Returning to the Scene of the Crime, Cattle Pass

31 August 2024

After my last coaching session at Cattle Pass with Calvin, he generously mentioned that we should connect if we are in the same neighborhood. I didn’t really think much of it, so was pleasantly surprised when he texted saying that he and his partner Robin would be coming to Lopez Island to practice and play in Cattle Pass to prepare for an upcoming trip to Skookumchuck Narrows in British Columbia. The plan was to launch at Otis Perkins and ride the last of the ebb south through Cattle Pass and have lunch at Davis Bay and wait for the flood to build. This wasn’t going to be a lesson where we happen on the currents as they fit the schedule. This was a plan to hit Cattle Pass at maximum flood. And although the maximum daytime flood currents were less this late in the summer, it was still a “real” current at 4.7 knots.

We had a leisurely trip down San Juan Channel on the ebb and lunch in the sun at Davis Bay while we watched the current build. I confess I had a couple of concerns about our pending visit to the eddy lines and tide races around Davis Point. First, and mostly, the memory of getting spanked here a few weeks ago was still fresh in my mind. But second, I didn’t want to take time away from Calvin and Robin by having them perform assisted rescues.

On of my many surprise about this location at Davis Point, and I think I have this right, is that the flood currents flows west. You can sort of see it in this current plot where it looks like the flood get caught by the Iceberg Point peninsula and circles counter clockwise and then funnels back west towards Cattle Pass.

This creates a “local” west current at Davis Point.

Our particular playground was rocky outcropping just off the tip of Davis Point. This was the same set of eddy lines from my last “delightful” visit to Cattle Pass. In fairness, this is a fabulous, and pretty well known, play area on the south end of Lopez Island. The kelp filled eddy on the back of the rocky outcropping offers protection, and in my case a bit of rest, and the ability to play in the eddy lines.

During our visit there was a modest southerly which help to create some modest standing waves to the south of the rocky outcropping. I managed to catch some of these but never felt like I totally grasp the technique

Much latter I discovered this video where Calvin instructs on the topics of catching and riding standing waves which would have been a big help. But this won’t be the last time I try my hand at Davis Point and Cattle Pass.

I conservatively worked on crossing eddy lines and mostly stayed in my kayak. As I mentioned I played it pretty safe. I knew we still had a ride home through Cattle Pass during peak flood and I wanted to be sure there was something left in the tank.

This was the second time that I transited Cattle Pass during a strong flood and both times went without incident. The pass was much more dynamic than my previous visit with breaking waves, confused seas, whirlpools and boils. But I felt mostly comfortable. The paddle back to Otis Perkins was an express elevator going our way and we made super quick time.

All in all a fabulous trip, but one I need to try again and again.

Oh, and here is a short clip Calvin posted from his trip to Skookumchuck Narrows. Would sure be nice have those skills at some point.

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