Low water levels at this time of year allow relatively easy access to Rabbit Island in the South Thompson River.  BUT…you need to get your feet wet after the first 100m or so. At its narrowest point the  channel between McArthur Island and Rabbit Island is currently only about 15 feet (5 m) wide and 1 foot (30cm) deep,  the bottom is sand and the current is gentle. Easily waded. (Don’t be put off by the featured Google Earth image).

Once across the channel, the plan is to walk the perimeter of the island, likely stopping for lunch near the west (downstream) end of the island. For the most part we’ll be staying on the sandbars below the highwater mark as the island itself is private property. The total distance should be about 4.5 – 5.0 km.

If you want to join in on this outing, in addition to your regular hiking footwear  and 10 essentials, I suggest you also bring/wear the following to make wading the channel as painless as possible (can’t do much about the cold):

• Wading shoes or sandals (preferably with heel straps) or old runners
• Pants with either zip-off legs, or that can be rolled up to at least knee level, or shorts for the brave amongst us.
• Small towel to dry your feet off and put on your hiking shoes once we’re on the island and on the return trip

MEET UP:  The meet up point for this outing is the Parking Lot for the Boat Launch on McArthur Island (between the ice rinks and the river)

In the event that the river levels rise by Sunday (unlikely given the forecast). I may have to cancel the event, so keep an eye on the website.