Kayaking trips 2015

Lake Washington length, Dec 30

23 mi, single, along (mostly west side of lake)

Kenmore to Renton: Put the boat on the van the night before. Significant frost on it that melted after I left Kenmore. Light wind mostly in my favor, but sun in my face all day. Wildlife: only common birds. Beautiful changing views of snow covered foothills, Cascades and Olympics.

Put in at Sammamish River boat launch. Briefly stopped at St. Edwards to loosen my skeg. Took a break at Magnuson Park. Observed the 520 construction. Stopped for a hot lunch at an Irish Madison Park restaurant. On to Seward Park for a final break. Sunset. Arrived at Coulon Park.

My phone died (freezing cold). Melanie not waiting for me there, so I changed out of my dry suit and got something warm to eat at the adjacent (serendipitous) Ivars restaurant. After I warmed up my phone by putting it next to my skin, it restarted (with 1/2 battery). Melanie found me at the same time. Tired, not sore.

(See east side completion in 2023.)

Lake Union loop, Dec 24

6.5 mi, single

Around the lake, exploring urban water views again, through sunset. Not as many people at home, on boats or as many Christmas lights as I would have expected. I pretty much had the place to myself.

Outer Commencement Bay loop, Nov 21

14 mi, singles

Meetup group of 7 interesting people: Launched into modest wind and chop, so crossed to Vashon Is, then to Point Defiance. Beautiful mountain views; sunny but cold. Traveling sea lions surfaced fairly close (huge animals!). Tide was high so had trouble finding a park in Tacoma to land and eat. Had to keep moving to stay warm out of the boat.

Lake Washington: Seward Park and Mercer Is, Oct 31

10.2 mi, single

Same route as in April. From Sayers Park to Seward Park against the wind, across to Mercer Is. Up to I-90, across the lake in the lee of the bridge, and return on the west side. Winds had caused small-craft advisories on the Sound but they seemed to die when I got to Mercer, and I was going to be disappointed. They picked up big time by the bridge. I'm sure it was 25 mph at my back as I did 7, surfing in the rollers. I was thankful for the windbreak of the bridge. Only 1 boat & 1 windsurfer.

Lake Washington: SE side of Mercer Is, Oct 25

9.2 mi, singles

Loop from the E side, across to Mercer and to the S end, cross back and return. Beautiful, calm day. Stopped at a park to do the update with Alan - sitting at a picnic table in the rain in our dry suits.

Lake Washington: Kirkland waterfront, Oct 2

5.5 mi, singles

Joined a MeetUp group for an easy paddle into the evening. Started with 5, but one dropped out. An interesting group of people. Ate afterwards together at a grill nearby. Great conversations.

Lake Washington, OO Denny Park, Sept 12

1 mi, single

Went out to practice self rescues. Another rec kayaker asked if I was OK once when I was out of the boat. :-) Couldn't do rolls. Noticed the tension of a pounding heart as I readied to roll into the water. Progressed to righting myself consistently with a paddle float. Noticed I was more calm then. Very fatiguing work. It made me mildly dizzy, and the effect persisted for a while.

Port Susan & Stillaguamish River, Sept 7

13.8 mi, singles

Launched from Kayak Point after a picnic lunch. Extremely calm in the bay. Saw seals on way to mouth of river; lots of gulls, some herons. River quite slow just before high tide; some fishermen. Exited the river through an alternate channel of the delta. At least halfway back, the water wasn't fully salty. Also, because the bay is shallow, the water was pleasantly warm for being the Puget Sound.

Deception Pass, Aug 25 & 27

20 mi, single(s)

We camped the week at Bowman Bay with Austin & Janae:

25: After I gave rides to the grandkids around the bay, I went out around Deception Island, and back. Just after high tide, I kayaked to the pass and played/practiced around the outlet of Canoe Pass, and up in Deception Pass. Could not go farther than Pass Island. 9.5 mi

27: Mel & I gave boat rides to the g-kids, then went N along the coast about 2.5 mi. That rock wall is very interesting. Again after high tide, I went to the pass and worked in the flow. At on point I crossed from still water at the side into the full flow, but was not prepared, so I went over. I don't yet have a roll, so I wet-exited, drifted out of the pass and self-rescued. Then I went back and practiced what I missed. It is fascinating to study the turbulent flows and learn what the water is doing. 10.5 mi

Marrowstone Is, Puget Sound: Aug 1

18.5 mi, singles

Camped the night before at Fort Flagler State Park: beautiful sunset, played flutes on beach. Circumnavigation of Marrowstone Island: Met WKC & Meetup group at causeway S end of island. Dragged boats N through shallow stream to water. Our leader Aaron was an enthusiastic character! birds on spit at Marrowstone N. Lunch at Ft. Flagler waiting for tide change. Wind and tide helped us the 2nd leg E of the island. Stopped at CMT campsite at S. Last segment against some wind & current. Good trip, all tired.

