lotuslander: kayak

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.

As winters go, this year cold and rainy season stayed with us until the bitter end. So much so, that until the day before our three day paddle on Alouette lake the rain, cold and the odd snow flake were lingering in the air.
Then, lucky us, suddenly on the clouds disappeared.

Here's my brand new Innova Solar inflatable I purchased just a couple of weeks earlier from the Boatpeople in California. It's the Czech Republic's manufacturer's new model. This, compared to the now out of production Sunny, is a true double and a true single. I will find out.
The Solar has lots of room for all my camping gear and keep a low profile without the need to store bags vertical. This configuration will help paddling in a headwind and still keep the kayak's CG low for stability.

In the mean time Steven showed up with his trusty Sunny and related gear.

A little while later Chris, Ted and Jamie appeared and got to work assembling their folders. For Ted it took some tweaking to get everything to fit in place.

A view from above - all set to go on Alouette's frigid waters.

As we head out, Steven and I take a little detour to the lake's opposite shore to take a look at the many tree stumps leftover from when the lake had a lower level. An hydroelectric dam was built many years ago and these semi-submerged trees are the result.

More stumps. Interesting how well preserved they are in this cold lake water. They will probably remain like this for at least fifty years of more.

At a little beach for lunch.

Our two kayaks side-by-side.

Nice lake, eh?

We are getting closer to our destination.

Our campground was located at the northwest end of the lake between the narrows and that little creek coming down the valley. The creek was a good water supply spot. Instead of using my old lever operated water filter, I bought a gravity filter from MEC - what a difference! Fresh water was at my fingertips.