Wednesday Paddles 2021

Feb 3, 2021 - Oak Bay - Gonzales

Today's paddle was from Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Bay with a swing around Trial Island on the way over. In our group were Graham, Simon, Roger, Don, Gail and Fred. We had sunny skies, light winds and calm seas all day. While noodling around Trial Island we ran into Alan, Deb, Heather, Tony, Lynn. They paddled on and we caught up to them at Gonzales Beach where everyone had lunch. It was sunny and warm on the beach. On our way out we connected with Rob and Lisa who we heard on the VHF radio earlier in the day. As the winds were forecast to strengthen in the afternoon, we headed back to our launch point with a slight breeze at our backs. It really does not get much better than this out on the water in February.

Jan 27, 2021 - Fleming Beach - Esquimalt Harbour

On today's paddle was Robert, Lisa, Tony, Heather, Gail & Fred. We put in at Flemming Beach in Esquimalt with overcast skies and low temps. The winds were out of the East at 10-15kn. We found ourselves in following steep seas of 4-5 ft in front of the Forces Base which significantly diminished when rounding the corner and into the CFB Esquimalt Harbour. We noodled down the East side of the Harbour. Because of the high winter tide, some of us were able to paddle into the two old munitions buildings on Cole Island. We headed back to a beach just off Fisgard Lighthouse for lunch and were able to hunker down out the wind. It was a pretty straight shot into the wind and waves back to Flemming Beach. Good winter paddling.

Jan 13, 2021 - Island View - Cordova Bay

There were only 4 of us in our pod today, Gail, Simon, Graham and myself. It was extremely windy on the South Island last night gusting out of the West 120+kms as recorded at Trial Island. The winds today were still out of the West and expected to be much less but still not something you want to paddle against. The obvious choice was to stay in the lee of the land and kayak on the East side of the Saanich Peninsula. We put in at Island View Beach and in mostly light winds, with the sun popping in out of the clouds, paddled down to just North of Cormorant Point in Cordova Bay where we stopped for lunch. We had flat calm waters on the way back, winter in Victoria.

Jan 06, 2021 - Oak Bay - Cadboro Bay

Kayaking in our little pod today were Gail, Toni, Fred, Graham, Simon and birthday boy, Roger. Today's paddle was a short one, from Oak Bay Marina noodling into Cadboro Bay with a stop at Flower Island off Tudor Beach for lunch and return. We had some wind and choppy sea state when leaving the breakwater at the marina but once we swung back into the bay, things smoothed out. After lunch on the small island which is known for its nesting Geese and their droppings, it was a sunny brief paddle back to the launch site. It was a beautiful winters day in the sunshine out on the water. Considering all the lockdowns and Covid restrictions in other places, we are blessed to live where we do and have access to such a boundless environment.