Louise and I for our quick little jaunt up the Gorge.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14554206205" title="IMG_2309 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2309" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14554206205_cc8ba56e08_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And we're off!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14552612594" title="IMGP0442 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/14552612594_bcf13f0e85_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0442 copy"></a><br />
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We weren't expecting to see much wildlife today, and we didn't. With all the hustle and bustle, we've come to expect that the wildlife in the area will go into hiding on Canada Day. But we did see a couple of swans enjoying the holiday.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367525030" title="IMG_2337 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14367525030_47f864827f_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="IMG_2337 copy"></a><br />
<br />
As we paddled down the Gorge...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14574297403" title="IMG_2327 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14574297403_f18a5967c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2327 copy"></a><br />
...we passed the beginning of the parade. Ace was still having a good time.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14553318282" title="IMG_2325 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/14553318282_990ee54022_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2325 copy"></a><br />
<br />
After flying the flag...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14550797081" title="IMG_2326 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14550797081_a0cf1a4e0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2326 copy"></a><br />
...it was time to join the street party.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367589259" title="IMG_6391 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14367589259_c0221c4eb0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_6391"></a><br />
<br />
We checked out the classic chairs...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14550795541" title="IMG_6358 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14550795541_9e4a4d9d1f_z.jpg" width="640" height="247" alt="IMG_6358 copy"></a><br />
...and the artisan booths.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367523460" title="IMG_6378 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14367523460_047e66be25_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_6378 copy"></a><br />
<br />
And we checked out the road hockey tournament. After all, what's more Canadian than hockey in July?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14367524270" title="IMG_6365 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14367524270_8991e4be50_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_6365 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 3.81 km<br />
YTD: 29.89 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157645056270168">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14574498403" title="gorge by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="gorge" height="388" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14574498403_f410f425ac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-38360076022100256412014-06-15T17:47:00.000-07:002014-07-25T15:40:43.939-07:002014.05.258 - The Great ExperimentLouise and I decided to head to the dark side today and try our hand at stand-up paddle boarding. It's something we've always wanted to try as The Gorge near where we live would be a great place to SUP. We could carry the boards down the hill easily and launch into its flat and calm waters.<br />
We hooked up with Jason from <a href="http://www.epicsurfco.com/">Epic Surf Co.</a> for a lesson.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14451746463" title="IMGP0389 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14451746463_238ba7f9a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0389"></a><br />
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We met early on this cloudy and drizzly morning at Gonzales Bay, a small but sheltered bay on the southern shore of Victoria.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14428212391" title="Gonzales Bay by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14428212391_671c000235_z.jpg" width="640" height="204" alt="Gonzales Bay"></a><br />
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The first thing we liked about paddle boarding? These boards are light!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14430438544" title="IMGP0387 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/14430438544_0d2affd61e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0387 copy"></a><br />
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But then the hard part began, getting on the board and standing up.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14428206791" title="IMGP0392 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14428206791_cf2f7eb8a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0392 copy"></a><br />
It's not as easy as it looks. First you have to get on your knees, then try and move to your feet, then stand up. It sounds simple, but it takes some getting used to. And it didn't always go well. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14245110757" title="IMGP0391 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/14245110757_0a92d9b928_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0391 copy"></a><br />
But finally, she's up!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14244913879" title="IMGP0393 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/14244913879_538a5698c4_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMGP0393"></a><br />
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Louise was really good at it, and really got the hang of it. Although she had a few falls, she was really good about getting back on the horse and trying again, and managed to stand up quite a few times and went for a couple of long paddles. I was able to get up on my knees, but really found myself having a hard time balancing on my feet. I did manage to stand up a few times, but I didn't stay up for long. :)<br />
There's something about not being on solid ground that my feet don't like. I have the same feeling if I'm in skates or rollerblades -- my feet total rebel, they want to be on the ground, ground that preferably isn't moving. It's odd...while on the paddle board on my knees, I had no problems. (Although you can't edge really well on a paddle board. As I found out.)<br />
<br />
Most of the time, my view was this:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14430429044" title="IMGP0400 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14430429044_362a27085a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0400"></a><br />
<br />
But Louise was a whiz at it.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14428204851" title="IMGP0396 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14428204851_a5cce66362_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0396 copy"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14428202341" title="IMGP0398 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3873/14428202341_8bd6306d15_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0398 copy"></a><br />
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Will we do it again? Not sure. No question we had fun, but I am not sure we were convinced enough to try it again. We'll sleep on it and see. And you will see it here, if we try it again.<br />
<br />
Trip length: .5 km<br />
YTD: 26.08 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157644782146170">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-88458112938008338842014-06-08T21:13:00.001-07:002014-06-09T08:47:35.617-07:002014.04.257 - Baby Hunt<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375855311" title="gorge1 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="gorge1" height="213" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3900/14375855311_d5e9f5d5ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
A warm sunny morning greeted Louise and I as we rolled our kayaks down the hill for a paddle. The object of today's paddle was our annual pilgrimage up The Gorge to look for baby swans. There's two local swan couples, one in The Gorge that have lived there for a couple of years, and another couple in Portage Inlet that have been there for at least six or seven years. So be warned; there's possibly lots of cute feathered goodness ahead in this post.<br />
<br />
First, we noticed a heron preening in the morning sun near our launch point.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14377769402" title="IMG_2176 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2176 copy" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3870/14377769402_0df532c65c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We kayaked by the first swan nest. Mom was sitting on the nest, and there was no sign of baby swans. Or dad for that matter. We'd thought we might have seen mom and some babies a few days ago from a distance when we were on a walk, but we really weren't sure. And with the the high grasses, mom could be hiding almost anything in there. But if she had any baby swans in there, we saw no sign of them today.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14399380463" title="IMG_2193 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2193" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14399380463_c41316b97e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A few minutes later we spotted dad out for his Sunday morning walk, er, swim.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14192568139" title="IMG_2198 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14192568139_c73963c077_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2198 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Soon, we paddled by some geese and clearly they had had some luck on the baby front.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14192567579" title="IMG_2203 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2203 copy" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14192567579_71366d9cfe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14379207175" title="IMG_2209 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2209 copy" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14379207175_651207b4fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14379207305" title="IMG_2207 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2207 copy" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14379207305_66ba2e1265_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Another heron was fishing for breakfast.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14377764262" title="IMG_2217 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2217" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14377764262_12bf653a66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Then we headed for our first trip under the new Craigflower Bridge after its official opening a few weeks ago.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14399375673" title="IMG_2220 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2220 copy" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14399375673_0c68c73247_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375868921" title="IMGP0367 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0367 copy" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14375868921_178ceae9df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14378265224" title="IMGP0369 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0369" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14378265224_c1407926be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This fancy new bridge replaces an 80 year-old bridge that looked like this:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483249425/" title="IMGP0073 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8483249425_450e681e5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0073 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Going under the bridge moves you from The Gorge to Portage Inlet and we headed for the nest of the the other swan couple. But disappointingly, there was no sign of them. The beach area where they've nest for years looked undisturbed, so we wonder if they are still around. Perhaps they've moved on.<br />
So, no swan babies. But as we looked in vain for them, we saw a pair of youngish looking herons.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14399372623" title="IMG_2274 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2274 copy" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14399372623_f1dc298bd9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375871761" title="IMG_2224 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2224" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/14375871761_52591bcb99_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375871121" title="IMG_2238 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2238 copy" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/14375871121_4854a60739_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
It was high noon, but low tide and we were getting stuck in the mud and silt botton of the Inlet. Time to head back.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375882471" title="IMGP0377 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14375882471_9cc81f8788_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMGP0377 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.83 km<br />
