The weather couldn't have been more cooperative for our evening paddle. It was a full Harvest Moon and the lack of clouds and wind made for a perfect evening. Six of us launched out of South Lake Union park to experience nighttime paddling. Except for a few slow moving boats on the water, we were the only ones on the lake. It was a time to enjoy the sounds of our paddles moving through the water and the utter beauty of the Seattle skyline all lit up. We also were treated to some fireworks and saw some magical flying luminaries as they were released over Gas Works park. Simply amazing.
Racing the sunset
Seattle in sight
Space Needle on our way to the launch
SSAK paddlers
Luminaries coming from Gas Works park - wish the picture turned out better. It was a wonderful treat.
Well, it's been 4 months since I first started using a greenland paddle and my euro paddle has been acquiring dust ever since :-). I wasn't sure I wanted one so I didn't really want to invest any real money into acquiring one so I've been pestering my husband to make me one since he's pretty handy in the workshop. After weeks and weeks of prodding him, he took a weekend to work on it so I would have it for Mother's Day. I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with the way it turned out. He made sure to get my measurements so that it fit me perfectly. It's such a pleasure to paddle with! He done good :-)
My perfect greenland paddle made from a Western Red Cedar 2x4
Custom design by 8 year old daughter
Wouldn't fit inside the car so created a paddle cover that attaches to yakima bars.
Couldn't have picked a more perfect day for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Launched at Freshwater Bay boat ramp to begin our coastline adventure. No surprise that we weren't the only ones with the idea of paddling here as there were a couple of other kayaking groups that showed up. This is a paddlers delight. Sun was shining, ocean swells were minor (if any at all) and temps were in the low 60s. Not a great day for those wanting to do a little kayak surfing but for the rest of us, it couldn't have been better. This is my first time paddling this far north on the Peninsula. Freshwater Bay is mostly protected and is one of the most scenic sections of coastline in Washington with lots of cliffs, kelp beds, and small coves. Just know that the water is very cold - dress for it and you should be fine. We paddled inside the kep line to enjoy the amazing views and not rush the 4.5 miles to Cresent Beach for lunch. We saw seals and a variety of birds, lots of jellyfish and I was lucky enough to spot some purple starfish in the turquoise blue water.
Click here to follow along
The launch site - Freshwater Bay boat launch
Cute starfish
Look at the crystal clear water
Exploring coves
These kelp beds were everywhere - felt and sounded like you were paddling over a cheese grater. Just an illusion - the boat is just fine.
Absolutely gorgeous
Just chillin'
Threading the rocks
Lunch
Lions Mane jellyfish. Why we're manhandling it I do not know.
My purple starfish
Heading back from lunch
The Valley Avocet LV
There's two things that I would do differently next time (and there definitely will be a next time): 1. Stay overnight some place nearby. Either camp at Salt Creek (which is pretty nice) or stay at a local hotel. Left home at 7:00am for the 2 1/2 hour drive to get here. 2. Bring a boat that I don't have to baby. There were so many areas that if I didn't have my scratch-free Avocet LV, I would have loved to have ventured through. But those huge rocks are deadly to gel coat, not to mention kevlar underneath. Next time, a playboat would be my craft of choice.
After paddling with my crazy kayak club on Saturday, I was inspired to go out and practice my rolls. Still not 100% bombproof but I'm feeling a little more confident with each attempt. Trying to figure out why my blade keeps getting stuck in my lines.
What a gorgeous day for a
paddle. Eight paddlers from the South Sound Area Kayakers group made their way from Thea’s Park to Browns Point
while meandering through pilings and marinas. One of our talented members found an express way to
launch. That's why they make plastic boats :-). Lots of excitement crossing over to Browns
Point where some of us unintentionally played chicken with a cargo ship.
“Does it look like it’s
moving?” “No, it’s not moving”. “Are you sure? It looks like it’s
moving”. “No, those tug boats are just out
practicing” “…umm…ok…” “..wait a minute..it's...turning.. GO! GO! GO!”
So we picked up our cadence
and everyone made it safely across. During lunch at Browns Point, some of
us had an apple war with the apples that had dropped from the trees. Then
in true SSAK fashion, the majority of us ended up in and under the water, not
to mention on top of each other.
Getting ready to launch from Thea's Park on Dock Street
Unfinished bridge
Mussel encrusted pilings
Thea Foss Waterway tug boat
Making our crossing to Browns Point
Love this colorful little beach house
Kayak landing
Lunch time at Browns Point
Let the games begin
Auto graveyard
And the winner is...not the kayaker
That's me oblivious to a 300-ton cargo ship bearing down. BTW, they have some incredibly loud horns.
