nuchatlitz – 6 days

NUCHATLITZ – 6 DAYS
The 200 year old village of Zeballos, picturesquely
nestled at the foot of towering green-cloaked mountains,
is one of the North Islands's gateways to the west coast.
This charming and peaceful logging community, named
after the Spanish explorer Lt. Ciriaco Cevallos, is built
around the mouth of the clear and swift-running Zeballos
River. In earlier days, gold mining was a major industry
here, with more than $13 million worth of gold bricks
being shipped out of Zeballos between 1938 and 1943.
Launching from this quaint little village, we will spend 6
fantastic days paddling some of the most isolated waters
of Vancouver Island's coastline. The days promise
tranquil paddling in aquamarine lagoons and hidden
coves, sand strewn beaches and the raw drama of the
open west coast. In addition to great paddling, we may
encounter a variety of wildlife including black bear,
cougar, deer, seal and porpoises, chance encounters with
both Orca and Grey whales, thousands of seabirds and
the colourful marine life within the intertidal zone. This
expedition is sure to "blow you away!"
To get to our embarkation point of Zeballos, just follow
the Island Highway north of Nanaimo to the clearly
marked turnoff to Zeballos (roughly 315 km. north of
Nanaimo and about 24 km. north of Woss). At the
turnoff, you will be turning left onto the gravel road to
Zeballos, which is a further 42 km.. Please note that this
is an active logging road with large machinery operating
daily so have your headlights on and please give these
"monster trucks" a respectable right of way. You should
allow yourself an hour to get from the turnoff to
Zeballos. As there are a myriad of smaller roads that
branch off from this "main artery" to Zeballos, we
strongly recommend that you arrive in Zeballos
during the daylight hours (a night time search could
be quite an ordeal if you took a wrong turn).Please
note that the highway between Campbell River and
Nanaimo can get quite busy during the summer months
plus the ferries between Vancouver Island and the
mainland can also be quite congested, so we advise you
to get an early start on your "travel day" and enjoy the
drive up.
Our trip begins bright & early in the morning at 8:30
am. at the entrance outside Mason's Motor Lodge
(located on your left as you enter Zeballos...good
place to spend the night before the trip) so have
breakfast before at Mason's or one of the local
eateries. After packing the kayaks and some
prelimenary safety instructions, we'll be on our way to 6
days of excitement & adventure. We will return on
Day#6 by noon, leaving ample time for those who have
to make the drive back that same day.
GETTING TO ZEBALLOS
Our expedition embarks from the small village of 7eballos, located approximatel: a five hours drive north;west
of Nanaimo. Nanaimo is serviced b: !"# %&'&(&)!"# *% or Amigo Airwa:s and easil: accessed from the
mainland via @C Ferries from Horseshoe @a: DEust north of Vancouver) or Tswwassen DEust south of
Vancouver). +, -".. /, 0,,1"'2 "' 13, ,&#.4 05#'"'2 &1 6788 &0 5' 9&4:; 5< 13, ,=>,("1"5' "' <#5'1 5< 13,
,'1#&'?, 15 @A&B5'CB A515# D5(2,@ E3FGHI8JKL;MN8NN G.5?&1,( 5' 45O# .,<1 &B 45O ,'1,#
P,/&..5BJFFF-, 3"23.4 #,?500,'( A&B5'CB &B & 2#,&1 >.&?, 15 B>,'( 13, '"231 /,<5#, 13, 1#"> &'( & 2#,&1
>.&?, 15 3&Q, 45O# /#,&R<&B1 /,<5#, 0,,1"'2 ,Q,#45',F From there we will drive Eust done the road to the
government boat launch where we will load our ka:aks and gear onto the boat shuttle for our trip up the
7eballos Inlet Deasil: followed directions to 7eballos, complete with a listing of accommodations, along with
Jwhat to bringJ, helpful info., medical form and a waiver, will be forwarded to :ou in our JExpedition
Information LitJ upon receiving :our booking. +, B1#5'2.4 &(Q"B, 13&1 45O 0&R, #,B,#Q&1"5'B -,.. "'
&(Q&'?, <5# &'4 &??5005(&1"5'B (O#"'2 13, BO00,# 05'13BF
GETTING TO VANCOUVER ISLAND
You can access Vancouver Island by either ferry or can
fly across via Air Canada or better yet, use Amigo
Airways. Fly from Vancouver International Airport to
Nanaimo Harbour (downtown Nanaimo) for C49 Cdn one
way.
