I’ve decided to stop this attempt to circumnavigate Vancouver Island. Faced with a storm season that’s arrived about a month earlier than normal, that includes gale force winds and high seas, a series of similar multiple-day storms coming across the Pacific with a day or two break between, my window to complete the trip has closed. There simply are not enough days between storm systems. I could continue for a while but the logistics of when and where I finish, as well as getting back home, gets complicated.
While I am very frustrated and disappointed in not completing this try, my thoughts are now toward a future attempt. My physical condition has been solid and I am confident I can handle a trip of this nature.
Also, even though I have not been successful, please complete your contribution to support breast cancer research at the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center. That’s far more important than whether or not I finish this paddle.
http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/goto/Dorothy.MacGregor
Thank you all very much; friends from home (including our great staff at Cascade Canoe & Kayak), friends I’ve made along the way and especially my trip sponsors - Current Designs Kayaks, Cascade Designs, Kokatat, and Epic Kayaks - for your encouragement, kindness and support.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
10-1-08 Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew
Day 0 nm Cum. 208 nm
Heavy fog all day today out in the strait. Very foggy here in the harbor this morning, sunny mid-day and clouding up in the afternoon. Lots of fishing boats making their way into the harbor to seek protection from the coming storm. I’m staying on shore. Environment Canada has issued a Gale warning through at least Sunday so it looks like I’ll be on shore a while.
Getting to know some of the folks here in Port Renfrew. Bob, what an awesome guy, loaded my stuff and me into his van and drove me up the hill to the motel. Leah, a server at the Port Renfrew Hotel restaurant, is an avid surfer and will represent Canada at the world surfing championships (leaves in 5 days) in Portugal – good lats! Don, at the motel, lost his wife recently and it’s left a huge hole in his life. These are really good and hospitable people.
I met Julie from Auburn at the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium – what a nice lady. She’s a breast cancer survivor and asked me to tell you about the Fred Hutchinson Survivorship Program for Cancer Patients. It’s another great program offered at the Hutch. Here’s the link:
http://www.fhcrc.org/patient/support/
There are so many wonderful opportunities for those of us who are truly grateful for our health to help those less fortunate.
Here’s the link to learn about my mom who died of breast cancer and how to contribute to help find a cure:
http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/goto/Dorothy.MacGregor
Thank you very much
Day 0 nm Cum. 208 nm
Heavy fog all day today out in the strait. Very foggy here in the harbor this morning, sunny mid-day and clouding up in the afternoon. Lots of fishing boats making their way into the harbor to seek protection from the coming storm. I’m staying on shore. Environment Canada has issued a Gale warning through at least Sunday so it looks like I’ll be on shore a while.
Getting to know some of the folks here in Port Renfrew. Bob, what an awesome guy, loaded my stuff and me into his van and drove me up the hill to the motel. Leah, a server at the Port Renfrew Hotel restaurant, is an avid surfer and will represent Canada at the world surfing championships (leaves in 5 days) in Portugal – good lats! Don, at the motel, lost his wife recently and it’s left a huge hole in his life. These are really good and hospitable people.
I met Julie from Auburn at the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium – what a nice lady. She’s a breast cancer survivor and asked me to tell you about the Fred Hutchinson Survivorship Program for Cancer Patients. It’s another great program offered at the Hutch. Here’s the link:
http://www.fhcrc.org/patient/support/
There are so many wonderful opportunities for those of us who are truly grateful for our health to help those less fortunate.
Here’s the link to learn about my mom who died of breast cancer and how to contribute to help find a cure:
http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/goto/Dorothy.MacGregor
Thank you very much
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
9-30-08 East Sombrio Beach to Port Renfrew
East Sombrio Beach to Port Renfrew
Day 16 nm Cum. 208
10:00 Launch at East Sombrio Beach
12:15 Port San Juan Bay
1:30 Turn Back
3:30 Port Renfew
Was making good progress heading for Carmanah Pont in spite of a moderate head wind. Then the fog rolled in ahead of me and I couldn’t see the shoreline ahead. This area has very steep shoreline with few beaches, as well as an off shore shelf that causes waves to form. These are no problem as long as I stand off shore a little way. I stay just far enough out to avoid the building waves. This usually winds up just offshore of the kelp beds. They know where to find the calm water.