YTD: 25.58 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157644669838737/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/14375950921" title="2014-06-08 The Gorge by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="2014-06-08 The Gorge" height="388" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14375950921_e7c01330f9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-73710565257767886602014-04-14T21:43:00.003-07:002014-06-08T20:09:53.853-07:002014.03.256 - Thetis Lake<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860435323" title="Thetis 2 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/13860435323_d7ce2fdd36_z.jpg" width="640" height="187" alt="Thetis 2"></a><br />
This morning, Louise and I headed down to Thetis Lake so that Louise could try a dry-suit for the first time. Up to this time, Louise has used various combinations of neoprene pieces and paddling jackets. However, her main paddling jacket is in need of replacement and we've been discussing the pros and cons of a dry-suit as a replacement. Personally, I don't see any cons to a dry-suit -- except maybe the cost -- but until now Louise has remained unconvinced. We borrowed a dry-suit from another local paddler, but when she put it on we quickly discovered that Louise suffers from "clothestropohbia" -- a fear of confined clothing. <br />
<br />
Our plan today was to paddle around the lake, then play in the water a bit so that Louise could get an idea of what a dry-suit is like.<br />
We were about to hit the water when we suddenly realized that in our concern over getting the dry-suit ready for Louise, we'd forgotten out PFDs! Whoops! <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13861558704" title="G0030610 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/13861558704_05cda3b1b8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030610"></a><br />
What to do? If we were launching into the ocean without out PFDs, well, we wouldn't. But this being a lake we decided that sticking close to the shore should be safe enough. Thetis Lake is actually a deceptively deep lake; many a poor swimmer has encountered serious, in some cases fatal, trouble by walking out into the water from shore not realizing that the bottom drops off sharply and unexpectedly. <br />
<br />
So, carefully, off we went.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860420595" title="Thetis 1 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5304/13860420595_519103163b_z.jpg" width="640" height="259" alt="Thetis 1"></a><br />
<br />
Soon we found some trash floating near the main beach.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13861185715" title="G0030594 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/13861185715_8e163c8bc7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030594"></a><br />
I'm not sure what it is -- a floating drink tray? Summer is starting early in the park! We put it ashore near a garbage can.<br />
<br />
We continued on. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860429545" title="IMGP0331 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/13860429545_81e3c48e30_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0331 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Among the trees and bushes along the shore I thought I saw a giant turtle. All I saw was a round shiny back, so my first thought was turtle, since we know there are turtles in the park. Then I saw it again, and it was definitely not a turtle. Too fast for one thing. Moving between the trees, it waddled along. Otter, maybe? We have seen those here, too.<br />
But then I noticed the tree it walked by.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860483453" title="IMG_2113 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/13860483453_783d3d6ba6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2113 copy"></a><br />
I'm pretty sure that otters don't eat trees.<br />
So, a beaver then? Maybe, especially because Louise pointed out the large beaver mound behind the tree.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860473793" title="IMG_2115 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/13860473793_2e3b3444e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2115 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We moved into an arm of the lake that we know has turtles in it...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860445215" title="IMG_2118 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/13860445215_c1df9aa6ab_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2118"></a><br />
...and sure enough, there were two.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860460133" title="IMG_2128 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/13860460133_a81845ba68_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2128 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Soon it was time to head back. Louise has promised to report on her dry-suit experience.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13860792404" title="IMGP0338 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/13860792404_0a13c160fe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0338 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.04 km<br />
YTD: 18.75 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157643976850303">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13862651655" title="thetis by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/13862651655_1c3f824ab0_z.jpg" width="640" height="388" alt="thetis"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-31472756545533632162014-03-23T20:37:00.000-07:002014-06-16T17:08:24.108-07:002014.02.255 - Inner Harbour<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367631393/" title="harbour by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/13367631393_6ee0bd54f3_z.jpg" width="640" height="124" alt="harbour"></a><br />
The forecast was for fog, not cloud. Fog burns off, cloud not so much sometimes. But not this morning. Cool and cloudy. Despite that, Louise and I headed down to the harbour to kayak from downtown up The Gorge.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367488615/" title="GOPR4149 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/13367488615_76438af36b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="GOPR4149"></a><br />
Louise looks thrilled, don't she?<br />
<br />
As we were readying to launch, the nearby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_Street_Bridge">Johnson Street Bridge</a> went up.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367472305/" title="IMG_2056 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/13367472305_009cb40a06_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2056"></a><br />
Venerable old "Big Blue" is being <a href="http://www.johnsonstreetbridge.com/">replaced late next year</a> and part of the rail portion of the bridge has already been removed (as we reported <a href="http://kayakyak.blogspot.ca/2012/04/johnson-street-bridge-deathwatch.html">here</a>.)<br />
Here on the southern side, construction is not obvious....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368325343/" title="IMGP0297 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/13368325343_7bb5a6615f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0297"></a><br />
...but once we go under the bridge and look at the north side...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367520045/" title="G0030399 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/13367520045_1d94472555_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030399"></a><br />
...construction is well under way. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368297273/" title="IMGP0315 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/13368297273_da9c89b45b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0315 copy"></a><br />
Not being a bridge construction engineer, I'm not sure what we're looking out, but I'm guessing this is a temporary construction platform that's being used to sink the pilings.<br />
<br />
The Inner Harbour is a working harbour. As we paddled past a tied-up fishing boat...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368320663/" title="IMGP0299 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/13368320663_067764ce59_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0299"></a><br />
...a pair of eyes studied us carefully.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368175455/" title="IMGP0301 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/13368175455_9403070a8b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0301 copy"></a><br />
<br />
As we paddled by the <a href="http://www.pointhopemaritime.com/">Point Hope Shipyard</a>....<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367610583/" title="IMG_2065 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/13367610583_4064ff898d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2065"></a><br />
....we saw the remains of the Undersea Gardens. <br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367517415/" title="G0030418 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/13367517415_604bfe434a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030418"></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367469395/" title="IMG_2064 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/13367469395_a29316f5f0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2064"></a><br />
The Undersea Gardens was a long-time tourist attraction in the harbour. It's a 150-foot purpose built vessel where, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Undersea_Gardens">according to Wikipedia</a>, visitors "....descended 15 feet (4.6 m) beneath the ocean surface to look through the many viewing windows of the aquariums that surrounded the vessel and see the various marine life of coastal British Columbia, in their natural and protected environment." It was originally opened at the Oak Bay Marina in 1964, then it was towed to the Inner Harbour in 1969. <br />
My dad took the picture below in 1971, showing the Undersea Gardens in its prime. I love that sign!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8526004357/" title="1971 Inner Harbour Victoria by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8526004357_e3c13673e8_z.jpg" width="640" height="381" alt="1971 Inner Harbour Victoria"></a><br />
The Gardens closed late last year and was towed here where it waits to be scrapped or sold.<br />
<br />
Under the Bay Street Bridge...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368313523/" title="IMGP0305 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/13368313523_c3b60abd1d_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMGP0305 copy"></a><br />
...then under the Selkirk Bridge...<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367650243/" title="G0030447 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/13367650243_67b973f3b9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030447"></a><br />
...and we were paddling up The Gorge.<br />
<br />
Suddenly to the left, a splash!<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367674283/" title="IMG_2066 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/13367674283_23861572fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2066"></a><br />
The culprit? An otter, that sought cover under a dock after being surprised by a pair of kayakers on his morning swim.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367529095/" title="IMG_2070 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/13367529095_45db16c4cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2070"></a><br />
<br />
We spotted something in the water ahead of us.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367642873/" title="G0030493 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/13367642873_54a8132eff_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030493"></a><br />
Anybody want a slightly used <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_Marine_%26_Pool">Zodiac</a>?<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368306923/" title="IMGP0310 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/13368306923_94cc310be8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0310"></a><br />
I did my best to push onto the shore. Hopefully someone will come and collect it.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368536184/" title="IMGP0311 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/13368536184_d98a1d1d3b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0311"></a><br />
<br />
After that, it was time to head back.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367494205/" title="G0030531 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/13367494205_b552e23257_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0030531"></a><br />
The cormorant pointed the way.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13367669453/" title="IMG_2071 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/13367669453_ec8c507378_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_2071 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.66 km<br />