Amigo Airways
1-866-692-6440 or (250)758-7450
www.amigoairways.com
Zeballos is accessible only by car. There is no bus
service so you will have to either drive or carpool (if
available).
Ferry Information
BC FERRIES: In BC, call 1-888-BCFERRY; outside
BC call (250)386-3431 for fares and schedule info. or
go to www.bcferries.ca
Most major car rental agencies are represented on
Vancouver Island. We’ve found one of the most
economical to be Rent-a-wreck
(http://www.rentawreck.ca) or
1-800-327-0116…vehicles are 100` sound but
usually several years old…they are cheaper than the
big guys. Many folks opt to rent a vehicle for the
week if they are flying into Vancouver or Seattle. As
allows for flexibility and stop-overs while getting to
and from Zeballos.
Carpooling is another option???well as being more
economical than the bus (parties of 2 or more),
NEED MORE
INFO…
JUST
CONTACT US:
PH.
(250)722-3683
FX.
(250)722-2175
Equipment Information
We supply all sea-kayaking equipment and cooking utensils on the expedition and will make every effort to direct you to
equipment that you may lack prior to the expedition. If you have any questions regarding whether or not to bring
something along, don’t hesitate to phone us and ask. The kayaks can hold an amazing amount of equipment but there
there is a limit, and a lot of group gear that must be stowed in each kayak as well as your own personal equipment, so be
practical. The following list is a suggestion of what we think you will require:
REQUIRED:
Sleeping Bag (those huge car-camping types don’t fit well in the holds)
Tent w/ground sheet (No Canvas Monsters Please! We will rent you a quality tent at a nominal price if you
require one. Just let us know in advance)
Hat (waterproof is nice but sun is our concern)
Raingear
Warm sweater/Fleece
Shorts and T-shirts
Sunglasses
Couple pairs of wool socks
Small Towel
Sun screen, lip balm, toiletries
Moisture cream (ie. salt-water on the hands)
Bug Juice (sorry but no guarantees that the little buggers won’t be there)
Garbage Bags for your gear (the compartments are waterproof but better safe... )
Synthetic LongJohns/top (available in any quality outdoor store...REI, Patagonia, Sierra Design, Mtn. Equip.
Co-op are but to name a few brands...weigh next to nothing and remain warm, even when wet.
Extra set of pants and top other than what you’ll wear when paddling (being wet at the end of the day can be
such a “Drag”!)
Water bottle (the bicycle-type are super for personal use while paddling)
Extra pair of sneakers (if you plan on kayaking more than once in your lifetime, we strongly recommend a pair of
neoprene booties-zippered (you’ll love them) or Nike Aqua-socks or a pair of TEVA sandles. WE DO NOT
ALLOW FLIP-FLOP THONGS AS THEY ARE A PRECURSOR TO SPRAINED ANKLES OR WORSE!
OPTIONAL:
A good book for a lazy afternoon
Pocket knife
Personal Medication
Flashlight and extra batteries
Camera with plenty of film (we recommend 200 or 400 ASA as the kayaks tend to seldom stay perfectly still just
when you want them to)
Dry Bag/Baja Bag (These are great if there is something you must absolutely keep dry and want to have
that something with you in the cockpit of the kayak you're paddling. Please note that the storage
compartments of the kayaks are sealed and therefore waterproof. If you do want to still put your clothes,
sleeping bag, etc. in these dry bags (completely unnecessary! Garbage bags work just fine), do not
purchase anything larger than the 20Litre size as the larger bags are very hard to pack in the
compartments and are inefficient in space usage. Packing your personal gear in small bags works far
better than having everything packed in a few large bags. Try to keep things to a minimum.
