SISKA's  July 2019 Newsletter. Upcoming events, reports and articles
View this email in your browser

July 2019 SISKA Newsletter

Introduction

 
Dear <<First Name>>,

Thanks to those members who contributed photos and materials. After enjoying a SISKA event or paddle, please consider sending a short (100-150 words) summary article; for more information, contact one of us. If you would like to start a regular column, please let us know!

Alan Campbell (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)
PS: You can find SISKA on Facebook at this link.

PPS: SISKA has a Meetup site for "impromptu" and other paddles organized by club members. For more details, go to https://www.meetup.com/SISKA-Meetup/. To join this, you have to be a club member.

PPPS: You can find the SISKA newsletter archive here: http://goo.gl/VUkafR

Table of Contents

 

Upcoming SISKA Events


Saturday, July 06th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Oak Bay Marina to Contingency Paddle
Saturday, July 13th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Nocturnal Pyrotechnic Observation Paddle
Sunday, July 21st, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Island View Beach to D'Arcy Island Paddle
Saturday, July 27th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Amherst to Portland Island Paddle
Saturday, August 03rd, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Oak Bay Marina to Contingency Paddle
Saturday, August 10th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Nocturnal Pyrotechnic Observation Paddle
Sunday, August 18th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Fleming Beach to Fisgard Lighthouse Paddle
Saturday, August 24th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Moses Point to Russell Island Paddle
 
 
For more details, go to the SISKA website

Community Events of Interest


Saturday, July 06th, 2019 - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM - MEC Paddlefest - Willows Beach
 

If you are aware of an event  that should be included in the next Newsletter, please email Alan Campbell at alanglencampbell@shaw.ca.
 

West Coast Vancouver Island Kayak Trip: Coal Harbour to Victoria, July 1-31

 

Hi Folks,
When Rob Zacharias turned 50 he kayaked all the way around Vancouver Island by himself – a truly amazing accomplishment!

Unfortunately, due to fog, wind and weather he was unable to enjoyably explore parts of the West Coast on his homeward journey.

So…this year Rob turned 65, and decided to celebrate by paddling the West Coast of Vancouver Island again from Coal Harbour, Quatsino Sound, back to Victoria.

Michael Egilson and myself are joining Rob for what will no doubt be another epic paddling adventure!

Covering a total distance of about 310 nm over the month of July, the general plan is to paddle about 20 nm, then camp 2 nights and explore a little more in the area by day paddling and/or hiking.

Of course, wind and weather will ultimately determine what can be safely paddled when, and allowance has been made for “weather days” so the plan will inevitably evolve as the month unfolds.

We are using an InReach satellite communicator to track and message, so, if you wish, you can follow our journey and posts at the following link:

https://share.garmin.com/WhereweareontheCoast

Cheers,

Alan, Rob and Michael

Siska Picnic

by Fred Pishalski
June 15th was the South Island Sea Kayaking Association 2019 Picnic (Clinics and Gear Swap). It was held at Cadboro Bay Beach Gyro Park. The Gear Swap was 9am-12pm, people brought lots of used gear and boats for sale, much equipment and cash changed hands in a few hours. During the morning there were clinics in Kayak Fitting, Navigation Exercise with Chart & Compass, Kayak Camping, Arranging Meet Ups and Trips, and a TRAK Kayak demo. In the afternoon there were clinics pertaining to Towing, Forward Stroke, On Land Weather, How to use your GPS and finally a Relaxed Paddle. A very special shout out to Jane Jacek and her minions for putting this event on plus thanks to everyone who showed and had a good time.

Here is a link to the many photos of the day - https://imgur.com/a/TYcV4AS

Trip Reports

Cougar Annie's Gardens
by Debbie Leach
Come for the gardens....stay for the cultural and natural wonders. History at Boat
Basin comes alive on the ‘Walk of the Ancients’ with its awe inspiring big trees
and logs felled over 600 years ago. Six SISKA members were among visitors who met
and toured the property acquired by Peter Buckland.  After Annie’s family left, the
garden had reverted to rainforest and the Boat Basin Foundation was established to
maintain the gardens and the Temperate Rainforest Field Study Centre.  

Cougar Annie’s Garden, one of BC’s most historic homesteads, is located on the northern
shore of Hesquiat Harbour 36 paddling miles from Tofino. There is rough camping
nearby or guests can stay in modern cabins. We urge you to go soon, by float plane
if you prefer, while Peter is still around to regale you with stories from the legendary
gardener and his 31 years following in her footsteps.
More information.  www.boatbasin.org