YTD: 12.71 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157642821049004/with/13368631245/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/13368631245/" title="2014-03-23 Inner Harbour by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/13368631245_f3085207ea_z.jpg" width="640" height="388" alt="2014-03-23 Inner Harbour"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-53235094670638412252014-01-26T17:59:00.000-08:002015-01-16T13:11:16.061-08:002014.01.254 - The GorgeLouise and I decided to get the paddling season started this morning with a quick little jaunt down in The Gorge. We didn't want to do a long paddle; this was more of a "work out the kinks" paddle, both in our gear and ourselves. We've been off the water for a few months, and have had a pretty lazy winter so far, so we wanted to go slow and easy the first time out. <br />
And besides, who doesn't like to go paddling in the fog?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163284694/" title="Untitled_Panorama1 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/12163284694_744550e9b2_z.jpg" width="640" height="290" alt="Untitled_Panorama1"></a><br />
<br />
We've been socked in the past couple of days, sometimes about as thick as it ever gets around here. It looked like it had backed off a bit as we were getting ready to launch, but then it suddenly rolled in like thick pea soup. I tried to take a picture of Louise a couple of metres away from me on the shore but as you can see, it was so thick the camera couldn't make anything out.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12162852075/" title="IMGP0210 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/12162852075_69fe234cc8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0210"></a><br />
Which is too bad, because as Louise was standing there a Sasquatch ran by, almost knocking down Brad Pitt and Robert Downey Jr. as they signed autographs for Elvis who was piloting a flying saucer. Jeez, I wish that that picture had turned out!<br />
<br />
Yes, I'm kidding. But if you didn't like that joke, don't worry the rest aren't any worse than that one. <br />
In reality, the foggy shroud was starting to back off as we put in.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163268614/" title="IMGP0212 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/12163268614_85a06b89c2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0212"></a><br />
<br />
Either a small piece of Esquimalt was ceded to Italy over the winter, or someone is starting his World Cup cheering early.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163259124/" title="IMGP0225 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/12163259124_dd28c947bb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0225 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We kayaked by the local pair of swans....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163104213/" title="IMG_1992 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/12163104213_d50cf3aefa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1992"></a><br />
....as they practiced for the new Olympic Sport, Synchronized Underwater Grazing. I think they're going to do quite well.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12162862505/" title="IMG_1989 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/12162862505_40a09f2c4e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1989 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Long-time readers will recall that the demolition and rebuilding of the Craigflower Bridge on Admirals Road began last year. It was supposed to be finished by Christmas, however a steel shortage delayed the project, as drivers in the area have no doubt noticed.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163082233/" title="IMGP0229 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/12163082233_ea1a3a85ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0229 copy"></a><br />
The latest estimate is that the bridge should be done by the end of March. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163537006/" title="IMGP0230 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/12163537006_b169f043df_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0230"></a><br />
<br />
The fog began to burn off, but the temperature remained cool. Warm drinks began to call us from our kitchen, and we responded to their siren call.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163112063/" title="IMGP0240 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/12163112063_9bfe990546_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0240 copy"></a><br />
The first paddle of the year is in the books!<br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.05 km<br />
YTD: 6.05 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12162852075/in/set-72157640190279656/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/12163511214/" title="2014-01-26 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/12163511214_834c50a86b_z.jpg" width="640" height="388" alt="2014-01-26"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-10637818797084705662013-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:002014-07-25T16:07:14.349-07:002013.09.253 - Kayak for a Cure 2013<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6NXh0ntovU/Ui0pdMYtnuI/AAAAAAAAIA8/RlvhPXw3pwM/s1600/kfac_logo_150x175px.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i6NXh0ntovU/Ui0pdMYtnuI/AAAAAAAAIA8/RlvhPXw3pwM/s1600/kfac_logo_150x175px.jpg" /></a><br />
Louise and I hit Willows Beach early this morning to join the 2013 edition of <a href="http://kayakforacure.org/events/victoria/">Kayak For A Cure</a>. About 50 kayakers by my guess hit the water, some old hands at kayaking, but others were first-time newbies, and many were cancer survivors so it's a short, easy paddle to Cadboro Bay and back.<br />
<br />
But first things first. And first I get my picture taken with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marty.themarmot">Marty the Marmot</a>, the <a href="http://islandsportsnews.net/features/1-sports/8394-marty-the-marmot-wins-title-of-favorite-mascot-of-the-year">hardest working marmot in show business</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9703464033/" title="IMG_1943 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/9703464033_bfdde31588_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1943 copy"></a><br />
<br />
But when our thoughts turned to kayaking, conditions were beautiful on the beach...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9706713884/" title="IMG_1920 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9706713884_4406e992e5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1920 copy"></a><br />
...but there were some big thick clouds of fog here and there offshore and down towards the south.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9703469791/" title="IMG_1927 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/9703469791_fcb7da98ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1927"></a><br />
<br />
Soon, we were off. Herding cats is probably easier.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9706680600/" title="IMGP0185 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/9706680600_a4181f2cf4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0185 copy"></a><br />
<br />
I wasn't expecting to see much in the way of wildlife today, the wildlife generally hides when a fleet, is in the water, but a heron kept watch as we paddled by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9703453985/" title="IMG_1954 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/9703453985_353d806cc5_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1954 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We rounded Cattle Point...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9706673792/" title="IMGP0187 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9706673792_c567f145ee_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0187"></a><br />
...and into Cadboro Bay...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9706647710/" title="IMGP0194 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9706647710_7c631ac9fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0194 copy"></a><br />
...where Paula paddled out to briefly join us.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9706642790/" title="IMGP0197 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/9706642790_15c92eba32_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0197 copy"></a><br />
<br />
A quick stop under wispy fog at Cadboro Bay beach...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9703396523/" title="IMGP0201 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9703396523_d970d57b0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0201 copy"></a><br />
...and then we returned to Willows Beach...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9703387421/" title="IMGP0204 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9703387421_1d8fef3ae7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0204 copy"></a><br />
...for munchies.<br />
<br />
Donations received from the Victoria event go towards the local <a href="http://www.inspirehealth.ca/">InspireHealth Integrated Cancer Care</a> centre, and today we raised over $22,000.<br />
It's not too late to help -- you can still donate by clicking <a href="http://kayakforacure2013.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1072756&lis=1&kntae1072756=9F55431EA8F64CEBAF5277DBCE2EA143&supId=365412102">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<br />
In support of Bobby, Ann, and Karen.<br />
In memory of Pauline, Jaan, and Sam.<br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.98 km<br />
YTD: 48.64 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157635446267428/with/9707109492/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9704463335/" title="2013-09-08 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/9704463335_90a08e9981_z.jpg" width="640" height="388" alt="2013-09-08"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-25734174709351629222013-08-06T18:51:00.000-07:002013-09-05T08:19:54.044-07:002013.08.252 - A Family AffairA sunny Tuesday. Well, it's supposed to be. But there's some fog at our launch point at Cadboro Bay.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453123581/" title="IMG_1895 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/9453123581_d8c5836be9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1895 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We've got a big group on the water today. Louise and I were joined by my sister Brenda who is hosting my great-nephew Michael who is honeymooning here with his new bride Gwylan. Michael is the grandson of my sister Ann who lived back east but passed away last winter, and he and I have never met. We had a great dinner at Brenda's last night trading stories about Ann, although it was kind of weird hearing one of my sisters referred to as "Grandma."<br />
Thanks to Paula, who also joined us on the water today, we were able to get ourselves as well as Brenda, Michael and Gwylan on the water for a nice gentle paddle from Cadboro Bay to Cattle Point. Paula used her Eliza, and lent us her Pamlico and two inflatables, setting a personal record for having four of her kayaks on the water at once.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453062855/" title="IMGP0178 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/9453062855_06232229d3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0178 copy"></a><br />
<br />
I showed off the amazingly scenic Juan de Fuca Strait!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453142801/" title="IMGP0179 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9453142801_841200df5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0179"></a><br />
Okay, you'll have to trust me on that.<br />
<br />
The fog came and went and came and went, but eventually went. The geese didn't care one way or the other.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9455846352/" title="IMGP0176 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/9455846352_5c4cec922e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0176 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Apart from the geese, we didn't see much in the way of wildlife at first, something we've noticed on other foggy days. Sometimes I think all the animals just sleep in on foggy days. Can't say I blame them.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453136205/" title="IMGP0181 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/9453136205_d285049b42_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0181 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Eventually we did see a few seals tanning on a rock...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9455876034/" title="IMG_1907 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/9455876034_8b7abcab0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1907 copy"></a><br />
...and after a quick crossing to Flower Island...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453132775/" title="IMGP0182 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/9453132775_3c8723bd2b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0182 copy"></a><br />
...we saw a few more.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9453084241/" title="IMG_1915 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9453084241_22ebb15fbe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1915 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9455873726/" title="IMG_1910 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/9455873726_268869b240_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1910 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Awesome day on the water with awesome people -- that's how you spend a Tuesday!<br />
<br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.20 km<br />
