The afternoon sun's rays are reflected off the wind chop on Nitinat Lake.

Sitting with a beer in my hand after another stellar day of kite surfing, I suddenly see something rise up out of the water. The burst of air tells me this is no log! I rise to my feet and rush down to the water's edge where a huge grey whale effortlessly glides past. Awesome. It was rumored that a few people had seen the grey whale cruising the lower part of the lake. These social mammals love people and are very curious, which must be why it swam the Nitinat Narrows from the ocean to see what was on the other side. Of course it was all a rumour until we saw it with our own eyes and what a sight!

Kim and I have spent the majority of the last two weeks camping at our favorite spot along the shores of Nitinat Lake on Vancouver Island. There's no cell service out here, only the beautiful landscape surrounded by epic old giant trees to keep you company. We spent the first few days catching up with friends we haven't seen in a while. Pam and Jack, a couple who spend most of their time down in Mexico kiting out of their 1948 converted Columbia Ice Fields bus. And Walter and Linda, North Shore residents who don't look or act their age and spent their early years ski patrolling at Whistler with Kim's mom and dad. It's what Nitinat is all about -- enjoying great company, especially in the evenings around a sweet campfire. Of course what draws us all to Nitinat is the unbelievable wind that swoops in every sunny day. These thermal winds are hair-dryer smooth and provide hours of fun for any wind or kite surfer. For Kim and I, it's the best way to enjoy time together while learning new tricks and beating the summer heat.

Kite surfing is an incredible sport and so many people are interested in giving it a try. Marie LeClerc from Elevation Kite Boarding has been slammed this summer by new people giving kiting a go. In my opinion Elevation is by far the best kite boarding school in B.C. and representatives split their time between Nitinat Lake in the summer and La Ventana, Mexico in the winter. Their staff will have you kiting in three days and their women's clinic sells out quickly. If you're interested in learning a fun, new sport, check them out at www.elevationkiteboarding.com. To get started, you're going to need a kite, board, harness and helmet. Philippe at Air Time Board Sports in Vancouver will get you dialed with the right package to suit your needs. Then, all you need is some sun and wind to be on your way. Visit www.airtimeboardsports.com for info.

Adventurer Dave Norona spends more time sleeping under the stars than under a roof, and he likes it that way! His escapades are supported by Columbia Sportswear, Powerbar and Merrell Footwear.