Heavy duty zip-lock bags (great for small cameras and other things that must be kept dry. Please note that only
a waterproof camera ensure this...perhaps you may want to opt for a disposable waterproof camera for the
expedition?)
Fishing Gear and a valid licence (if you plan to fish, remember that you require a salt-water licence and heavy
fines are levied on those without plus the kayak you’re in could be confiscated. This will drive us to unpredictable
behaviour that may be contrary to your well-being). Buzz bombs, zingers, a flasher and hoochies together with
some 6-8 oz. sliders and a 10-20 lb. test work well on salmon and cod.
B.Y.O.B. (if you enjoy a wee nip while watching the sun set (who doesn’t?) or a glass of wine with
your meal, we ask that you bring your own).
Need more info? Call us at (250)722-3683
HINTS FOR YOUR TRIP WITH US
We take great pride in our kayaks and equipment using the finest the industry has to offer and we update our fleet
annually. Our fleet is made up of a mix of double sea-kayaks and single sea-kayaks, and we strive to allow all members to
try a single at some point during the expedition. Thus it is impossible for us to “book” a specific kayak for you, but we will
alter the mix of our fleet if we know before-hand if you prefer to paddle in a double for the majority of the
expedition.
In regards to how much equipment you will personally need to bring, please follow the included information sheet. As
stated, the kayaks do hold a “healthy”amount of equipment but please be practical. Pillows and thick foam mattresses are
over-doing it! As well as your own equipment, we’ve got all the group equipment plus food and water for the duration of
the trip to contend with.
Be Prepared to Spend a Week in the Woods. Although we attempt to emphasise comfort every step of the way, our
expeditions are an outdoor camping experience ranging from 2-7 days. You must be prepared to sleep in a tent, wash in
sea-water (although some of our camps are near freshwater streams) and “toilet in the wilderness”. Although the days can
be quite warm, the evenings can cool down to the mid-fifties (10°C) and the possibility of some wind and rain should be
considered.
HINT: We plan
our expeditions to
coincide with the
best times of the
year for good
weather on the
West Coast, but
rain is always a
possibility.
Laughing in the
face of wind and
rain if one is
soaked to the skin
can be pretty
tough. Please
ensure that your
rainwear is
adequate for our
climate. If you are
coming from a warmer climate like Arizona, you’ll find that what works well there may not be adequate for here. A simple
test (and one that you may feel silly performing) is to put on your rainwear and stand in the shower for a minute or so.
You’ll find that the nylon windbreaker that you may have thought would do the job is inadequate.
HINT: You may end up not needing them, but all the guides bring along a pair of synthetic long underwear & top (ie. Poly
Pro, Patagonia Capilene, REI, Mtn. Equip. Co-op). They keep you warm even when wet, dry out remarkably fast and take
up little room in your "belongings". I never paddle without them!
HINT: If you are prone to blisters, we find that a great remedy is to apply saddle-soap (yup, the exact stuff they use on
leather) to the skin between the thumb and index finger (or any other part on your hand that you feel may be prone when
paddling) daily for a couple of weeks prior to the expedition. We should add though, that most people have no problem
whatsoever with blisters when paddling, and taping or a pair of neoprene & leather gloves also work just fine.
SUGGESTION: If you are susceptible to infections (ie. urinary, ear, eye, etc.), we strongly recommend that you ask your
physician to prescribe you the antibiotics you regularly use and bring them along with you. There is nothing worse than
having to be evacuated out and ruining your trip when something so simple as a course of antibiotics could have "saved
the day".
"o$ m&ch e*+e,ience do 0 need1
NONE!!! Every Wild Heart Adventures expedition is designed to be enjoyed by people of any level of experience. Most of our
trips are made up entirely of people who are in a kayak for the first time. Having a positive attitude and the desire to enjoy
yourself will go a long way.
