https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/baker-lake-12-15-dec-2012 daily 0.75 2025-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586577446722-NB0OCXFO7MUJXAR73YT8/00%252BRoute%252BMap.jpg Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Route map. The west side of the lake is the more developed with roads and logging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586577507339-6DE5TYUE7E1EM0CDIU5H/01+Upper+Baker+Dam.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Upper Baker Dam. 312 feet high, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586582030231-B5BZ62M6IY61JZ6S35KL/02+Puget+Sound+Energy+boat+launch.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Puget Sound Energy boat launch. Mountain lakes are some of the most beautiful terrain in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586582145485-7VZVOUYJDWKET3ZK8JG1/03+First+view+up+Baker+Lake.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 View north up Baker Lake. A smoky silence blanketed the land, broken only by the splash of my paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586582256156-442EJ2KWSLR9WLE09UXP/04+Fingers+of+Mt+Baker+reach+down+to+lake.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 The fingers of Mount Baker reach down to the lake. To the north, there are only mountain upon mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586582813968-WRRW6MGT7U9BYAZ22IP4/05+Old+growth+forest+on+east+shore.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Old-growth forest on east shore. Once upon a time, the whole world looked this way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586582912455-HEBW4HJ8MH5HMH4SDKL9/06+Freezing+fog+descends+hillside.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Freezing fog descends the hillside. Winter’s coming was an actual, physical movement, not just the advance of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586583113663-R52W1CS2CFR3X9UIDOUU/07+Snowing+in+the+woods.JPG Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Snow falling in the woods at the north end of Baker Lake. Crawling into my tent, I felt like a bear entering its den. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586583217348-JY1APYT5ZYD5JR1C2006/08+Returning+in+a+blizzard.jpg Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Paddling down Baker Lake in a blizzard. Winter in the mountains feels like another planet altogether. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586583309051-IE64WQC05FV13YWMIQQT/09+Total+whiteout.jpg Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Total whiteout on Baker Lake. For the life of me, I can’t imagine why there weren’t other boaters out here enjoying themselves like I was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586583398464-4H6UI3EQZ18GMT36BGRX/10+Kayak+returns+to+Puget+Sound+Energy+boat+launch.jpg Baker Lake 12–15 Dec. 2012 Safely back at the PSE boat launch. So long as the wind is calm, precipitation need not worry a kayaker. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/matia-sucia-19-21-january-2013 daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586653685453-DGY4RDB3Q55VZSGA19XG/Matia+and+Sucia+map.jpg Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Route map. The crossing from North Beach can be rough during strong winds, including northerlies and southerlies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586653906112-DC5YYWFCZV1W4PQSDK6E/01+View+from+Anacortes.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 View from Anacortes ferry. The San Juan Islands are gorgeous in any weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586653952752-EZ1PWWJ99KM2KPMW437R/02+Car+deck.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Anacortes ferry car deck. Because the days were so short this time of year, I bought a ticket on the ferry rather than launch from the mainland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654049318-S6WOLCIRQHUGM82FB6R9/04+North+Beach+to+Matia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Launching from North Beach, Orcas Island toward Matia Island. The northern San Juans have a wild feel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654119578-U8AVYU0TQCBMRY608VT8/05+Hiking+around+Matia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Hiking around Matia Island. These pocket beaches are important habitat for juvenile salmonids and seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654175617-UHVXPTIPYANB94R4770N/06+Boulder+on+Matia.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Boulder on Matia Island. Matia’s forest is relatively intact, at least by San Juan standards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654431380-E0RI7AF75BTZQPBF9VR3/07+Clark+Island+seen+from+Matia.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Clark Island seen from Matia Island. Clark, Matia, Sucia, and Patos form a chain of state park islands along the northern edge of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654485364-K4T1CU5OKJM94C6QBXRZ/08+Aquamarine+bay+on+Matia.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Aquamarine bay on Matia Island. Pigeon guillemots nest in the cliffs on Matia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654526709-NP995WHFMADEKK2UIU6E/09+Classic+San+Juan+Islands+sandstone+near+Matia.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Classic San Juans sandstone island. The geology here is so distinctive I can always recognize a photograph of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654610783-E2QSI67S4I3LTTJ2CAY1/10+Crossing+from+Matia+to+Sucia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Kayaking from Matia to Sucia Island. Sucia is a maze of bays and beaches, each lovelier than the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654664608-LCPSETCPSS1MEWM90YL9/11+Fox+Cove+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Fox Cove on Sucia Island. This is my favorite campsite on Sucia and one of the best in the entire San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654707028-9G080M4AUHZ9815O61LT/12+Fox+Cove+campsite.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Fox Cove campground. In the summer, this site is overrun with powerboaters. In the winter, it is deserted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654759819-CAEBJW82QL4L7XJZQ2HF/13+Bench+overlooking+President+Channel.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Bench overlooking President Channel. This vantage point on the south side of Sucia is ideal for assessing weather and current conditions for the crossing back to Orcas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654809934-RUOXDVO4M7PAOA0ZZ6KQ/14+Trail+through+forest+Sucia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Trail through forest on Sucia Island. On this trip, I walked all day without meeting another person. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586654852835-J7L63S0KWZR9B0Q3WXL5/15+Madrones+on+bluff+Sucia+Islands.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Madrones on Sucia Island bluff. This species composition of Pacific madrone, Douglas-fir, and grand fir is characteristic of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586655745022-2HEBORI98HQI7PH4YYHL/16+Echo+Bay+Sucia+Island.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Echo Bay, Sucia Island. Sucia Island is like a diorama of the San Juan archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586655829377-Z0SYM28KIWJPHVZV7SCA/17+Echo+Bay+campsite.JPG Matia and Sucia Islands 19–21 Jan 2013 Echo Bay campground. Echo Bay is a particularly comfortable campground. https://alexsidles.com/kayaking-trip-reports daily 1.0 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f5da8eec-3d54-4971-9ce2-b21d0644ef93/South+campsite+Clark+Island+cover.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8a726f62-4201-4b96-8f7e-ae7b2f07310b/Alex+sitting+on+mud+bank+Hope+Island+cover.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d4cc85ab-3d9e-447b-ad34-1f0e858ee24e/Mount+Denman+cover.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. 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Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053990465-OAX7PADVF3JZ3E9H42V7/image-asset.jpeg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053763842-ELKJIX3XNIGS4SZZYXH8/27+Alex+directs+fire+from+Battery+Paul+Revere.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587966004970-FVT38WSAE01DP3Q7ZQON/07+On+top+of+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587965756383-OPTTI1RR75L3WKT6SXJC/13+Burrows+form+a+watching+face.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587965598868-55XKUCNI879Y8A12ZW46/10+Reading+by+Rosario+Strait.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587965463174-U3YCIT630KCR60WH08CH/10+View+from+inside+Fort+Whitman.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587965240109-Y0ZYD25NPKXOMEDRBT19/05%252BHungry%252Bdunlin%252Bscours%252Bthe%252Bmud.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587964612209-L9P9T79Q2QAV5XPZ2XQ9/02+Hiking+south+side+of+Skagit+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588055698321-YZ6FQBPFGEK6VX87CMVJ/02+Kitty+Hawk.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587964183738-IV2FY6XWLZWT98I33AHG/07%2BHumpback%2Bwhale%2Bat%2BSarah%2BPoint.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587963743358-NN7CG23J409PPUHE3TZ7/04+Secret+passage+under+aquarium.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960987313-1CIPIA8PD1SJMHH4C33Z/02+Paddling+northwest+toward+Patos+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587884517658-SNCLHW84C8DEOOQRLG4B/31+Killer+whale+motif.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588187052809-RIHBZO291RLASGD84JGZ/08+Alex+and+Dad+at+Bell+Island+campsite.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792749195-IYVM0AYFIUPF855ZAVXM/01%2BAdult%2Bmale%2Band%2Bjuvenile%2Borca%2BSquaxin%2BPassage.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792453899-EYMSNG4PRY6BU1ZZFH5F/03+Campground+on+Posey+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792296942-FTEOP6E6COATWD2XZ9OQ/09+Fossil+ammonite+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587698605565-BIE07U53NWN5YLYMKGBT/02%2BNathan%2Band%2Bthe%2BOlympic%2BMountains.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587698406354-R0MJDSMJL55X943AZYVR/02+Walking+at+Fishermens+Spit.