Trip Report Lower Nicomen Slough 26-05-17
Well, this day was just right! Our trip last month was a bit of a challenge with very low water levels but the levels on this trip were great and skies were terrific too! Initially we had 2 tandems and 3 individuals looking for bow seats to join the trip. Unfortunately, no one else with a canoe joined the trip so we were left with only the 2 tandems which technically means it was not an official club trip but we did it anyway and had a beautiful day.
Carole and I along with Regula and Zoli met at info centre on Hwy 7 east of Mission at 0945. We set up the shuttle and were in the water at the Deroche Bridge shortly after 10am. I would be remiss if I did not mention our other passengers, “Buddy” the BCC Beaver and “Monty” our recently appointed 1st mate (1 yr old cocker spaniel).
It was calm smooth water with mostly blue skies and few clouds to add shade throughout the day. The paddle travels west parallel to the Hwy 7 for about 15 mins then heads northwest over to the base of the mountain and away from the highway sounds. Here, there are serene, reflective sections that allow you to purely enjoy the subtle sounds of birds and the occasional boil of a large carp darting away from the approaching canoes.
Lunch was a short paddle up stream in the crystal-clear water of Norrish Creek. There we stopped on a nice sandy beach to stretch and eat lunch. With good water levels the following trip to the take out was about 1.5 hours in waters ranging from 2 to 4 feet in depth. This area at lower water levels can be challenging with considerable braiding and shallow channels.
We arrived at the take out at about 1400hrs with plenty of time to get the canoes up the path to the road and go get the vehicles at the launch. We were back and loaded shortly after 1430hrs. With a terrific day behind us we said our goodbyes and set off for home looking forward to our next trip.
