There is a light flood current throughout our paddling day, and the tide level is fine for launching and landings.

Our route on the way out describes a big NE/E/SE arc. We'll cross from Amherst Beach to the Little Group, paddle through the Dock Islands, stay north of Forrest Island, pass between Sheep and Domville Islands, then make for the channel between Comet and Gooch Islands and along Gooch to the landing beach at Rum Island for our lunch break.

Later renamed Isle de L'Is (Island of Lilies), rum-runners used this isolated island during prohibition to smuggle liquor into the USA which is only about a mile away across Haro Strait. A beautiful camping spot now and part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, we'll stretch our legs with a short hike to the south side where the tent platforms are located.

After lunch, we'll continue clockwise around Rum I, paddle W along the Gooch I shore, cross to the S end of Forrest I and then set a course for Amherst Beach once again.

We will generally be paddling across the current streams, so this is a great trip to practice ferry-gliding and ranging (lining up foreground and background marks to ensure the current takes us where we want to go). With so many islands and channels the current's strength and direction often change along the way, so this paddle can be both a challenge and a workout, but is always a great experience!

If the wind strength/direction are too unfavourable we may not venture out as far as Rum Island, but rather stay among the islands closer to North Saanich.

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.