Cypress Island, San Juans: July 24-26

38 mi, singles
Guided trip by AKT, with Andrew & Bethany in tandem

Day 1: From Anacortes downtown, around E side of Guemes, lunch at N point, to Pelcan Bay site on Cypress. Hike up to Eagle Pt. Good rain overnight. 12.5 mi Day 2: Around W side of Cypress to Strawberry Bay. Bethany liked rollers. Some headwinds - tired group; lunch. Return around Strawberry Is. with wind at back. Dinner. Night trip to Cone Islands and bioluminescence; otter under Mel’s boat. 13.9 mi Day 3: Pack up and return on W side of Guemes to Anacortes. 11.6 mi

Lake Washington, June 28

7.4 mi, singles

Explored near the 520 bridge (which was close for construction) and the UW waterfront. Clouds covered the hot sun of recent. Busy to cross the boat traffic regions. The heron in this area are plentiful and unafraid. Saw an eagle nest (with large chicks). Invasive water plants were quite extensive for the time of year.

Whatcom Lake, June 20

5 mi, tandem

Before a picnic birthday party for Mom Grove, we went around the north end of Whatcom Lake. Had to get an invasive species boat inspection, and Melanie took a 1/2 hour course (to get the fee waived). Sunny, some breeze, but mild water. Gave rides to Mom, Cami & Eli. Gave lessons to Jeremy Hoos, Andrew & Bethany.

Lake Wa, OO Denny to Kenmore, June 14

6.8 mi, singles

Beautiful sunny warm day. Mild headwind and chop (mostly from the many boats). No dry suits today: more cool, but without the benefits of staying dry, however the water was warm. Hurried back for the update with Alan.

Blake Island, Puget Sound: May 29 & 30

12.1 mi, singles

Started late from West Seattle (after 8PM) because of various delays. Beautiful sunset while crossing. Light winds, but some rollers that were unsettling to Melanie. As we approached a log boom that was being towed, the turbulence was concentrated, then the waters behind it were flat. Moonlight on the water, very calm by the island, smells of the trees and land. Set up camp at 10PM. Lots of raccoons foraging on the tide flats. Walked to Tillicum Village after breakfast. Very nice return crossing.

Spada Lake: May 25

13 mi, singles

Invited a neighbor to kayak with us. Lake nearly full. Clouds down to the hills around the lake. A beaver slapped water at me. Around the whole central lake. We all had a great paddle.

Lummi Island, Puget Sound: May 16

22.2 mi, solo

Circumnavigation of Lumi Island with a WKC group. Sixteen boats launched from beside the ferry terminal, against the wind down to the DNR campground. (Very nice campground.) This was my first trip with an established group of kayakers, so I was pleased to see that I stayed near the front of the group much of the time. After rounding the south point, it seemed like the wind died away, however, we were picking up speed in the building flood tide. Stopped at Lummi Rocks for another break. Impressive wall of trees up the side of the island. Some tidal rips to play in. 7 mph up Rosario Strait. One more stop near the north end. Current in Hale Passage for the return was mild for the crossing.

Lk Wa north end; May 11

4.5 mi, singles

Clockwise loop around north end of Lake Washington from Sammamish River. Some south wind producing surf-able rollers.

Lk. Wa: Seward Park and Mercer Is: April 26

8.8 mi, singles

Repeat of route from two weeks ago with much less wind. South around Seward Park, across to Mercer, North under I-90, across the lake in the lea of the bridge, and back. Nice day, fancy houses, no unusual wildlife, but lots of waterfowl.

Port Orchard to Blake Island; April 18

19.3 mi, singles

Put in at Waterman Pier. Rode tide through Rich Passage. Water upwellings act weird! Stopped at Manchester St Park, looked around. Harbor porpoises on way to Blake; waited until gone. A bit choppy when crossing to island. Lunch onshore. Wind died for crossing back to Rich passage. Rode tide back through again.

Lk. Wa: Seward Park and Mercer Is: April 11

6.7 mi, singles

Wind gusts to 25 mph. Planned a route in lee of land, and traveling down-wind to minimize wind effects. But, along Mercer the water was unexpectedly active: crests almost breaking, seas to 3 ft. Melanie handled things well, but was stressed. Pulled into a park for a break; she decided she had had enough. After a snack I crossed back to get the car and then pick her up.

