This is the third annual Dinghy Dock pub paddle, where we stop for lunch on the deck at the pub on Protection Island, so be sure to bring your wallet. Also note all paddlers should be comfortable with a 'dock land and launch', there will be some help, just keep it in mind. Plan is to launch from the Brechin St boat ramp. Even in summer it should not be too busy, and parking should be plentiful, and is, last time I checked, $6 for the day. We will head north around Newcastle Island, stopping at the main beach, if we wish to explore, then continue around Protection Island, doing a figure 8, arriving at the Dinghy Dock, for no later that 1PM. We could shorten the paddle by skipping the round of Protection, making the paddle around 5.5 kts. The paddle back to the boat ramp from the pub is only 20 or so minutes. Most of the paddling will be protected, expect the outer parts of Newcastle and Protection. NOTE! We will also be slightly traversing Nanaimo Harbour, with float planes coming and going, so stay tuned to the paddle leader, please!

If we can, we will try and get some folks car pooling. It is a 90 minute drive, and it's nice to save fuel, the environment, and have good conversation! More as we know who is going..

As this is an Up Island paddle, we hope weather is good, if not we may just do an abbreviated version of the same, staying in protected waters. There is some exploring that can be done in Nanaimo harbour, without getting run over by a sea plane!

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.