A trip is planned to Sooke Basin on Sunday 8th November. This is a beginner-level trip of about 10 -15 kilometres, on fairly sheltered waters. The plan is to put in at Cooper's Cove on Sooke Basin and paddle west to Billing Spit, then up the Sooke River as far as water and time allow before returning by the same route. We will probably see salmon going up the river to spawn and the usual followers-on of eagles, seagulls and anglers. 

Usual requirements - you must have taken the basic tandem canoe or introduction to sea-kayaking courses. All boats must carry the Transport Canada required safety equipment. See P16, http://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/marinesafety/TP-511e.pdf?WT.mc_id=8iatc . 

Bring food and drink for the day - there are no convenient fast food outlets en route.

Listen to the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the likely conditions. At present the winds are expected to be from the east and the temperature around 7C. Bring a change of clothing in a drybag or waterproof container - you never know. Wetsuits/drysuits are not mandatory.

Meet at the Clubhouse at 8.45am to get canoes and other equipment. The aim is to be on the water around 10am and to be heading up the river by noon. We will be back at the put-in by 3pm and to the clubhouse by around 4pm - unless anyone wants to have a coffee, drink or snack at the Stickleback restaurant which is beside the put-in.

If you need to use a Club boat, please contact  canoebooking@vckc.ca or kayakbooking@vckc.ca. If you need a partner, we will try to find you one.

Please let me know by 6pm on Friday 6th Nov if you plan to take part. 

Alan Thomson

250-592-4170 (H): 250-812-3799 (C)

3135thom@islandnet.com