Sea Kayak - God's Pocket Marine Park

Goal is to paddle 10 – 14nm per day with a possibility of a 16nm day. If the weather cooperates, the plan is to cross Gordan Channel to the Deserters Group, circumnavigate Hope Island, and camp at Cape Sutil.

We could encounter wind, fog, rain, sun, whales, otters, and aggressive sea lions.

If you would like to join in this excellent adventure please read on to get a better idea of the trip that may make for a compatible team.  Then email me and let me know about you and why you would like to join this trip.

Schedule

• July 18th, Friday  - Drive to Port Hardy (involves a ferry ride and reservation required).  Nine hour travel time from Seattle, including ferry.
• July 19th, Saturday – Launch from one of two places in Port Hardy.
• July 27th, Sunday  - Return to Port Hardy
• July 28th, Monday  - Drive and catch the ferry home.
  
  

Costs: Ferry to and from Vancouver Island, and overnight stay in Port Hardy on 7/18 and 27th. Suggest North Coast Trail Hostel.

Goals

• Be safe and practice group decision making.
• Enjoy each other’s company and being out there, whatever conditions we encounter.
• Take time to observe wildlife when the opportunities arise.

Expectations

• Think about and express your goals, expectations, and style. Abide by decisions made by the group or by the leader 
• Proactively express your concerns in a thoughtful and constructive manner.
• Have the skills and fitness required for this trip
• Work as a team member to help the group be happy and accomplish our goals 
• Share responsibility for risk management, recognizing when conditions warrant re-assessment. Don't take risks that other group members do not support. 

Participant Skills

• Endurance to paddle 14nm days in sequence or 16nm in one day with a fully loaded boat, at a pace of 2.5-3 kt.
• Ability to paddle into 15-knot winds, land, and launch through 3 ft surf.
• Quick, efficient buddy rescue.
• Camp skills: tarp/bug tent, bear resistant food storage, water management, carrying 9+ days of food and 4 days of water in your boat.
• Able to camp in wet, windy conditions.

Style

• Most days are moving days and start early, however, since happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast, we don’t rush to launch. Plan 2-3 layover days to avoid having to pack camp when able.
• Off the water early enough (4 pm) to have unrushed time for camp chores and relaxation
• Sit together for dinner as a time to reflect and discuss the day.

Coordinate driving and meeting in Port Hardy on July 18th (involves a ferry ride with reservation required).  Spend the night in the hostel and/or camping. Launch from Port Hardy on the 19th.  See schedule below.