Deception Pass DASH 2012

This was my 6th year doing the DP DASH. Good to see lots of paddling friends at this annual event. This year there where almost 100 racers paddling all sorts of water craft.
No concern for frost bite or over heating... a nice cool drizzle fell, 38 degrees and  a 15 kt breeze out of the east..
I finished 53rd with a time of 1hr 15 minutes and 45 seconds.......blazing speed for an old guy!

Diablo & Gorge lakes paddle WA

September 17/18, 2011

Diablo Lake / Gorge Lake  – SK II-III

Paddle in the North Cascades area, enjoy a long weekend of peaceful remote camping. The lake can get windy, so you should be comfortable paddling in windy conditions. Come up and paddle for a day or spend the night and paddle both days. We'll see fall colors and spectacular wilderness scenery, beautiful canyons, wonderful waterfalls and creeks, plenty of opportunities to take a picture or two ! Very nice (  free campsites ) with bear lockers, tables and campfire rings and other 'essential" facilities.

 

Under sunny fall skies the group first paddled Diablo lakes translucent blue waters. Calm breezes we paddled the roughly 10 miles circumnavigating the lake. Got out at the Diablo dam and hiked along the spillway,  either by kayak or car this is a real scenic stop and well worth the trip up into the north Cascades.

Camped along the Skagit River, dinner around the campfire and tents pitched  under starry skies. Day two was a paddle on Gorge Lake. From the campground to the dam at the south end of the lake it's about a 4 - 5 miles paddle and again very beautiful with a multitude of waterfalls along the way.

Quatsino Sound to Solander Island (almost)

Coal Harbour, BC to Solander Island ( almost !)

It's Friday, July 6th, up at 2:00 am and out of my Kirkland, WA home on my way to Everett, WA to pickup paddling bud, Rob...

Two hour drive north up I-5 on the way to the Peach Arch border crossing which we arrive at 4:35 am.. We are the only vehicle crossing the US / Canadian border at that early time, a question or two from the Canadian border guard and we are on our way to the Tsawwassen BC Ferry dock. Due to a lot of large trucks heading to Nanaimo (Duke Point) we missed the 5:45am sailing, I had reservations on the 7:30 am sailing so we had the pleasure of a slow breakfast as we waited. The two and a half hour ferry ride to Nanaimo then a five plus hour drive to Port Hardy BC and the first portion of the trip is in the books. Plan was to spend Saturday getting supplies and finding a place in Coal Harbour, our launch site to park the truck for our planned 10-12 day paddle.  

Saturday we spent a good two hours touring the WW2 Canadian seaplane base and discussing airplanes with Joel the proprietor, what an interesting,  colorful character!  He has some awesome photos from the RCAF days and a cut-away R-985 motor, a metal workshop and wood workshop, plus a Model T in mint condition. His business is Air Cab's at Coal Harbour, Vancouver Island (http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingaxel/6111214251/). For $40 bucks we had a parking place which is right on the water. Well worth the cost plus one of the great bonuses of paddling out of Coal Harbour is you can stay in Pt Hardy and drive the 16 miles on paved roads to Coal Harbour vs. the 25 mph, three hour  ride on kidney jarring logging roads to most other towns on the west side of Vancouver Island .

Sunday July 8th.

Up and out the hotel doors at 4:30 am heading to Coal Harbour.  We have the boats loaded and are on our way to Quatsino Narrows, a one and 1/3 mile stretch of 'very active water' on our paddle to Spencer Cove which is our day 1 destination.  One wants to carefully review the paddling plan for a trip through the Narrows as you will encounter large whirlpools, over falls, up wellings and fast moving water. FUN stuff!! Spencer Cove is a place to camp, ( enough said ) it is a space provided by a logging company primarily inhabited on weekends by folks who seem to like running their four-wheel off road buggies up and down the de-forested hillside. But after a lot of miles and long day on the water it is a welcomed place to put up our tents for the night. Spencer Cove is 17.2KM from our launch site at Coal Harbour. Weather was sunny and temperature in the high sixties with minimal breezes.

Monday July 9th.

Up and on our way by 7:30am, today we will paddle out to Lawn Point on the coast. Pleasant paddle in and around a number of small islands on our way to Cliffe Point. Once past Cliffe Point you lose the protection of the land and mountains and start to experience the swell from the ocean. Lots and lots of sea otters in the kelp beds as we journey to Lawn Point, seems like most of the groups we see are mothers with their little ones riding on moms belly as she swims on her back. Very encouraging to see such large rafts of these floating fur balls. We stop in Restless Bight, which has (guessing) a mile long white sand beach for lunch and a stretch.  A number of reefs from just north of Kwakiutl Point down to Lawn Point keep the water in this area 'lively',  pay attention to the breaking swell and boomers when paddling in this area.