0s it sa5e1
In our fourteenth year of operations, no one has ever sustained a serious injury on any expedition. Our primary concern is for
your safety and we will never compromise that position. We provide you with the best equipment available and what we believe
to be the best guides in the industry. Our guides are all certified in Wilderness First Aid techniques and re-certify their CPR
annually. Ultimately your guides make decisions with your comfort and safety in mind. We must stress that listening carefully to
instructions and directions given by your guides is your responsibility and in the best interests of yourself and the group. While
we are out on the water, it is of the utmost
importance that the group sticks together. We
always travel as a group and most activities are
partaken by the entire group, but there is still
ample time for private exploration once we
reach camp. All guides are equipped with a
VHF marine radio for logistic and emergency
transmissions.
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The summer weather on the northwest coast is
very pleasant with warm, sunny days and cool
nights. We plan our expeditions to coincide with
the best possible weather conditions in the
area. We believe in staying warm and dry and
will always strive to keep you smiling (Please
note that although uncommon, it does rain on
the west coast during the summer
months...expect one day of rain on your trip and
hopefully, you'll be pleasantly suprised with
none!). Most people can spend hours in a kayak without becoming uncomfortable, and we take frequent breaks to rest and
explore the ever-changing coastline. We have very few mosquitoes in our area (no promises though!) but do recommend “bug
juice” (I’m the world’s biggest wimp when it comes to mosquitoes).
6hat is the 5ood 7i:e1
“I never eat this well at home!” is a typical comment on our expeditions. Delicious, healthy food, and plenty of it, is an integral
part of any Wild Heart Adventure. Healthy and nourishing food from a variety of different cuisines comprise our menus.
Whenever possible, we attempt to supplement our meals with fresh fish and other shellfish/seafood and wild berries.
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A primary goal of every Wild Heart Adventure is to allow us to make contact with some of the most remarkable animals on the
earth, in a way that does not impose on their lives. We strongly recommend that you bring more film than you think you’ll need
(don’t forget your camera!). If you have an expensive camera with lenses, etc., a “Pelican Box” or other type of sealed carrier/dry
bag is highly recommended. We take no responsibility for damaged personal equipment.
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Of course not! Our expeditions are not meant to be strenuous but if a wind should be blowing the wrong way, or we can’t catch a
“co-operative” tide, good general physical condition will go a long way in ensuring you have a more enjoyable experience. You
need not be a strong, athletic person, but you must be physically capable of moderate exercise for a few hours each day. What
is more important is that you bring along a positive, adventurous spirit.
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Wild Heart Adventures is committed to the spirit of adventure. To quote Lancelot Law Whyte, a Scottish Physicist (1896-1972):
“Much of our failure to understand human nature arises from neglect of this need to have our faculties excited and our lives
thereby enhanced. The human animal cannot be itself without this exciting enhancement. Excitement is not merely good; it is
indispensable to a proper human life.”
…so in short, you’re going to have a BLAST!
;o $e ti+ the <&ides at the end o5 the to&,1
We and our guides take great pride in our efforts to provide you with the best paddling adventure possible. Participants are under
no obligation to tip. This is at your discretion. If you feel that the guides provided you with an exceptional level of service that
exceeded your expectations, then tipping is most certainly both welcomed and appreciated.
MEDICAL FORM
The purpose of this form is to properly prepare the leaders/guides of the expedition. Information revealed on this form will be
considered confidential and will not be used to deny you access to the expedition.
Name________________________________
Birthdate____________________________
Phone No.(h) ___________________________ (w) ____________________________
Height_________________Weight___________Occupation________________________________
Address__________________________________________ Postal Code ____________________
In case of emergency contact:
Name___________________________________
Relation_______________
Phone No. _____________________
Address___________________________________________
Doctor_______________________
Phone No._________________
Physical Condition_____________________ Known Allergies ____________________
Date of last tetanus inoculation or booster_____________________________
•Please note that for all multi-day trips, current (within the last 10 years) tetanus boosters are mandatory. All
participants must have a current inoculation…no exceptions.
Are you on any medications?
Yes
No
If yes, please specify__________________________________________________________________
Have you been under a doctors care within the last 12 months?
