Haida Gwaii - The End

After 3 fabulous months and paddling 797 miles in the Queen Charlotte islands, we are now back on the main land at Prince Rupert. We met wonderful people and paddled many parts of the islands. What a great experience!

Masset to Langara

August 18 to 23, 2009

Distance: 89 miles

We experienced a whole new culture on this trip. It is all about the "Sporties" (The Sport Fisherman). Not quite remote, as all we could see were boats, boats and more boats. All along the North Coast, there are float planes and helicopters flying people in and out of Langara's fishing lodges. Catching the big one has its price!

It is interesting to interact with these people, especially when they offered us hot breakfast sandwiches in the morning when we launched and treats at the end of the day when we needed an energy burst. Add to that, Roger, the "on water" security guard for Queen Charlotte Lodge keeping an eye out for our safety on water and on land...as there were heaps of bears roaming the shoreline.

For some, this may have been a turn off but for us, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. On top of this, we stayed 4 nights in a cabin and only set up our tent one night...talk about roughing it!

Gwaii Haanas - The return -

August 3 to 13, 2009
Distance: 165 miles

Patti and I wanted to paddle around Graham Island. Since the weather was so great, it also brought a lot of wind and therfore, a NO GO for the West Coast. Around the same time, our friend Michel Guerard with a group from Victoria also tried but had to bail at Rose Spit. So here we are, the three of us (Patti, Yves and Michel) looking for a place to paddle. We decided to take Michel on a trip to Gwaii Haanas. We paddle 165 miles in 11 days from Moresby Camp to Burnaby Narrows and back. A good time was had by all!

Masset Inlet

July 24 to 29, 2009
Distance: 82 miles

We paddled Juskatla and Masset Inlets parking our vehicle at Port Clements. In Juskatla Inlet, we had more current and wind than on the west coast. We went as far west as Dinan Bay and then back to Port Clements. We spent 6 days paddling this area... A best kept secret as it is not paddled very often. Kayakers seem to skip this part of the island as they don't have the time. As for us, we discovered a great place to paddle. Do not miss it!

North Beach

July 20 to 22, 2009

We spent some time at North Beach in Masset surfing and crabbing. We met great people such as Bryan and Chad from Prince George who went out fishing (crabbing) with Patti. This is a great beach for kayak surfing on a rising tide. On a low tide...less than 21 feet... it is possible to camp overnight on the beach but if the tide gets higher than 21 feet, you may be in trouble. Check the sea state to make sure that the surf won't reach your car. This is a very long beach that is worth the visit.

Rose Spit

July 18 to 20, 2009
Distance: 22 miles

It is Thur July 23. Life is still going great for us in Haida Gwaii. After spending 3 days paddling to Rose Spit, we are back in Charlotte for laundry, shower, and groceries then going back to North Beach (Masset) on Graham Island to do a few days of car camping on the beach catching crabs at low tide and catching waves for kayak surfing at high tide. It's like holidaying from our holidays.

We just bought tickets to the local music festival for the weekend of Aug 7, 8, 9. (http://www.edgefestival.com/) Around the same time, we are meeting up with our friend, Mike from Victoria, for a week. That means we have 2 weeks for a kayak trip in Masset Inlet and Juskatla Inlet. This area will be much less challenging as no outer coast, but should still be heaps of fun.

Hiking Sleeping Beauty

If you have ever dreamed of hiking on Sleeping Beauty, it is in Queen Charlotte where you can do it. It is a great climb to get to the top of the world and throwing snow balls. it is a good change to hike after 35 days of kayaking. We will spend more time discovering the Island...there is so much to do. We'll keep you posted.

Cheers

Yves and Patti

Gwaii Haanas

May 30 to July 3, 2009
Distance: 407 miles

Just returned from 35 days at sea and paddling over 400 miles! We are both healthy and happy and full (just finished having fish and chips at the Sandspit Hotel). We will be in Sandspit for a few days and will start preparing for our next trip. We do not have our computer with us right now, so can't check email much. Will update with pictures soon.

On the water!

We are leaving our internet and phone access Thur May 28, and will be on the water from May 29 to July 10. We will update our blog when we are back in town.

Queen Charlotte, here we are!

Last minute call, Patti and I decided to take the Monday night ferry accross to the Queen Charlotte's Islands instead the one we have booked for Thursday. So we arrived this morning at 5:30 am and kind of visited a ghost town before it wakes up. After a visit at Parks Canada office, we are having our orientation session at 1:00 pm. GREAT! we are 2 days ahead of what was planned so we might get on the water earlier than planned.