YTD: 41.66 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157634965485006/with/9455846352/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9455929754/" title="2013-08-06 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/9455929754_b97abe17be_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="2013-08-06 copy"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-10464688380070603072013-08-04T19:28:00.001-07:002013-08-11T11:42:04.828-07:002013.07.251 - Seal of DisapprovalThere's no question that our kayaking mojo has been absent this year. We've just gone through the driest and most sunshiniest month ever recorded in these parts and we only kayaked twice. Part of the problem is we spent the earlier part of the year nursing minor aches and pains, and dealt with some energy-sapping family matters. But those are winding down now, and we're feeling relatively healthy, so we're trying to get back in to the paddling swing again. And although it was overcast when we arrived at Cadboro Bay beach, the weatherman promised that it would burnoff and the sun would out soon. <br />
And the weatherman always keeps his promises, right?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440703402/" title="IMGP0145 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9440703402_553b4dc3bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0145"></a><br />
<br />
Paula joined Louise and myself and we headed out hoping that the weatherman would indeed keep his promises. And it looked like he just might. As we paddled along the north side of the by, the thin cloud layer began to abate.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437978937/" title="IMG_1833 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9437978937_87716fb623_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1833 copy"></a><br />
<br />
This heron was enjoying the morning almost as much as we were.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440746462/" title="IMG_1851 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9440746462_7852ca0220_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_1851"></a><br />
<br />
We reached Flower Island and paddled around the far side of the island where a pair of eagles were resting.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440755714/" title="IMG_1839 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/9440755714_a891c7d369_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1839 copy"></a><br />
One flew off to sit in a tree....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440738630/" title="IMG_1857 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/9440738630_780c8609ae_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1857 copy"></a><br />
...while one seemed quite content to sit in the sun. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440747610/" title="IMG_1847 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9440747610_1d3783a24c_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1847 copy"></a><br />
<br />
While I drifted away checking out the eagles, Louise was having a close encounter of her own. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440740060/" title="IMG_1855 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9440740060_abb61ca9c4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1855 copy"></a><br />
A seal had taken an interest in her and was following close behind her, diving and swimming under her boat.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437949907/" title="IMG_1862 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9437949907_87c969d27a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1862 copy"></a><br />
Louise reported that it was swimming up to her, diving, turning upside down and looking up here. She spent a few minutes mesmerized as it swan and performed in the underwater sunlit rays.<br />
<br />
From Flower, we crossed to Jemmy Jones Island with the intention of paddling around it, but as we closed in, we could hear seals barking and we could see young seals at both ends of the island. We decided to forgo paddling around and leave the young ones in peace.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437947107/" title="IMG_1869 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/9437947107_f398f45666_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1869 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Instead, we paddled towards the end of Ten Mile Point and played around in a cove that only exists at low tide. Normally, this would be a series of small to medium-sized channels, but not today. We spent a few minutes floating around checking out the sponges and seaweed.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440726472/" title="IMG_1874 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/9440726472_3cc00442b5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1874 copy"></a><br />
<br />
After a while, a mother seal and her baby entered the channel.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440721108/" title="IMG_1875 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9440721108_cabfbdfa3e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1875 copy"></a><br />
They seemed calm at first, but clearly baby seal was interested in us and kept trying to get closer. Mother seal kept swimming in front of the baby and nudging it away from us. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437932111/" title="IMG_1877 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/9437932111_bc30de5c81_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1877 copy"></a><br />
Finally, she popped up right in front of me, and with an exasperated splash let us know that we were no longer welcome. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437934597/" title="IMG_1876 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9437934597_054e41defe_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1876 copy"></a><br />
Even though we were in the cove first, we weren't going to argue the point and quickly moved away. <br />
Afterwards, we discussed whether the seal was being overtly aggressive or not. We concluded that the seals must have been somewhat curious as they had clearly approached us -- made a straight line for me at one point -- but mom had obviously determined that we had overstayed in their area and gave a polite but firm warning. <br />
<br />
So we took the hint and headed back, past Flower Island, where the eagle was still in the tree.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9437929145/" title="IMG_1887 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/9437929145_bb11e394da_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1887 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.43 km<br />
YTD: 35.46 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157634936273938/with/9440703402/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9440828482/" title="2013-08-005 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9440828482_0fca90cdbc_z.jpg" width="640" height="382" alt="2013-08-005"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-62018644749642157332013-07-13T20:38:00.000-07:002013-07-13T20:38:57.747-07:002013.06.250 - 2013 MEC Victoria Paddlefest<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9280919202/" title="IMG_1815 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/9280919202_255eab0f45_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1815"></a><br />
You couldn't ask for a better day for a Paddlefest. Well, you could, but that would be greedy.<br />
In the midst of an incredible run of sunny weather, Louise, Paula, Bernie (yes, even Bernie!) and I arrived at Willows Beach for the 2013 version of the <a href="http://events.mec.ca/node/5858">MEC Victoria Paddlefest.</a><br />
And it was a picture-perfect day, unlike last year's "<a href="http://kayakyak.blogspot.ca/2012/06/2012-mec-victoria-paddlefest.html">Fog-fest</a>." <br />
But bright sunny skies made for a big turn-out this year, as we bumped into old friends and paddling buddies.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9280924630/" title="IMG_1804 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9280924630_b7b16d3a0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="IMG_1804"></a><br />
<br />
There were already a lot of kayaks in the water when we arrived....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9278136449/" title="IMG_1809-001 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/9278136449_b359bd6122_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="IMG_1809-001"></a><br />
...so we headed up the beach to check displays and boats. Here Louise and Paula watch as a potential customer checks out a boat.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9278136213/" title="IMG_1813 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9278136213_47e55b9fb3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1813"></a><br />
<br />
Paula chatted up the Necky rep for a bit....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9280912898/" title="IMG_1820 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/9280912898_f189c02c88_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1820"></a><br />
...then headed out on <a href="http://www.oceanriver.com/">Ocean River</a>'s Discovery Island tour....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9280907456/" title="IMGP0133 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/9280907456_82a72294a8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0133"></a><br />
...so Louise and I tried out some boats. <br />
<br />
Louise headed out in a <a href="http://www.sterlingskayak.com/Reflectionspecs.htm">Sterling Reflection</a> on loan for the day from one of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/contactjones79">The Hurricane Riders</a>. <br />
No sooner had Louise got in the kayak, then our friend <a href="http://geckopaddler.blogspot.ca/">Mark</a> rolled up onto the beach in another Reflection. He and Louise traded notes while I continued to practice the art of taking unflattering photos of kayakers.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9278118245/" title="IMGP0134 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/9278118245_d613bd97d8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0134"></a><br />
While Louise was out in the Reflection, I took a <a href="http://www.sterlingskayak.com/NEWOURGRANDILLUSIONHASARRIVED.htm">Sterling Grand Illusion</a> out. These are nicely outfitted and sturdy boats. And insanely light to carry.<br />
<br />
Next, Louise took out a <a href="http://www.tahemarine.com/">Tahe Marine</a> boat. I didn't catch which model it was, but I think it's a <a href="http://www.tahemarine.com/kayaks/reval-series-sea-touring-kayaks/reval-midi/">Reval</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9278146315/" title="IMGP0143 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5513/9278146315_32faa27456_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0143 copy"></a><br />
Louise wasn't as keen on it, and didn't like the seat very much. I took a <a href="http://www.borealdesign.com/epsilon300-kayak.php">Boréal Design Epsilon C300</a> out for a spin and quite enjoyed it.<br />
<br />
All in all, a gorgeous day at the beach.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9280917548/" title="IMG_1818 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9280917548_aaa0581c09_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1818 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip length: .42 km<br />
YTD: 29.03 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157634623204305/">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-15406061590310108602013-07-01T19:55:00.000-07:002013-07-02T11:48:11.407-07:002013.05.249 - Flying Our FlagMany of our North American readers may have noticed that there is a heat wave going on. Here on the southern tip of Vancouver Island we may not be melting under the <a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/825068/death-valley-temps-may-have-set-new-heat-record/">insane temperatures the southern U.S. is getting</a>, but we are suffering under abnormally high temps here, too. Okay, <i>I</i> am suffering, not <i>we</i>. Apparently some people like record-breaking heat. I don't. Give me snow over a heatwave any day. <br />
Yesterday's high of 30.8C was not a record breaker, but it was very close, and today's 29.8C temp was a new record, and the humidex means it felt like 32C. That's official "I-feel-like-I'm-dying-weather." <br />
But it's Canada Day, and a little hot weather isn't going to stop us from flying the <a href="http://www.snopes.com/history/canada/mapleleafflag.asp">flag</a> during our annual Canada Day paddle down The Gorge.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186855441/" title="IMG_1730 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9186855441_01fca94d40_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1730"></a><br />
<br />
Louise and I rolled the kayaks down the hill to our local put in on The Gorge. Paula was going to join us but was running late, so we watched to local Canada Day parade pass by. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189649314/" title="IMG_1733 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9189649314_0e2527cc08_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1733"></a><br />
<br />
Yes, the Saanich Police Department employs the latest in modern crime-fighting technology.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186845563/" title="IMG_1737 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9186845563_4a0ab3fa59_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1737"></a><br />
<br />
