Education - Vacation

October-November 2002

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Kari Osselton

The Rolano mothership dwarfs her brood astern.. Photo: Kari Osselton

I'd never imagined myself kayaking but last summer I got the chance. I was invited to go on a trip with Explore Charters after finding that my four year old son was diagnosed with leukemia. Captain Ralph and the staff at Explore Charters were involved with fundraising for our family.

Not only did I learn to kayak but I had a week-long kayaking adventure from a mothership along the west coast of Vancouver Island. This was a unique way to see some of the BC coast—from untouched beaches of bone-white sand to secluded forest paths.

With a mothership comes all the comforts of home: bathroom (the ‘head’), hot and cold running water and warm comfortable berths. What a treat it was, after a day of paddling, to return to the mothership to delicious snacks of seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables and then to unwind with a hot shower before a gourmet dinner.

The trip began in Tofino, where I boarded the mighty Rolano and met her captain and jolly crew. I felt at home after a tour of the ship. The crew was ready to offer any assistance that I needed and helped me carry my bags to my berth. The sleeping quarters had beautifully decorated cedar walls. A warm duvet covered the mattress and a large fluffy pillow lay on the bed waiting for me at the end of the day.

The sky was a brilliant blue as we set out to sea. The sun warmed the deck and the engine hummed as we slipped along the calm sea at a steady speed of eight knots.

“Whales!” someone shouted from the bow, spotting a humpback. All the passengers got out their cameras. And what a performance. The whale seemed to know it had an audience. As if to say, “look at me,“ it disappeared and reappeared.

A short cruise took us to our anchoring destination. Two guides were assigned to the seven guests on the ship. We had a quick stretch and listened to instructions. Then we launched the kayaks and set out for a short paddle.

Life aboard a 24-meter ship for a week with 11 other people was a unique experience. We shared stories, ate delicious dinners and desserts, enjoyed picture-perfect sunsets and spotted wildlife, from grey whales to humpback whales and even a black bear.

With all the activity, I still found time to unwind. I even found time to read a book, something I had not done for many years, since the birth of my two children.

I fished for salmon, harvested oysters, set crab traps and even steered the ship. Not only a vacation, but also an educational experience.

One morning, just before 6 am, we went into Hot Springs Cove, a natural hot springs North of Tofino. The weather had changed slightly. A light rain fell as I walked along the one-kilometer trail of planks leading to the springs. Walking closer, the sound of the waterfall echoed throughout the forest; the steam from the warm water rose in the cool air. I stepped into the springs and the warmth of the water filled my soul with a peaceful feeling. I immersed myself and listened to the sound of nature around me— the light rain on the rocks, the running water and the gulls crying for their morning meal.

That afternoon the sky cleared and night put on a show that I won’t soon forget: the Northern Lights and a sky full of bright stars. We listened to owls hooting and seals flapping their flippers on the water’s surface.

Thanks to the Rolano and her crew for a trip of a lifetime, and for opening up the world of kayaking to me.

You can phone Explore Charters at 1-888- 649-6669. Check out the web at www.explorecharters.com.

© Kari Osselton now works for Explore Charters and her son is doing well. This article was written before Kari was hired.