Yes
No
If yes, please give details_____________________________________________________________________________
Chronic Disability or Illness:(please list appropriate: high blood pressure, heart condition, epilepsy, diabetes,
susceptibility to colds, headaches, nosebleeds, fainting, asthma, hayfever, emphysema, or others).
___________________________________________________________________________________
History of Joint Injury (tendonitus, bursitus, sprain, dislocation, or others). Please describe in detail and specify
Which joints________________________________________________________________________
Eyesight:
Excellent
Fair
Poor
Glasses
Contact Lenses
•It is strongly recommended that if you are dependent upon glasses or contact lenses, a spare set of glasses be
brought with you for the expedition.
Can you swim?
Yes
No
If yes, how far comfortably?
50m
200m
more than 400m
Do you have any physical
limitations?_________________________________________________________________________
Do you eat meat?
YES
NO Any other dietary restrictions ______________________________
If any of the above information changes prior to the expedition date, I will inform the leaders/guides immediately so that
the changes can be recorded and adequate preparation taken to ensure my safety.
________________________________ ______________________
Signature
Date
AGREEMENT AND INDEMNIFYING RELEASE
WARNING:
Please read carefully before signing; activity waivers have held up in Canadian Courts. Consider that you are assuming both
physical and legal risks which have potential financial implications for yourself and/or your family should you bee injured or
killed while participating on a Wild Heart Adventure Tours expedition.
I, ________________________________________________________ (Name) do hereby release Wild Heart Adventure Tours,
it’s owners, employees, independent contractors and agents from liability, and do hereby waive as against Wild Heart Adventure
Tours, it’s owners, employees, independent contractors and agents all resources, claims, courses of action of any kind
whatsoever, in respect of all personal injuries or property losses which I may suffer arising out of or connected with my
preparation for, or participation in, the aforesaid Wild Heart Adventure Tour Sea Kayak expedition, notwithstanding that such
injuries or losses may have been caused solely or partly by the negligence of Wild Heart Adventure Tours, it’s owners,
employees, independent contractors or agents.
______________________________ (Initial)
And I do hereby acknowledge and agree:
1.
that the sport of sea-kayaking is dangerous, exposing participants to many inherent risks and hazards, including but not
restricted to: loss or damage of personal property, immersion in cold water, hypothermia, drowning, inclement
weather, slipping and falling, falling objects, or suffering any type of accident or illness in remote areas without easy
access to medical facilities. While some of these risks are inherent in the very nature of the sport itself, others may
result from human error and negligence on the part of persons involved in preparing, organizing, participating in and
leading the aforesaid sea kayak expedition;
2. that, as a result of the aforesaid risks and hazards, I as a participant may suffer serious personal injury, even DEATH, as
well as property loss;
3. that some of the aforesaid risks are foreseeable, but others are not;
4. that I nevertheless freely and voluntarily assume all the aforesaid risks and hazards, and that, accordingly, my
preparation for and participation in the aforesaid Wild Heart Adventure Tours Sea Kayak expedition shall be entirely at
my own risk;
5. that while I recognize that the Wild heart Adventure Tours leaders/guides will make every reasonable effort to
minimize exposure to known risks, that I have a personal responsibility to learn and follow safety rules and procedures
established by my leaders/guides and to make them aware at any point in which I question my knowledge of these
procedures and my ability to participate in any activity;
6. that I consent to receive first aid and medical treatment by the leaders/guides and medical personnel in the event of an
accident, and/or illness during this or any other Wild Heart Adventure Tours expedition;
7. that I agree to pay any and all expenses related to medical treatment and/or evacuation of myself in the event of an
accident, injury, illness including but not restricted to: helicopter evacuation, air-sea rescue, air-sea search, ambulatory
care;
8. that I understand that neither Wild Heart Adventure Tours, nor any of it’s owners, employees, independent contractors
and agents assumes any responsibility whatsoever for my safety during the course of my preparation or participation in
the aforesaid sea kayak expedition;
9. that I have carefully read this ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND INDEMNIFYING RELEASE
agreement, that I fully understand same, and that I am freely and voluntarily executing same;
10. that I understand clearly that by signing this release, I will be forever prevented from suing or otherwise claiming
against Wild Heart Adventure Tours, it’s owners, employees, independent contractors and agents for any loss or
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
damage connected with any property loss or personal injury that I may sustain while participating in or preparing for
any of Wild Heart Adventure Tours Sea Kayak expeditions, whether or not such loss or personal injury is caused solely
or partly by the NEGLIGENCE of Wild Heart Adventure Tours, it’s owners, employees, independent contractors and
agents.