We arrive at Lawn Point around 1:30pm, again we paddled under bright blue skies, minimal wind and temps in the upper 60's. Paddled 13.5KM on this leg.  

Tuesday July 10th

Today was a planned non-paddle day. Exploring the miles of beach on Lawn Point was the plan. Again bright blue skies, mid 60's and a nice ocean breeze are today's pleasant conditions.  We share the beach with a very inquisitive mink who patrols the area and generally ignores it's two new neighbor's. We also discovered a very large number of grass snakes living under a piece of black discarded plastic. Good to have these kinds of neighbors as there will not be any mice/rodents  getting into our gear, tents, food. One area interest for me, now that we have paddled several miles of coast line was the impact on the beaches of the Japanese tsunami, beaches where absolutely clean of any debris that we could see, a very real relief I'm sure for the local tribes and those of us to enjoy the BC coastal paddling experience. The beaches at Lawn Point have a lot of beach glass gems washed up on them daily, so collector's like myself have lots of colorful souvenirs and another 5 lbs in my boat to haul around. Another note, Lawn Point- 'Goggle Earth it' and from space it looks like your average well manicured front yard, in actuality ( my opinion) it's covered with 4 ft high razor- grass which I believed is host to all sorts of invisible vampire like creatures that drain your blood and leave welts that itch for days, but again that is  only my opinion.

Wednesday July 11th

This morning we are heading to Heater Point which is where we will set up our next camp. I'm really looking forward to our planned day paddles from this location, large sea caves and a waterfall right at the sea's edge, along with large numbers of sea birds which live on the protected islets in the area.  Again, a clear blue sky, same sea breeze and mild temperatures  greet this morning. We can see in the distance a thick fog bank covers our intended destination. We will be crossing Klasino Inlet on this roughly 8KM paddle to Heater Point.  Today, as each of the previous days on this paddle we see no humans, there is a sailboat leaving the inlet heading north but out here on the coast there are few humans that you come into contact with.  During our crossing we see a number of sea otters and a group of puffins ( they are just too cool ) fishing  for their breakfast. As we approached Heater  Point we disappear into the thick sea fog, very eerie, not being able to see very far yet hearing the crashing of the surf.  After a bit of poking around we found our next camp, and what an incredibility  beautiful place to camp. Recent guest who left their footprints in the sand were bears, deer and a wolf. A clear, fast running stream on the east end of the beach flows out of the surrounding steep hills. On the opposite end of the beach there was a small water fall. Note: due the extremely wet spring and early summer in this part of the world there was NO problem finding a good water supply.

By the time we had our tents up the fog disappeared and the blue skies returned to this relatively small beach, my guess a 100-150 yards wide.   Listening to a marine weather radio later that afternoon alerted us to a forecast that had changed quite significantly. A high pressure system in the gulf of Alaska was intensifying and serious winds were expected for the foreseeable future, significant winds are in the 30 - 45 knot range out of the northwest.  After a discussion and even though Solander Island was clearly visible and it sure would be fun if one had another week to attempt the paddle we decided that we would get up early and head back to Lawn Point and if possible round the Kwakiutl Point headland.

Thursday July 12th

Another early morning of blue skies but this morning the winds from the northwest were evident. Listening to the marine radio confirmed the previous evenings forecast of significant northwesterly winds and the high pressure system was continuing to intensify. We launch at 7:00 am from Heater Pt and paddled into the 15k winds on Klaskino Inlet this time paddling with the ebbing current made for a much quicker trip back to the Lawn Pt area.  Wanting to take advantage of the push we where receiving from the ebb current we continued on paddling around the Lawn Pt and Kwakiutl Pt headlands. A bumpy but very manageable paddle.  Our next camp was located on a small island on the southwest corner of Restless Bight. On the north side of our little island you could barely stand up in the face of the wind while on the south-side of the island you would hardly know the wind was blowing at all! The new plan immediately became we would spend two nights on this island's  white sandy beach. Water was readily available at the south end of Restless Bight and it was roughly a one mile protected paddle to get to the water source.  Weather forecast was for 2-3 meter swell building to 3-4 meter swell with 35 - 45K winds.. yikes... for the next three days.

