A nimble fleet of kayakers have been delivering goods to a farm near Chilliwack, British Columbia, since flooding cut off road access in mid-November.

Suzy Coulter, whose farm is south of Chilliwack, ended up being cut off from the main road after severe storms on November 15 and 16.

Coulter said the road was “completely eaten up” by the flooding of the Chilliwack River and that the only road access remaining for the farm is a logging service road atop a steep hill.

“We can hike, get in our trucks, get back down and go into town, but it’s a huge effort,” Coulter said on CBC. On the coast.

“Basically it’s like a chore, and you know we’re not at the best level of fitness. “

Enter Ky Konojaki, owner of the Purple Hayes School of Kayaking.

“Rumor had it in the neighborhood that there were tons of kayakers because we all live right on the Chilliwack River,” Coulter said, “and so I know Ky a bit of the neighborhood… I thought I was going to call up to Ky and see if he might be in some of the heavy boat stuff. ”

Konojaki was more than willing and able.

“She contacted me before I had a chance to reach her. We were all on the same page,” he said.

Implementation of the kayak plan

Before leaving, Konojaki and a team of experienced kayakers had to plan the trip.

This meant making sure that the weight of items Coulter requested – like chicken feed and dog food – was evenly distributed among the kayaks.

“We basically turned everything into little bundles one night and then we went into the garage and made sure it would fit in some spots so we could get in and out of the boats safely if we had to.” , Konojaki said.

Then Konojaki had to take stock of the river.

“It’s definitely a higher risk [to kayak] because with the higher water level coming down there is so much debris and trees in the water, we just had to be very careful, and we had to take it slowly and safely as we went that we pass. ”

‘Over the moon’

Coulter sent photos of his side of the river so kayakers would be aware of any obstacles in their way.

Then they were able to set off. When Coulter saw the colorful cavalcade of kayaks stop, she was “totally over the moon.”

“It’s a bit isolated here since this happened and it was absolutely thrilling to see these brightly colored kayaks, this troop of angels going down the river,” she said.

“Suzy was happily waiting for us with cupcakes,” Konojaki said.

Coulter said properties in the valley suffered dire consequences from the flooding, with many of his friends having to evacuate their homes due to the risk of mudslides or flooding.

“We feel lucky because our homes are doing well and we have this beautiful farm. We just can’t get in and out easily.

“It’s difficult, but there were people who helped in this valley…

As for the next delivery?

Konojaki has said there will be wine for Christmas – and Coulter will be waiting on the banks of the river with shortbread.