Launching from the beach at the end of Amherst Avenue in Sidney we'll paddle past several of the nearby small islands on our way to and from Portland Island, one of the jewels of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This area is rich in history so we'll take time occasionally to appreciate how the current land and marine areas have evolved to their current uses.

There is a light all-day ebb forecast with tide levels sufficient for launching and landing. Since there are several points and channels along the way where currents can intensify, we'll stop as a group from time to time to make sure everyone is prepared to handle upcoming conditions, marine traffic etc.

The crossings from Fir Cone Point on Coal I to Pym I, and from Knapp I to Goudge I are regular ferry lanes, so we will only cross as a group once safe passage has been confirmed. We'll noodle around Portland I counter-clockwise from inside Hood I to Arbutus Point at the NE tip and enjoy the wonderful views as we have our lunch break.

Afterward we'll continue counter-clockwise around Portland I, inside Chads I and along the shore past Kanaka Point to Brackman I before crossing Shute Passage again, this time to the south end of Knapp I to assess the ferry and marine traffic situation. Once clear, we'll cross to Goudge I and follow Iroquois Passage through the islands to the Tsehum Harbour entrance, then across the mouth of Roberts Bay and along the shore back to Amherst Beach.

If forecast winds for the day are too strong to safely complete this paddle, it will either be abbreviated or moved to another Saanich Peninsula launchsite, depending on predicted wind strength and direction.

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.