Friday July 13th

Again,  beautiful bright sunny skies this morning, warm and very windy. Today, I thought I would try some fishing with my hand-line since I drug some lures and fishing gear with me.  In the afternoon I paddled out to a kelp beds on the east end of the island but with the wind it just made for way too wiggly conditions to fish and I gave up after 45 minutes. The wind and waves made for fun conditions as I paddle the three miles across to the eastern shoreline of Restless Cove to do some exploring.  Also, I wanted to see what kind of conditions we would experience as our current plan was to get up the next morning around 4:00 am pack our boats and head towards the west entrance of Quatsino Sound.  After checking out the shoreline I headed to the southern end of the Bight to re-fill our MSR water bags. A fast flowing creek empties onto a flat mile long white sandy beach.. Great place to explore... Back in camp, after dinner we experienced one of the thrills of nature as three Orca's swam right past our campsite. A large male accompanied by two females. One female leaped out of the water, I assume she was checking the rocky shore line of seals. Quite impressive to see a 19 foot long  8,000 pound flying fish! The male and other female followed close behind the first Orca, his 6 foot dorsal fin was all we saw of him. With the 35 kt winds and 3 meter sea's the three  Orcas disappeared into churning white-capped seas. Friday the 13th, a very lucky day ! Another note, with no light pollution from any source out on the coast it's worth getting up between midnight and three am just to admire the stars, the view of the Milky Way which I don't have words to describe was simply incredible. 

Saturday July 14th

Up at 4:00 am to pack, eat and hit the water. Didn't sleep particularly well as the wind howled all night and as day breaks this morning the wind is still brisk out of the northwest to say the least.  The moon and a couple of planets are the bright lights in yet another cloudless morning.  At 5:15am we say good-by to our very comfy island home and head out on our three mile plus crossing of Restless Bight. Big water but the waves are very predictable during our crossing. Closer to the eastern shoreline the big swell bouncing off the rocky shoreline add to the fun of the adventure.  Once we enter the southern end of Rowley Reefs area we could see the flat waters of Quatsino Sound in the distance. The powerful ocean waters now have become relatively tranquil.  Originally we planned to cross Restless Bight taking advantage of the flood ( turned out it took us all of 45 minutes to cross)  then decide based on conditions whether to call it a day or continue on but with the protection of Rowley Reef we paddle past Gooding Cove, Harvey Cove and continue on towards Clifffe Point.  Lots of interesting  shoreline to paddle in the company of sea otter, puffins, seals and hosts of seabirds, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs. We also see lots of fishing boats who are taking advantage of the protected waters of Quatsino Sound.  A small pocket beach west of Koskimo Island in the aptly named Koskimo Bay will be our campsite for this evening. Maybe75 yards wide with a nice cold running steam on one end, perfect! Wash the salt off all the gear and body. Did I say another bright blue sky, light breeze and 65-70 degree day.

Sunday July  15

The flood current  starts late today for today's planned paddle to Ilstad Island, our final campsite on this trip which is only 8 miles away. Yes, it was another sunny day, little breeze and temperatures ( I'm guessing) pushing the 70's. We paddle past several fish farms and logging operations, the logging has impacted the snow covered mountains in the Sound and guessing the fish farms impact the water quality.  Progress, quality of life and jobs or not, an interesting debate. Ilstad is really two small islands with a 100 yard- wide saltwater mud flat connecting the two small rocky islands.  Accommodations are fine, plenty of room to camp and the shoreline is covered with sandstone rocks with unique features carved into them by wind and water over time.      

Monday July 16

Our last day on the water, geez these paddle trips are over way too fast! This morning we are up very early, have to plan for the flood current through Quatsino Narrows. The campsite is approximately  five miles from the entrance of the Narrows and dare I say the day is going to be another sunny, bright blue skied day! Packed and on our way, we pass by the small First Nations village of Quatsino. The rays of the sun are just peaking over the snow caped mountain and shining directly on to the villages cemetery, cool visual early in the morning.  On queue an eagle dives out of the sky to nab a fish right in front of our boats, eagles are more numerous than crows and ravens in this part of the world, it seems.  We stop for a stretch before entering into the active waters of the Narrows.  The narrows are running a 4+ knots today ( sure would be fun to see it running at the7-8-9 knots that do occur here ) and we float through as if on a river.  Several locals suggested the trip into Varney Bay and a paddle up the Marble River which is a whitewater paddlers 'must paddle spot'. We paddle a couple of miles up the river and are able to struggle past the first set of rapids but the second set of rapids is not for meant for sea kayaks. Absolutely worth the effort to paddle into the cold, freshwater, high rock lined cavern. We float down the river and into Holberg Inlet for the four mile trip back to where our journey started in Coal Harbour.

Shaw Island, San Juans Washington State

Washington Kayak Club  'Round Shaw Island' trip  report...

Rhonda, Chris, Z, Jon, Marty, Beth, Rob and Bill left Oldin Park on the northwest corner of Lopez Island under beautiful, sunny blue skies at 9:30 am for a counterclockwise paddle around Shaw Island. First stop on the trip was a quick tour of Blind Island and the WWTA site complete with state-O-the-art rest stop accommodations. After a snack and rest break we headed west towards Wasp Passage where we encountered a  barge carrying a float plane on its deck, an unusual site to see..

 Stopped at a small, sunny, oyster covered pocket beach along Wasp Passage for lunch and a snooze. Thanks Marty for the fresh baked raspberry pie, it's really, really tough roughing it out here in the San Juan's!

