Portage complete, a relief to those of us carrying the equipment laden open canoes, launch preparations were quickly and as usual eagerly completed by the younger members of the party.

Once a coach was on the water the water the kayakers, a mixed experience group, launched and dutifully rafted up while waiting for the open canoes to launch. The assembled group the received final safety instruction before setting out on the trip.

As can be seen from the colour of the sky during final instructions, weather conditions were cold but sunny. Snow had been predicted for the following day, the clouds seemed to be threatening to deliver it a day early.

A strong Northerly wind was blowing and as can be seen from the photo on the right the raft was being blown along at a good speed. There was no need to raise sail.

At least we were being blowing in the right direction!