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587698105451-II28TT0Q1EH28SD1B0MC/04+South+side+of+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587697933979-4ZJ41Y43I71J9GER3DKF/05+Pacific+madrone+on+Clark+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590774247095-TFG2DY3GI7MUWM2MFUK2/09%2BWolf%2Bon%2BSpring%2BIsland.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587697019550-LRSRITE0ISOMSIJD434Y/10%2BRachel%2Band%2BMount%2BRainier.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587696858685-4B05UA4617DB1WKFDB83/14+Sunrise+in+Clayoquot+Sound.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587534363792-ASE5S65Z8HZD836ZLU65/09%2BCrossing%2BRosario%2BStrait.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587534151262-JEXQ4VWHDT6WDZNCNXAS/05%2BHarbor%2Bseals%2Bin%2BPlumper%2BIslands.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587533925356-2ZH1UNN9X1BVJESX9PWQ/08%2BSetting%2Bup%2Bcamp%2Bon%2BStrawberry%2BIsland.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587533702036-A2VZUHKDX2FW7QM0UUPT/04+I-5+crossing+in+Allentown.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587532443745-RMXBYJVPSEWW9AINKQHW/09+Mount+Rainier+seen+from+Point+Robinson.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587450565541-FKZA4F2WDIIYDJFZ3EUT/01+Launch+at+Beach+Dr+Diamond+Pt.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587450130014-08HF763A0TWDYUTQ7MOW/11+Sunrise+over+Lake+Ozette.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587450187279-31U3ZVLAVPNO5OUL4X8A/02+Paddling+past+Alki+Lighthouse.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587449535081-KE1E3EPYAD71BTDNR2ZO/05+Camping+on+Darcy+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587363954235-5SW2WI1EFQG310VWXAWV/07%2BDad%2Bdrifting%2Balong%2Beven%2Bslower.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587363607000-MLSWYOBKI9ZL0GULH9ZS/21%2BAdult%2Band%2Bjuvenile%2Borca%2BHaro%2BStrait.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587963892135-ZWY8ZWJBC45V80M4L5KK/10+Harbor+police+defend+Areligh+Burke-class+destroyer.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588179199345-XKU0WKARMKJSI4B4Y693/McBride+Glacier+by+Kayak.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587192276155-Z0R5FAJMDX4GFWMLYLUM/image.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587104239689-2L6GN6O7S3ITWH0BFGWA/05+Kayaks+rising+in+Ballard+Locks.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587103881079-N7PEYC26SOR6F5AKSI7C/03+Old+bathhouse.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587103577137-19MOK2YBOBRAYT9ZHUNP/01%2BDeparting%2BShilshole%2BMarina.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587018290593-MXVOMH5VD55YOLFJSKUJ/18+MIsty+morning+on+Clarke+Island.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586975446088-H5P1LV2GVN3K3QYSEUN1/03+Sauk-Skagit+confluence.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586976236315-BHJPI1C6I3L0SLQJ98BJ/04+Black+tern+Juanita+Bay.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586927700611-UOU1KL61ANKAI5YVR3LN/14%2BView%2Bfrom%2BS.%2BRendezvous%2BIsland.jpg Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586701193498-82UVHUMUIJ39UPY2ZH94/13+Bench+overlooking+President+Channel.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586701566518-FG6P6RCN7EXW892WP7S3/05+Old+growth+forest+on+east+shore.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586838114577-X7XEZXI86FAEPJTQT2ZA/02+Kayaking+Nisqually+River.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588220000747-N4616PSZAPW4YFXTZJS1/IMG_0114.JPG Alex Sidles Kayaking Trip Reports https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/nisqually-river-17-june-2012 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586840346715-H93NX0BPT1YWAW3IF87U/00+Route+Map.jpg Nisqually River 17 June 2012 Route map. Unbeknownst to us, the launch point was actually part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and we were unwittingly trespassing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586840934414-RX5AN6C49RF9A9IQCUPL/01+Alex+dad+and+Nathan+kayaking+on+Nisqually+River.jpg Nisqually River 17 June 2012 Dad and Nathan kayaking down Nisqually River. We were the only boats out here today, which is normal for off-the-beaten-path trips like this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586841048467-X1QAM3HUUNGP0KG0ZAOO/02+Kayaking+Nisqually+River.JPG Nisqually River 17 June 2012 Kayaking Nisqually River. Around each bend of the river, the natural scenery grew more and more beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586841428824-XTRJM80EPCTIFM2T5NRU/03+Storm+clouds+over+Nisqually+Reach.JPG Nisqually River 17 June 2012 Storm clouds over Nisqually Reach. When the dark stratus clouds roll in, the entire landscape is drained of color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586841507698-DQ404VQNJXG5QP2W0BX4/04+Kayaking+Nisqually+Delta.jpg Nisqually River 17 June 2012 Kayaking Nisqually Delta. The Nisqually is so wide and flat there is no distinct boundary between the river and the saltwater.. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/discovery-islands-22-27-mar-2013 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586844144482-DYAFRM0121ESODWD87GF/discovery-islands-route-map-jpg.3885.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Route map. The Discovery Islands comprise the southernmost portion of the giant archipelago maze that lies between the Strait of Georgia and Johnstone Strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586915729618-NL77LLINRLMA6AIWVLSE/01+Early+frosty+morning.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Heriot Bay early on a frosty morn. Late March is a balmy camping season down south in Puget Sound, but it’s still a little early here in the Discovery Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586915818078-18OU9OZS5F7ZY9S2VT8X/02+Northbound+toward+Breton+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Kayaking toward Breton Islands. North of here, the mountains march all the way down to the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586915916109-AQO28NLIVH94ABF0M0OV/03+Approaching+Breton+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Approaching Breton Islands. Here, nature dominates the view, not the works of man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586917811123-6JISIVWDIOS5LOTTUBUP/04+On+the+beach+in+the+Bretons.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 On the beach in the Breton Islands. The landing here was one of the easiest in the Discovery Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586918501500-TNUUOEIXIJD7H5JDOCWD/05+Entrance+to+Hoskyn+Channel.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Entrance to Hoskyn Channel. The magnificent Inside Passage stretches from Puget Sound, Washington all the way to Glacier Bay, Alaska, and it looks like this the whole way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586918615774-L1HB99BN5FTVK63RNEZA/06+Waiting+for+tide+to+turn+near+Surge+Narrows.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Waiting for tide to turn at Surge Narrows. I tied off my boat and went hiking for a few hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586918657379-9LC0EDARV9HHWPHZMO0O/07+Exploring+near+Octopus+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Exploring near Octopus Islands. What few human habitations existed here were mercifully screened from view by the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586918751071-0QQD6RBDIKH7D3XA14DN/08+Past+Surge+Narrows.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 North of Surge Narrows. At slack current, it was a trivial matter to transit the narrows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586918803708-TL4SGH0M16P9GHJ0INFR/09+Narrow+passage+in+Octopus+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Octopus Islands. Some of the passages in this island cluster were so narrow and shallow I had to get out and walk my boat through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586919179255-9Y1ACXV0I6C3YUJJMG2N/10+Heading+for+Hole+in+the+Wall+in+the+rain.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Kayaking toward west entrance, Hole in the Wall. Without a map, even a major feature like Hole-in-the-Wall would be hard to locate in this maze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586919261672-YOYGI5KOTPM8MMIMWOS5/11+Waiting+for+tide+to+turn.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Waiting for the tide to turn in Hole in the Wall. To shield myself from the powerful currents, I tucked in next to the eponymous wall, which was covered in marine life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586919317952-VBUHP1IZJXOTT5E1Z0NJ/12+Transiting+Hole+in+the+Wall.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Transiting Hole in the Wall. The rainy weather only added to the homey, Pacific Northwest atmosphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586920690996-Q8E279KVH80E6QC7L1ZW/13+East+end+of+Hole+in+the+Wall.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 East entrance, Hole in the Wall. I worried an accelerating current might create unsafe conditions before I could escape the channel, but the acceleration was only gradual and the currents remained gentle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586923251800-78I1FCWFA3DMOI9FE6L2/14+View+from+South+Rendezvous+Island.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 View from South Rendezvous Island. The placid surface of the water was broken only by gentle raindrops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586923771625-N8M8A8G4TH926N7BNCQF/15+Culturally+modiified+tree.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Culturally modified tree, South Rendezvous Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586923805228-OYRY024HGLOLDIGWG6QQ/16+Swans+over+South+Rendezvous+Island.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Swans over South Rendezvous Island. These beautiful creatures traversed in minutes a route that took me days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586923921573-W2BDN6KO68XUV8SOKJ8C/17+Sutil+Channel+toward+Penn+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Kayaking south down Sutil Channel toward Penn Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586924150637-NXVE69XKRIW8RGN4YZOX/18+Beautiful+camping+in+Penn+Islands.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Beautiful campsite in Penn Islands. There’s nothing more pleasant than sitting in the sun beside the water, looking up at snowy mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586924220399-F4ZLRVKTNJ52NC94PKRT/19+Packing+up+for+the+ride+home.JPG Discovery Islands 22–27 Mar 2013 Landing beach, Penn Islands. Launching from here was a breeze. