Vancouver Island, tip-to-tip

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Pushing off from Clarke, we made our way north, choosing to go around the "outside" of Owens island (open to the ocean, but the water was pretty calm). We then proceedws fairly directly towards Dodd, passing near Turret Island, then into the small passages in the Dodd/Willis/Turtle complex. Arn, Kyle and I took a short side trip to evaluate the backcountry campsite on Willis Island. I can report that it is decent enough, but the Dodd and (especially) Clarke campsites are much nicer.

Departing Clarke

Back North

Impressive Sailing Craft

Once back on Dodd, we noticed that several other parties had left, and the tentsites (apart from ours) were mostly vacated. I lobbied for (successfully) a move to the tentsites on the northern side of the campsite's peninsula. We could then use the superb north-facing beach as our campfire/dinner/hangout spot. The conditions were perfect for a maximum positive experience: calm, warm, and with a late day sun shining over the small bay in front us, backed by a distant mountainous skyline.

North-side supper

Beautiful North-facing Beach

Peaceful Peacock Channel

courtesy JInnes

16th Huggies

Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres

North-side beach

Although it would have been nice to further explore Clarke and Benson Islands, our early return to camp meant we had more time to soak in the wonderful ambiance. The views north across the Peacock channel seemed to get better with each passing hour. In fact, the backdrop was so picture-perfect, that we decided to set up some nice family portrait shots.

Mount Ozzard

Scenic Appetizers

Enjoying the Wilderness

The Hyndmans

More Hyndmans

Lucky Shot

Backcountry Pizza

After dinner, we simply sat, played a few games, and watched the evening progress. A beautiful pink reflection began to form on the underside of some high clouds, deepening to a fiery red as the sun dipped below the horizon. Soon our campfire became the dominant source of light.

Scenic Chores

Sunset Flutings

Post-dinner relaxation

Fiery Alpenglow

Post Sunset Campfire

Stay still

Going to sleep with the dipper

As twilight darkened towards full night, we saw a succession of flares stream up into the sky to the north of us, somewhere beyond the nearest islands. Five flares in total shot up, and weren't sure if it was a legitimate call for help, or just some yahoos playing around. Kyle suggested that we shouldn't take any chances, though, so we called up the Canadian Coast Guard and reported it.

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Broken Islands Kayak Day 2 - Dodd Island to Clarke Island and back - click map to view

Interactive trackmap with photo points - Broken Islands Kayak Day 2 - Dodd Island to Clarke Island and back - click to view

Dodd to Clarke Island and back - Paddle Data

Start Time: 11:23a.m.

End Time: 5:03p.m.

Duration: 5h39m

Distance: 13.32 km (8.27 mi)

Average Speed: 2.4 km/hr (1.5 mph)

Start Elevation: -8ft (-2m) *

Max Elevation: 81ft (25m) *

Min Elevation: -8ft (-2m) *

End Elevation: 17ft (5m) *