When Halfmoon Sea Kayaks emailed the route for this weeks Paddler's Challenge I was excited. I can see Trail Islands from our deck. Ever since I came up to Sechelt I've wanted to kayak out to the Islands.
Tonight I finally did. This week was a smaller group than last week. We met at Sargeant Bay, which is like a whole 10 mins from the house. It was warm and sunny out and Sargeant Bay was flat calm.
Yeah, then we paddled out into the Strait of Georgia. Bam, the wind and waves hit. It was like kayaking on a roller coaster. Ride one wave up, down in to a trough and then back up again. I was swamped once or twice and broadsided several times but managed to stay upright.
We kayaked round the Islands and stopped in a small bay for a quick swim and some coconut ice (that Jo sent me from Tassie). The water in the bay was bath tub warm. I could have stayed for a couple of hours. It'd be a good place for a picnic.
The paddle back was challenging. We were paddling into the wind. If you stopped paddling you went backwards. But it was so much fun, I actually enjoyed the return paddle more. I've been out in much worse conditions (at least tonight it was warm and sunny) for much longer distances. But this is the first time in years, so I'd kind of forgotten what it feels like. The wind and waves make me nervous, paddling into the wind makes every muscle in my arms, shoulders, back and chest ache, I'm sunburnt and I am covered in salt. But holy crap does it feel good.
Back in Sargeant Bay and the water was calm again and mirror smooth. From here it looked flat all the way out to the Islands. Not so.
I can't wait to find out what the destination is for next week. I have to admit I thought about not showing up tonight. After two days of packing boxes and sorting out our separation agreement, all I wanted to do was go to bed and sleep. I am however very happy I went. Just what I needed.