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/juanita-bay-29-may-2013 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586926371474-9UP5REQKF231S7S56WNF/00+Route+map.jpg Juanita Bay 29 May 2013 Route map. The lure of a black tern spiced up what would otherwise have been a dull crossing of Lake Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586926575576-1CDNEU9109BA4MCVRDV2/01+Launch+at+Magnuson+Park.JPG Juanita Bay 29 May 2013 Launch at Magnuson Park. Seaplanes, jet skis, and various other high-octane vehicles make Lake Washington feel like a freeway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586926658333-58TXV60YPWZXCKZ9ATQU/02+East+side+of+Lake+Washington.JPG Juanita Bay 29 May 2013 East side of Lake Washington. Every homeowner demands his or her own private dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586926722751-RSRGMT5AXH5ZJG89CVGM/03+Juanita+Beach.JPG Juanita Bay 29 May 2013 Beach at Nelson Point, Juanita Bay Park. One of the last undeveloped stretches of shoreline on the east side of Lake Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586926833020-2ZPMVVS91KSW8FKH7ISQ/04+Black+tern.JPG Juanita Bay 29 May 2013 Black tern in Juanita Bay Park, Lake Washington. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/skagit-river-11-15-aug-2013 daily 0.75 2024-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586928170558-CQONOTS9SAF6RQJ0RO6S/00_Route_Map.jpg Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Route map. At the time, I did not own the Mountaineers’ excellent guidebook to Washington rivers, so I had to check the route myself on Google Earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586928899420-FCTJGYPD3IE6CNR7R3V6/01%2BKayaking%2Bthrough%2Bthe%2Bmountains.jpg Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Kayaking through the mountains. In its upper reaches, the river was swift enough that I hardly needed to paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586928958314-2PTAOFUBG1LVRN7XN5PY/02+Under+the+first+of+many+bridges.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Approaching the bridge at Rockport. Rockport would have made a good alternative launch point to Marblemount, one that I used ten years later with my family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586929439569-KSRP5S2P1OFXMAHXMZ7Q/04+Campsite+in+the+misty+foothills.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Skagit River campsite in the foothills of the Cascades. Tucked in behind the bushes, my campsite was almost invisible from land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586929326348-YPG1SHN0PKND8E520CDB/03+Sauk-Skagit+confluence.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Sauk-Skagit confluence. The milky Sauk is flowing in from the left, discoloring the brown Skagit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586929564690-CX9T2ML9C9HJZK37EJGE/05+A+bumpy+section+of+river.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Bumpy section of Skagit River. Even in a giant double sea kayak, the river posed no threat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586929643009-DYUTENUSAT1ZIZBSDQOE/06+A+placid+section+of+river.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Placid section of Skagit River. I drifted down the river, hardly expending any effort, lost in my thoughts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586929695084-DU2E4AFDMNF6UORSNI2I/07+A+bedroll+under+the+sky.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 A bedroll under the sky. In the morning, fishermen on the rocky far shore looked on in envy at my choice access to the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586971806436-C43D0MO2NX51HXG6KE0U/10+A+new+I-5+bridge.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Interstate-5 bridge reconstruction. From a car, I-5 seems like the most important thing in the universe, but from a kayak, it is only a minor curiosity soon left behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586971700346-CEOUQYJ56QS3Q4N8M0E2/08+Logjam+at+rail+bridge.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Logjam at rail bridge. During the spring freshet, these jams can pose a hazard to boaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586971933373-FP0N0313MA9AX09CTXAS/09+Cattle+wade+in+the+river.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Cattle wade in the Skagit River. I carried my own fresh water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586972002287-KKOUXP9GFKI8ZX6T8RMJ/11+Skagit+River+fork.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Skagit River fork. The left fork outlets some six miles south of the right fork’s outlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586972851445-F0QLJNPB0AWH23DTPO0N/12+First+sea+stacks.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 First sight of sea stacks in Skagit River delta. The sight of these saltwater landforms always fills me with joy, because it means I’m getting close to my beloved Puget Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586972924148-WIXJ6SCOBVMIZSXGBQH0/13+Campsite+in+Skagit+River+delta.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Tarp-tent in Skagit River delta. This beautiful campsite did not survive the rising midnight tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586973118120-LG6WLSA4WL0TJNSALX6M/14+Breaking+out+into+Skagit+Bay.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Breaking out into Skagit Bay. This is one of the most sheltered parts of Puget Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586973170459-S3K2K63PQEWRG0J02WIK/15+Camped+on+Hope+Island.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Camped on Skagit Island. Yet again, I set up only a rainfly, not the tent, the better to enjoy views and fresh air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600725623834-RT1CSZTV8HYK1SDFC48N/image-asset.jpeg Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Foggy morning on Skagit Bay. This area is well known for the marine fog it experiences during summer, especially in the mornings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586973341597-WKRRPM7VD9XTJWL1SFQH/17+Heading+for+Deception+Pass.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Headed for Deception Pass. A compass or GPS comes in handy even in these sheltered waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586973507998-C9ORE0Y9KM0282KPCYHG/18+Entering+Deception+Pass.JPG Skagit River 11–15 Aug 2013 Entering Deception Pass. Main channel to the left, Canoe Pass to the right. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/broken-group-4-12-sept-2013 daily 0.75 2026-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587012486790-N52EJ1EOKWU3CS6IR6OC/00+Route+map.jpg Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Route map. I camped at every one of the campground islands except Gibraltar, which I only visited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587014298075-MEWKC5W8Y2C21ENHU0YA/01+Heading+south+down+Macoah+Passage+sept+5.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Kayaking south down Macoah Passage. The crossing from the mainland to the Brokens can be rough, but the weather gods smiled upon me this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587014345368-61IKFWMXTWEYBB6GA96G/02+Islets+of+Macoah+Passage+sept+5.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Islets of Macoah Passage. All the minor islands except the Stopper Islands are now off-limits to visitors as Toquaht land, per the Maa-nulth Treaty, Appendix B-3. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015076917-Y0QSCNHBHN04B876ORBR/03+Calm+crossing+of+Loudon+Channel.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Calm crossing of Loudon Channel. Ahead, the Broken Group Islands are spread out like dishes on a banquet table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587014938997-TFW0AOXGJ16GIK2BBBF4/03+Arriving+at+Hand+Island+in+the+Broken+Group.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Arriving at Hand Island, Broken Group Islands. Hand was one of the most attractive of the Brokens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015125223-VDW3ZBLBDGZ0LXOWWKMO/04+Scene+from+Hand+Island+beach.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Scene from Hand Island beach. If serenity were embodied in a physical location, Hand Island would be it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015192388-ZO4RNYBVPSAPO06I5366/05+Hand+Island+environs.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Hand Island environs. The beauty of the BC coast has inspired some of my favorite landscape painters, such as Stewart Marshall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015285686-QQKDE7V5KVI8RCRICNX6/06+Little+islet+dense+with+trees.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Small islet dense with trees. The climate here is so temperate life abounds in even the thinnest soils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015520616-MRGR6I0BHPUHU8KRQJFT/07+Sunset+behind+Hand+Island.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Hand Island sunset. On the coast, the most spectacular moment of a sunset is generally a few minutes before the sun dips below the horizon or a few minutes after. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015729818-4CWXWFUL7XW5XR0KEYPR/08+Morning+fog.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Morning fog. In some areas, fog was so thick I navigated using only the angle the swell formed with my bow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015821089-5DKZTXNRRXGOOADS28LN/09+Fog+burns+off+to+reveal+summer+skies.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Fog burns off to reveal summer skies. September is the best month for outdoor recreation in this part of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015882671-4UUL3PO1UT3D6ZJNZ5AC/10+Navigating+a+watery+maze.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Navigating a watery maze. This kind of dense, close archipelago makes for the most fun kind of kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015921827-B87AX90RXGU4KL34PBXI/11+Marine+air+in+the+morning.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Marine air in the morning. Some people find marine layers gloomy, but they always remind me how vigorously alive our planet is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587015995429-7WLC76N1WZT4NBGNS6O1/12+Near-tropical+scenes.