When we first started planning a Vancouver island trip, we didn’t really have a destination in mind outside of Nanaimo. We were thinking we would visit some friends, take in a few sights, and head home. We then discovered there were so many things we could explore!
So step 1…the BEACH!
Can you really visit an island without visiting the beach? No way! You have to hit the beach. We hit a few beaches while we were on the island. The first was a bit rocky with a few barnacles that little missy Skye had to be carried over. Nothing too crazy though. We found a few rocks to sit on to overlook the waves and tide. And we definitely had beautiful weather for the day!
Beach days are chill days we think. Take a snack and walk along the water. The wind and the waves rolling in. The ocean is a very differ beast to a lake! There’s not really a gentle lapping of water, it’s more a crashing of wave and is so peaceful. We could get lost in the sound for hours.
Step 2…Newcastle Island
We had never paddleboarded on the ocean before so this was a definite treat! We set up our sups on the main island and paddled across the bay to visit Newcastle Island. Big sandy beaches and a local Hulk Hogan running the swim shop on this little slice of heaven. Skye was a cool pup on the board as we paddled around boats and other paddlers.
Now I know I’m pretty lucky with Skye being so chill on the board. But I had no idea how this was going to go on the ocean.
We paddled around boats and across the ferry channel in some beautiful waters. Sunshine and soft waves as we moved across the ocean were a perfect mix. Little Skye was quite content to chill at the front of the board and watch the shoreline. I’ll admit, she is so slight I was a little nervous a seal may hop up and snag her! Riley always watched the water and was quick to back up when a loon or shadow went under the board, Skye not so much. Skye will just sit there and wait. Not sure if its comfort on the water or a lack of self-preservation in this one.
It was definitely a different paddle across the ocean. There was more effort put into the strokes and a little more balance pressure when the current and winds would kick up. Paddling the ocean was a little like paddling into a strong wind. But at the same time, easier than that strong wind to navigate! Where the wind kicks the inflatable board around, the currents just take you to a little to the side.
We paddled to New Castle Island where Skye dips her toes into the water for the first time all on her own! She actually walked in on her own! We are so proud of our little pup. We set up some towels and our snacks on the beach, took a dip and relaxed in the sun before setting out again.
Step 4…a concert on the water
We left New Castle to paddle across the bay again and ducked into a little river inlet where we got to listen to some cool Blues tunes from the water! Colin James playing the park was a perfect end to our ocean paddle adventures.
We anchored in the bay and lay back to relax. Skye enjoyed the peace and people watching while we sat back and soaked in the music, rocking to the waves.
Unknown to us, some mainland friends were also in the park and walked right past our paddle board barge!
Relaxing to music on the water is a nice way to settle the mind and reconnect with the natural beauty around us. Skye hopped from board to board for some goodies from our paddle partners!
Step 5…a VERY tired Skye!
Something else we have never done before, an evening paddle! After we had our fill of music and the sun was setting we headed back to the launch site. Skye was quite content to have a little snooze as we paddled in. She had a busy day!
The lights around the bay were beautiful to paddle alongside. Its a very different experience in the ocean to a lake.
And Finally…The Rest
We ventured around with some dear friends on the island before ferrying home. And boy what fun! Skye needed several days to recoup from our adventures on this trip. There was lots to see and fun to be had for her little paws. And when we got home, she crashed. While we love our adventure time, we have to remember to give our little furry buddies a break too.
ASR Adventures 