that I have been given the opportunity and have been encouraged to seek independent legal advice prior to signing this
agreement.
that I understand clearly that Wild Heart Adventure Tours would not permit me to participate in any such sea
kayak/adventure programs or expeditions unless I signed this ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND
INDEMNIFYING RELEASE, that this agreement applies to all the aforesaid sea kayak expeditions and programs
whether occurring in the near or distant future, and that the terms of the Agreement need not be brought to my attention
each time I participate in any such sea kayak/adventure expedition or programs in order to be effective;
that this ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND INDEMNIFYING RELEASE is binding on myself, my heirs,
executors, administrators, personal representatives and assigns;
that I understand clearly that Wild Heart Adventure Tours is and shall be deemed to be acting for itself and as agent on
my behalf of and for the benefit of the owners, employees, independent contractors and agents of Wild Heart Adventure
Tours for the purposes set out in the above-stated clauses of the agreement; and
that I am of sufficient age and mental capacity to sign this ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT AND
INDEMNIFYING RELEASE.
___________________________ (Initial)
________________________________________________________
Signature of Participant
Dated at ___________________________________, this___________ day of ____________, 200___
_________________________________________________________
Signature (Parent or Guardian if the participant is under 19 years of age)
Witnessed by (Print Name)
Signature of Witness
Date
HOW DID WE PERFORM?
Wild Heart Adventures has been operating paddling adventures for the past fourteen years. We take great pride in trying to give
you the best vacation ever. Please hold on to this form until after your expedition with us and then take a few minutes to let us
know whether we lived up to your expectations. In return for sharing your comments with us, we will enter your name, along with
all other respondents this season, in a draw for a Weekend Sea-Kayak expedition for Two for our 2005 season, which we will
draw at this years end.
Name__________________________ Expedition__________________________________
Was this your first outfitted sea-kayak trip? YES
NO
If no, which other sea-kayak company have you paddled with?____________________________________
How did you hear about Wild Heart Adventures?_________________________________________________
Did you find our office staff helpful and informative at the time you booked your
expedition?__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Did you find the information within our expedition kit helpful and was there anything lacking that could have better
prepared you for your expedition?__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Who were your guides and how were they?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Please use this space or the back of the form to make any further comments about your expedition with us this
season.___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you join us on another expedition?______________________________________
Are there any destinations on the West Coast that we currently don't paddle that you would like to see us offer for our
next season?__________________________________
Would you be interested in paddling in remote areas that require fly-in and can only accommodate small groups (and
thus have a larger price tag)?
YES
NO
Would you be interested in a combination bicycling/sea-kayaking trip?
YES
NO
Would you like to be kept on our mailing list? YES
NO
May we use your comments on our website or brochure?
YES
NO
We thank you in advance for the time you've taken to complete this evaluation and the invaluable information we will derive from
it to help us create the best possible adventure expeditions we can. We wish you luck in the draw for the Weekend Sea-kayak
expedition for Two and thank you for your interest in Wild Heart Adventures.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please forward all correspondence, forms and payments to the following address:
Wild Heart Adventure Tours
1560 Brebber Road, Nanaimo, BC
V9X 1P4
Ph. (250)722-3683 or 1(877)722-3683
Fax: (250)722-2175
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kayakbc.com
THE NU'HATLIT+ , NORTH NOOTKA 0 1 DAY TOUR
BRIEF ITINERARY
DAY #1:
All participants meet on Day#1 in 3eballos at 8:70 am. at the government
boat launch in the township, located at the end of the main road in 3eballos,
just before the General Store. Participants should arrange to have
breakfast prior to meeting. We recommend Mason’s Motor Lodge both for
the night prior, and as a good place for breakfast. At the boat launch, we’ll
load kayaks and all personal and group equipment onto our boat shuttle for
the outside coast and the gorgeous Luchatlitz Achipeligo. After
disembarking the boat, the guides will assign you to a kayak and help you get
your personal gear stowed away. When everyone is ready, we'll go over some
basic paddling fundamentals and a safety orientation and then launch into
the pristine west coast waters and O days of discovery and enchantment.
