Due to the predicted SE winds we unfortunately will not be able to paddle from Esquimalt Lagoon --- PLEASE SEE PLAN B --- We'll be launching on the ocean side of Esquimalt Lagoon near to the washrooms at the SW end of the lagoon (corner of Lagoon and Ocean Blvd roads). From there we'll paddle past Fort Rodd Hill and enter Esquimalt Harbour. We'll give a courtesy radio call to the Queens Harbour Master and paddle to Smart Island, then into Millstream Creek and finally to the falls, which should be running hard with the winter rains. We'll leave the falls and noodle the north side of the shore (maybe take a small detour to paddle thru the powder magazines at Cole Island ?). Lunch at the Portage Cove beach. After lunch, we'll continue along the shore, check in again with the Queens Harbour Master, paddle out of the harbour, and then back to Esquimalt Lagoon.

Given the predictions of strong SE winds we will be changing our paddle plans. A paddle from Pat Bay to Coles Bay offers protection from these winds. We will be launching from the Pat Bay North beach and paddling south along the shoreline past the Coast Guard station and then to Coles Bay Park. We'll have lunch there, then return via the shoreline. The total distance of the trip is about 7nm. The route is shown in the link below:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41698455

The Pat Bay N launch is described in this link:

https://www.westcoastdave.ca/kayaking4j/index.php?option=com_jphpx&view=application&fileid=6&Itemid=118&id=patrica-bay---north

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.