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Sunny tropic scenes. In shallow bays, the sun-heated water was warm enough for swimming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016108050-XVVXI4C5BMO16R2PE4KV/13+Exploring+around+Turret+Island.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Exploring around Turret Island. Turret Island would make an excellent basecamp from which to explore the entire archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016170913-3VX0DMZ5P5QKW13UGBTA/14+Ancient+Sitka+spruce.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Ancient Sitka spruce. Finding an old giant like this is always such a treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016214806-WEWBYV38Z4EYRQIZYRL9/15+Sunset+from+Turret+Island.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Sunset from Turret Island. A mink joined me here on the beach to watch the passing of another perfect day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016518983-HC0W3FFWBU7RMELS1FTF/16+Approaching+the+outer+islands+in+fog.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Approaching outer Broken Group Islands in fog. Beyond these islands, swell strength increased notably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016608616-6FGE1TEHXTXOMB9LK8DU/17+Comfortable+camp+on+Clarke+Island.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Comfortable camp on Clarke Island. My fancy tarp setup did not survive the winds overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016653561-LIFWXMYGP3990V92S0RT/18+MIsty+morning+on+Clarke+Island.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Misty morning on Clarke Island. These trees were hopping with kinglets, all of them squeaking as with delight at the beauty of the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016932698-RPO90LJ3969MVJI87B8S/19+Passing+beneath+a+sea+arch.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Passing beneath a sea arch. It was a little shallow in there, but I could afford to be intrepid—the hulls of folding kayaks are easily repaired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587016993945-TYPIHMB9FVQIHDH7JCYK/20+Mountains+bathed+in+sunset.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Mountains bathed in sunset. One of the delights of coastal kayaking is looking east at mountains instead of west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587017074839-UHLSY30J5YOSFFM1PNNK/21+Eastern+Broken+Islands.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Eastern Broken Group Islands. The weather on the return was every bit as accommodating as on the way in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587017120323-VZOAIDXSSLAQ402YYKI1/21+Old+growth+grove+on+VI.JPG Broken Group Islands 4–12 Sept 2013 Old-growth grove on Vancouver Island. These pockets of untouched forest are precious beyond measure. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/discovery-park-24-nov-2013 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587092153742-5YK25CEBUXRMX9ZDGTVC/00+Route+map.jpg Discovery Park 24 Nov 2013 Route map. Shilshole is the main launch point for saltwater paddling in Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587092401337-8M43ALCFO3QTUKMFLDPN/01+Departing+Shilshole+Marina.JPG Discovery Park 24 Nov 2013 Departing Shilshole marina. Shilshole was once a working-man’s marina, now transforming into a playground for the upper middle class. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587092471319-1GPGCIL1E61WWZK5Y7VB/02+Exiting+marina+past+seawall.JPG Discovery Park 24 Nov 2013 Exiting marina past seawall. These clear, cold fall days are some of my favorites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587092533536-C1AZGJTFOO5860QMQ3Y6/03+West+Point+lighhouse.JPG Discovery Park 24 Nov 2013 West Point lighthouse, est. 1881. With Alki, this is one of Seattle’s two original, traditional-style lighthouses—although, of course, the lights themselves have since been automated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587092595824-2DJKDOND9USNSAMQN7FO/04+Puget+Sound+on+a+clear+fall+day.JPG Discovery Park 24 Nov 2013 Puget Sound on a clear fall day. Dad illustrating his elite paddling form. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/green-lake-16-feb-2014 daily 0.75 2024-09-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587100437594-J2SGCWTI5CG5RQAVMK9U/00+Route+map.jpg Green Lake 16 Feb 2014 Route map. Green Lake is the cultural heart of north Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587100679411-2J167ZIMW1CRF0N60YLE/01+Green+Lake+rainbow.JPG Green Lake 16 Feb 2014 Green Lake rainbow. For all its legendary rain, Seattle does not actually experience many rainbows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587100893059-8YUZY8SA4LL7ATNP1OU4/03+Old+bathhouse.JPG Green Lake 16 Feb 2014 Former bathhouse, built in 1927, now a community theater. Nowadays, most people swim in pools, not lakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587101007492-JZ2E0OAYSSZ03GHIHPQV/04+Paddling+past+pedestrians.JPG Green Lake 16 Feb 2014 Paddling past pedestrians along Green Lake shore. Somehow, rain that would seem miserable ashore seems inconsequential afloat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587101068826-EASIPUKTASNX04QJPYD4/05+Return+to+stadium.JPG Green Lake 16 Feb 2014 Returning to Aqua Theater launch point. These concrete bleachers are all that remain of a once-sprawling theater that presented swimming female “aqua follies” shows. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/ballard-locks-23-feb-2014 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102137553-HW19Y8NB9FNAML915DEI/00+Route+map.jpg Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Route map. Shilshole is the standard launch for saltwater kayaking in Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102249187-VOP2P3NS2I0BCC6JGN2T/01+Launch+at+Shilshole+Marina.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Launch at Shilshole Marina. Rachel and dad are wearing typical Seattle clothing on a typical Seattle day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102318454-8WZX3O113HLALQQWM5VO/02+Waiting+near+overflow.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Ballard Locks overflow. Here we waited until enough boat traffic had accumulated that the lockmaster was willing to cycle us through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102391611-L6ZI7MAKJDVCE2VU248R/03+Entering+the+locks.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Entering the small lock. The large lock is on the other side of the concrete barrier to the left; the spillway is visible to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102468285-ZGJ94IZUGXJ08SG9P9OD/04+The+green+canyon+of+the+locks.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Canyon-like walls of the locks. The western watertight doors, currently open, are pressed against the wall just ahead of us. The eastern watertight doors are closed in front of the sailboat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102578427-6HAP5HIXZ2SWFZRST916/05+Locks+rising.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Locks rising. The water actually fills and drains through underwater valves. The dribble through the watertight door is just an incomplete seal, not the actual source of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102815529-8C375OXBENVKQ7PKLWHS/06+Alex+in+Salmon+Bay.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Alex in Salmon Bay. Rain can only dampen my jeans, never my spirits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587102852376-XRFDQ9WVR4VEJEKOJFPU/07+Alex+and+Dad+in+Salmon+Bay.JPG Ballard Locks 23 Feb 2014 Alex and dad near Salmon Bay houseboat. Seattle’s Lake Union hosts residential, commercial, and industrial interests, all side by side. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lower-columbia-river-20-29-mar-2014 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587185670137-D8FF85A1YFBZ2Q4LUG84/00+Route+map.jpg Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Route map. The Columbia is the largest west-coast river by discharge in North and South America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587186187656-V2698CSJ6RJ72GI57TN1/04+Bonneville+Dam.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Bonneville Dam. This dam produces so much power the agency in charge sells electricity up and down the west coast, from California to Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587186293742-6LHX6G7BRAGTYMKKQDFV/02+Campsite+at+Bonneville+Dam.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Campsite at Bonneville Dam. Here, the Columbia River cut through the Cascade Mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587186572636-DGP2KXMGLVQ1UMJZ5RCE/03+Rachel+preparing+dinner+and+packing.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Rachel preparing dinner and packing food. Thanks to her planning, we lived like royalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587186880535-0D4ILOFNQL9M3STZZ6DY/05+Approaching+Beacon+Rock Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Approaching Beacon Rock by kayak. When Lewis and Clarke reached this monolith in 1805, they were astute enough to notice signs of tidal rise, even 130 miles from the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187132944-88I2N38V9S7PNMP9IZQ8/06+Rachel+and+Beacon+Rock.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Rachel at Beacon Rock. Even this far up into the hills, the Columbia was a wide, slow stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187225857-Y8MMKN9LMRYD5MRT3ZVZ/07+Rachel+through+the+canyons.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Kayaking through canyon country. The landscape turned greener and greener farther downriver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187291239-BQ6RZIK0CNXL2Z0OANK1/08+Passing+Multnomah+Falls.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Passing Multnomah Falls. Oregon is justly famous for its many gorgeous falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187355297-LI8Y2ELT1M09XZQULSCE/09+Rachel+sitting+by+Columbia+River.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Rachel sitting by Columbia River. We started off camping mostly on the Oregon side, then switched to camping mostly on the Washington side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187456071-4AJEOA5Z7SYTDDUB30NQ/10+Alex+happy+to+be+outdoors.