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Big 5 Kayak Challenge #5: Update 2 Challenge 5 – Port Hardy, Vancouver Island to Muir Glacier, Alaska.
30 days and 1000 miles.
As I write this update, I am aboard the BC Ferries Northern Expedition. My travelling companion is Martin, Aisling’s father. This is just one of the many ways to travel along the famous inside passage route from Port Hardy at the North of Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert, just 50 miles south of the Alaskan border. The journey will take just 15 hours on this luxury high speed ferry. In stark contrast, the three members of the team paddling the route in sea kayaks are scheduled to take 10 days to travel the 331 mile route. They should arrive in Prince Rupert on June 25th, and myself and Martin will be there awaiting their arrival. However, the journey does not end at Prince Rupert, the team will paddle onto Alaska with Glacier bay the final destination scheduled for July 14th.
Richard, Geoff and Aisling set off on their journey from Port Hardy 9am Monday 15th June. Kayaks fully loaded with essential gear and carrying 15 days of food supplies. Packing all of the necessary equipment into three sea kayaks was no easy task. When we arrived at Gatwick airport with over 200kg of baggage, it was obvious that not all would be carried in the kayaks from day one. The remaining Be Well expedition food and various non essentials are now on board the ferry with us, weighing in at about 45kg’s we hope to part with much of it when the team reach Prince Rupert.
Conditions Monday morning were superb, the sea was calm, the sun was shining and we got some great video footage from the small motor boat that we hired to accompany the team for the first three hours. Despite being fully laden, the new Wilderness Systems sea kayaks were travelling well and a good pace was set. As soon as the team were left to fend for themselves, the weather changed and the rain started falling.
Today is day seven and the team have been averaging 35 miles a day, and paddling for between 9 and 15 hours. Camping wild along the route has been challenging with all the rain that has fallen. We met up with the team en route to Bella Bella during day four of their journey. They were just pulling in for a lunch break at Kaiete Point, a lighthouse with helipad on a small rocky outcrop along the route. Standing on the helipad and eating lunch as a whale swam past was a moment to savour.
Only four days in and Aisling in particular was craving a freshly cooked meal. The expedition food tastes great, but eating out of a foil bag in the rain three times a day for four days was clearly getting to her. By the time the team reached Bella Bella on Thursday evening, they had been paddling for eleven hours and covered just 30 miles. The strong North Westerly winds and general fatigue had taken its toll. It was decided that the proposed rest day on day seven would be brought forward to day five. I always believed that days four and five were going to be the toughest, as the body and mind get used to the challenge of paddling the thirty miles or more per day required.
Geoff was suffering with blistered hands, Aisling with a minor tendon strain and Richard with a sore neck and abrasion rash. All in all, nothing a days rest would not help, and the chance to dry out the huge amount of wet kit was very welcome.
Wildlife sightings so far include a whale that popped up right next to Geoff’s kayak. It gave him quite a fright, especially as Geoff was paddling right next to the rocky cliff face, nobody had expected a whale to pop up so close to the coast line. Numerous seals, two sea otters, dolphins and hundreds of sea birds have been spotted. As yet, no killer whales or bears. Soaring bald eagles are a daily sight, they seem to be common as crows around these parts.
Wild camp spots have so far included deserted sand or shingle bays along the route. This is with the exception of day three. The team paddled into a bay earmarked as a potential camp spot during the scheduling of the trip. The area is renown as prime grisly bear territory and there was an eerie feel to the place. Feeling uncomfortable, it was decided to paddle on an additional five miles to spend the night in Namu. Namu is an old fishing town & cannery, the prospect of showers and somewhere to dry some clothes spurred the team on the extra five miles. On arrival in Namu, it was clear the town had seen better days. Falling apart and practically deserted. The team were met by the caretakers, two sisters who seem to be the only people still living there. All around were abandoned buildings, the place is literally falling down!
The Spot GPS tracker has been extremely useful. The device sends a GPS signal every ten minutes the team are on the water and has enabled myself, friends, family and supporters to follow the teams progress online. Essential when trying to meet up with them on the water every four or five days.
Martin was speaking with the ferry Pursor earlier this morning and explaining why we are here and what the Big 5 Kayak Challenge was about. I thought nothing more of it, until our names were called out on the announcement system. We were invited up onto the bridge to try and spot the team as the ferry passes them. Without internet access, we only have last nights camp location to give us an idea of their likely position. No sighting as yet, but the pilot promised to make an announcement if he spots them. It would be great to see them as we pass by.
Next stop is Prince Rupert, the largest town we will be passing through on this expedition. At Prince Rupert, the paddling team will be joined by Ollie and later in the trip Rob and Dave. It will be fantastic to have fresh paddlers arriving and I’m sure it will boost the spirits of Richard, Geoff & Aisling who will no doubt be feeling the effects of this gruelling schedule.
Until next time, All the best
Simon
(Posted on the 23rd Jun 2009 by timb) |
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