Canadian Sunshine Coast Paddle

Description: We are going on a trip to the Sunshine Coast of Canada. We will be launching at Halfmoon Bay at Coopers Green park at 10 am.

Details: Details - We are planning on leaving on July 3rd in the afternoon, take Friday off, drive up to Vancouver and catch a late ferry up to Langdale, camp overnight (do a motel stay) on the way up Wednesday and start the paddle on Thursday morning. Talked to guide at Halfmoon Bay Kayak rentals - he suggested the launch site and said the 3 knot current is very manageable depending on the weather. We will launch as close to slack as we can and watch the weather report for wind forecast prior to making final plans.

Parking/Restroom Information: Parking

Camping Info: We are going on a long US weekend. Cam at Halfmoon thought getting off Thursday am would give us a good chance to get the sites at Buccaneer Bay. There are only 5 spots and we would need all of them.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/buccaneer_bay/

If not we would have to find an unofficial spot on South Thomanby Island or camp in Secret Cove or Smuggler Cove.

Expected rough costs – ferry $49.05 plus $30 reservation fees, at this time, 6/15 12pm, 2:40 ferry is booked, 1:05 and 4:45 available
Availability of drinking water - NONE, bring your own.
Camping conditions - Backcountry, no cost, pit toilet.

Food Plan: Larry - mucho wine and Irish Cream guy...
Group 1 - Linda, Dave, Julie
Group 2 - Cheryl, Nancy, Brian
Group 3 - Sean, Susan, Holly

Each group is responsible for one dinner and one Breakfast. Lunches are on your own. We have Holly who is gluten free. Please post your meal plan at least 4 days in advance so Holly can plan accordingly. Sean is bringing a two burner folding Coleman and Dave has one also if we can find room for it. Each group should make sure they have enough cook gear to make their meal.

Carpool: Contact and make plans with your rider so you make sure you are at the launch site by 9 am to pack and launch.
Driver / Rider
Larry / Julie
Brian / Holly
Sean / Susan
Linda / Dave
Cheryl / Nancy

Dave and Nancy are staying at Nestledown B&B http://www.nestledown.ca/

Larry, Julie, Brian, Holly are staying at Homesite Creek Campground, $14 per night (2 tents or 6 peeps), 604-885-8060
http://Homesitecreekcampground.com

SK Rating: http://students.washington.edu/ukc/seakayaking/sea_rating.php This will be a III rating with current, crossings, and wind and waves to paddle in.

Equipment Requirements: Kayak, paddle, pfd, paddlefloat, pump, sprayskirt, headlamp, charts, navigation gear (compass/gps/??)vhf radio. All camping gear. I am bringing my 16 Kelty tarp and a small propane lantern.

Chart:
Sean's scanned info
http://larryminor.com/AdventureShark/Kayak%20Maps/Thormanby.pdf

Tides: tides

NOAA Wind Info: (3 days prior)

IMPORTANT - If you have not filled out your profile information in the Sea Kayak Meetup information please do so. Failure to have a completely filled out profile will cause you to be dropped from the paddle.

AND AS USUAL - All my paddles are one strike you're out... I will monitor the site up to 3 hours before we launch for cancellations. (for this paddle the cut off will be Wednesday before the paddle unless an emergency happens) But if we launch and I haven't heard from you that is a no show and you will no longer be welcome on my trips. Please don't sign up unless you really think you can attend. It isn't fair for the other paddlers. As usual, I will manage the trip numbers based on extra organizers and the paddle experience of the people who sign up. So jump on the waiting list because I frequently up the attendees. Thanks.

Added from Linda:

Lodging: Dave and I are staying at Nestle Down Park ($115).

Ferry schedules/costs: The ferry is booking up fast! So recommendation to book now ($100 for car plus 2 people (incl driver and reservation fee of $15 RT). (we are leaving early am July 3 so will meet everyone Thurs am at put in) Coming back we booked a 2:45 return sunday. It was recommended to allow 4 hours from the start of our paddle back to load cars and get to Langdale ferry. (WE have to get back early due to an early flight east with corporate travel on Monday)

Menu plans: Dinner: curry chicken/raisens/almonds and rice. (will prepare/freeze- may pack in dry ice so can have this last night if desired) Brk- french toast with lemon curd. (Julie let me know what you would like to contribute- salad? dessert?) boxed wine?

Additional EQUIP: WE can bring the two burner propane camping stove but neither one of our boats can haul it. Small hatch openings. Will carry small 1 person butane stove. Will bring IPAD and casing. Garmin. Does anyone have satelitte radio? Please notify, if not may purchase.

Other comments:
I have extra equipment if anyone needs to borrow things, feel free to reach out. http://img1.meetupstatic.com/3250963246259337556533/img/smileys/cool.gif