Just as the parade ended, Paula appeared and set to work inflating her kayaking. Louise and I went for a little paddle as Paula got ready. Louise did some stroke practice and enjoyed a quiet moment of tranquility having a little float...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189638318/" title="IMG_1750 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9189638318_6c43dae86c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1750 copy"></a><br />
...while I watched a heron in its favourite fishing spot.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189630640/" title="IMG_1785 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9189630640_1353fbd9a3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1785 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186827171/" title="IMG_1788 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9186827171_8cf668caf6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1788 copy"></a><br />
I figured that I might as well get as many pictures of the heron as I could as this would probably be the only wildlife we would see today. Most of the birds in the area don't like the huge crowd we get in this area on Canada Day and seem to either hide or just go somewhere else.<br />
<br />
Faster than you can say "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Canadian_federal_election_voter_suppression_scandal">Pierre Poutine</a>," Paula was ready and we headed out. Even though we were out early, we could already feel the heat rising. Even the cool breeze we were picking up on the water was slowly being overpowered by the rising temperature. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186946933/" title="IMG_1797 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9186946933_ed4632c86d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1797 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We made it to the new Craigflower bridge construction site before deciding to turn around. We still wanted to visit the 1.5 kilometer-long Gorge Canada Day Block Party before it got so hot that we melted into puddles.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186936245/" title="IMG_1801 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9186936245_f2141a5b01_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1801"></a><br />
And something was attracting me onto shore....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189740956/" title="IMG_1799 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/9189740956_539f017438_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1799 copy"></a><br />
<br />
First, we checked out some classic cars. Anyone remember <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starsky_and_Hutch">this one</a>?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189721440/" title="IMG_0448 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/9189721440_3dc7023c58_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0448"></a><br />
It's not the original...but it's a darn fine copy.<br />
<br />
If you wanted to experience some more cultured fare, there were dancers...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189712948/" title="IMG_0453 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9189712948_45bb8391f9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0453"></a><br />
...singers...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186887933/" title="IMG_0486 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9186887933_a271ebab1f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0486"></a><br />
...and rockers.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186860269/" title="IMG_0534 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9186860269_b96cef402c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0534 copy"></a><br />
<br />
If communing with nature was more your style, you could hang out with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marty.themarmot">marmot</a> instead.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189679038/" title="IMG_0522 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/9189679038_70dddcc329_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0522 copy"></a><br />
Or you could take your best friend kayaking.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9189671926/" title="IMG_0527 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9189671926_2e70181cac_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0527 copy"></a><br />
<br />
And what could be more Canadian than a giant game of road hockey? On course, if you're going to play goal on the hottest Canada Day on record, you better dress the part, right?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/9186868249/" title="IMG_0529 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/9186868249_ba925ce27b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_0529"></a> <br />
<br />
Trip length: 4.20 km<br />
YTD: 28.62 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157634432638793/">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-71003696028080109242013-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:002013-06-02T20:21:04.144-07:002013.04.248 - Babies on ParadeWe haven't had much luck getting organized for paddling so far this year. But today was a beautiful sunny Sunday and Louise and I were able to squeeze in a quick paddle on our home waters of The Gorge today. <br />
<br />
And here's the first picture taken with my new GoPro 3 that I got for my birthday present. Thanks everyone for chipping in to help me get it. (You know who you are.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931363552/" title="G0080149 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/8931363552_301b2f8bc1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0080149"></a><br />
<br />
Actually, it wasn't the first picture taken with the GoPro. Indy was very curious it about when I first turned it on. The first picture is really this one:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931441838/" title="GOPR0027 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8931441838_41b6a25d52_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="GOPR0027"></a><br />
<br />
Anyway, we put in and with the current approaching a low tide slack...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931296484/" title="IMG_1472 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/8931296484_f58b74646f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1472"></a><br />
...we took a little spin on the normally fast-running waters under the Tillicum Bridge. Here we saw a seal head popping up now and then as it hunted for a fishy breakfast.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930741447/" title="G0080161 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/8930741447_398faa9dce_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0080161"></a><br />
It can sometimes be total unpassable here as the inlet narrows, bottling up the water when the tide changes, creating thrashing white water and standing waves.<br />
<br />
Heading back, we saw a heron taking advantage of all the fish being scared under the bridge by the seal. He wasn't going hungry.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931286814/" title="IMG_1474 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/8931286814_6ffcc32974_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1474"></a><br />
<br />
We paddled across to check out what we call The Iron Man, a large sculpture on a dock. We were pleased to see that repairs had made to its wings that received some damage over the winter. We also spotted something else you don't see everyday....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930659431/" title="IMG_1504 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/8930659431_42c39710d2_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_1504"></a><br />
... a heron with a mohawk.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930645655/" title="IMG_1507 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8930645655_efaa8ec3f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1507"></a><br />
He flew off and landed ahead of us and did some fishing, losing his hairdo as the water slicked her feathers back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930632565/" title="IMG_1512 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8137/8930632565_151e402078_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1512 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Further up The Gorge, we paddled by a gaggle of geese, including a few babies.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930621741/" title="IMG_1520 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/8930621741_fa81c5318a_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1520 copy"></a><br />
I've seen this movie! It's Jurassic Park!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931225616/" title="IMG_1521 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/8931225616_03dec6352d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1521 copy"></a><br />
A pair of swans is nesting nearby and daddy swan decided that the geese were a little to close to the nest. Obviously taking lessons from a cat, he made himself look big...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931220446/" title="IMG_1524 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/8931220446_75890a4559_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1524 copy"></a><br />
...and gave a goose...well, he gave the goose a goose. Mom swan appeared to be nesting nearby on the shore but there were no signs of any baby swans.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930601217/" title="IMG_1529 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8419/8930601217_becb90c2c5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1529 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We approached Craigflower Bridge. Or what's left of it. Although many pilings remain, most of the roadbed is gone as the bridge is demolished to make way for a replacement. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931203484/" title="IMG_1538 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/8931203484_7c980c4cb9_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1538 copy"></a><br />
The last remnants of the roadbed are behind Louise.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930590169/" title="IMG_1545 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/8930590169_b7f0ed4c3c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1545"></a><br />
Two temporary crossing have been built while the bridge is being replaced: a temporary footbridge for pedestrians and a construction bridge. The project is expected to be finished by the end of the year.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931317970/" title="G0080247 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/8931317970_f36cc54c84_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0080247"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930568065/" title="IMG_1551 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/8930568065_665cba52cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1551"></a><br />
<br />
We visited another pair of nesting swans. And this time we saw some babies.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931150192/" title="IMG_1574 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/8931150192_3718b7ec88_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1574 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931126964/" title="IMG_1605 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8136/8931126964_3f14168569_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1605 copy"></a><br />
Oh, they're so cute! Squee!<br />
<br />
I snapped some pictures, and then we headed back...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931331862/" title="G0080190 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/8931331862_65b844573c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="G0080190"></a><br />
...stopping only to admire the baby geese again.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8930509325/" title="IMG_1615 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/8930509325_f364eff99e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1615 copy"></a> <br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.20 km<br />
YTD: 24.42 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157633891219016/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8931490370/" title="2013-06-02 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/8931490370_e5ee53ec51_z.jpg" width="640" height="316" alt="2013-06-02"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-84996871992163076632013-03-29T18:43:00.001-07:002013-03-29T18:44:05.077-07:002013.03.247 - Sunny DayThe weather this March has not been great. Rainy, windy, generally blah days. But today it's 13 degrees and sunny, a gorgeous spring day, and a good Friday by any definition.<br />
The sluggish start to our paddling year continues as Louise is struggling with some small joint aches and pains. But smiles come easy on a gorgeous day like this even if you aren't feeling one hundred percent.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8601980476/" title="IMG_1408 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8601980476_4004d3e5af_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1408"></a><br />
<br />
