VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

Has anyone out there ever sailed Cameron lake? I got a perfect glass calm session today, but I have seen it howling there on more than one trip to Tofuno this winter....

All comments appreciated -

I sailed it a couple of times. Gusty, but lots of wind for sure.

I've always thought Kennedy lake would be worth while.

Windsurfing wouldn't be so bad on Cameron, I agree with MF4, definately gusty, to almost outright insane. I have seen it whip up to huge winds in less that 5 minutes and then back to normal winds, not giving any warning, so something to be wary of. As for kiting, hmmmm, think that would be not so good due to gustyness, launch issues and I almost think that when the wind rips through there that is is coming in on a downward angle, not flowing horizontally along the water (is that possible?)

It always seems to be blowing like stink when its stormy on the WC (NW). Morely, can you remember if it was a storm push or thermal driven wind when you were there?

Classic 'Qualicum' wind... http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca search 'Cameron lake' & select 'Cameron lake B.C.' to find topo. view. 'The wind came all ways' describes the Qualicum wind that blows across the Island from Albernie to Qualicum in a S.W. pressure-slope.

Windsurfish wrote:It always seems to be blowing like stink when its stormy on the WC (NW). Morely, can you remember if it was a storm push or thermal driven wind when you were there?

It was a long time ago now, but I'm pretty sure that it was thermal; but a big SW or NW certainly does it too. Being at the head of the pass it seems to get whatever wind is flowing across the island - maybe a venturi effect as well? Dale's probably seen it a lot more than me because he lived/lives in PA. I THINK I've seen it blow hard there from the SE as well - but the westerlies is dominant I think.

I can't seem to open this link?

There must be a few with comments on Cameron Lake? Port Steve?

I visited Horne Lake a few times and it was windy there too. There is also a gap and a funnel effect at the east end of the lake I suppose.

I have driven by cameron lake many 100's of times on my way to the nat over the years. I'd say it's been windy enough to sail about 25% of the times I drive by, from very comfy to insane!#^* Not sure how to predict though? Wind cam would be nice.

With talk of the Cameron lake monster I ressurect this thread.

Has anyone sailed here recently? Seems information on sailing Cameron lake is short on anecdotes after a quick search through the archives.

Sailed it last year when I was en route to PA to check out the Harbour Quay. Ended up spending the day and still haven't sailed in PA.....

Launch from the little day use area about half way up the Lake. There is a narrow area there where the wind seems best. Plenty of grassy space for rigging. Conditions similar to Nat except the reach is a bit short.... feels like your turning all the time and you have to be pretty efficient to maintain your position relative to the wind.

Beautiful spot. There are some train tracks on a trestle on the opposite side, and some cliff bands on Mt. Horne to look at while you're sailing.

Not sure what makes it go off. I tend to use the PA route to Nat from Nanaimo, so if Cameron is good I would stop there and sail, if not keep drivin'....

When we drove by Cameron Lake recently, it looked beautiful and we promised the kids we'd stop there next time to go for a swim, while we tried sailing. The underwater, lurking fish called Wanda sounds a little mysterious though.

You'd get lots of spectators from the highway, while sailing on Cameron Lake...good exposure for the mid-island tourists

We noticed the trestle up the cliff on the other side of the lake, is it for the E&N train? Anyone know if it is still operational on that part of the island?

Maybe the creature is a huge one of these: http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/