Sunday Paddle @ Becher Bay

Took the Sunday Paddler's out from Becher Bay today.

Big thanks to ~ML and ~L for a great paddle and great conversation. I really enjoyed the day. Interesting to learn more about upcoming projects with tidal hydro-electric generators.

Not exactly sure what species of cetacean we spotted but it was exciting! I'm tending to agree with ~ML that it might have been a small Minke whale. The whale had a definite curve to it's back as it surfaced then went back under.



Minke Whale - Wikipedia
Minke Whale Fact Sheet - American Cetacean Society

The second option would be a Harbour Porpoise as it was traveling solo and the size would be about right. Wish I had a better look at it.



Harbour Porpoise - American Cetacean Society


Time on water - 4 hours
Time guiding - 4 hours

Esquimalt Lagoon to Witty's Lagoon

Went for a full-on, solo, sunset-run to Witty's Lagoon using my nine-foot paddle. Albert Head was calm and peaceful. I was lucky enough to see a very young orca being bumped to the surface by it's mother. A fat little dorsal fin and a short, stumpy little body gave it away as did the quick little puffs as it exhaled. Within a short few minutes it would surface again... and again... and again... at one point I think I glimpsed the black shiny head of Mum prodding baby from the side.

Seems that the place to see whales is off-shore and that's where I was, playing in the tide-lines far off of Albert Head.





An incredible experience... one I'll never forget.

THIS is a link to download the full photo catalog of Northern Resident Orcas in BC. It's a large file so please be patient.

Time on water - 6 hours

Whitewater Canoe in Tillicum Rapids

First time in a canoe since I was a kid. I had the best stern-man in the business though so you know it made for a great time!

Everybody hold their paddles in the air and give me a WOOHOO!!!!

Thanks Peter!

Time on water - 3 hours
Time instructing - 3 hours

Brentwood Bay

A brief little jaunt.

Time on water - 1 hour

Mayne Island to Saturna Island

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Time on water - 7 hours
Time guiding - 7 hours
Time instructing - 4 hours

Brentwood Bay & Pool Session

more to come...

Time on water - 8 hours (over two outings)
Time guiding - 5 hours (over two outings)

Esquimalt Lagoon to Witty's Lagoon

Went for an evening paddle in 'Tassie', launching from Esquimalt Lagoon. Caught the sunset over Metchosin as I paddled(slid) into(onto) the sandy shallows of Witty's Lagoon. Beautiful area out here, interesting shorelines, big gentle swells, and wildlife everywhere.



Time on water - 3 hours