We'll use the water access point at the parking lot off Sooke Road at the head of Cooper's Cove.

Tide height is moderate and there is not much change during the day:

LT 0610 4.7', HT 1136 6.1', LT 1416 5.9'

There won't be much current evident, except perhaps going in and out of Roche Cove.

You may find that with busy traffic it is sometimes hard to turn left into the parking lot when approaching from Victoria. If you continue past the lot there is a gas station on the left at the top of the next rise that is easier to turn into to reverse, then turn right into the parking lot from that direction.

After launching we'll follow the shore on our right (W), then cross the narrow mouth of the Cove to the Sooke Basin coastline and keep that shore on our left, eventually paddling into and around Roche Cove. After leaving Roche Cove, we'll retrace our outward route back to Cooper's Cove, keeping the shore on our right this time, cutting across the mouth of Hutchinson Cove and then following the shore back to our Cooper's Cove launchsite.

Since this is a light paddle and paddling time is expected to be about 2-3 hours, we will not stop for a formal lunch break, but may land briefly in Roche Cove if paddlers would like to stretch their legs.

Should wind direction and/or strength be unfavourable, the paddle will be relocated if possible or cancelled if not.

UPDATE: As of Jun 20, a weather window of light winds is now expected for Thursday in Sooke, so we're going with Plan A...Alan

Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes. The drybag goes in your kayak with you, not in your car at the launch site. Please bring a lunch or snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a thermos of something warm. Your paddle leader will introduce the plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements. Please stay off the water until the group is ready. If you have a VHF radio please bring it with you.