Siska July 2023 Newsletter
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Table Of Contents
Introduction
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, newsletter@siska.ca . If you would like to start a regular column, please let us know!
Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)
Convenient Links
PS: SISKA on Facebook
PPS: Siska’s Youtube Channel
PPPS: Siska’s Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Backup
PPPPS: Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices
Upcoming SISKA Events
Sunday, July 02nd, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Cole Bay (NEW MEMBERS) Paddle
Sunday, July 02nd, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Intertidal Exploration Paddle
Sunday, July 09th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Spirit Bay to Becher Bay Paddle
Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 - 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM - Comox Valley Paddlers Raft Up
Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Comox Valley Paddlers Raft Up
Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 - 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Light Paddle - VCKC Clubhouse to Evening paddle on the Gorge Waterway Paddle
Thursday, July 13th, 2023 - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM - Comox Valley Paddlers Raft Up
Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Island View Beach to Darcy Island Paddle
Saturday, July 22nd, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Pedder Bay to Whirl Bay Paddle
Thursday, July 27th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Paddle
Saturday, July 29th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Gulf Islands one-way return by ferry Paddle
Sunday, July 30th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Gulf Islands one-way return by ferry
Sunday, August 06th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Fleming Beach to Cole Island Paddle
Saturday, August 12th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Sunday, August 20th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Discovery Island
Thursday, August 24th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Light Paddle - Cadboro Bay to Cattle Point
Upcoming NonSISKA Events
by Jane Jacek
100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Oct.26th-28th
As we see lots of migrating birds when we paddle on these waters.
October 26-28th there will be celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Visit vhmbs for more information.
Siska July/August General Meeting Agenda
by Fred Pishalski
No meetings until September! Enjoy the summer and see you on the water!
Trip Reports
Sunday June 4 - Oak Bay to Cadboro Beach Intertidal Exploration paddle
by Diane Underhill
At the beach talk on shore, we reviewed that the purpose of the intertidal paddle was to observe the plants and sea creatures in the space between high and low tide. We launched from Oak Bay Marina at a very low tide. The day was glorious with minimal wind and not much current to worry about.
We made our way north, past Willows Beach, where the Oak Bay Tea Party was just ramping up for the day. Music was playing and you could almost smell the pancakes from the community breakfast.
It was at Cattle Point, against the rocks, that you could see the coloured lines separating the high tide mark from the intertidal zones below. As a group we saw both purple sea stars and leather starfish. Low tide is a great time to distinguish the many varieties of seaweed along our coast such as Turkish towel, rockweed, bull kelp, and the bright green sea lettuce. Some paddlers noticed at least two types of jellyfish, likely lion’s mane and moon jellyfish.
The excitement of the day was when one lucky paddler had a seal swim right under her kayak. Breathtaking!
After lunch at Cadboro Bay and much lively discussion, we paddled our way through several of the small islets, including Flower Island and Evans Rock, before turning our kayaks southward again.
As we passed Willows Beach, we were treated to a once-a-year opportunity. We were just in time to watch the parachute jumpers land on the beach. As we settled in to watch the display, 3 jumpers in succession fell from the sky. Initially, unrecognizable dots became visible parachutes and finally humans all landing on the beach from the same controlled angle. I believe we had the best view in all of Oak Bay.
We continued our path southward, navigating around Mary Tod Island and arrived at our launch site.
Many thanks to Mark Collins and his many assistants for keeping us safe and organized on the paddle.
Interesting Seagrass Article
by Dorothea Hoffman
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2023/seagrass-ecosystem-aquatic-wildlife-scarcity/
Tips From The Trips
by Debbie Leach
SIP WATER. When we sip rather than gulp down larger amounts our urine secretion is 6 times lower.
Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Walnut Cheese Loaf
Big thanks to BJ Porter for this excellent recipe. BJ is a vegetarian for those of you kindred spirits. I made it in a tube pan, which worked well. I think it would be perfect as a main, or really any meal that you want savoury for. Enjoy.
Safety Items
by Lynn Baier
Fun in the Sun
Summer has arrived. Yippee! But let’s all be careful out there. Here’s a great article, covering many areas to be thoughtful about when we kayak in the summer.
BC Marine Trails News
June BCMT News
To Buy or Sell
For Sale:
Wanted To Buy:
SISKA’s Kayak Skills Course Partners
There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs. Have a look HERE
Our partners are:
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