Today we rolled our kayaks down the hill and hit the Gorge for a little paddle. Almost immediately, the local swans swam by to check us out.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600878735/" title="IMG_1434 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8600878735_457f39d769_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1434 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We noticed last year that the top of what we call "Cormorant Tree" had broken off. We called it that because local cormorants would sit in the tree and spread their wings to dry them. This year, we see that they've moved to another tree to dry off in. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8601979016/" title="IMG_1416 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8089/8601979016_351d14c81c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1416 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We moved up The Gorge and paddled under the Craigflower Bridge into Portage Inlet. Take a good look, this might be one of the last pictures you'll see of the bridge as construction of the replacement begins soon. The electrical wires have already been moved and traffic detours begin next week.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600886023/" title="IMGP0097 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8600886023_e2e3d620e5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0097"></a><br />
<br />
We paddled by the local swans....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600883679/" title="IMGP0100 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8600883679_9576448da8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0100"></a><br />
...who nest here every year. Maybe we'll see some baby swans in a couple of months.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600877219/" title="IMG_1442 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8600877219_73dfca288e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1442 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Of course, we aren't the only ones hoping to see some fluffy swan babies in the future.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8601990292/" title="IMG_1453 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8601990292_b403a4faf8_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1453 copy"></a><br />
But today the eagle seemed content to just enjoy the sun as we paddled by. <br />
<br />
With the tide ebbing, we didn't get too far into the other half of the inlet as the inlet shallowed out and we scraped the sandy bottom. So we turned around and let the current take us back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600876263/" title="IMG_1447 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8600876263_f8db65e74a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1447"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Trip length: 6.82 km<br />
YTD: 18.22 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157633117364841/with/8600979195/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8600979195/" title="2013-03-29 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8600979195_2eb6742e39_z.jpg" width="640" height="316" alt="2013-03-29"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-13428435328806677142013-02-17T20:04:00.002-08:002013-02-18T09:03:21.883-08:002013.02.246 - Unexpected VisitorsLouise and I are struggling to get into paddling after our long lay-off over the fall and winter. But one thing guaranteed to help get a person back into paddling shape is to get out and, you know, paddle. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483268821/" title="IMG_1348 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1348 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8483268821_bbe5e03b61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This morning, we had a bit of free time so we rolled the kayaks down the hill and put in for a quickie up The Gorge.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483257405/" title="IMGP0061 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0061" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8483257405_2552708303_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The air still has a bit of a bit of a chill to it, and some rain and wind is due in tomorrow, but the morning sun was bright and warm as it heralded the arrival of spring. Soon. We hope.<br />
<br />
As we headed out, this paddled by. I may be mistaken, but it sure looks like a hollowed-out log. If it isn't, it's sure built to look like one. We did not get a chance to ask the paddler about it, alas.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483254153/" title="IMGP0063 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0063 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8483254153_d48732a6d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
With the current not looking too bad, we decided to paddle under the Tillicum Bridge.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484345674/" title="IMGP0066 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0066" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8484345674_f603a41bcc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
There was a slight current going under, but a few moments later when we turned to go back, the current's speed had increased substantially. It wasn't enough to be a concern or worry that we couldn't return, but it was a bit of a workout, and another reminder that conditions on the water do not remain static.<br />
<br />
Across The Gorge from our launch point, we spotted a pair of swans hanging out with some ducks. I've been noticing this pair hanging out here for a few weeks now and I'm hoping that they're going to nest in the area. They didn't pay us much attention as we paddled by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484365646/" title="IMG_1311 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1311 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8484365646_a5048fdc77_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
This merganser didn't pay us much attention either.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484707802/" title="IMG_1305 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1305 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8484707802_fb714f7871_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Paddling up The Gorge, we approached the bridge at Admirals Road. (The road across the bridge is Admirals Road, but the bridge is called Craigflower bridge. Go figure.) Take a good look at the bridge -- by this time next year it will be replaced by a brand new bridge. Construction is slated to start in July and in addition to causing traffic chaos in the neighbourhood, it may put a kink in any summer paddles into Portage Inlet.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483249425/" title="IMGP0073 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0073 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8483249425_450e681e5f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
But we had no such worries today. We passed under the bridge into the inlet, avoiding the lines of the few herring fishermen aligned along the bridge's railings. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483244123/" title="IMGP0076 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0076 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8483244123_f7e803fd10_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We weren't having a comfortable paddle. We'd forgotten one of our cardinal rules, which is "No eggs for breakfast on a paddling day!" The eggs, although delicious, were putting in a repeat performance. Not so yummy the second time. I was also feeling stiff and sore in the boat today. Just one of those paddles when you and the boat aren't communicating very well.<br />
We checked out the Portage Inlet swans at their usual spot....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484359534/" title="IMG_1357 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8484359534_3beec3f793_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1357 copy"></a><br />
...as well as a duck that paddled by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483264117/" title="IMG_1358 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8483264117_4f58c7db70_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1358 copy"></a><br />
<br />
With both of us feeling a little off, we headed back to our launch point.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484371494/" title="IMGP0084 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8484371494_eec09d43ff_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMGP0084 copy"></a><br />
<br />
As we landed and began packing, I looked up and saw that the first two swans we had encountered at the start of our paddle had swam across The Gorge to check us out. "Turn around," I said to Louise.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484352602/" title="IMG_1398 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8484352602_7741e8db03_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1398"></a><br />
These two were clearly very tame and it seemed like they were begging us for food. One of them was making a chirping-like noise.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8483262861/" title="IMG_1372 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8483262861_a05b2fbff6_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1372 copy"></a> <br />
They hung around with us for a good ten minutes. Every time I grabbed my camera dry bag, they moved in closer hoping that I was digging out something for them to eat. Finally they realized we had nothing for them, and they continued on their way. And we prepared to push our kayaks up the hill. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484786462/" title="IMG_1379 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8484786462_a44025159f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1379"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Trip length: 7.21 km<br />
YTD: 11.40 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157632793810930/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8484582974/" title="2013-02-17 The Gorge by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-02-17 The Gorge" height="316" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8484582974_23d9daa055_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-85030264020421963492013-01-20T20:06:00.000-08:002013-01-29T14:52:13.138-08:002013.01.245 - A Slow StartWe almost started off the kayaking year last Sunday morning, but two things stopped us. One, Louise had a slight ankle injury and wanted to rest it for a day or two, and two, the weather at our proposed launch time was -2, cloudy and breezy. For some reason, relaxing on the couch in our pajamas enjoying scrambled eggs while three furry cats snuggled up to us seemed liked a much better idea than being out on the cold Gorge in below-zero temps cracking through the ice like little icebreakers. <br />
Yes, we're wimpy kayakers. We've told you that before. <br />
But we could find no excuses to not kayak today, especially when the conditions at launch time were expected to be sunny and warming up quickly. Louise and I dragged the kayaks down to Cadboro Bay for a quick paddle around the bay to get our sea legs back after our long lay off. Paula was supposed to join us, but she was not to be seen on the beach. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399498397/" title="IMGP0041 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMGP0041" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8399498397_63db6f4c59_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Look at that sunshine! Sure looks warm, doesn't it? As it turned out the weathermen underestimated the cool breeze blowing in and how long it would take the cloud to burn off. <br />
We bundled up, and the cool morning gave Louise a chance to try her new Hot Shot paddling gloves, which she liked a lot. On the other hand, I somehow managed to bring two right-handed gloves which made for an, um, interesting fit on my left hand.<br />
<br />
Off we paddled, puttering along the south shore of Ten Mile Point. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8400605298/" title="IMG_1266 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1266 copy" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8047/8400605298_cf9f549d7b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Louise paddled past some geese that were not the least bit interested in us...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399515127/" title="IMG_1267 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8399515127_a365750f4c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1267 copy"></a><br />
...as we moved into Sheep Cove.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399510731/" title="IMG_1283 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8399510731_529fa126fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1283"></a><br />
<br />
A pair of merganser ducks watched us paddle by.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8400597242/" title="IMG_1286 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8400597242_d4eb819cb3_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1286 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We paddled past the expensive homes and wondered why you would want a home with a multi-million dollar view, only to keep all your blinds closed.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399490303/" title="IMGP0053 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8399490303_31b8a5dcf0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0053 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We returned along the far side of Flower Island....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8400607798/" title="IMGP0051 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8400607798_83e0ec5358_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0051 copy"></a><br />
