Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Crossing the Johnstone Strait the Hanson Island. The current is about 2kn, so timing is key.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
There are a good deal of beaches in the area, but it's important to check the charts first. There are plenty of stretches were taking shelter in the event of bad weather would be challenging.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
The area is popular in summer. Most of the good sites are leased by commercial groups. Outside of the regular season it is sometimes possible to use these sites with the permission of the commercial operations.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Many of the campsites will have platforms making them much more comfortable.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
The Johnstone Straits frequent currents, and changing weather require constant planning. It's a good idea to plan accordingly and be flexible as to what is going to be done each day.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
These sites can be very nice with benches and surfaces to cook on. Of course this also means extra care should be taken to maintain them, and ensure that when the commercial guides arrive for the season their sites are in better shape than when they left.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Setting out along the shores of Hanson Island.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
A hidden spot to stop for a rest halfway down Hanson Island.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
The paddling is generally good when the current is on your side.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Unfortunetly not all the sites are so great. Hanson islets are an interesting site to stay at, but there is very little room to launch and land kayaks. Some fancy footwork is required.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Once set up the site is cozy.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
You get an excellent view of the current coming in and out of Blackfish Strait.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Hanson Island.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Crossing Blackfish Strait with a ocean tug in the distance.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
There is loads of sea traffic through Johnstone Strait, both merchant and sea life. Carrying a Marine VHF is essential, and all crossing should be called in to the relevant chanel. Instructions are on the Johnstone Strait chart.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Rafting up is key for making important decisions like when and where to go. In this case our attempt to move upwards into the Broughton Group was thwarted by strong currents.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Carrying on down the strait along Cracroft Island.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Approaching Sophia Islands, another commercial site that is always in use during the summer.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Sophia Islands beach.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
A sea Urchin at the lowest tides.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Camping out on the beach in Johnstone Strait.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Kayaks pulled up along Sophia Island. Weather can roll in and trap you on one side of the strait so be sure to plan carefully, and expect that kayaking at night with less weather could be a requirement to get the optimal calm weather and minimal tidal act
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
04/29/2019
Making another crossing.