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Alex happy to be in camp. It was such a delight to be out on the river with Rachel. We got married about a year after this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587187636456-53T6F1ADS44FXD287PQE/11+Passing+Rooster+Rock.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Passing Rooster Rock. Like Beacon Rock just upriver, Rooster Rock is a relict of the Columbia Gorge’s era of extensive volcanism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188014548-CG5LCS4WAJZWUSSADSK2/12+Leaving+canyon+country+behind.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Leaving canyon country behind. From here on, everything would be flatter and greener. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188196479-YJBIXONLY09YRR7CIWQU/13+Campsite+on+Reed+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Campsite on Reed Island. Picnic tables were a rare luxury on this trip, as most of our campsites were on undesignated public land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188289990-M2I89B4CPAEPZW728M6D/14+Reed+Island+sunset.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Reed Island sunset. We were careful each night to store everything in drybags or in the tent to protect against condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188348158-FHAM5S43X634RODCTOP3/15+Alex+down+the+river.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Alex heads downriver. Lacking immersion gear, we paddled only on calm days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188413529-F1TE9Q2BK4MHUNZEC9A8/16+Alex+stops+to+scope+some+gulls.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Alex stops to scope some gulls. Gulls are of keen interest to birdwatchers but scant interest to normal people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188477533-IUTMHZOCUU08KL03V84U/17+Under+the+Glenn+L.+Jackson+Bridge.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Under the Glenn L. Jackson Bridge. The cars above us might have been going faster, but they definitely weren’t having as much fun as we were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188614320-2PR3BZ4OMQJ9168NFHMN/18+Unnamed+island+late+in+the+day.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Unnamed island late in the day. We did not plan out campsites in advance. We just took them as they came. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188666548-EWAFGZE2YSMT5P63SSAK/19+Heron+rookery+on+sandy+island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Heron rookery on sandy island. Herons nest in dense colonies in the tops of trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587188709218-VALFH92QGCZAKFRVEXET/20+South+end+of+sandy+island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 South end of sandy island. Even on the fringes of civilization, there was an abundance of natural beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189409058-WBIIHUEFR4WKXEEKLIQP/22+Under+the+Interstate+Bridge.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Paddling under the interstate bridge near Portland, Oregon. One day, I would like to return to explore Portland’s many rivers, islands, and channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189677390-4KZZYE1FIZBDG0U4MHBC/23+Portland+waterfront.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Portland waterfront. Portland is quite far inland, but the Columbia River is so wide the city still operates an international port. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189737216-B521DMYATL307VLM5UFD/24+Sunset+at+Caterpillar+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Sunset at Caterpillar Island. This island was a lovely place to be stormbound the next day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189785806-URO09AU3V8P0QLPFV6UM/25+Capsize+at+Caterpillar+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Capsize at Caterpillar Island. Luckily, no one was injured, but some of the trash bags did escape and need recovery once rescue boats showed up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189861935-2E6YWL4Q6PQNOKJFIQPG/26+Rainy%2C+windy+day.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 A rainy, windy day on the river. We were able to use small islands to shelter us from the worst of the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587189906538-P1O2TLMIK1JU084Y4VR7/27+Kayak+versus+container+ship.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Kayak versus container ship. Ship traffic was mercifully light, even in the vicinity of Portland and Vancouver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190495688-PWI7RAXGAJVNTIATTKKN/28+Lighthouse+on+Goat+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Lighthouse on Goat Island. The Columbia River is so wide there are full-fledged lighthouses to help ships navigate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190552418-NGR3I1JU0PFR4HM40LAJ/29+Arriving+at+Goat+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Arriving at Goat Island. There was never a shortage of perfect sandy beaches for landing and camping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190601772-OVCZQRD8L4U4X8R4YAP9/30+Rain+clouds+departing.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Departing rain clouds. Most of the squalls did not last more than an hour or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190670786-PV5YGXZ8PBACGPAYVLW6/31+Through+sandy+sloughs.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Paddling through sandy sloughs. Wherever possible, we liked to hug the inside of islands, where the best scenery and wildlife were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190714853-KQ9HE8BSNHPNFYDKT798/32+Rachel+through+narrow+channel.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Rachel paddles through a narrow channel. River paddling is some of the most relaxing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587190776856-SROTS46U4IRM9BGSTOHW/33+Sandhill+cranes+over+Goat+Island.JPG Lower Columbia River 20–29 Mar 2014 Sandhill cranes over Goat Island. The cranes came on like weather fronts, trilling and chirping to maintain the integrity of their formations. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/glacier-bay-14-june-12-july-2014 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587229163235-VPFE75Q2N4FBT72AAJYV/01+East+Arm+Glacier+Bay+map.jpg Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 East Arm Glacier Bay route map. The entirety of Glacier Bay is a national park, and the upland portions are also designated wilderness. Most of the waters, however, are not wilderness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587243300622-I4VFYZS699E2Z2EFK6FO/01+Loading+gear+at+Bartlett+Cove.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Loading gear at Bartlett Cove. Prior to entry into the park, visitors must attend one of the daily orientation and permitting sessions here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587243339743-TCEIGFEAKOV6C85XAKND/02+Entering+the+park.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Entering Glacier Bay National Park. The Alaskan landscape resembles that of the British Columbia and Washington coasts, except everything here is bigger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587243577421-N8HAD3RT3S1GBJWRSB5O/03+Beardslee+Islands.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Beardslee Islands, Chilkat Range in background. The shoreline in the Beardslees consists mainly of grass that floods at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587243845324-7SGDFNR1G296WYG70RYN/04+From+the+Beardslees+looking+into+park.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 From the Beardslees, looking into the park. It is advisable to bundle up, even during sunny weather, to protect against no-see-ums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587243920795-6VITRTYP5T88IFT9HYUI/05+Chilkat+Mountain+Range.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Chilkat Mountain Range. This area is so remote it is almost frightening to contemplate hiking into these mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244088523-Q1HFADA6G8ATEXWXPFXT/06+Sea+otters+in+the+Beardslees.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Sea otters in the Beardslees. Great rafts of these fun-loving creatures were all over the southern portions of Glacier Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244127299-IE0578AIHNYE8NAC6FPO/07+Sea+otters+near+Beartrack+Cove.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Sea otters near Beartrack Cove. The otters were perfectly at home in this stark, cold environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244195179-4C5OBK4PXY3S168C4O9H/08+Padling+in+the+calm+Beardslees.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Paddling in the calm Beardslees. Even if it weren’t for the glaciers farther up the bay, the Beardslees would be a worthy destination just in themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244679030-5TB3BZSA73STZR1F4ZZN/09+Camping+on+an+island+full+of+bears.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Setting up camp in the Beardslees. Two black bears on this island growled and moaned at me from the bushes. They raced around wildly and reared up on their hind legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244283767-OLO6G011QHQF4VDVIVYH/10+Refilling+water+on+the+mainland.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Refilling water on the mainland. The Beardslees have no fresh water, but there are thousands of streams on the mainland nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244576991-Y9I3QGF15J7YZNLTY1FG/11+Arrival+at+grassy+camp.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Arriving at grassy camp. It was sometimes hard to judge how high above the waterline I needed to carry my kayak to avoid the next high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244856894-R046AK0WOR23PKGRN2O4/12+Approaching+South+Marble+Island.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Approaching South Marble Island. The island’s chalky color stands out starkly against the background of greens and blues that otherwise predominate in Glacier Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244914431-W5Z155ZST86D5GD327DM/13+Wall+of+mussles.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Wall of mussels. The waters here are so rich shellfish occupy every available inch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587244951819-66U5E23NDUB2LAXFT1GM/14+Humpback+whale+from+Sturgess+Island.