Teaser:
Tom Forthington is perhaps the first local business who is prepared to cater to an oil-free Clayoquot Sound.

The Tofino resident recently launched the Kyoto Rangers, a kayak courier service. According to his web page Forthington is "dedicated to enabling muscle powered trade and communication among the communities of Clayoquot Sound."

He says the idea is a throwback to times past, when canoes were the mode of transport, "muscle power" ruled, and travellers took advantage of wind and currents.

Body:

Kayak delivery service offered

by Jennifer Dart
The Westerly News
Oct. 5, 2005

Tom Forthington is perhaps the first local business who is prepared to cater to an oil-free Clayoquot Sound.

The Tofino resident recently launched the Kyoto Rangers, a kayak courier service. According to his web page Forthington is "dedicated to enabling muscle powered trade and communication among the communities of Clayoquot Sound."

He says the idea is a throwback to times past, when canoes were the mode of transport, "muscle power" ruled, and travellers took advantage of wind and currents.

Forthington is willing to make courier type deliveries to any point in Clayoquot Sound - and he'd like to be paid in salmon.

He's willing to accept any species of wild salmon and the number of pounds required increases with the distance travelled and seasonal conditions. For instance, a delivery within zone A (in a five km radius from Tofino) will cost four pounds of salmon in the summer and six in the winter, wheras a delivery to zone C (Hesquiaht, around 30 km) runs you upward of 40 pounds of salmon, depending on the time of year.

Forthington stresses his bartering system is not limited to salmon, partly because he's had interest from vegans who have suggested other forms of payment.

Although the idea of providing a service because "we're running out of oil" may seem like a political statement (as does referencing the international accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions), Forthington wants to be clear he is serious about providing this service to residents.

"We're taking positive steps to rebuild healthy, progressive, economical ways to live in harmony with the cycles of Nature," states the web page.

And while deliveries to Hot Springs Cove may require a commitment of up to one week, Forthington says, "I'd do it."

He does admit "using a skiff may seem more economical," but points out the true cost of oil dependency is hidden, and climbing daily. So he's looking to provide some alternative choices.

What can this Kyoto Ranger deliver?

Basically anything that can fit into the two holds of his kayak, he laughs. And Forthington is open to partnerships, even suggesting restaurants create a hold-shaped pizza for closer deliveries to harbour float home dwellers.

When last we spoke, Forthington had a delivery booked for Oct. 3. He says the Kyoto Rangers is far from being a full-time job, but if it turned out to be he wouldn't complain.

This return to ways past could well be the wave of the future.

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