Well, I think I found a workable plan. I’m going to copy it here and ask for anyone to offer comment on it, particularly regarding some suggested spots we shouldn’t miss as there are some gaps to be filled anyway. Andrew, I read with delight your Shambolic Trip with Sheila report. Perhaps you could offer some must stay places to what I have so far.
The route and campsites are all flexible now that we have the dates and retrieval logistics
Also, I use the AyeTide App but wonder if anyone can suggest a good resource for currents? Most of my paddling is on the west coast where currents are not as important. I did paddle from Saltspring to Nanaimo in 2004 but I’m hoping for some modernized sources to plan our days,
Here is the rough plan:
Gulf Island Marine Tour
Concept: a casual sauntering exploration of the Gulf Islands between Victoria and Nanaimo utilizing the dates from Saturday, June 19 to Sunday, June 27. Can also be shorter if we want to. Note, the route and places where we stay two nights are completely flexible. We can adjust as we do research. This is based on my research and experience so far:
June 19, 2021,Day 1 Drive to Horshoe Bay catch earliest ferry to Departure Bay. Rent kayaks from Coastal Expressions. Load boats and gear onto Ault’s truck. Leave Schwartz vehicle in Nanaimo. Everyone drives to Swartz Bay in Tundra. Ask Mark Kean and Tanya to meet us there and once we’re unloaded, they can take the truck back to Glenn Lake for the week.
We put in and paddle to
Portland Island 7 km. Camp two nights
Day 2. Explore area. Head over to Pender Island or Saturna for wine tasting and lunch. (Check distances)
Day 3 Leave Portland Island and paddle to James Bay on
Prevost Island 13 km Explore
Day 4 Prevost Island to
Wallace Island 17 km for two nights
https://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/wallace/wallace-island-brochure.pdf?v=1611187306025
Day 5 Wallace Island day trip to ?
Day 6 Wallace to
Pirates Cove 19 k
Day 7 Pirates Cove to ?
Day 8 second night at Pirates Cove or?
Day 9 Paddle to Nanaimo Departure Bay. Return kayaks and use Schwartz vehicle to get back to Keans’ in Victoria and go our separate ways.
Any intel or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I normally paddle in a Pygmy Coho, of which I built two, one for me and one for Judy. Last year, we did a trip with a less experienced couple who liked the tandem option. My wife insisted that we rent a double as well as she is also less experienced. I’m OK with that but at $600 a week to rent, it wouldn’t take long to pay for a good used tandem so if anyone is looking to sell....My dream is to build a Pygmy double but I don’t currently have the time or space to work on it.
Cheers and thanks