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Humpback whale at Sturgess Island. I spent six days on Sturgess, watching whales and visiting the puffin colony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587255176392-O4EOTBOP1JKG6YC2XEHR/15%2BHumback%2Bsurfaces%2Bfor%2Bbreath.jpg Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Humpback surfaces for breath. The whales were so close to shore I could hear them trumpeting and growling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587245882811-K2CCUGTHVI7XH4M5GIIH/16+Wall+of+sea+stars.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Wall of sea stars. Kayakers are well served to hug the beach in Glacier Bay, where the most interesting animal life is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587257717088-L048HAOXV7Z05LY1C1HB/18+Making+tea.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Making tea in Glacier Bay. Some days, I did nothing but sit on the beach all day, admiring the scenery and wildlife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587257744989-R71HCNLE2JB3GI2KQ2LK/19+First+icebergs+at+sea.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 First icebergs at sea. I snapped off a piece of ice and allowed it to melt into drinking water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587257833497-ZX2HLIRSCM8X01DQIYS4/20+First+iceberg+ashore.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 First iceberg ashore. Amazing to think of this as ancient snow, transported from the mountaintops to this beach over the course of centuries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587257646376-FMUIMO4BL6JGKBHGZPGR/17+A+view+of+glaciers.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 A view of icebergs. The bergs grew denser and larger the father north in East Arm I went. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587258168548-Z2QWGYCI1MGDIY9YHVZ1/21+Heading+up+Muir+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Heading up Muir Inlet. The ebb currents seemed stronger than the floods, perhaps because of the constant outflow from the glaciers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587258221337-2P9I4M6A4463HRLQLCV4/22+Waterfall+in+McBride+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Waterfall in McBride Inlet. Not many decades ago, this entire inlet was buried under ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587258324702-LHK9SYIBK9C05CVSZ898/23+McBride+Glacier+icebergs.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 McBride Glacier icebergs. At low tide, stranded icebergs created a maze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587258386384-DC821S7HCYEER1Y8V1Z0/24+Exploring+McBridge+Glacier+at+low+tide.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Exploring McBride Inlet at low tide. I was reluctant to enter the inlet on an ebbing tide, when I would have to fight the outgoing ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587258453869-WT5CTKQZY2QKUBC5QFQG/25+Kittiwakes+nesting+in+McBride+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Black-legged kittiwakes nesting in McBride Inlet. These larids are uncommon down in Washington, but in Glacier Bay, there were thousands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587259276224-W2YH61LTPM7WH8ZHEKE4/26+Kittiwake+colony.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Kittiwake colony in McBride Inlet. Each of the white dots on the far wall is a kittiwake sitting on its nest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587259312913-46P9KOBB9T164XVHSGKH/27+Black-legged+kittiwakes+in+McBride+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Black-legged kittiwakes in McBride Inlet. These are some of the most handsome larids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587268950141-8HJRWB05G8ZY0LGUF1F5/28+McBride+Glacier+face Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Face of McBride Glacier. My kayak shoved the smaller icebergs out of the way, but the larger icebergs shoved my kayak out of the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269202553-W3E4W1XGYDMNN871ODE0/29+Watching+the+icebergs+flow.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Watching icebergs pour out of Muir Inlet. The icebergs of a calving, tidewater glacier illuminate the truth that glaciers are actually rivers of ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269278668-YKM2LX6MRJW6014KLKFI/30+Large+grounded+iceberg.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Large, grounded iceberg. Like driftwood, icebergs float during high tide and become stranded during low tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269476454-KGC0SB5TAYBSQR19IMO3/31+Camp+at+McBridge+Glacier.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Camp at McBride Inlet. The icebergs stranded on the mudflat looked like a herd of strange, mythical grazing animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269557725-F40RJ3GFFM0HNZKUJK53/32+Riggs+Glacier+camp.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Setting up camp at Riggs Glacier. The sparse vegetation and coarse sand are evidence of how recently this spit of land was under the ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269655330-JCW1VHIHKAMGXVXN5Z5M/33+Walking+to+the+Riggs+Glacier.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Walking to Riggs Glacier. The outflow streams are too fast to paddle and too deep to wade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269795226-DM6N700Q2TTUB994MYFD/34+Paddling+up+Muir+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Paddling up Muir Inlet. In contrast to coastal British Columbia, where inlets often funnel winds, Glacier Bay’s inlets were sheltered and calm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587269875571-WX3ZLZLOT145STY7IW4M/35+Terminal+morraine+of+Muir+Glacier.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Terminal moraine of Muir Glacier. One hundred years ago, there was no Muir Inlet, because this glacier was burying the entire inlet in ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587270677773-HIDOYGTUNANNDG1NLXPG/36+Steep+walls+of+Muir+Inlet.jpg Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Sheer walls of Muir Inlet. Although the inlets were steep in some places, there was never any difficulty finding a campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587270156578-1FXAZDAI51LNG46M258A/37+Muir+Inlet+campsite.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Muir Inlet campsite. The second “tent” was just a rainfly where I could prepare food under cover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587270796142-L33NMSWWBYDFNL0DA99T/38+Hiking+among+the+glacial+till.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Hiking across the glacial till. The tundra-like uplands offered a delightful change of scene from paddling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587270866103-T1B7K2KL7BN1W84BXA9C/39+Glacier+Bay+vista.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Glacier Bay vista. Some parts of this national park looked like manicured grounds swollen to enormous proportions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587270947795-25A8MB9AGPBE6XGZ1X2D/40+Recently+tilled+glacial+soil.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Recently tilled glacier soil. The landscape was so thoroughly scoured it sometimes reminded me of a desert—if a desert could have clouds or streams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587271236487-TIU84GORP2ID8NLSJIB6/42+Young+Grizzly.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Young brown bear in Muir Inlet. This little guy was more interested in eating shellfish than eating me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587271161739-5NQCSXIODC524G3NU4NS/41+Young+Grizzly+in+Muir+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Young brown bear. One of six bears I saw, three black and three brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587271340721-H4SV35WJNFKTMOFR12ZB/43+Eastbound+from+head+of+Muir+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Eastbound from head of Muir Inlet. Whenever the sun came out, the landscape would come alive with color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587271423791-LJRS4X5EOVYYRES8AJK7/44+Riggs+Glacier.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Riggs Glacier, seen from upstream. Its arms used to reach tidewater, but the glacier is now landlocked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587271592333-U1OXHQH1VMHALN8G6YUH/45+Southbound+toward+the+NunatakJPG.jpg Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Southbound toward the Nunatak, the vegetated mountain in the middle distance left. “The Nunatak” of Glacier Bay has not actually been a true nunatak since 1929, according to the USGS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587272009189-DE2U5193YKCQILO8SFW8/46+Looking+up+Wachusett+Inlet.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Looking up Wachussett Inlet toward Carroll Glacier. Wachussett Inlet was the darkest and most desolate of the inlets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587272535602-8DTTNFDJKU8YW1NS53YZ/47+Strawberry+Island.JPG Glacier Bay 14 June–12 July 2014 Reading on Strawberry Island. Here I heard the only owl of the trip, a barred owl that woke me out of a sound sleep with its “Who cooks for you?” https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/elliott-bay-29-july-2014 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273662187-WJDARQ7ATJCID87HHWSW/00+Route+map.jpg Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Route map. Seacrest Park in West Seattle is not the most convenient drive from my home in Ballard, but it is a great launch point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273727644-UI5PANM2CKZWACEWJSOI/01+Mount+Rainier+over+Harbor+Island.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Mount Rainier over Harbor Island. Mount Rainier is the tallest of Washington’s five volcanoes and the most visible from Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273784933-23E92W52VTFII6YEZVOM/02+Seattle+skyline.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Seattle skyline from Seacrest Park. There’s no place prettier than Seattle on a summer afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273847818-RVYFKQQB82XLNIEUGXYX/03+Tug+and+barge.