Sea kayaking at Goose Spit in Comox , BC

By Keith and Heather Nicol

As you can see the carry from the car was short at high tide

    Goose Spit is a favourite destination for many people in the Comox Valley and for good reason. You can go for a beach walk, have a picnic, or go paddle boarding or kayaking. One factor to consider when kayaking is the carry to the water from the car and so we usually kayak at the Spit when the tide is quite high to avoid a longer carry. Recently with high tides in the early evening and warm summer temperatures we decided to do an evening paddle on Tuesday July 21 in hopes of also getting a nice sunset.  The tide was about 4.8 meters and so that meant we just had short distance to carry our gear to the water and winds were very light from the north. We were joined by many people on paddle boards and other kayakers since the evening was so warm. 

Paddling at the Spit gives good views of the Comox Glacier

     We paddled around the Spit and saw many people enjoying the many pullouts that are possible along the spit since much of the shore line is sand or small gravels at this tide.  We even saw a couple of canoes which gives you an idea of how protected this area is for water sports. We pulled out for a snack with a great view of Denman and Hornby Islands in the distance after paddling about 3.5 km.. We then turned around and paddled back the way we had come.  An annoying cloud bank developed to the north so our hopes of a nice sunset weren’t to be for this outing. But that means we will have to come down to Goose Spit to try again.  For those not familiar with Goose Spit it is at the end of Hawkins Road in Comox.

Paddling around the end of the Spit

Exploring Quadra Island by bike

By Keith and Heather Nicol

Bring a facemask for the ferry

   On Monday, July 20 ten cyclists from the Comox Valley boarded the 10:30 am ferry in Campbell River for a sunny outing to Quadra Island. One of the nice aspects of cycling in the Comox Valley are the islands that are close at hand which are ready made for bike exploring. Earlier this summer our cycling group headed to Denman Island (see: http://keithnicol.blogspot.com/2020/07/cycling-and-hiking-on-denman-island.html) and at some point this summer we will cycle on Hornby Island.  This was my first time cycling on Quadra and you are quickly reminded of how hilly it is. Heather and my previous trips to Quadra had been to explore by sea kayak and other blogs have dealt with these trips - https://keithnicol.blogspot.com/2016/08/sea-kayaking-from-village-bay-pond-to.html   .  

 

The road to Yaculta is very scenic with Discovery Passage behind

   Our cycling group was evenly split between road and electric bikes and we decided to first head south from Quathiaski Cove (the ferry terminal) along Green Road and we then descended to the first Nations Community of Yaculta. This section of the road is very scenic since it hugs the coast and provides great views back to Campbell River and the mountains beyond. The road out of Cape Mudge Village (Yaculta) to Cape Mudge Road was quite a climb and those people in our group with electric bikes really put them to good use . We took Cape Mudge Road to Heriot Bay Road and this provided a long downhill to Rebecca Spit. Rebecca Spit is a popular destination on Quadra and I had wanted to check out the campground there as well as have lunch at one of the shady picnic tables in the Provincial Park. The rest of group headed toward scenic Heriot Bay.  

There are no shoulders on Quadra but not much traffic on the Cape Mudge Road 

     Since I had to get back to Courtenay by mid afternoon I cycled back along Heriot Bay Road to the ferry and just made it time for the 1:00 pm sailing. I was glad I was on a bike since the long car lineup meant that not all the cars could be taken on this ferry and the extra cars would have to catch the next sailing at 2:00 pm.  My total cycling distance on Quadra was about 25 km. There is a still lots to explore on Quadra and on my next cycling trip I want to go the Cape Mudge Lighthouse and spend more time in Heriot Bay and Rebecca Spit. Stay safe and remember to bring a face mask for the ferry crossing. 

Cycling along the Rebecca Spit road

Looking east toward Cortes Island and beyond from Rebecca Spit

The tubing season very busy on the Puntledge River in Courtenay, B.C.

