Following introductions and a beach talk we will paddle north towards little Shell and then head towards the southern tip of Coal Island (Killer Whale Point). After handrailing the shoreline of Coal, we will cross the bay and regroup at the northern tip of Coal (Fir Cone Point). We will check for ferries before crossing over to Portland Island. Currents slightly favour a counterclockwise circumnavigation so if winds allow, that is what we will do. After paddling past Hood Island and through the beautiful Tortoise and Pellow Islets, we will continue to our lunch spot at Arbutus Point Campground, taking care to not get high centered on the rocks around Turnbull Reef on the way. On our return, we paddle between Chads Island and Portland to Kanaka Bluff and and then between Brackman Is. and Portland. Here we will again check for ferries as we cross back towards Sidney. We will not be touching on Piers Island as the attached chart shows, but rather head straight for the passage between Knapp and Pym Islands. We will continue through the passage between Goudge Island and Swartz head, past Fernie Island and Curteis Point, reflecting on all the construction that has happened there since 'The Curve of Time' was written. It is a short paddle from there back to Amherst in Sidney. Total distance is approximately 11nm.

If weather in inclement, we will circumnavigate Coal Island.

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.