But I was uncomfortable with not being able to see shore and find the beach. Also, the forecast on my radio called for gale force winds over the next few days and I prefer not to be stuck on an exposed beach.
So about 2 miles west of Port Renfrew I turned back, paddled to the port and found a motel. It looks like I may be on shore until at least Sunday. Having to turn back and sit on the beach for at least five days is very discouraging for me.
Day 16 nm Cum. 208
10:00 Launch at East Sombrio Beach
12:15 Port San Juan Bay
1:30 Turn Back
3:30 Port Renfew
Was making good progress heading for Carmanah Pont in spite of a moderate head wind. Then the fog rolled in ahead of me and I couldn’t see the shoreline ahead. This area has very steep shoreline with few beaches, as well as an off shore shelf that causes waves to form. These are no problem as long as I stand off shore a little way. I stay just far enough out to avoid the building waves. This usually winds up just offshore of the kelp beds. They know where to find the calm water.
But I was uncomfortable with not being able to see shore and find the beach. Also, the forecast on my radio called for gale force winds over the next few days and I prefer not to be stuck on an exposed beach.
So about 2 miles west of Port Renfrew I turned back, paddled to the port and found a motel. It looks like I may be on shore until at least Sunday. Having to turn back and sit on the beach for at least five days is very discouraging for me.
9-29-08 French Beach to East Sombrio Beach
French Beach to East Sombrio Beach
Day 17 nm Cum. 192 nm
10:30 Launch at French Beach
1:15 – 2:35 Lunch at Mystic Beach
5:15 Land at East Sombrio Beach
Scenery is incredible. Terrain changed from volcanic, to sandstone and aggregate, to sandstone. Lots of points jut out into the strait. Into the Pacific Rim Park so no more houses – just wonderful scenery.
Lots of seals and many pop up in front of me to see what I’m up to. A sea otter did as well.
At launch and lunch was able to talk with a few people about the trip and fundraising effort, most seemed interested. At lunch at Mystic Beach, Phil from Inverness, CA took my photo and said he would send it to the blog. Really nice guy on a day hike with his wife. Inverness, CA is a beautiful place on Tamales Bay, where Krin and I honeymooned almost 26 years ago.
Two ladies with local knowledge told me about Sombrio Beach and the camping there. They really like Sombrio. Since I paddled further yesterday, I decided to go on to there and shorten the next day. Thanks for the great tip ladies and the most beautiful camp site yet.
For the past 2 or 3 days I feel like my physical condition is deteriorating – I’m really worn down. Also my right hip is very painful and at times it’s tough to sit up. Also, somehow I took a chunk of skin off my right thumb – who knows. So far all is manageable, but am concerned about longer days.
Another great sunset that I videoed.
Day 17 nm Cum. 192 nm
10:30 Launch at French Beach
1:15 – 2:35 Lunch at Mystic Beach
5:15 Land at East Sombrio Beach
Scenery is incredible. Terrain changed from volcanic, to sandstone and aggregate, to sandstone. Lots of points jut out into the strait. Into the Pacific Rim Park so no more houses – just wonderful scenery.
Lots of seals and many pop up in front of me to see what I’m up to. A sea otter did as well.
At launch and lunch was able to talk with a few people about the trip and fundraising effort, most seemed interested. At lunch at Mystic Beach, Phil from Inverness, CA took my photo and said he would send it to the blog. Really nice guy on a day hike with his wife. Inverness, CA is a beautiful place on Tamales Bay, where Krin and I honeymooned almost 26 years ago.
Two ladies with local knowledge told me about Sombrio Beach and the camping there. They really like Sombrio. Since I paddled further yesterday, I decided to go on to there and shorten the next day. Thanks for the great tip ladies and the most beautiful camp site yet.