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Tug and barge. Unlike Seattle’s lakes, which are mostly given over to recreational users, Elliott Bay is still a working waterfront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273901318-QK0XFRH8PDB6RZV15YIZ/04+Approaching+waterfront.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Approaching Seattle’s downtown waterfront, Great Wheel and Bainbridge/Bremerton ferries visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273940359-X1F6RFUINNKFVMH5ISX2/05+Under+the+pier.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Under the pier. A mysterious watery world lies beneath the feet of the unsuspecting pedestrians overhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587273998027-W0FTPRASUZWHX9HCIEVR/06+Under+the+ferris+wheel.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Under the Seattle Great Wheel. I was “local color” for the tourists in the gondolas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587274083940-69FUQ8Y6N5Y8JFMSFQZD/07+Russell+Investment+Center+and+Washington+Mutual+Tower.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Russell Investment Center, Washington Mutual Tower, and Highway 99 Viaduct. The latter was subsequently torn down, eliminating one of the prettiest drives in Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587274215860-UNG41JR0UQ606XBQ3JX7/08+Aquarium+at+low+tide.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Seattle Aquarium at low tide. The marine life grows denser and healthier on the outside of the aquarium walls than inside them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587274340951-2JLTO1LS1NTO1G9YMRW4/09+USS+Howard.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 USS Howard, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, docked in Seattle. One of our Aegis ships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587274662279-6U1VQU11EEC461DKKCWM/10+Harbor+police+defend+Areligh+Burke-class+destroyer.JPG Elliott Bay 29 July 2014 Harbor police defend the Howard from my kayak. Everyone was polite but firm that this was as close as I needed to come to the ship. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/san-juan-island-3-9-aug-2014 daily 0.75 2025-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587340916919-VZUBOYSJQIZONKQWGH9R/00+Route+map.jpg San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Route map. Just for fun, I threw in a three-quarter circumnavigation of Shaw Island, as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587341237528-CZ9LKPW117DMER14P4XS/01+Pelagic+and+Brandt%27s+cormorants.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Pelagic and Brandt’s cormorants. In most parts of Washington, these species are quite shy, but here at the Anacortes ferry terminal, they posed for photographs with their young. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587341289883-CLAAPIPQWZJ0YMOAR778/02+Northeast+side+San+Juan+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Rounding Reef Point, San Juan Island. At this northeasternmost point, the island tapers to a string of low rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587343982515-T7YVO3QFRNB9TD6I4IH4/03+Overlook+on+Turn+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Overlook on Turn Island. Turn Island is owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, but camping has been allowed since 1959 under an MOU with Washington State Parks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587345590654-3KS15AJG7DQYSNWS5RQY/04+Forest+on+Turn+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Forest on Turn Island. Raccoons on this island chewed holes in all my water jugs, forcing me to detour to Friday Harbor for replacements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587345680085-BPPLVNRXVXKYT7C5QPUH/05+Hiking+on+Turn+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Hiking on Turn Island. The air in the forest was still and hot, for the most part, but there were openings in the canopy along the shoreline that admitted cool sea breezes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587346086431-OL4A0WE9ONFA31GUNA6Q/06+Canoes+on+Blind+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Canoes on Blind Island. Most of the tribes in the Puget Sound/San Juans region have started canoe programs in recent decades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587346398764-DIX3YHYFGHWBIP1IUCJH/07+Landing+at+Yellow+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Landing on Yellow Island. The Nature Conservancy owns this spectacular island but allows day visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587346572287-LANV1SNNN71UKKL7DUXS/08+Hiking+on+Yellow+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Hiking on Yellow Island. It sure would be great to be the caretaker out here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587346624706-CJAII2TFYVR7EYT03QRK/09+East+end+of+Yellow+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 East end of Yellow Island. There were a wide variety of habitats in a small area, including forests, fields, and a sand spit much beloved by ducks and gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587350044836-DTBPP79LKRBQUWGXI9OS/10+Caretakers+cabin+on+Yellow+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Caretaker’s driftwood cabin on Yellow Island. The only permitted landing beach was on the south shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587350164010-NCUY2ULXW7ZFW19AROMN/11+Arriving+at+Jones+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Arriving at Jones Island. This island was so jammed with the summertime crowd I was lucky to find a campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587357114166-MMWBNVQY2CAR204NY686/12+Hiking+around+Jones+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Hiking around Jones Island. This is one of my favorites of the San Juan Islands, although I usually prefer to visit in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587357317154-VA80EW28EBS5DHSSHEZ5/13+Garry+oak+on+Jones+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Garry oak on Jones Island. The County and State are making big efforts to revive this fire-dependent species, the only oak native to Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587357642795-VZ23C26RI6UB67QHZFG7/14+View+from+Jones+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 View from Jones Island. Visible from left to right are Vancouver, Moresby, Saltspring, Sentinel, Spieden, Stuart, Cactus, Johns, South Pender, Flattop, and Saturna Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587357993450-TZJ7NEFHU0RUBAP89W07/15+Young+buck+on+Jones+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Young buck on Jones Island. Hunting is forbidden in this state park, and as a result, the deer have become so tame you can almost pet them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587359676121-913MNPVA2RM1FFE4Y8ZH/17+Sunset+at+San+Juan+County+Park.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Sunset at San Juan County Park. The kayak campsite here is up a long flight of stairs from the landing beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587359764301-X2F2JBOCBF8V2VIJWQAN/18+Lime+Kiln+Point+lighthouse.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Lime Kiln Point lighthouse. There is an old indigenous pictograph on a cliff nearby, but I only found it a decade after this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587359926437-O8KYIUDMCORAKNJ0OWL9/19+Orca+in+Haro+Strait.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Orca in Haro Strait. The lead adult male passed quite some distance away. The others came much closer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587359971934-FB3UNT6S19WXJ9K5UHGM/20+Small+family+of+orcas+pass+in+front+of+kayak.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Small family of orcas pass in front of kayak. Groups of two or three whales often synchronized their breathing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587360027720-YJZRAXNVX2GG0TD2ZQZ5/21+Adult+and+juvenile+orca+Haro+Strait.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Adult and juvenile orca in Haro Strait. Biologists can identify individual whales by their colorations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587360101062-HX2FA0T7BV5YPXESOCE4/22+Young+orca+full-body+breach.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Young orca full-body breach. This is the orca equivalent of a “cannonball.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587360176192-U52KXBK3BE6IR54IZ8R0/23+Southwest+coast+of+San+Juan+Island.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Southwest coast of San Juan Island. This expansive plain is a great place to look for foxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587360232589-FZX17X1FQN7QKGB7OXCW/24+Cattle+Point+lighthouse+from+Haro+Strait.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Cattle Point lighthouse from Haro Strait. Currents off the point can be dangerous, and the wind exposure is high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587360283576-POWUXD5XY9BRYVNY9FSR/25+Early+morning+in+Griffin+Bay.JPG San Juan Island 3–9 Aug 2014 Early morning in Griffin Bay. Griffin Bay State Park is so obscure the Parks and Recreation Commission does not even list it on its website. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/snohomish-river-delta-28-aug-2014 daily 0.75 2024-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587361331074-7TTT4V0HUDY8WUTH8IT2/00+Map.jpg Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Route map. There are endless possibilities for routing through the maze of channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587361503012-B4028CZ2W0YKCW8IIAQ8/01+Dad+along+Everett+waterfront.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Dad paddling along Everett waterfront. The beach dries to an extensive mudflat, so launching at the marina is advisable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587361559689-D2WEC8M1J4VMT76M9CHJ/02+Osprey+nest+Everett+marina.jpg Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Osprey nest at Everett waterfront. The cheeping cries of dozens of ospreys filled the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587361625179-9G85HR600C95436AFTQW/03+Rounding+Jetty+Island.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Rounding Jetty Island. Jetty Island was once home to the southernmost nesting colony of arctic terns, but despite intensive conservation efforts, the colony collapsed in the 1990s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587361849864-4V7VM6MR24DJEE3SOGU6/04+Derelict+wooden+ships.