by Susan Sutherland
Photographs by Rob Muylwyk and Scott Innes
Our trip started out May 27 with 6 enthusiastic paddlers – Bert, Kaz, Rob M., Rob W., Scott, Susan and Trish. After meeting on a sunny Friday at Dunks Bay near Tobormory, quick hellos and packing our kayaks, we headed off. Our first obstacle was getting though the high and quick surf. We all did eventually. Our crossing to Flowerpot Island took an hour and 20 minutes with 2-metre waves and 20-knot winds but everyone had smiles on their faces while surfing.
Upon landing on Flowerpot Island, we all quietly went about setting up our individual campsites, meeting back for a quick lunch. The lake had calmed down and we were back in our kayaks for a paddle around Bears Rump Island. The wind and waves had calmed down allowing the group to paddle close to the spectacular east rocky cliff shoreline and explore. All too soon we were on the lower west side stopping for a break. Bert found an old board with square nails making us think of the long-ago ships that had sailed by or unfortunately washed on shore. Rob W. found an entire large fish skeleton which was just as interesting. After a quick paddle back, a well-deserved dinner and lots of laughs, we all retired for the night looking forward to the next day’s adventure. Due to the weather, no tour boats landed which was an added bonus.
On Saturday morning we emerged to heavy fog. No fear, fog would not discourage our day. After breakfast and clean up, we headed out on the Marl Bed Trail in search of the calypso orchid. None were found as spring was late, but we did see white trilliums, some red trilliums, Canada lilies and other spring flowers thanks to Rob M.’s keen eye and knowledge. Afterwards we decided to take the Lighthouse Trail. Very different, flat rock, uphill, mossy areas, but the stairs along rock face were brutal. Taking our time, we all made it, breathless from our journey but also from the views.
As we arrived at the lighthouse, we all went our own ways to explore and think about the long-ago lighthouse keeper and his family walking these grounds. We continued on to the lower lookout for the spectacular views and on to the caves for a chat and a sit-down. We arrived back at the flower pot locations to explore these stone formations and the shoreline. Upon arriving back at the main dock, the first of many tour boats arrived off shore, transferring tourist to zodiacs to bring them to the island. A group of students gave us private chuckles with their large back packs. Some wrapped in blankets, no hats and at least one wearing stylish flip flops descending along the Lighthouse trail. After a light lunch or nap, we all got back into our kayaks to paddle around Flowerpot Island. Cove Island was our original destination but we changed that due to wind and lingering fog but no one seemed to mind as long as we were on the water. Upon returning to camp, Rob M. explored on his own and found an individual calypso orchid which he took us all to view.
New member Trish arrived on her own and came along with us on a hike with Bert to Castle Bluff which few others had travelled to. After taking a few minutes to locate the start of the trail, and losing one of our hikers momentarily, we all became “Billy Goats” following amazing Bert. The challenging climb was worth it to look out over Georgian Bay with a view of the large flowerpot. Thanks to Scott, our trip photographer, we will all remember the climb. After hiking the bluff to view the lighthouse buildings, we made our way back following markers to the one major obstacle a particularly high and steep rock face. With great teamwork we guided each other where to place our feet or hands, and all made it down safely. Tired and hungry, we made our way back to camp for a hot, well deserved dinner.
After listening to the weather report, we decided we would meet for breakfast and pack up to leave by 10:30 a.m. to avoid possible afternoon thunderstorms. As we were packing, we discovered a large family of water snakes around Rob M.’s kayak and eventually on some of his paddling gear which was warm in the morning sun. We said goodbye to Trish, who was staying an extra day, and the main group paddled silently back to Dunks Bay. Soon, some of us thought we were a bit off course. Later on the beach, we discovered that our navigator had his map upside down!
Trips are not taken without a few lemons appearing – getting a vehicle stuck in the sand, getting a foot stuck in a hole, tipping (twice) in refreshing water upon landing, wandering off the wrong way on a rugged hike, forgetting a sleeping bag. But as a GROUP and TEAM we made lemonade and solved all problems. Everyone had a very full and enjoyable trip; it was obvious from the laughter and smiles on our faces all weekend. We accomplished what we set out to do, paddle and explore Flowerpot Island, but we received much more by connecting with old friends and getting to know new ones with paddling as a common interest – which is GLSKA’s purpose as a club. Well done team. Mission accomplished.
