Rest Days Some of the Best Days

I loved paddling around Vancouver. I loved the challenge. I loved the new discoveries waiting across every sound and around every headland. I loved the sense of adventure and the feeling of self-sufficiency. I loved each and every day of paddling, but there was something special about the rest days.

In my preplanning, I knew that there would be weather days when it would be too rough to paddle, and I didn’t want to put myself in a position where I had to paddle when I shouldn’t. I knew that there would be things to see that were worth the taking the time to stop and enjoy them. From the beginning I planned for a rest days in Port McNeil and Tofino, my resupply points. I also allowed as many as 15 rest/weather days in case Neptune or my body required them. If I needed I could steal a week more before I had to report back to work. This was not a record attempt. Paddling past so much beauty without taking the time to enjoy it didn’t fit my trip goals.

July 7 would be my first rest day, the first of 6 Rest/weather days that I would use on my circumnavigation. The day would be devoted to picking up a replacement VHF Radio, and exploring the Comox/Courtney Area.

I woke early, breakfasted and set my course toward Comox Harbor I elected not to wear my drysuit. The day would be hot and the weather calm. I made the calculation that my risk of Hyperthermia would be greater than any risk of capsize and Hypothermia. Even so, I stuffed my drysuit into a dry bag in the bow compartment, just in case.

I paddled into the harbor and up the Courtney River finding my way to the marina. After securing my kayak, and checking with the nearby restaurant that it would be ok beached at the side of the ramp, I climbed the hill and began the walk to Tyee Marine. They had my radio waiting for me. I paid for it and they asked about my trip and shared some local knowledge. They offered to let me charge the battery. They also agreed to let me charge my Iphone.

While the batteries charged, I had a lunch of fish and chips. It was a welcome break from trail mix. I picked up my radio, and walked back toward the marina. On impulse, I stopped at Starbucks for a smoothie and wifi. Rested and quite well fed, I left Courtney and began my paddle back to camp.

First Nations Paddlers Comox Harbor

Near the mouth of Comox Harbor, I saw a native dugout canoe in the distance. I paddled closer. There were 3 canoes with teams dressed in a mix of traditional and modern clothing. It was so cool! One of the things that drew me to Vancouver was its First Nations history, and here was a group of First Nations people from the K’omoks band keeping their paddling traditions alive.

I took this picture for the juxtaposition of new and old paddling traditions. That's my Story.

I savored the magic of the moment when a school of paddle boarders approached from the left. Dressed in their bright bathing suits they were as non traditional as could be, yet something seemed right. I was witnessing one of the oldest forms of paddling together with one of the newest. The image will be with me forever.

Drinking Water

My rest days left me with many such memories. The taste of freshly filtered water from a cold creek behind my camp on Quadra Island; The stopper I carved, at Alder Camp on Johnstone Strait, to replace the lost bite valve for my hydration pack; Beachcombing along the shores of Ambrosia Bay; Each of these memories will be with me until long after rocking chair replaces my kayak.

Replacement Bite Valve