BC Coast Plastic & Garbage Clean Up
Donation protected
The purpose of this journey
To show the true severity of the situation we are living in and ignoring. And to do something about it!
And how this will eventually lead to, and already has, degrated the quality of life for all living things on the planet. Our oceans have been overwhelmed with the purpose humans have decided to abuse her with. Our ocean wasnt meant to be a huge dumping ground for toxic waste, plastic and other garbage. It was meant to sustain all life on earth. When salmon go up the rivers after feasting in the ocean. They bring their nutrients to other animals in the mountains. And Their eggs return to the ocean to reapeat the cycle. As it has been since their creation. Balance, life. Now we destroy our forests, and kill our oceans. Yet we hide from our connection and responsibility to them by placing greater importance on image, comfort, convenience and disposable objects. And most of what is created to sustain those objects are destroying the very environments that should be sustaining life. All ocean life has seen a decline in their numbers and some species have even become extinct. Whales are washing up on shores, dead from having bellies full of plastic and garbage. The acidification of the ocean water itself... And yet most can not be bothered to hear or see these truths. They would rather say there isnt anything they can do. But it is the only thing they should do.. Please support my efforts to show, that there are people trying to do what they say can not be done. We have to start somewhere. Organizations like Sea Sepherd and Living Oceans , are actively protecting and cleaning our oceans. Even individuals like myself can make a diference and become part of the change. Pickup of the garbage and plastic have been organized. Thanks to Living Oceans for supplying me wtih suitable locations to get to with the boat I have. And supplying me with helicopter pickup bags as well as co-ordinating their helicopters to pick up what I clean up off the beaches. And of course a big thanks to all the support I have received thus far. Be it shares or donations. It is very much appreciated. And its all for a truly a worthy cause. Our Oceans. Im here to show anyone can make a difference with the help of their friends. And some determination.
What has been accomplished
This is an update on the current mission. Plastic and garbage clean up in and around otter bay.
Sunday, mid day, after returning some borrowed tools from a friend, who gave me a pound of coffee for the trip.. and borrowing 20$ from another friend. So I could get a pack of smokes before I departed to begin this somewhat epic journey. For me it is anyhow. I left Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, motoring to get to my departure point. Where I would anchor for the night and leave first thing in the morning. Clam Bay off Kuper Island.
Monday morning I set sail for Bowen Island. First passing Polier Passage to get to the Georgia Straight. My first experience with major tidal currents. And I had looked at the wrong tide chart... so it took all my sails and motor power to get through there and into the Straight. A few hours later I was cruising across the Georgia Straight. This was anything but smooth sailing. But we arrived safely to Bowen Island where Taz and I met up with the executive director of Living Oceans (LivingOceans.org) Karen G. Wristen and her husband. We first loaded the helicopter bags they supplied us with onto our 30' 1961 Columbia sailboat. And then had a sit down with Karen and her husband, where we discussed sailing routes to Sea Otter Cove, where we will eventually use those helicopter bags to collect plastic and garbage from the shores of west Vancouver Island. They also supplied me with the last paper chart I needed for this trip, of Sea Otter Cove.
Tuesday was spent organizing the boat. All the donations, food, solar panels and other items had to be properly stored for the journey and to make space for the 15 helicopter bags we picked up. It wasnt a great anchorage, a bit deep for my gear. But we spent the night and waited for morning to depart on the next leg of our journey.
Wednesday morning. Some good wind brought us to Sechelt BC. I have a few friends that live in that area. And we had a chance to come ashore and pay them a visit for the evening. Always good to sit and have a good chat with real friends.
Thurday morning Taz and I set sail and beat our sailing record. 34.5 nautical miles under sail. And an additional 5-10 NM motoring. Which brought us to a beauty of a spot called Thunder Bay BC. A nice protected anchorage, with crystal clear waters and easy shore access to row Taz out for walks and bathroom breaks. We surfed some big waves with the old boat that day. I would bet up to 10' at least. But the weather was with us. So we went with the flow.
