Blog

  • Gordon Islands

    Justine called last night from the Gordon Islands. They have rounded Cape St. James and are heading up the west coast! The conditions were accommodating with a 1-2 foot swell, winds not too strong and about 1 1/2 kt. of current. But even though the weather was good, Justine said they could still feel the power of the place as the paddled around the cape. A sea lion colony was there and they saw many puffins. They also saw another humpback whale. Ironically the wind blew from the north for awhile so they had a headwind for a short time. In camp, they had the last of Leon’s scotch. They are enjoying their pace of around 10-15 nm, which is allowing them time to enjoy the land as well as the sea. Tomorrow the plan is to visit the Haida Watchman at Ninstints on Anthony island due west of the Gordon islands. I’ve included a photo of the Sgang Gwaay pole they will find there and a photo of Leon and a totem pole from earlier in their journey.
    Mike

  • Woodruff Bay

    Leon called. They had a nice send-off from Rose Harbour with fresh muffins and then had to battle big headwinds for 15-20 nm to a camp on Woodruff Bay looking at Cape St. James. They are all well but looking forward to rounding the cape and getting the wind at their backs. I could hear the wind on the satellite phone for the first time. They were enjoying their 4th fire (not sure why they are counting). Leon said they can easily view the evidence of why this area is known for it’s high winds since they are seeing thousands trees blown down by the winds. No shortage of firewood. Leon said he was looking at eagle tracks in the sand as he was talking to me. The satellite photos shows Woodruff Bay and Cape St. James. I’ve included a photo of Justine washing her drysuit.
    Mike

  • Rose Harbour

    Justine called last night from Rose Harbour. They had enjoyed an amazing dinner that evening and met many wonderful folks including a musician they got on well with. They paddled about 10 nm to get there on a calm and sunny day which she described appreciatively as gorgeous. Before dinner they had the luxury of a hot shower in an ingenious wood burning device that Justine sounded quite taken with. Jon Walpole has been watching and interpreting (guessing?) the long term weather (not on radios) for the expedition and I’ve been relaying it to them. It sounds like the calm and sunny days may disappear until next week. I’ve included a couple of photos of the trio taken in Skedans by some kayakers they met there.
    Mike

  • 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