Paddling Day from Deep Cove

August 22nd I joined the Vancouver kayak Meetup group for a day of paddling out of Deep Cove.
We were a total of 7 boats.  Four hardshells and three inflatable kayaks.

This was my first time out with the Meetup group in a couple of years.  The conditions were excellent, with just a light breeze in the beginning and good breeze on the way back, just enough to provide some fun paddling.

Steven demonstrating how user friendly inflatables are.

All here?

We knew we were safe from pirates.  This battleship acted as our escort.

From Deep Cove we crossed Indian Arm to Racoon Island.

Underway.

In Indian Arm paddling towards Racoon Island.

At Racoon Island.

Steven. The nice view is the other way!  Steven is on his, aged but still going strong, Innova Sunny.

My Safari is the foreground.  Note the shiny skin.

Loops watches the photographers at work.

Couldn't really get any closer without having to walk.

Janice, the battleship's captain, and her deckhand.

Off we go again towards Twin Islands.

Ted is paddling his own "aged but still going strong" Innova double Helios.  Janice's niece is at the controls.

At Twin Islands we quickly got off our kayaks to take them ashore.

Norm is looking for that fish he thought he caught.

My Safari resting besides Loops' hardshell. 

Loop's kayak, at 9' something, was even shorter than mine.

Birdseye view from above of others kayaker getting ashore.

Twin Islands are connected during low tide.  The north island has camping spot too. ...will have to make a little overnight trip sometime.

Our boats peacefully at rest.

The gang enjoying lunch... with a view.

With the raising tide, the islands are no longer connected.

Jim getting ready to step aboard...

...carefully stepping aboard.

Steven and Norm are ready for the return paddle...

...while I get closer to those rocks...

...so close to the barnacles too.  Just don't step on those things with your bare feet!

Now, where's that carabiner I thought I lost?

All set for the return trip.  But first...

...we decided to circumnavigate the Twin Islands.

Norm greets the locals.

After Twin Islands we headed back to Deep Cove.  We paddled against a headwind and some wave action, but it wasn't too bad.  We all made it safely back to shore.  All in all we paddled at least 6 nautical miles.

Enjoying apres paddle donuts.  What's Steven smoking anyway?

And now just some of the protagonists:
(photo contributors: Jim, Steven and Loons)

Norm, smartly wearing his drysuit.

Loops, smartly with his feet up in the air.

Steven.  Always ready, smartly.

Janice.  Smartly looking confident.

Ted and Chelsey.  Hey, this is fun!

...and me on my Safari.

English Bay Summer Paddle

Saturday was one of those perfect lazy summer days.  Ted posted an idea on the kayak Meetup to paddle English Bay for a few hours of quality water time.  He would be bringing his new Feathercraft Wisper XP.
We meat at Vanier Park's boat launch; then paddled to Jericho beach for a deserved break.  At Jericho I practiced some solo re-entries.  I quite surprised to find the water fairly chilly... good thing I was wearing my wetsuit.  After Jericho we made a b-line towards Second beach in Stanley Park.  The crossing was fun and the paddling easy.  After paddling over 6nm we eventually returned to Vanier Park.  That was good day.

My Safari is almost ready to go while Wilt is putting the finishing touches on his Cooper.

Ted shows up with his brand new yellow Wisper.  Hey, I thought it was supposed to be a folder!

Yes, that upswept Wisper bow makes for a fine water entry.

Wilt and Ted paddling way in near perfect conditions.  A bit later the wind picked up to about 15 knots giving us a fun bumpy ride.  But that didn't last long.  Note those two guys not using a sprayskirt.  Risky!

...towards Jericho for a deserved break... and a few refreshing dips.

Note the inflation pump, and H2O bottle, strapped down at the bow.  When it got rough the inflation pump filled with water, I found later.  Next time said pump will go in a drybag.