Friday. We headed to Lund... It was a good day sailing. But upon arrival, noticed that the anchorage wasnt great or very accessible. And got chassed of the shore trying to walk to town by some grumpy old fela lol. So we moved a little north to re anchor for the night at an amazing spot near the Copeland Islands. The view was great, the anchorage not so much. Shear rock bottom caused my anchor to drag continously. Even after I rowed out a secondary anchor around 11:30 at night. There wasnt much sleep to had that night for certain. And even though it was beautiful. We were in a hurry to head to our next destination that morning. Hopeing for better anchorage that night.
Saturday. Leaving the Copeland Islands the wind was quite strong. So I am glad I decided to only raise the main sail that morning. As we were doing 6.6 knotts with only one sail. My top speed under sail is about 7.2 knotts. So far. With such strong winds it made solo sailing a challenge. But we made it to Rocoe Bay, which also has a cove. And it was very protected and mostly only accessible at high tide. Being quite exhausted from the trip thus far. It was an early night.
Sunday morning, still feeling weak from the journey, but always having to get something done... I scrubbed the hull of the boat, front to back and both sides. Which gave us more speed and less resistance for the rest of our trip. And in the afternoon took Taz for a much needed hike, to black lake. A short distance from Roscoe cove. It was very pretty and there were lots of tiny frogs along the shore, which made for some great photos.
Monday. In need of more gasoline and water to continue on. We headed to Squirel Cove. Which had a general store with everything we needed. Filled up on fuel and water. Bought my weekly dose of cheese, milk and a pouch of tobacco. And started checking navigational charts for the next part of the journey. As it would be taking us through rappids. And my boat with its current outboard engine does not have a tremendous amount of power. So getting to these rappids at slack tide is extreemly important.
Tuesday morning we started the enigine and headed north towards Yaculta rapids. I was pretty shure I had properly calculated the tides this time. And I did. We arrived at the rappids in perfect time to make it through without the need to stop. It was an exciting experience to say the least. Happy our timing was right because I would hate to go through there when the currents are at full force! And since our timing was so good, we passed through Dent rapids as well, just a bit further ahead. Knowing there was no way we were going to make the next rapids that night, we anchored in yet another amazing place. Shoal Bay. The owners of the resort there were kind and friendly. I asked if there was work. Which there was nona at the time. BUt the owner bought me a beer and made me promise to stop by in the fall for work. And any other time I was just passing through. The water there was so clear I could see crabs 15' below the waters surface!
Wednesday morning. The weather was great, my timing once again to cross the 2 sets of rapids I had planned to go through went perfectly. I was impressing myself. Untill we started getting closer to the Johnston Straight... The weather got a bit serious. The wind was blowing against the tide, and created big nasty waves. Which had me looking for an achorage short of the destination i had planned on. Which was port McNeil. So we ducked into Topaz Harbour. I took Taz for a walk. Made some lunch. And then checked the charts. I noticed the tides had shifted and from inside the Habour the weather did seem to have calmed down a lot. Wanting to make some distance. I raised the anchor and headed back towards the Johnston Straight. It was fine for a while. But there was seriously heavy winds, so even with the tide going the right way, things were rough. I was commited.. And was already half way of the short distance I wanted to get to from the Habour, to my next anchorage. Well the wind dint let up, it got worse. And started tossing my boat around quite a bit. Found a little hole in the wall that looked more protected from the waether than the anchorage I was going to get to, and so I headed to it. It was very narrow, with cliffs on both sides, and very choppy water. I had to anchor twice to get it right.. And eventually rowed out a second anchor which I attached to my stern. And turned my drag alarm on. The trip there was enough to get me edgy. And my anchorage did nothing to calm that down. We did make it through the night. With only a couple hours of sleep. As soon as there was daylight, coffee had been consumed and Taz had her pee break. We moved on.
Thurdays. After a rough night we headed to Port Harvey. There was supposed to be a store open there... But there wasnt... And the fella running the show wasnt the happiest guy around. Still, he dint charge me the 10$ normally required to come ashore... And offered me work in the fall. The shore there were a disaster. The sand stank horribly. And the beaches were covered from debris. Mostly I suspect from what ever industry they were conducting on the other side of the bay. It was shameful none the less. I did get a chance to meet up with 3 gentlement from Lasqueti Island. Whom were very interesting and interested in what I was doing. Gave me some good sailing advise and offered to sail around the tip of Vancouver Island with me if I happen to be up there and ready when they are. Also gave me some of Lasqueti's finest herbs. Which after the night before were much needed to calm me down and let me sleep. Which I did... very well that night.
