Author: Justine

  • Iron Point

    Leon called this evening and said they had just completed their most beautiful day of paddling so far. They started out through the Dolomite Narrows at low tide (but not as low as they wished) and saw lots of sea life including crabs, anemones, and many different types of starfish. Later Leon said a humpback surfaced right next to his boat and scared the hell out of him (but I’m sure he wouldn’t trade the experience). They paddled about 15 nm and are camping on Iron Point. They are planning to head for Rose Harbor (shown on the satellite photo) because they’ve heard they serve an excellent meal there. I’ve included a picture of Leon paddling earlier in the trip and a humpback whale breaching from Google Earth/Panoramio taken by Helloclint.
    Mike

  • Kat Island

    Leon called last night. They paddled about 11 nm and are camped on Kat Island on the West side of Burnaby Island. The forecast yesterday was Gale warnings and they ran into strong headwinds. So they decided to position themselves at Kat Island and paddle through the Dolomite Narrows when the winds and tides are favorable. They have heard it has beautiful scenery on both sides as you pass through. I’ve included a close up satellite photo of the narrows. They took the time sometime Saturday or Sunday to go back to Hotsprings Island and soak. Leon said it was fantastic. I look forward to seeing photos. They met some well supplied kayakers along the way and obtained some wine and beer to add to Leon’s scotch. So they had their 3rd fire and 2nd scotch night. Leon “almost” sounded a bit quilty they weren’t suffering more. I’ve included a photo of Justine and Leon from their 1st scotch night.
    Mike

  • Ramsay Island






    Shawna called and today they departed Windy Bay and found it was a windy day. Included here is a photo of Shawna working on her diary. Due to the wind they only paddled about 9 nm to Ramsay Island stopping on the way to visit Hotsprings Island. Another bear seen today and this one was a big one. Shawna said they were enjoying a camp fire and when I asked if it was a “white man’s fire” as Leon described in This Is The Sea, she pointedly said NO this is a “white woman’s fire”. Sounds to me like the women may be rebelling against Leon’s iron fisted rule? U Go Girl

    Mike

  • Windy Bay

    Justine called and everyone is well. On Friday they paddled about 13 nm to a campsite on Windy Bay. They spent much of the day exploring the Haida village of Tanu and learning about the culture. One of the things they learned is about an organization of young Haida called the Haida Gwaii Watchmen who are concerned with protecting their heritage and lands. Shawna, Leon & Justine also visited a longhouse used during the negotiations between environmentalists and loggers regarding the fate of what became Gwaii Haanas National Park. Justine said they all were amazed at the massive spruce trees over 1000 years old. I’ve included a map of Haida Gwaii showing the Haida villages including Skedans and Tanu which they have just visited.