By Keith and Heather Nicol

Well it is that time of year again. We are finally getting some warm summer weather in the Comox Valley and it is certainly a perfect opportunity to dig out that tube and head down the Puntledge River in Courtenay, B.C. What an ideal way to cool off and have lots of fun at the same time. Water levels are very good right now for tubing...you can slip over most rocks with ease if you can get in the right channel. We tried our first tubing of the season on Sunday July 19th and on this day there was even a line up to head down the Tubers Trail at the fish hatchery put in. We have never seen so many people heading down the river. It is easy to social distance on the river and it is outdoors so tubing is a good Covid 19 activity. Summer is finally arriving in the Comox Valley  Most people start at the fish hatchery on Powerhouse Road.  Park near the fish hatchery access road and walk around or past the gate. Part way down you will see a sign pointing to “Tubers Trail” and take that to the put in. This trail is abit steep and slippery in places and there is a rope to help you down the last section.  Good footwear really helps on this section and we tend to use kayak booties or good waterproof sandals since they give reasonable grip and are great for protecting your feet once you are in the river. We also have found that putting a life jacket over the mesh on the bottom of the tube keeps your bum and lower back from hitting too many rocks. If you are using a truck inner tube or another type without a mesh bottom, keep your “bum up” when you go over rapids to avoid hitting “bottom” in the shallow sections.    Water levels are perfect at the moment for tubing The section from Powerhouse Road to Puntledge Park is abit faster and rockier than the lower section from Puntledge Park to either the Condensory Bridge or Lewis Park. First timers or those with younger children may want to do just the lower section starting from Puntledge Park and we suggest a pull out just below the Condensory Bridge since the last part can be slow, especially if there is a high tide. Also this year there has been a log blocking part of the lower river which caused problems for some tubers earlier in July. For newcomers to the Comox Valley,  Puntledge Park is at the intersection of 1st and Urquhart Avenue and the Condensory Bridge is off of Anderton Avenue. Since the river is dam controlled water levels can change from day to day so be aware of warnings posted along the river. Tubing is an institution in the Comox Valley and it is the ideal way to spend a couple of hours on a warm day. For a video of Tubing the Puntledge River check out--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkebQpFDSXM&feature=youtu.be The takeout at the Condensory Bridge was busy on Sunday

Mulligans Golf Course in Courtenay is having a banner year

by Keith and Heather Nicol

 Golf is popular in the Comox Valley with many courses to test your skills but if you want to try a fine little course that allows you to still play 9 holes for just $16 then check out Mulligans Golf Course. When we first did a blog post on Mulligans Golf Course in 2015 (https://keithnicol.blogspot.com/2015/08/for-fun-and-value-try-mulligans-golf.html) prices were abit lower but in 2020 they are still the best value in the area (and perhaps Vancouver Island).  Where else can you play 9 holes for golf for just $16 ( 8 am – 4 pm) and this drops to just $12 for those that want to play before 8:00 am and after 4:00 pm.  

 

Heather teeing off on the first hole- the Beaufort Range in the background

When we spoke to Laurie, the Mulligan’s manager she told us that they are having the best year in ages- in part due to the fact that other courses in the area are “members only” given the global pandemic over Covid 19.  “However we welcome everyone” she told us. They offer an executive course which means there are mostly par 3’s with some par 4’s and the longest hole is 337 yards. Total length from the blue tees is 1763 yards which is about a mile so it is also easy to walk for many people from younger children to older adults. But just because it is short doesn’t mean it is easy. There is water on 7 of the 9 holes and many strategically placed sand traps so depending on where the pin is placed, making par can be a real challenge. The course also gives scenic views of the Beaufort Range of Mountains and has been landscaped to create undulations and mounds which add to the layout of the course. Given the wetter than normal conditions this summer the course is nice is green for the most part and the greens are in fine shape. 

The greens were in great shape

 In addition to a small clubhouse with an outdoor patio , there is a driving range, a putting green and a sand trap practice area where I need to spend more time. The driving range is another bargain since a bucket of balls is just $2.00 ! Laurie told when we played there on Saturday July 18 that weekday mornings are very hard to get on. “Better to come early on Saturday if you are looking for a less busy time to play. About the only thing we can't offer currently is club rentals (due to Covid 19) but that might change" Laurie added.  Mulligans is located right outside of Courtenay and it took us about 90 minutes to play 9 holes. For more information see: http://mulligansgolfcourse.com/  or phone 250-338-2440. This course is ideal for families or friends wanting to meet for a couple of hours of enjoyable golf.

 

Saturday morning is a perfect time to play