Friday. Not really digging the vibe @ Port Harvey. And wanting to make some more distance. I headed to Lagoon Cove. Where I made a mistake in my haste. And also thought there was a store there which there was not. lol. I was out of tobacco. There are worse things yes.. And they dint seem to keen of having my ragedy self around. Which was fine by me. Taz and I spend the night and looked at some charts to prepare for the next days journey.
Saturday. Early enough, when the tides were right. We headed towards Port McNeil. Passing through some more beautiful scenery. First Cleo Channel and then Baronet Passage. By the time we got to the end of Baronet Passage I realized we would have to either find anchorage for the night, or wait a few hours for the tides to change. So... I droped a fishing line in the water, as it happened to be a great spot for salmon fishing. And the waters were filled with boats doing just that. I dint have my line in the water more than a few minutes and I had a fish on! It was a LynnCod. Good eating. But not a salmon, so I dropped the line back in. It wasnt long after I dropped the line back in the water, that we were surrounded by a whole pod of Dolphins!! And so I quickly brought my line back in. And took out the camera! Got some amazing footage of theese beauties hanging out with Taz and I. What an amazing experience that was! When they left us, about an hour later, I dropped the line back into the water waiting for the tide to change. No luck. And so headed up to Port McNeil. Finally made it to a store!!! lol Bought some groceries, my weekly cheese and milk. As well as cigarettes. Gave Taz a good walk. And headed to the boat for the evening.
Sunday. Waking up at Port McNeil. Took Taz for a pee. Got back to the boat and cooked up the fiish I had caught the day before. Stuck his leftovers in a crab trap and headed to town. (yes we had crab for dinner)Where I had attempted to write this update... I dont go out of my way to talk to people. But often people are curious about me, and so they end up talking to me. It was a great conversation about the current state of our govenment, our environment and what mission I am currently on. But this update did not get written lol. Im hidding on my boat where few distractions are. And I hope Im almost done.
So here I am. Approximatly 80 Nautical miles away from Sea Otter Cove. Im so close, but lacking to get there and back. I dont have enough gasoline. A pouch of tobacco, another full propane tank, at the very least is needed before I can leave. Ill do without the tobacco if I have to... I can not go on without gasoline however... And when I get there I will have zero means of comunication or ways of checking tides, and wind. Which will make leaving a big challenge. Also, it would be nice to have at least one emergency distress beacon. And heres to wishfull thinking... a sat phone or an irridiumgo. Would be a great help.
So for now. I plan and ponder. Try to get the funds I need to get this done. I think if I had the gasoline alone I would attempt it. But I dont even have the funds for that. As of right now, I am deciding what direction I should approach to continue this mission and complete it. Do i try and find some work locally? There are a few small cities and towns nearby. Which at this point is a likely option. Or do I get lucky, and does the universe provide for a worthy cause?
I guess time will tell. For ever diligent and focused on my task.
If this causes reaches out to you please consider donating and sharing this post
List of things still needed to get this done
Needed : Gasoline,Propane,Coffee,tobacco would be nice
Would be good to have : Sat phone, or iridiumgo, Emergency diistress beacon, hand held vhf marine radio, Rubber float suit, can of bear mace, another air can for the air horn, More wooden bungs in case of a boat leak.
I will add to or update this list later, Time for Tazs pee break!
I have been an active wildcrafter for years, which will help me supplement my food intake. But still... support in the supplies department would be a great help. I have decided to try my best to put off most of the repairs I wanted to do untill fall. So as to make better use of the calmer oceans this time of year. As I will be using my sailboat to complete the journey and the task.
Please share this cause and donate. Lets make our Oceans a better place in the present and for all future generations. It is after all, OUR responsibility. With a humble heart, thank you.
Mission Statement
to serve and protect mother earth
Our Facebook Page
Earth Protectors Alliance
PLEASE SHARE!!!
And Print This Bumper Sticker!
Donate Via Direct Email Transfer
[email redacted]
Donate through PayPal
paypal.me/EarthProtectors
Instagram @earth_protectors_alliance
Our Youtube channel, with more content to be uploaded soon
Earth Protectors Alliance on YouTube
To show the true severity of the situation we are living in and ignoring. And to do something about it!
