So here's the thing about winter paddling in the Pacific Northwest - it's not the rain or the cold that puts a damper on paddling - it's the friggin wind. It can actually be very zen-like paddling in the rain. You find yourself out on the water pretty much by yourself with nothing but the sound of raindrops falling on your hat to keep you company. The cold isn't bad either if you dress for it. I don't complain about the temperature much. I don't think anyone should complain about the cold if you're not living in Wisconsin or Minnesota. But it's the wind. Lordy does it do a number on the waves. Not very much fun when you can only paddle 4 mph and the wind is 10+ mph. That's why I haven't paddled since Jan 2. Still on track for paddling at least once a month but it get's tricky finding a day to paddle where the winds aren't going to be a battle. Today we caught a break and winds were down to 3 mph so I grabbed the Avvy and went exploring Lake Washington. Launched at Mercer Slough and paddled the south end of the Lake towards Gene Coulin park then crossed over to Mercer Island for the return trip.
At the fill up station. I prefer fuel by Starbucks.
Shroud of fog that never lifted the entire day.
The things rich people buy...
Lovely little big boat.
The sun is up there..somewhere...
Lunch break @ Gene Coulin park. Nice view. Note: bathrooms are closed in the winter :-(