For the past 2 or 3 days I feel like my physical condition is deteriorating – I’m really worn down. Also my right hip is very painful and at times it’s tough to sit up. Also, somehow I took a chunk of skin off my right thumb – who knows. So far all is manageable, but am concerned about longer days.
Another great sunset that I videoed.
Monday, September 29, 2008
09/28/08 Victoria to French Beach
Victoria to French Beach
Day 30 nm Cum. 175 nm
10:45 Launch at Ocean River Sports in Victoria
2:00 Race Rocks
7:15 French Beach
Had a late start from Victoria. Incredible weather all day with sun and no clouds. Flat conditions early so I took a more direct route to Albert, west of Victoria. Mixed currents all day but a consistent tail wind. Following wind waves built throughout the day to 3’ by day’s end. Fun through Race Rocks with an opposing current, so worked my way up through eddies. Very shallow between numerous islands. One in particular off (west) of Beechany Point had a nice shoot to run – fun.
Because of late start, plus French Beach was further than I thought, wound up paddling longer than I wanted and arrived with the setting sun. It was a real race to beat sunset and I really worked hard. The stars are incredible and I can see lights from the Olympic Peninsula across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Day 30 nm Cum. 175 nm
10:45 Launch at Ocean River Sports in Victoria
2:00 Race Rocks
7:15 French Beach
Had a late start from Victoria. Incredible weather all day with sun and no clouds. Flat conditions early so I took a more direct route to Albert, west of Victoria. Mixed currents all day but a consistent tail wind. Following wind waves built throughout the day to 3’ by day’s end. Fun through Race Rocks with an opposing current, so worked my way up through eddies. Very shallow between numerous islands. One in particular off (west) of Beechany Point had a nice shoot to run – fun.
Because of late start, plus French Beach was further than I thought, wound up paddling longer than I wanted and arrived with the setting sun. It was a real race to beat sunset and I really worked hard. The stars are incredible and I can see lights from the Olympic Peninsula across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
09/27/08 Sidney to Victoria
iEnd of Day Location:
Latitude:48.4307
Longitude:-123.3715
Link to Google Maps
Day 28 nm Cum. 145 nm
9:30 Launch at Canoe Cove, Sidney
11:30 Cordova Spit
12:30 Cowichan Head
Lunch stop on beach 1 nm south of Cowichan Head
2:45 Gordon Head
4:00 Cacbro Point
4:35 Gonzalez Point
6:30 Ocean River in Victoria
Glenis dropped mo off back at Canoe Cove. While they were polite, they made it clear that kayaks are not welcome there. I was tacitly accepted because I went through customs check there. I won’t go back.
Today as a slog with opposing current and head wind until 3:30. Slack until about 4:00 and then moderate ebb until the turn into Victoria Harbor. Incredible vies of Orcas across Haro Strait and the distant Cascade Mountains to the east, the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south, the small islands surrounding Vancouver Island and the mountains of Vancouver Island itself. Upon entering Victoria harbor, passed astern of a Celebrity cruise ship. What a contrast with what I’m doing. Have to try that some day. I arrived at Ocean River Sports, back in the harbor to be greeted by Gary, Brian, Derrick and the great staff. They helped me secure my kayak on their dock and invited me to dinner. They have a big sale this weekend and were having a staff and volunteer celebration dinner. Great food, company and a fun evening. A basket was put out for donations to Breast Cancer Research, the cause I’m paddling for, and nearly $100 was raised. Thanks for your generosity guys!
Latitude:48.4307
Longitude:-123.3715
Link to Google Maps
Day 28 nm Cum. 145 nm
9:30 Launch at Canoe Cove, Sidney
11:30 Cordova Spit
12:30 Cowichan Head
Lunch stop on beach 1 nm south of Cowichan Head
2:45 Gordon Head
4:00 Cacbro Point
4:35 Gonzalez Point
6:30 Ocean River in Victoria
Glenis dropped mo off back at Canoe Cove. While they were polite, they made it clear that kayaks are not welcome there. I was tacitly accepted because I went through customs check there. I won’t go back.