And how this will eventually lead to, and already has, degrated the quality of life for all living things on the planet. Our oceans have been overwhelmed with the purpose humans have decided to abuse her with. Our ocean wasnt meant to be a huge dumping ground for toxic waste, plastic and other garbage. It was meant to sustain all life on earth. When salmon go up the rivers after feasting in the ocean. They bring their nutrients to other animals in the mountains. And Their eggs return to the ocean to reapeat the cycle. As it has been since their creation. Balance, life. Now we destroy our forests, and kill our oceans. Yet we hide from our connection and responsibility to them by placing greater importance on image, comfort, convenience and disposable objects. And most of what is created to sustain those objects are destroying the very environments that should be sustaining life. All ocean life has seen a decline in their numbers and some species have even become extinct. Whales are washing up on shores, dead from having bellies full of plastic and garbage. The acidification of the ocean water itself... And yet most can not be bothered to hear or see these truths. They would rather say there isnt anything they can do. But it is the only thing they should do.. Please support my efforts to show, that there are people trying to do what they say can not be done. We have to start somewhere. Organizations like Sea Sepherd and Living Oceans , are actively protecting and cleaning our oceans. Even individuals like myself can make a diference and become part of the change. Pickup of the garbage and plastic have been organized. Thanks to Living Oceans for supplying me wtih suitable locations to get to with the boat I have. And supplying me with helicopter pickup bags as well as co-ordinating their helicopters to pick up what I clean up off the beaches. And of course a big thanks to all the support I have received thus far. Be it shares or donations. It is very much appreciated. And its all for a truly a worthy cause. Our Oceans. Im here to show anyone can make a difference with the help of their friends. And some determination.
What has been accomplished
This is an update on the current mission. Plastic and garbage clean up in and around otter bay.
Sunday, mid day, after returning some borrowed tools from a friend, who gave me a pound of coffee for the trip.. and borrowing 20$ from another friend. So I could get a pack of smokes before I departed to begin this somewhat epic journey. For me it is anyhow. I left Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island, motoring to get to my departure point. Where I would anchor for the night and leave first thing in the morning. Clam Bay off Kuper Island.
Monday morning I set sail for Bowen Island. First passing Polier Passage to get to the Georgia Straight. My first experience with major tidal currents. And I had looked at the wrong tide chart... so it took all my sails and motor power to get through there and into the Straight. A few hours later I was cruising across the Georgia Straight. This was anything but smooth sailing. But we arrived safely to Bowen Island where Taz and I met up with the executive director of Living Oceans (LivingOceans.org) Karen G. Wristen and her husband. We first loaded the helicopter bags they supplied us with onto our 30' 1961 Columbia sailboat. And then had a sit down with Karen and her husband, where we discussed sailing routes to Sea Otter Cove, where we will eventually use those helicopter bags to collect plastic and garbage from the shores of west Vancouver Island. They also supplied me with the last paper chart I needed for this trip, of Sea Otter Cove.
Tuesday was spent organizing the boat. All the donations, food, solar panels and other items had to be properly stored for the journey and to make space for the 15 helicopter bags we picked up. It wasnt a great anchorage, a bit deep for my gear. But we spent the night and waited for morning to depart on the next leg of our journey.
Wednesday morning. Some good wind brought us to Sechelt BC. I have a few friends that live in that area. And we had a chance to come ashore and pay them a visit for the evening. Always good to sit and have a good chat with real friends.
Thurday morning Taz and I set sail and beat our sailing record. 34.5 nautical miles under sail. And an additional 5-10 NM motoring. Which brought us to a beauty of a spot called Thunder Bay BC. A nice protected anchorage, with crystal clear waters and easy shore access to row Taz out for walks and bathroom breaks. We surfed some big waves with the old boat that day. I would bet up to 10' at least. But the weather was with us. So we went with the flow.
Friday. We headed to Lund... It was a good day sailing. But upon arrival, noticed that the anchorage wasnt great or very accessible. And got chassed of the shore trying to walk to town by some grumpy old fela lol. So we moved a little north to re anchor for the night at an amazing spot near the Copeland Islands. The view was great, the anchorage not so much. Shear rock bottom caused my anchor to drag continously. Even after I rowed out a secondary anchor around 11:30 at night. There wasnt much sleep to had that night for certain. And even though it was beautiful. We were in a hurry to head to our next destination that morning. Hopeing for better anchorage that night.
