The route from Saratoga Beach (Vancouver Island) to Mitlenatch Island, is a straight forward out and back, in favourable conditions. Launched at 0750h Comox airport (historical)
Temps were between 4-6 deg.C for the paddling day. Seas calm, light tidal currents.
Tidal prediction chart for Feb. 9, 2013.
Paddled counter-clockwise around the Island - Camp Bay was approached from the east entrance. Southeast channel can be navigated at high tide.
Mitlenatch Island was traditionally shared and utilized by First Nation peoples.
In the Salish Indigenous language, "metl" means calm, and "nach" means posterior.
"Calm waters behind" is an appropriate description of the island during storms.
To the Kwagiulth people "mah-kwee-lay-lah" means, "it looks close (the island), but seems to move away as you approach". No paired, mating or nesting birds on Mitlenatch island were evident on this date, due to the time of year.
It was a quiet day on the water and on the island, except for the sounds of the wildlife.
I observed Bald Eagles, Ravens, Gulls, Guillemots, Oyster Catchers, Cormorants, Ducks, Sparrows, as well as Harbour Seals along the shoreline perimeter of the island.
Sea Lions were hauled out and in the sea on the southeast side.
Camp Bay on the east side of Mitlenatch Island - view to the southeast toward Powell River. 0945h
Artifacts and remains at the seasonal caretakers shack at Camp Bay.
Northwest Bay - view northeast across to Hernando Island.
East below the high point of the island
South facing slope
Southeast flank of island - view east across to Hernando Island and Savary Island. Between the two islands is the town of Lund on the BC mainland (low cloud and fog).
Intertidal zone at Camp Bay. Life on Mitlenatch Island is in a hotspot of biological diversity and activity. Tides meet (converge) here, increasing the surrounding waters' oxygen and nutrients.
The rain shadow effect increases the average sunlight and warmth. The geographic isolation decreases the number of predators.
Intertidal oysters - Camp Bay The waters within 0.5 nautical miles of Mitlenatch Island, are closed to harvesting clams and oysters, all year.
No marine harvesting of any species within a 300m protected zone around the island. Designated a DFO Rockfish Conservation Area.
Klepper Expedition Folding Kayak - 1220h
Sea Lion haul out on rock islet - off the southeast side of Mitlenatch Island. Visibility reduced beyond due to drizzle and fog.
(zoom) Sea Lion haul out on rock islet.
View west to Camp Bay, departing Mitlenatch Island. 1230h Historically, since the last ice-age, Mitlenatch Island is in the traditional territory of First Nations.
It's importance as a seasonal camp where fish, shellfish, sea urchin, camas bulbs and seabird eggs were sustainably harvested.
Evidence of use in the form of rock 'v'-shaped fish weirs are still visible in the northeast corner of Camp Bay.
Landfall at Saratoga beach at 1510h after crossing Georgia Strait in calm seas and cool afternoon temps.
Total paddling distance 28 km.
