Kayak Camping: Stewart, Orcas, Jones: Jones

Next day I was up early for the currents south.

This was the easiest day, and after lunch,

I read a book.

The next (last) day should also have been short, but I made a significant mistake and went the wrong way. (A lesson learned here!)

I made great time in the fast current going the wrong direction. That meant that when I discovered my mistake, I had to work hard to paddle against it. I came to one spot where the current was hitting the island and I could not advance.

So, I waited for the tide to change. I found a quiet cove and meditated on life, looked at seaweed, other marine life and waited. No anger - just thoughfulness. I would get home by taking a later ferry. I heard a powerboater out in the channel talk on the radio about going against a 7 mph current.

After some hours I was finally able to get through. It was past mid-day when got back to Jones, where I had camped. After eating and resting there I set out again, correctly.

Coming around a bend I could see a WA State Ferry at Shaw Island. Since I move slowly I had no idea if I would be able to catch it, but I put in good effort. It left there and went to Orcas Island. When I pulled up to the dock, cars were still driving on. I quickly got my boat on wheels, got it up to the ferry ramp, and after a short wait, walked on.

The weather had been dry and sunny all trip and the ride back was beautiful. The San Juans are so picturesque!

I will want to do this again next year at this time.

• See also the 2025 kayak trip list.