Settling In

June 26, 2019 – I spent most of today’s paddle with a warm, conifer-scented breeze against my face. It was a technical exit getting out of Butedale as a new large log blocked the way I had come in. It was kind of exciting laying back on the deck to dodge the rusty metal cables connecting the docks with the land. I again had the current in my favor almot the entire paddle of over 21 miles.

Once on shore at the entrance to Tolmie Channel, I was graced with a thunderstorm that started southeast of me and continued to move away from me in that direction. We rarely get those at home so I was stoked to watch and listen while I fixed and ate my black bean burger sliders. There is still some thunder rumbling every so often, accompanied by the cry of a red-throated loon just off shore. It’s such a sorrowful cry. It’s been calling for a couple of hours now. I wonder if it’s lost someone.

On the ferry rides, we always turned off Princess Royal Channel to Heikish Narrows and then down Finlayson Channel. Tolmie will be a first for me, I’m so excited to see it by kayak. Tolmie Channel runs on the west side of Sharon Island. Once I reach the end of Sharon I will be at Klemtu, another first nations village, albeit much larger and more commercial than Hartley Bay. I hear there is a Chinese restaurant there. I am looking forward to seeing the longhouse in person. I’ve seen the end of it each time we’ve passed it on the ferry.

I feel a sense of being settled in to a groove. 20+ mile paddle days are just right, getting on and off the water is pretty smooth, I’m feeling a greater connectivity with each part of this place as I navigate through it. And now the rain has started. It was nice of it to wait until I finished supper, dishes, cleanup, tent setup, closing up the kayak, and having everything stowed in its place for the night. I was able to set up my tent just inside the forest at this beach. It has been a great day.

Written by

kyleenaustin

I am passionate about outdoor exploration. In the recent years I have discovered how much more I can experience from a kayak. I am a professional musician and own a kayaking company. I have also had the honor of starting up three artisan dairies, growing food for people locally.

One thought on “Settling In

  1. I’m praising God for your exciting and safe journey. Hallelujah for His beautiful creation.

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