With helpful advice and instruction from your guides, it won't take long till
you feel you're getting the "hang of it" as we paddle amongst gorgeous islets
and explore inlets and coastline of this Vancouver Island paradise. These
waters are home to a large variety of different marine wildlife and it is not
uncommon for us to encounter everything from Grey whales, sea lions,
otters, porpoises, and eagles throughout your time in this spectacular area.
Sea otters are especially common here and rafts exceeding one hundred
otters is far from a rarity. Along the way, we'll land on one of the pristine
beaches in the area and you can sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch the
guides will prepare. After lunch, there is always time to explore, take some
photo’s, read a book or have a swim...then we'll launch the kayaks and make
our way to our campsite for the next U nights. We'll then make camp, set up
our tents and you are free to explore the area, go fishing, beach
comb...whatever your fancy...A sumptuous dinner around a cozy campfire with
a canopy of stars above is the evenings entertainment.
DAY #2:
With another spectacular day ahead of us, we'll wake to a hearty breakfast.
After everyone has had their fill, we'll pack for the day (we return to our
site in the later afternoon) and launch yet again into the pristine waters of
this magnificent area...bring along lots of film today because you'll need it! it
Bears and wolves are just some of the wildlife we may see along the
coastline of north Lootka Island and in the early morning, it isn’t uncommon
day to see black bears along the coast, lifting up rocks and eating the small
crabs underneath. Bald Zagles watch over us from a towering canopy of
cedar and fir. Our destination today is a paddle further out along the outer
islands of Luchatlitz. Depending on the conditions and weather, we may visit
the outer coastal area of \errer Point. The Luchatlitz area of northern
Lootka Island, with it’s variety of islets and inlets, allow us to meander
through a myriad of different paddling environments...one minute we’re in
the protected solitude of tiny islands and inlets paddling over a kaleidoscope
of intertidal colors and next we can be crossing channels with ocean surge
(thrilling yet very safe) and curious seals following close behind...we’ll lunch
on one of the inner coastal beaches and after a relaxing sojourn, make our
way back to our campsite for the late afternoon . Another delicious meal and
warm campfire to put a great end to a magnificent day!
DAY #3 ;<= #4:
We'll wake to the aroma's of coffee, a tasty
cooked breakfast and the sounds of the gently
lapping waves and the cry of a loon or eagle.
After breakfast, we’ll break camp because
today we venture across the Zsperenza Inlet
and the open coast to one of the jewels of
Vancouver Islands west coast, Catala Island.
Definitely one of the highlights on our
Luchatlitz trip, Catala Island boast several
ancient native summer village sites, burial
caves, fantastic sea caves, and a gorgeous coastline where sea otter colonies
abound. The fishing on this outer island is especially good, with great
opportunities for both salmon and bottom fish. We’ll camp for U nights on
Catala Island and wish we had more time there, when we depart on Day #^.
DAY #?:
Today after another great breakfast, we’ll break camp and pack up our
kayaks for the morning’s paddle up Zsperenza Inlet to Garden Point.
Arriving in the early afternoon, this gorgeous campsite boasts a fresh water
creek, a forest of massive cedar and fir trees and a beautiful beach_the
perfect place to relax and enjoy our final night together reminiscing over
the experiences and sights of the past week.
DAY #1:
Our last breakfast, another cup of coffee and we break camp for the paddle
up Zspinosa and Little Zspinosa Inlets to our disembarkation point of the
`Causewaya. Here we will unload the kayaks and be shuttled back the twenty
minutes to 3eballos. We should be completely unloaded and back in 3eballos
by noon to 1:00pm.