Sunday Jan 23.
Sooke River Paddle
Got up early before the alarm. I hate doing that! Made lunch and got out to our put in at Coopers Cove somewhat early, we were able to take our time unloading before everyone else showed up. Surprisingly, the day was starting to brighten up, we were expecting a day of low clouds and rain. To our surprise the sun started to shine as we paddled out of Coopers Cove heading towards the spit. Water was completely calm, uneventful paddling, an excellent opportunity to catch up with the other paddlers on what they had been up to. By the time we rounded the spit some current was evident from the Sooke River. We were able to paddle up past the fairground without any problem. Once past here, the current started to pick up making it somewhat challenging. So, we eddy hopped for several hundred yards upstream until the bend in the river where we had to turn back. It was a lot of fun playing in the current, practicing ferry turns etc. We then had lunch on a gravel bar before heading back. On our way back, we decided to paddle the shoreline route instead of cutting across the Sooke Basin to Coopers Cove. Several of us wanted to look at a submerged fish boat that was tied to a wooden pile. We couldn't imagine why anyone would have left a boat such as that to sink and leave derelict in the water. Some people! From there we headed back to Cooper Cove meeting up with the other paddlers at the entrance. Interesting, we took the longer route and still waited for them. All in all it was good day. No rain, some sunshine, can't beat that!