...and discovered we weren't the only people out on the water today.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399500909/" title="IMG_1298 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8399500909_5eebd91d3b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1298"></a><br />
<br />
Another merganser was hanging out with some harlequin ducks...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8400595632/" title="IMG_1292 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8400595632_5a2a1c552b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1292 copy"></a><br />
...while a black and white goose stood guard.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399505095/" title="IMG_1296 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8399505095_77a1a42a61_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1296 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Heading back to the beach, we saw <a href="http://mhjpaddling.blogspot.ca/">Mike Jackson</a> and some friends heading out for a paddle around Discovery Island. <br />
Then we saw Paula padding towards us in the little green play boat she acquired last year. (Or did she steal it from Mike? After all, his name is all over it.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399531933/" title="IMGP0060 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8399531933_f5144ddde5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0060"></a><br />
Paddle number one for the year is in the books!<br />
<br />
<br />
Trip length: 4.19 km<br />
YTD: 4.19 km<br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157632569417905/with/8399541529/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8399541529/" title="2013-01-20 Caddy Bay by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="2013-01-20 Caddy Bay" height="316" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8237/8399541529_c91fc96390_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-63229115744175576922012-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:002014-01-27T09:48:30.395-08:002012 Annual Weather StatsIt's not in my nature to get too personal on this blog. But this year has been unlike any other I've experienced, and the only stats that matter this year are ones that in our quiet moments almost bring us to tears.<br />
In 2011, Louise lost her father. In January of this year, my extended family back east was dealt a blow as my sister lost her husband to cancer, followed a few months later by his father. Louise lost her mother to cancer in October, then my sister's mother-in-law passed away in late November. Then my sister died unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. Louise lost both her parents in little more than a year, and two generations of my family back east were gone within ten months. So you can imagine our desire to just get this miserable year over and done with. <br />
We have reached the age when we will start losing friends and family with unfortunate regularity. That our families would suffer so many losses in such a brief window has left us both stunned into disbelief. It's almost like one of those stories that only happens to other people. Except it's us instead.<br />
But they're still here, as long as we remember them. And the sun still comes up each morning. (Except of course, it's winter here on the We(s)t Coast, so it's less like the sun comes up, and more like the rain clouds overhead just get lighter. But I digress.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Our paddling year pretty much ended when Louise's mother received her diagnosis in September. But we can see that the trend towards more sunny days over time continues. The climate is changing before our eyes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/8324355456/" title="chart1 (3) by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img alt="chart1 (3)" height="371" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8324355456_db9e333d51_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
Okay, enough of that. Bring on 2013!Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-59134278288068333882012-09-11T21:37:00.000-07:002012-09-12T21:09:35.414-07:002012.20.244 - Rolling ClinicTonight Louise and I zipped down to Thetis Lake after work for a rolling clinic with Yves of <a href="http://gokayak.ca/">Go Kayak</a>. <br />
Louise has never felt terribly comfortable if her kayak was anything but upside-up, but she certainly gave it her all.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7979491519/" title="IMGP0102 - Copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7979491519_bf72b8b041_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0102 - Copy"></a><br />
Yves was a terrific teacher, and we learned a lot. Now that Louise has a boat that she really likes, it's time to get a little more serious about practicing again, and this was a good way to start.<br />
<br />
Trip Length: .23 km <br />
YTD: 153.34 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631519142145/">here</a>. Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-63006096844095830532012-09-09T19:28:00.000-07:002015-01-16T13:26:24.826-08:002012.19.244 - Kayak For A Cure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lDDlF2y1H0/UE0801KqZfI/AAAAAAAAHQU/v4DxT1qn_-E/s1600/kfac_logo_150x175px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="175" width="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lDDlF2y1H0/UE0801KqZfI/AAAAAAAAHQU/v4DxT1qn_-E/s400/kfac_logo_150x175px.jpg" /></a></div>The blazing sun of the last week gave way to clouds this morning as Louise and I headed down to Willows Beach for this year's <a href="http://kayakforacure2012.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1026017&lis=1&kntae1026017=9E06FFEC7D384DBA8DAB3B2436455EA7">Kayak For A Cure</a>. We were worried about conditions as we knew there would be a number of newbie and inexperienced paddlers taking part and higher winds were supposed to be blowing in later in the day. But the winds never arrived. <br />
We hit the beach at Willows ready to paddle. The route was from Willows Beach to Cadboro Bay, a short paddle we've done numerous times, but usually we go from Cadboro to Willows and back. I don't think we've ever done it the other way.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967300842/" title="IMG_1218 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7967300842_3688d307b6_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1218 copy"></a><br />
<br />
After the pre-paddle ceremonies and safety talk....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967246400/" title="IMGP0540 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7967246400_15a2b78ca0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0540"></a><br />
...and the official portrait (taken by <a href="http://www.gwenewart.com/">Gwen Ewart</a>)...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7981396542/" title="251717_10151085791059818_1501996127_n by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7981396542_99ec81cbe8_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="251717_10151085791059818_1501996127_n"></a><br />
....44 paddlers hit the water. Many were cancer survivors or cancer patients.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967233106/" title="IMGP0546 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7967233106_d78c75c3be_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0546"></a><br />
Louise and I have never paddled in a group this big. Herding kayakers makes herding cats look easy. <br />
<br />
A little while later we hit the beach at Cadboro Bay where everyone abandoned their kayaks and headed straight to the washrooms.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967225318/" title="IMGP0565 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7967225318_47ace283de_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0565 copy"></a><br />
Well, no, not really. But somehow I managed to get a shot of all the kayaks with no one in them.<br />
<br />
Returning, everyone tried to raft up so a photographer on our accompanying safety boat could get some group shots. I go back to my earlier "herding cats" comment.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967317320/" title="IMGP0573 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7967317320_deb8d03536_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0573"></a> <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967323218/" title="IMGP0571 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7967323218_c9e83b24a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMGP0571 copy"></a><br />
<br />
After the paddle, we joined our fellow kayakers for a barbecue lunch.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967266434/" title="IMG_1225 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7967266434_b6d74134da_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1225"></a><br />
<br />
We didn't paddle just for the burgers, although they were really, really good.<br />
We didn't paddle just to raise money, although this year's event raised over $21,000.<br />
<br />
We paddled for Sam, Jaan and Bobby.<br />
<br />
<br />
Trip Length: 7.11 <br />
YTD: 153.11 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631490850352/with/7967225318/">here</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7967913496/" title="2012-09-09 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7967913496_cd0ce28599_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="2012-09-09 copy"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-32438151192395106482012-09-07T23:15:00.000-07:002013-08-08T14:28:02.529-07:002012.18.243 - Gorge@DuskAnother warm late summer day here on the We(s)t Coast, but a change in the weather is coming, so Louise and I invited Paula to a dusk paddle on The Gorge tonight.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956147590/" title="IMGP0513 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7956147590_8d9a954c61_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0513"></a><br />
<br />
We launched at high tide slack. The Gorge was the smoothest we've ever seen it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956178164/" title="IMG_1201 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8301/7956178164_0bbc3538c2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1201"></a><br />
<br />
It was so calm that we paddled under the Tillicum Bridge, not something that can be done all the time. Often it's a bubbling rapid, but today it was flat and gentle.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956166810/" title="IMG_1203 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7956166810_29bc7a1d7c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1203 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956135540/" title="IMGP0517 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/7956135540_39ec386637_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0517"></a><br />
<br />
We puttered up The Gorge towards Portage Inlet, past a heron looking for a late evening snack.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956161908/" title="IMG_1207 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7956161908_d9311571d2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_1207 copy"></a><br />
<br />
In Portage Inlet, the water was dead flat. The only other time we've seen it this flat was when it was frozen over.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956116312/" title="IMGP0525 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8316/7956116312_845edd1ce0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0525"></a><br />
<br />
We watched the sun go down, then we headed back.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956190536/" title="IMGP0532 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7956190536_e99eba359d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0532"></a> <br />
<br />
Trip Length: 6.25<br />
YTD: 146.00 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631466927726/with/7956179374/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7956179374/" title="2012-09-07 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7956179374_9f2d3626a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="2012-09-07 copy"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-83712729795711712062012-09-06T19:50:00.000-07:002012-09-06T20:27:35.085-07:002012.17.242 - Esquimalt ShoresIt might very well be summer's last gasp, but you wouldn't know it from the sunny weather this week. Today's daytime high temperature was a smidge off the record, but we'll get another crack at it tomorrow. Then we'll cool off to more normal temperature readings over the weekend. That figures.<br />
Louise and I are also enjoying our last gasp of vacation time and today we headed out from Albert Head, one of our favourite launch points. Usually we head southwest along the coast towards to Witty's Lagoon, but today we decided to head northeast towards Esquimalt Harbour.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946559598/" title="IMG_1134 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7946559598_53f2044f0a_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1134 copy"></a><br />
<br />
But before we headed that way, we watched an otter family playing in the water.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946563318/" title="IMG_1123 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7946563318_9b02fca3ce_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1123 copy"></a><br />
The otters finally noticed us and swam away. It was only then that we realized that one of the otters was actually a small baby seal. It nervously checked out Louise's boat before sliding beneath the surface and swimming away.<br />
