Change of Plans

For several months I have been planning my paddle out to the Brooks Peninsula. Checking maps, reading descriptions, choosing launch points, sorting gear. After my Tofino trip I had to wait while the gale wind warning went away. As the forecast was improving I headed out to the launch site (Artlish) which is well off the beaten path on logging roads. I was happy when I got there to see a large family group that had set up camp for the summer - I was sure it would be safe to leave my truck as I went off paddling.

But I also noticed the smoke in the air. The locals had seen it too but had no information. I waited a day since the forecast was still for high winds and I watched to see what would happen with the fire. It was clear the fire was north of us and we were in no immediate danger. I aslo felt confident that I would be fine out on the water. I was really just worried that I would come back after a week of paddling and the one road out of the place would be blocked off.

So last night I wrestled long and hard with the decision of what to do. It was one of the most difficult times I have had making up my mind. I felt the risk was relatively low but if I got stuck I would miss my window to get up to the Queen Charlottes. And then I realized that the destination wasn't what I was having troiuble letting go - it was the planning. There are many beautiful paddling options around so I decided to find somewhere else to paddle that would be just as nice (and give me a good challenge) without the risk of missing my ferry reservation.

So I am headed up to Port Hardy to head out to God's Pocket and Cape Scott. So instead of a six day trip out to the exposed and rugged west coast of Vancouver Islandthat took several months of planning I will be doing a six day paddle out to the exposed and rugged north coast of Vancouver Island with about three hours of planning. With the benefit that my launch site is about two miles from where the ferry departs. Wish me luck!

And check out the video now added to my Tofino report below.