lotuslander: Deep Cove

I wanted to paddle the whole length of Indian Arm for several years. So when my friend asked if I was into an overnight trip to Berg's Landing I immediately said yes. This would also be my first overnight trip with the Kurrent, Feathercraft's new light-weight kayak creation.

A map of Indian Arm.
We put-in at Deep Cove (lower left) and our destination was Berg's Landing (upper left). It's about a 15km or so paddle, one way.

Here we just started paddling up Indian Arm's west side.

As usual, I didn't take any pictures at the beach during preparations or of the kayak's assembly process. Assembly went quite smoothly considering this being my first time stowing everything needed for the trip.

Actually, thinking there wouldn't be sufficient space inside the Kurrent, I bought a rear deck bag for the trip. Although handy, this bag wasn't really needed for additional storage space. Some the following pictures show this bag - it's the yellow one.

One of those crazy locations for a new house. Not sure why the city issues permits for these things.

Paddling a Alpacka Pakraft. Being a true minimalist, he keeps everything needed in the orange drybag.

Civilization is still all around us.

Getting close to our camping place in the distance around the promontory.

The tent is set-up and the kayak is resting on the grass.

His ultralight shelter. A minimalist's dream.

Bishop's Creek was an excellent water source.

A better view of my little home for the night.

The special of the day is being prepared.

This is my standard MSR white gas stove. It works really well, but I have now bought a new little alcohol stove. It could save some weight and space on future trips.

A reminder we are in a provincial park.

Nice view from the campsite's beach looking north.

...and now looking south towards Deep Cove. The sun has set behind the mountains with only the top still getting the last rays. A very peaceful evening.

The Kurrent is ready for the night.

Next morning walking around I was a number of these nice flowers growing by the water's edge. If I only knew their name.

Early morning is my favorite time of the day due to its magical light.

All set and ready to go. Next time I'll bring pool noodles to protect the kayak's bottom from scratches. Due to its thin skin material, to save weight, the Kurrent is more vulnerable to scratches than other Feathercraft kayaks. A price one has to pay for easy portability.

We are all ready to head back to Deep Cove.

The return trip was simply magical. The wind remained absent until the last half hour resulting is perfectly smooth water for most of the way back.

Morning light. Notice how sunlight is reflected on the Pakraft's wake.

..one more.

Nice light effect by the morning sun.

Interesting rock formations and tide lines.

Peaceful paddling...

...high cliffs.

One of my favorite shots.
My Olympus waterproof camera is great in good light, but due to its small lens, low light conditions aren't ideal for this camera.

Silver Falls.
I played in the current a bit. It was fun being pushed back by the falls outflow.

A video showing the outgoing leg of the trip, life at the campsite, and by Silver Falls.

Back to mirror-like waters.

This is a little cave that only disappears at high tide.

Its walls are covered with tiny mussels.

Two Indian canoes filled with youth based at a nearby camp.
They looked like they were having fun.

This little island ahead has a nice house on it. It's connected to the shore by a bridge.
I guess in case of an enemy attack, its owners can blow up the bridge and be saved.

Back to civilization...

Nice. But I wonder what the owner of this property will do if he, or she, breaks a leg.

Nearing Deep Cove.
Here we had a tiny bit of wind, maybe 3kn max. ...and that wonderful mirror-like water was gone.

One last push to the kayak rental place in Deep Cove.
This is a good put-in location; it has a change room with bathroom, and a shower...
Good place to end a paddling trip. Amen.

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.