<br />
A couple of seals watched us from shore.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946550402/" title="IMG_1143 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7946550402_4f705ec93b_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1143 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We discovered what the otters were fishing for. No, not the jellyfish, although that was pretty cool, but the little fish. The little cove was swarming with them. No wonder the otters were out!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946554690/" title="IMG_1140 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7946554690_c139076e30_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1140"></a><br />
<br />
The otters climbed the rocks headed into the brush. We think there were five of them in all.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946544628/" title="IMG_1149 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7946544628_33b53ed88e_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1149 copy"></a><br />
<br />
From there, we began our paddle towards Esquimalt in earnest. Mind you, we had to paddle past a few seals first.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946542148/" title="IMG_1155 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7946542148_d94b5898a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1155 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946538452/" title="IMG_1159 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7946538452_7c24660970_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1159 copy"></a><br />
<br />
The shoreline is mostly a long pebbly beach. Eventually the shoreline behind the beach gives way to Esquimalt Lagoon, and across the lagoon is world-famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatley_Park_National_Historic_Site">Hatley Castle</a>, which you may recognize as Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in the <i>X-Men</i> films.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946534696/" title="IMG_1166 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/7946534696_03aeeb4f01_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1166"></a><br />
<br />
At the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Rodd_Hill">Fort Rodd Hill</a> lighthouse, we were planning to turn into Esquimalt Harbour....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946529346/" title="IMG_1172 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/7946529346_11d7206cfe_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1172 copy"></a><br />
...but as I looked across the entrance, I realized that we have never paddled along the Esquimalt shore on the other side. So instead, we crossed the harbour mouth...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946509154/" title="IMGP0505 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7946509154_97991337af_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0505"></a><br />
...and puttered around some of the small islands on the other side. The water was crystal clear and we watched a seal swim around under our boats.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946504284/" title="IMGP0506 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7946504284_3caeed2858_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMGP0506 copy"></a><br />
We get to check another couple of kilometers of the world's slowest circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.<br />
<br />
As we headed back....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946495382/" title="IMGP0509 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7946495382_7e3a18de3f_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMGP0509 copy"></a><br />
...the currents turned right on time. The gentle flood that pushed us out became a gentle ebb that guided us home with some gentle swells that we had fun riding, which was a welcome distraction from the man who was sitting on a log in a secluded area of the beach working on his tan. His "all over" tan.<br />
<br />
We pulled in back at Albert Head and looked back and saw Mount Baker rising over the city. Wow.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946526082/" title="IMG_1188 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7946526082_495d2c46e9_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1188 copy"></a><br />
<br />
Trip Length: 13.65<br />
YTD: 139.75 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631443517998/with/7946638756/">here</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7946638756/" title="2012-09-06 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/7946638756_cb6ceab14a_z.jpg" width="623" height="640" alt="2012-09-06 copy"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-65529300059514086102012-09-04T15:15:00.000-07:002012-09-06T20:13:33.794-07:002012.16.241 - Practice Makes Closer to Perfect <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932611410/" title="IMGP0009 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7932611410_03339181e9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0009"></a><br />
This morning Louise and I headed out to Thetis Lake so that she could get a practice session in her new boat under her belt. This meant that we were going to get dunked in the water.<br />
Doesn't she looked thrilled with this idea?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932604180/" title="IMGP0011 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7932604180_c73bde1fe8_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMGP0011"></a><br />
However, I was keen to start.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932597240/" title="IMGP0021 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7932597240_ca948cfb91_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMGP0021"></a><br />
<br />
Before we began our practice in earnest, we went for a quick little jaunt along the shore, and we spotted a heron.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932573820/" title="IMGP0045 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7932573820_3f2dcb755a_z.jpg" width="512" height="640" alt="IMGP0045 copy"></a><br />
Since the point of today was to spend more time in the water than on it, I hadn't brought my main camera, only my back-up Pentax Optio W90 which was a shame as this heron was totally calm and unperturbed as I approached. I got in fairly close and would have got some awesome pics with the big camera. Ah, c'est la vie.<br />
<br />
First we practiced our edges and bracing....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932569600/" title="IMGP0051 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7932569600_b6199ed390_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0051"></a><br />
...then we tried something we saw in <a href="http://kayakyak.blogspot.ca/search/label/Sea%20Kayak%20with%20Gordon%20Brown%20Volume%202">Gordon Brown's latest DVD</a>, a balance exercise where the kayaker sits on the deck just behind the cockpit and slowly shuffles themselves around in a circle. Sometime it went well....<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932556254/" title="IMGP0058 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7932556254_13de109be3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0058"></a><br />
....often it didn't.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932549326/" title="IMGP0067 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7932549326_1353dcda54_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0067"></a><br />
It is not as easy as it looks. Gordon Brown makes it look easy, but of course he's probably done it 14,000,000 times. One thing we noticed while watching the DVD last night in preparation for today was that his Valley kayak sits a lot lower in the water than out thermoformed Deltas, but that's just the nature of these boats. I presume these sorts of balancing skills are slightly easier in a boat that rides lower in the water, the same with rescue skills. Which isn't to say they are easy.<br />
<br />
Then we moved onto rescues as Louise tried to figure out how to get back into her new boat. I have to say the paddle float rescues weren't pretty, but they worked. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932543548/" title="IMGP0068 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7932543548_24a3dd8a46_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0068"></a><br />
We also tried some assisted rescues which went well, then I tried some solo rescues of my own. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932537458/" title="IMGP0072 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7932537458_b68a0a912f_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMGP0072 copy"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7932615564/" title="IMGP0076 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7932615564_dcf8660276_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMGP0076 copy"></a><br />
Then, battered and bruised, it was time to get warm. To the coffee shop!<br />
<br />
Trip Length: 1.42<br />
YTD: 126.10 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631409988708/">here</a>.Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493476694105096538.post-67399102168018502042012-09-02T18:41:00.001-07:002012-09-10T12:57:15.922-07:002012.15.240 - James Island<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917598214/" title="IMGP0477 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7917598214_8530b52b2d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0477"></a><br />
We always seem to forget about kayaking around James Island. Located off a decent launch site up the Saanich Peninsula at Island View Beach, James used to house a munitions plant a century ago. These days it makes an ideal outing for paddlers, not too far from the mainland of Vancouver Island, but far enough that with a little imagination you can get that "we're out in the wilderness" feeling. <br />
However, be warned -- it is a private island. But it is <a href="http://www.specializedassets.com/properties/james-island">for sale</a>. Start saving.<br />
<br />
And so we were off on this bright sunny Sunday. Louise is gaining more experience in her new kayak and she looked forward to the first long paddle in her new ride.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917590650/" title="IMGP0481 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7917590650_bc0ef87d83_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0481"></a><br />
<br />
The crossing to the cliffs on James' south shore went reasonably well. We encountered a few patches of slightly confused water...befuddled water might be a good way to describe it. Once we reached the shore, the water calmed down as we paddled along the shore.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917608370/" title="IMG_1109 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7917608370_a3e597c84c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1109"></a><br />
<br />
Here we saw a young eagle. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917612110/" title="IMG_1103 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7917612110_b993dd6439_z.jpg" width="512" height="640" alt="IMG_1103 copy"></a><br />
We also saw an otter scampering along the shore. Running away from the eagle? Who knows. He was in a big hurry -- this was the only shot of him I got.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917601784/" title="IMG_1110 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/7917601784_e35754cfd4_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMG_1110 copy"></a><br />
<br />
As we headed up the east side of James, we started to remember what a slog paddling around the island can be. The current never seems to go where it's supposed to, and the wind can come up and down quickly, blowing in from odd directions. Adding to the slogginess of the paddle was the fact that neither of us was feeling very energized today. Louise was really feeling it as her new ergonomic paddle doesn't allow her to cheat, or in other words adjust her grip on the paddle to favour her bad shoulder. In the long run this will help strengthen her bad shoulder; in the short term, her shoulder sometimes becomes very achy when she kayaks.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917626088/" title="IMGP0493 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7917626088_e995ab55ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="IMGP0493 copy"></a><br />
<br />
We got a reminder of the slog as we turned around the sandbar at the north and an unexpected breeze from the south blew into our faces and against the ebbing tide. We decided to cross back here, a longer crossing but at least we'd be paddling along the mainland shore if the wind got worse. This resulted in a longer paddle, as we now had to go around the large sandbar on the mainland.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917619006/" title="IMGP0496 by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8039/7917619006_d31bf3017a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMGP0496"></a><br />
But it's still a gorgeous place to paddle.<br />
<br />
Trip Length: 15.69<br />
YTD: 124.68 km <br />
More pictures are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/sets/72157631375733870/with/7917652658/">here.</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spuzzum42/7917652658/" title="2012-09-02 copy by spuzzum42, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7917652658_a85897f713_z.jpg" width="640" height="512" alt="2012-09-02 copy"></a>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04784243328798635180noreply@blogger.com0