Twelve Mile Bay - Pomeroy Island- Wreck Island: August 10-12:
by Linda Irving

This was the first sea kayaking trip in my life and I felt prepared. I had taken the sea kayak course under the instruction of Mary Cavanagh and Fred Schwarz. I had a vast array of skills. How hard could a kayak trip be, really? I quickly found out that everyone else had 3 years plus over my 2 days. But I was up to a challenge!

Arriving at BCC Friday morning, my stomach turning and my rational mind asking what have I really got myself into, I found a hive of activity. Kayaks were being loaded and gear transferred. I was in the midst of a group of highly skilled people all with a mission.

We arrived at the government dock on 12-Mile Bay and once again my fellow kayakers were a hive of activity, unloading boats and magically performing

Houdini acts by stuffing great volumes of gear into small confined areas.

By this time the wind was blowing. I knew this wind was to curse me. I was amid experts, took the course over a month ago, never attended a Monday paddle night. I had not done my homework.

My stomach continued to turn, but we were off. Goodbye to flush toilets. I firmly believe that ignorance is bliss and so I kayaked against the wind and choppy water with 7 people giving me tips along the way.

We came across an abandoned cabin, which had protection against the wind, a beach, and an outhouse. The rest of the afternoon was spend sight seeing around the various rocks and tiny islands. The beautiful scenery made everything right in the world.

Returning to camp meant setting up the tents. The experts had their tents set up instantaneously, beginner me was slower that’s all, but I had shelter. Next was food. I took out the little stove and for the second time in my life lit the stove. The first time had occurred the day before at home. I was vastly approaching expert camping status with shelter and food.

The next morning people were packed up and on the water by 8 AM. This was early for me but there I was, with smaller parcels then when I began all shoved into the kayak, spray skirt on, paddle in my hand, ready to go. More instruction on paddling - push the paddle, don’t pull - another wonderful day had begun. There was great scenery, great company, warm water, blue skies, and no head wind. This was enjoyable!

We made it to Pomeroy Island and set up camp on rocks this time. After swimming we were back in the kayak. We found Henry’s, a diamond in the rough. Henry's is a fish and chips restaurant on Frying Pan island and a mecca of activity with all types of boats and even sea planes. It was a Thanksgiving dinner of fish and chips. The rest of the day was spent touring the islands, swimming, watching the sunset from rocks and generally relaxing.

Another early morning, but I was learning; my packages were getting smaller and I was getting faster. We kayaked over to Wreck Island. Due to excellent navigation on my colleagues' part, we found a shipwreck from 1885 called the Waubuno. Kayaking over the wreck you could see it clearly. A local cottager had a picture of the boat in its prime. This was a highlight.

My weekend had come to a close. I had stayed upright in my kayak, which I can’t say I was able to do in the course. I would like to thank my expert sea kayakers for their patience, instruction, encouragement and general help. They are Howard Williams, Mary Cavanagh, John Cross, Dave Beckett, Mary Lou Cunningham, Tom Wolfenden, Krista Pain and Bob Jung.