Saturday. Leaving the Copeland Islands the wind was quite strong. So I am glad I decided to only raise the main sail that morning. As we were doing 6.6 knotts with only one sail. My top speed under sail is about 7.2 knotts. So far. With such strong winds it made solo sailing a challenge. But we made it to Rocoe Bay, which also has a cove. And it was very protected and mostly only accessible at high tide. Being quite exhausted from the trip thus far. It was an early night.
Sunday morning, still feeling weak from the journey, but always having to get something done... I scrubbed the hull of the boat, front to back and both sides. Which gave us more speed and less resistance for the rest of our trip. And in the afternoon took Taz for a much needed hike, to black lake. A short distance from Roscoe cove. It was very pretty and there were lots of tiny frogs along the shore, which made for some great photos.Monday. In need of more gasoline and water to continue on. We headed to Squirel Cove. Which had a general store with everything we needed. Filled up on fuel and water. Bought my weekly dose of cheese, milk and a pouch of tobacco. And started checking navigational charts for the next part of the journey. As it would be taking us through rappids. And my boat with its current outboard engine does not have a tremendous amount of power. So getting to these rappids at slack tide is extreemly important.
Tuesday morning we started the enigine and headed north towards Yaculta rapids. I was pretty shure I had properly calculated the tides this time. And I did. We arrived at the rappids in perfect time to make it through without the need to stop. It was an exciting experience to say the least. Happy our timing was right because I would hate to go through there when the currents are at full force! And since our timing was so good, we passed through Dent rapids as well, just a bit further ahead. Knowing there was no way we were going to make the next rapids that night, we anchored in yet another amazing place. Shoal Bay. The owners of the resort there were kind and friendly. I asked if there was work. Which there was nona at the time. BUt the owner bought me a beer and made me promise to stop by in the fall for work. And any other time I was just passing through. The water there was so clear I could see crabs 15' below the waters surface!
Wednesday morning. The weather was great, my timing once again to cross the 2 sets of rapids I had planned to go through went perfectly. I was impressing myself. Untill we started getting closer to the Johnston Straight... The weather got a bit serious. The wind was blowing against the tide, and created big nasty waves. Which had me looking for an achorage short of the destination i had planned on. Which was port McNeil. So we ducked into Topaz Harbour. I took Taz for a walk. Made some lunch. And then checked the charts. I noticed the tides had shifted and from inside the Habour the weather did seem to have calmed down a lot. Wanting to make some distance. I raised the anchor and headed back towards the Johnston Straight. It was fine for a while. But there was seriously heavy winds, so even with the tide going the right way, things were rough. I was commited.. And was already half way of the short distance I wanted to get to from the Habour, to my next anchorage. Well the wind dint let up, it got worse. And started tossing my boat around quite a bit. Found a little hole in the wall that looked more protected from the waether than the anchorage I was going to get to, and so I headed to it. It was very narrow, with cliffs on both sides, and very choppy water. I had to anchor twice to get it right.. And eventually rowed out a second anchor which I attached to my stern. And turned my drag alarm on. The trip there was enough to get me edgy. And my anchorage did nothing to calm that down. We did make it through the night. With only a couple hours of sleep. As soon as there was daylight, coffee had been consumed and Taz had her pee break. We moved on.
Thurdays. After a rough night we headed to Port Harvey. There was supposed to be a store open there... But there wasnt... And the fella running the show wasnt the happiest guy around. Still, he dint charge me the 10$ normally required to come ashore... And offered me work in the fall. The shore there were a disaster. The sand stank horribly. And the beaches were covered from debris. Mostly I suspect from what ever industry they were conducting on the other side of the bay. It was shameful none the less. I did get a chance to meet up with 3 gentlement from Lasqueti Island. Whom were very interesting and interested in what I was doing. Gave me some good sailing advise and offered to sail around the tip of Vancouver Island with me if I happen to be up there and ready when they are. Also gave me some of Lasqueti's finest herbs. Which after the night before were much needed to calm me down and let me sleep. Which I did... very well that night.
