Experience #32

Theme water: Kayaking with the Orcas

What a weekend! Simon and I have been planning this one for a while. The level one kayak course we took in June was in preparation for this event. We purchased the charts and the tide books. We had our camping list printed weeks in advance so we wouldn't forget anything important such as the chocolate or wine. Our course was charted and we knew at what time the slack tide would be in the Haro Strait area.

We took the ferry from Sidney to Friday Harbour on Saturday June 30th. Friday Harbour is a quaint, hilly town. We were "car camping" which meant bringing anything we wanted, eating fresh foods,  drinking wine and eating cake. After shopping for necessities, we arrived at the camp site at 8pm. Camp was set up and the week end started by catching up with our good friends, who had joined us for the event. Our crew consisted of Roby (world kayaker), Grant (great guitarist), Jesse (cutest kid ever), Chris (birthday boy), Shira (supper athlete), Jeff (troubadour), Simon (best husband and man servant ever), and me (instigator of event).

Canada day, we had the best weather possible. It was sunny and calm. Our departure time was between 10 and 10:30. We kayaked out of Small Pox Bay by our campground and headed south with the ebbing tide. The water was mirror calm (0 on the Beaufort scale). It did not take long to see our first orcas. We were alone for a while listening to their breath and watching as they swam by. Once the whales were spotted though the tour boats showed up. With their loud motors and speakers blaring it altered the mood. Soon the boats "chased" the pod away and we were by ourselves again. More pods came by, but we needed to turn back before the current became too difficult for our paddle. The winds picked up and the swell increased and we had to work hard to get back to our little bay. I was glad to be in a double kayak with Simon. He kept me calm and focused to the task at hand.

The afternoon was spent playing bocce and snoozing in the sun. The evening meal was enjoyed beside our campfire. Simon spotted the fireworks in Victoria, off on the horizon, and the gang sang "Oh Canada". The guys played their guitars and we sang the night away. What a splendid way to end our day.

Thanks gang for sharing in my adventure!