Tulalip Bay to Kayak Point: April 4

16.7 mi, tandem

Sank in muck getting into the water. Winds 10-15, seas 1-2 ft. Surfing going N, some 3 ft rollers. Lunch at Kayak Point. Cross to Camano Island: smoother water, but headwind the same. 4.5 mi crossing back. Saw harbor seals and birds out in the middle (a new one: surf scoter). Both tired.

OO Denny to Kirkland: Mar 28

6 mi, singles

1-2 ft rollers from S wind. Mel did great! Stopped at Waverly Beach Park before return.

Puget Sound, Carkeek Park - Kingston: Mar 22

22.4 mi, solo

From Carkeek Park across Puget Sound, then up to Kingston. Winds 10-15, seas 1-2 ft. Some rollers to surf. Watched the Victoria Clipper returning. Very clear water on West side: shells, sand below. Did update with Alan along shore. Short break at Kingston, then return. 5 mi crossing. Wind in face all the way back. Sunset at middle. Possible whale surfacing in distance. Bumpy water, boat performed beautifully. Dark to see park location; used illumination of passing trains to see the walking overpass. Quite tired.

Lake Quinault: Mar 19

8.5 mi, singles

Raining, misty, some small rollers. Nice to see a shore not fully developed. Eagle, heron, maybe otter, no mallards. Pleasantly tired.

Lake Stevens: Mar 15

7.6 mi, solo

Raining, misty, quiet. Saw a river otter. Met another kayaker and briefly talked. Good outing.

Black Lake: Mar 7

5.1 mi, solo

Forgot hat, bright sun. Goal to get around the lake in 1 hr - almost made it. 4.5 mph average speed, sometimes 5. Experimented with rotating hips by legs - new power. Quite tired (sleepy) that evening.

Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington: Mar 1

14.7 miles, singles

Shuttled ourselves with our two vehicles for the one-way trip. Met a family of 5 in a canoe before the Marymoor weir. The portage around the weir was tiring without wheels. Too many tennis balls to count downstream of the dog park. Rafted together and did the update with Alan by 60 Acres. Got dark around Woodinville; stopped at Wilmot Park; 7 MPH peak speed afterwards. Flocking crows thorough Bothell; they were like a moving ceiling of birds. The whole distance is familiar now, but I still forget how long it takes. Drove back to pick up the van after dropping the boats at home.

Lake Sammamish: Feb 22

5.8 miles, solo

A loop around the S end of the lake. Up Issaquah Creek until completely blocked by fallen logs. First time wearing distance glasses on a paddle - it is nice to be able to see. Calm water, beautiful sunset.

Lk Wa - Juanita Bay: Feb 14

5 miles, singles

After replacing Melanie's back rest, the trip was quite comfortable for her. Beautiful sunset.

OO Denny Park: Feb 8

1.6 miles, singles

Practiced rescues together. Lunging onto the back deck, then straddling the kayak seems easiest. Cold water on the head is startling and intense.

Everett: Feb 1

10.2 miles, solo

By Navy ships. Sea lions on navy floating fence. John Glenn, Aiviq ships. Got dark. Around Jetty Island. Some surf-able low rollers. Tide so low I had to portage by derelict wooden ships N of Jetty. Fast river current with glassy surface.

Lake Union: Jan 24

5 miles, singles

Practice outing for Mel. Looking at houseboats. Stop-off at wooden boat center. Showed boats to a couple.

Lake Wa: Jan 11

7.8 miles, tandem

Loop through arboretum, around 520 bridge from UW. Briefly surfed a slow boat wake. Impressive construction footprint: barges, floats, cranes & etc. Tandem seems heavy and large after single.

Lake Wa: Jan 10

14 miles, solo

Still, misty day. Big loop down around 520 bridge and back. Only saw one other boat out. Dark before 520. Observed crows flocking in flight (like starlings). Later gulls wheeled over me for 10 min. Long crossing of lake to take-out. Shore lights subdued, misty air in face, water smooth like old plate glass. Very very quiet; loudest noise was my paddling. Meditative experience.

Lake Wa: Jan 4

12.4 miles, solo

From Kirkland to the south side of 520 bridge. Evening. Wind from S made almost 3ft waves. Worked on surfing skills. A marina of barges on N side for bridge construction. Parked behind one in still water for the update with Alan. Followed the shore back by all the big houses.

Total 2015 = 354 miles