Back on the water we round Neck Point and turn southeast  for the final leg of the journey. Eddy hopping in and out of the Madrona tree lined bays and inlets along the west side of the island. Some fun tide races to play in as we passed by Hicks Bay and Hoffman Cove before rounding the southernmost point of Shaw Island into Upright Channel on our way to Flat Point on the Lopez side of the channel and our home base at Oldin.  Arrived 'home' around 3:30pm unpacked and headed to town for a  good dinner at the Galley followed by another fire on the beach...

WKC Paddle Seahurst Park March 24, 2012

A select group of highly experienced paddlers left the beach at Seahurst Park on March 24th for a
three hour tour......
Well, actually six WKC'ers showed up for a 'get the dust your boat' paddle under mostly sunny skies and temp's in the high 50's, could spring really be here ? We paddled north towards the Fauntleroy ferry dock in the face of a brisk 15-20 Kn northerly wind which made for nice 2-3 foot wind waves and an occasional salt spray in our faces before returning to Seahurst. The Sound was covered by what looked to be 60-70 sailboats. The sailboats with their brightly colored sails and a back drop of the snow covered Olympic Mountains bathed in bright sunlight made for a photographers dream picture,unfortunately I was the skill-less photographer taking pictures..
Any how it was a great day to be on the water in the company of fellow paddling buds..

A Winter Paddle 2011

Pictures are of a 10,000 years old 'rock' fish, dawn over Echo Bay and Dought Pt...

the plan.....
Up and out the door way before dawn, on the road by 5:30 am,
take the 7:35 Anacortes to Orcas Island ferry, head right to North Beach,
launch by 9:05am......
Land at Fox Cove, set up camp, back in the kayaks for a
paddle around Sucia Island.
Day 2: Paddle over to and around Patos Island, hike to the
light house, then return to Sucia..
Day 3: Break camp and head back to North Beach.

the trip report.....
Up and out the door way before dawn, on the road by 5:30 am caught the 7:35am to Orcas. Met up with our friends from Body,Boat,Blade strolled over to one of East Sounds premiere breakfast joints, following a leisurely breakfast we head to North Beach. Boats are packed and we are on our way to Fox Cove by 11:00am. The weather forecast suggests a strong front with high winds will be passing over the islands tonight, as we launch it is a very pleasant day for a paddle. We arrive at Fox Cove, pitch our tents and are back in the boats by 12:30 pm for a trip around the colorful sandstone features of this unique island right in our back yard.
The currents are lively today and either pull against the boats or push us along. Lots of wintering seabirds along the way as well as the usual large number of eagles soaring overhead. As we passed along/under the steep overhanging walls along the northwest side of the island a large chunk of rock gave way crashing into the water WAY too close to us for comfort.. That would
have left a mark!!
As we passed around the east end of Ewing Island we floated by six very large male California sea lions sacked out on the rocks, probably a group of bachelor's waiting for the ladies to return in the spring time.
Landing back in Fossil Bay we call it a day. It's almost dark by 4:30pm so we have just enough day light to line up our gourmet MRE dinners before the night falls. The south south west wind is very noticeable high in the trees on the south side of the bay, situated where we set up our
camp we should be fine when it really gets windy late tonight.
Day 2: Up at the crack of dawn 8:00am and the wind is still howling out of the south southwest, weatherman is saying the winds will subside then pick up again late in the afternoon as a second strong front passes thru the area. The plan to paddle to Patos is deferred until next spring. We break camp, pack our boats and head out into the abyss, well actually the winds are starting to swing around to a more easterly direction and the white caps are easing..
We set our sights on Doughty Point which is about 5 miles away. Only boat traffic this morning are a couple of fishing boats and a coast guard cutter. The wind has almost died down to a breeze and minimal waves to paddle in this morning. We land at Doughty Point and get out for a walk around this park which is only accessible via water craft and has dramatic views all the
way to Canada. Back in our boats we head the mile and a half back to North Beach and the end of another beautiful winter paddle in the Salish Sea. Total miles paddled about 15. Things to remember, the water is shut off for the winter on Sucia. Wildlife seen: loads of eagles, oyster
catchers, seals, the very rare Canadian geese, sea lions, several species of gulls, porpoise, harlequin ducks, and of wintering birds galore.

2012 Race for Your Life

It's a beautiful winter 45 degree January 7th 2012 with little breeze under overcast skies in Seattle for the Third Annual New Year's Challenge. This year as last, there were well 120 competitors out to compete against outrigger canoes, surf skis, kayaks, standup paddle boards, dragon boats, rowing shells, and many other human powered crafts.
I finished in the blinding speed of 81 minutes which was a couple of minutes faster than last year.. ...Lot's of fun, a vigorous workout with a great meal shared by all at the finish line...