Friday. Not really digging the vibe @ Port Harvey. And wanting to make some more distance. I headed to Lagoon Cove. Where I made a mistake in my haste. And also thought there was a store there which there was not. lol. I was out of tobacco. There are worse things yes.. And they dint seem to keen of having my ragedy self around. Which was fine by me. Taz and I spend the night and looked at some charts to prepare for the next days journey.
Saturday. Early enough, when the tides were right. We headed towards Port McNeil. Passing through some more beautiful scenery. First Cleo Channel and then Baronet Passage. By the time we got to the end of Baronet Passage I realized we would have to either find anchorage for the night, or wait a few hours for the tides to change. So... I droped a fishing line in the water, as it happened to be a great spot for salmon fishing. And the waters were filled with boats doing just that. I dint have my line in the water more than a few minutes and I had a fish on! It was a LynnCod. Good eating. But not a salmon, so I dropped the line back in. It wasnt long after I dropped the line back in the water, that we were surrounded by a whole pod of Dolphins!! And so I quickly brought my line back in. And took out the camera! Got some amazing footage of theese beauties hanging out with Taz and I. What an amazing experience that was! When they left us, about an hour later, I dropped the line back into the water waiting for the tide to change. No luck. And so headed up to Port McNeil. Finally made it to a store!!! lol Bought some groceries, my weekly cheese and milk. As well as cigarettes. Gave Taz a good walk. And headed to the boat for the evening.
Sunday. Waking up at Port McNeil. Took Taz for a pee. Got back to the boat and cooked up the fiish I had caught the day before. Stuck his leftovers in a crab trap and headed to town. (yes we had crab for dinner)Where I had attempted to write this update... I dont go out of my way to talk to people. But often people are curious about me, and so they end up talking to me. It was a great conversation about the current state of our govenment, our environment and what mission I am currently on. But this update did not get written lol. Im hidding on my boat where few distractions are. And I hope Im almost done.
So here I am. Approximatly 80 Nautical miles away from Sea Otter Cove. Im so close, but lacking to get there and back. I dont have enough gasoline. A pouch of tobacco, another full propane tank, at the very least is needed before I can leave. Ill do without the tobacco if I have to... I can not go on without gasoline however... And when I get there I will have zero means of comunication or ways of checking tides, and wind. Which will make leaving a big challenge. Also, it would be nice to have at least one emergency distress beacon. And heres to wishfull thinking... a sat phone or an irridiumgo. Would be a great help.
So for now. I plan and ponder. Try to get the funds I need to get this done. I think if I had the gasoline alone I would attempt it. But I dont even have the funds for that. As of right now, I am deciding what direction I should approach to continue this mission and complete it. Do i try and find some work locally? There are a few small cities and towns nearby. Which at this point is a likely option. Or do I get lucky, and does the universe provide for a worthy cause?
I guess time will tell. For ever diligent and focused on my task.
If this causes reaches out to you please consider donating and sharing this post
List of things still needed to get this done
Needed : Gasoline,Propane,Coffee,tobacco would be nice
Would be good to have : Sat phone, or iridiumgo, Emergency diistress beacon, hand held vhf marine radio, Rubber float suit, can of bear mace, another air can for the air horn, More wooden bungs in case of a boat leak.
I will add to or update this list later, Time for Tazs pee break!
I have been an active wildcrafter for years, which will help me supplement my food intake. But still... support in the supplies department would be a great help. I have decided to try my best to put off most of the repairs I wanted to do untill fall. So as to make better use of the calmer oceans this time of year. As I will be using my sailboat to complete the journey and the task.
Please share this cause and donate. Lets make our Oceans a better place in the present and for all future generations. It is after all, OUR responsibility. With a humble heart, thank you.
Mission Statement
to serve and protect mother earth
Our Facebook Page
Earth Protectors Alliance
PLEASE SHARE!!!
And Print This Bumper Sticker!
Donate Via Direct Email Transfer
[email redacted]
Donate through PayPal
paypal.me/EarthProtectors
Instagram @earth_protectors_alliance
Our Youtube channel, with more content to be uploaded soon
Earth Protectors Alliance on YouTube
Organizer
Joe Stone
Organizer
Burnaby, BC