Today as a slog with opposing current and head wind until 3:30. Slack until about 4:00 and then moderate ebb until the turn into Victoria Harbor. Incredible vies of Orcas across Haro Strait and the distant Cascade Mountains to the east, the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the south, the small islands surrounding Vancouver Island and the mountains of Vancouver Island itself. Upon entering Victoria harbor, passed astern of a Celebrity cruise ship. What a contrast with what I’m doing. Have to try that some day. I arrived at Ocean River Sports, back in the harbor to be greeted by Gary, Brian, Derrick and the great staff. They helped me secure my kayak on their dock and invited me to dinner. They have a big sale this weekend and were having a staff and volunteer celebration dinner. Great food, company and a fun evening. A basket was put out for donations to Breast Cancer Research, the cause I’m paddling for, and nearly $100 was raised. Thanks for your generosity guys!
09/26/08 Jones Island to Sidney
End of Day Location: Sidney BC
9:15 Launch Jones Island
9:45 Green Point, Speiden Island
10:30 west point Speiden Island
10:45 Stuart Island
11:00 Turn to cross Haro Strait
Victoria Traffic on Channel 11
11:30 Gooch Island
12:40 Land at north end of Sidney Spit
12:50 Launch
1:50 Land at Canoe Cove
A great day of paddling – the water was flat and I felt powerful and averaged over 4 nm/hr. Left many new friends at Jones Island – Chris and the young men he’s helping through their outdoor adventures, Elaine and Tom. All said farewell.
Took a more direct approach than originally planned due to calm seas. On the Jones to Speiden crossing saw many Dahl’s porpoises. On Speiden lots of deer and a ram – very impressive. Crossing Haro Strait saw Orca!
At Gooch Island, entered Canada. Lots of seals on Gooch and several swam out to have a closer look at me. I think they were as interested in me as I was in them. Paddled through really nice islands – rocky with trees and fancy houses on them. Checked in with Canadian Customs at C Dock in Canoe Cove. It was simply a phone call and they asked a few questions – pretty simple. Then called Gary and Glenis came to pick me up.
We loaded my boat and gear onto his truck and drove to their home. A great dinner of steak, salad, potato salad and cake. Great company and a wonderful meal. Also enjoyed Rosie, the sweet Rottweiler and the cats. Glenis is a veterinarian and both have come to several of my talks at the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium. Glenis told me how she used some of the concepts I present to help her in her practice, particularly muscle activation and maintaining strength and power as we age. Thanks to Kathy who taught me -nice stuff.
9:15 Launch Jones Island
9:45 Green Point, Speiden Island
10:30 west point Speiden Island
10:45 Stuart Island
11:00 Turn to cross Haro Strait
Victoria Traffic on Channel 11
11:30 Gooch Island
12:40 Land at north end of Sidney Spit
12:50 Launch
1:50 Land at Canoe Cove
A great day of paddling – the water was flat and I felt powerful and averaged over 4 nm/hr. Left many new friends at Jones Island – Chris and the young men he’s helping through their outdoor adventures, Elaine and Tom. All said farewell.
Took a more direct approach than originally planned due to calm seas. On the Jones to Speiden crossing saw many Dahl’s porpoises. On Speiden lots of deer and a ram – very impressive. Crossing Haro Strait saw Orca!
At Gooch Island, entered Canada. Lots of seals on Gooch and several swam out to have a closer look at me. I think they were as interested in me as I was in them. Paddled through really nice islands – rocky with trees and fancy houses on them. Checked in with Canadian Customs at C Dock in Canoe Cove. It was simply a phone call and they asked a few questions – pretty simple. Then called Gary and Glenis came to pick me up.
We loaded my boat and gear onto his truck and drove to their home. A great dinner of steak, salad, potato salad and cake. Great company and a wonderful meal. Also enjoyed Rosie, the sweet Rottweiler and the cats. Glenis is a veterinarian and both have come to several of my talks at the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium. Glenis told me how she used some of the concepts I present to help her in her practice, particularly muscle activation and maintaining strength and power as we age. Thanks to Kathy who taught me -nice stuff.
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