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Derelict wooden barges at Snhomish River mouth. The giant timber in these planks came from the old-growth forest that once carpeted western Washington until it was all harvested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362017063-PFYF34IHUTGUQ8S23LUF/05+Bridges+at+Hawke%27s+Landing.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Bridges at Hawke’s Landing. On a hot day, the shade of a bridge can provide welcome relief. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362099642-MRT9J4LXS2QU7JL72CIA/06+Dad+drifting+along.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Dad drifting along on the Snohomish River. Even though we were headed “upstream,” the rising tide did most of the work for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362144341-JAUK1MZC0QGGMIA6HUJI/07+Dad+drifting+along+even+slower.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Dad drifting along even slower. Huckleberry Finn is dad’s favorite character in literature, and he appears to be doing a pretty good impersonation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362215522-XJBIZ78L60PPCZ05AIHU/08+Peaceful+Snohomish+River.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Peaceful Snohomish River. The pilings are evidence that the river’s industrialization once extended much farther upstream than it does today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362274863-SNLB750DPZZOGYZ255PQ/09+Geocache.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Geocache hidden in the middle of the Snohomish River. Two kayakers headed the opposite direction from us told us where to find this geocache they’d just hidden. The cache is the container with the white cap. A small bag of marijuana inside the cache explained the kayakers’ otherwise incomprehensible giddiness at meeting us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362428817-5O2C2XWJABT6DBMWPVOB/10+East+of+Spencer+Island.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 East of Spencer Island. Spencer Island is a famous birdwatching hotspot, but few birders ever see it from this side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362475746-DM72HH5DSCTTKK9T6X4W/11+Evening+on+the+Snohomish+River.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Evening on the Snohomish River. Even with the long days of August, our slow pace almost saw us caught out after dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362513089-FJTKVDZQV5DIK28Y6US4/12+Osprey+in+Sunset.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Osprey in sunset. Hoping for one last fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587362547523-YRHN6DLO4Y448EB0OBLD/13+Sunset+in+the+Delta.JPG Snohomish River Delta 28 Aug 2014 Sunset in the Snohomish River delta. The ebbing tide and the river’s flow combined to whisk us back to the marina as darkness fell. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/southern-gulf-islands-19-24-dec-2014 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587430455977-C9INFESNE2F1J00X4TL9/00+Map.jpg Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Route map. This area can be crowded in summer, but it was deserted in December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587430577248-EIMBXQ7VD5FKFTL04V0I/01+Rainbow+at+Sidney+Harbour.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Rainbow at Sidney Harbour. No other boaters but me to enjoy this spectacle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587430730334-9Z4QOBHZ9NQ8VX8F9QOC/02+Crossing+Sidney+Channel.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Crossing Sidney Channel. Even though all the islands were in view, it was still helpful to have a GPS to identify them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587430653802-ROT4ESNNS1OYJIPC2ICF/03+Early+morning+Sidney+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Early morning on Sidney Island. My gear was covered in frozen condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587430698585-DSJCMZQ0G468NF1VBEAH/04+South+down+Sidney+Channel.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Paddling south down Sidney Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431026267-396H39Y5SR5U3E5COHS5/05+Camping+on+Darcy+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Camping on Darcy Island. Darcy is the southernmost campsite in the Gulf Islands, unless you include Discovery Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431130836-7HEGXVV005RVIHCWZX68/06+Winter+Solstice+2014.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 GPS showing hibernal solstice on Darcy Island. The day is only eight hours long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431230945-A52ALMBD9J0UJYMWLR5O/07+River+otters+at+Darcy+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 River otter clan at Darcy Island. This was the largest assemblage of river otters I’d ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431347408-PMNR3AVQHFM2DX8ZRXS0/08+Fierce+otter+teeth.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Fierce otter teeth. Otters often devour their prey alive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431861908-LGFV9QWXP2CI57JI3UC0/09+Sunrise+behind+San+Juan+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Sunrise behind San Juan Island. From the southern Gulf Islands, the United States lies due east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431903726-OXYRUS916D5G1LAG9IIS/10+Dunlin+at+Wymond+Point.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Dunlin at Wymond Point, Sidney Island. To a dunlin, British Columbia is a warm, sunny wintering ground, at least in comparison to the Arctic, where this species breeds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587431969444-438BWCVFTU3YH6DWRFIP/11+Ancient+murrelet.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Ancient murrelet near Wymond Point. This species is one of our most strikingly colored alcids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432012920-1D4NILJ8CP2BQDTR67AG/12+Ancient+murrelet.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Ancient murrelet. Like the more familiar marbled murrelet, the ancient murrelet nests in old-growth forests, except ancient murrelets nest on the ground, while marbled murrelets nest in the tree branches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432075775-SH3KMP4PGZDWDULEIL46/13+Common+murre+at+Wymond+Point.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Common murre in winter plumage near Wymond Point. Its “bridle” resembles the temple of a pair of eyeglasses, giving it an alert, intellectual appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432265186-FZPH16KQWTLC8Z3JXMIP/14+Sunrise+and+the+Olympic+Mountains.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Sunrise and the Olympic Mountains. Of all the mountain ranges in our region, the Olympics look the most remote, wild, and forbidding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432322846-ZRTSYBFO8OFV9KTM5MMX/15+Northbound+up+Haro+Strait.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Northbound up Haro Strait. The low-angle winter sunlight created a washed-out world of watercolors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432369465-UCNKP4LM84BFPHUDVW3F/16+Black+turnstones+and+surfbirds.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Black turnstones and surfbirds. These two are the most approachable shorebird species in our region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432434492-DRNR3SFLT3X2PXF5R6JM/17+Making+tea+on+Rum+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Making tea on Rum Island. If god were a kayaker, Rum Island would have been his first creation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432487118-OOOGOBZYXDW9HE0Y305E/18+Beachcombing+on+Rum+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Beachcombing on Rum Island. I stayed an extra day, the better to enjoy this magnificent setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432547038-WW2H0HXWEYHHOUVUT6DQ/18+View+from+Tent+on+Rum+Island.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 View from tent on Rum Island. There are only three tent pads on Rum, but in December there’s no fear of overcrowding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587432711799-NL8EH5D85NULUP7DHPLO/19+Long-tailed+ducks+at+Sidney+Harbour.JPG Southern Gulf Islands 19–24 Dec 2014 Long-tailed ducks at Sidney Harbour. Two males on the left, one female on the right. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-7-8-mar-2015 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587434615298-RO6ZHXJE8JAR3NPS2E02/00+Map.jpg Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Route map. There are several other possible launch points along the West Seattle shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587435435822-T6Q2XFOOSJ6RO6ULXLPJ/01+Rachel+launches+onto+Puget+Sound.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Rachel launches onto Puget Sound. In the background, the Olympic Mountains and a small flock of brant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587435530687-HV0GXDVRGVKD2EW27G57/02+Paddling+past+Alki+Lighthouse.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Kayaking past Alki Point lighthouse, est. 1913. Alki Point sticks so far out to sea it dominates vistas of central Puget Sound for many miles to the north and south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587435756205-MKU1D309AVXDQQBIT1XE/03+Dunlin+and+sanderlings+and+Seattle+waterfront.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Dunlin, sanderlings, and Seattle’s Space Needle from Blake Island. With all the urbanization in Puget Sound, it’s amazing we still see as many shorebirds as we do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587435829969-BR6GYL7YSDXESWMOA95Q/04+Cascadia+Marine+Trail+site+at+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Cascadia Marine Trail campsite on Blake Island. In the background, a container ship brings in piles and piles of consumer goods from overseas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587437535733-6EWESGFKGNQ46FS5WTN2/06+Morning+on+the+beach.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Morning on the beach, Blake Island. We used a Folbot Yukon and a Folbot Kodiak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587437574064-GS2USWH8UG6FWSP7MVCG/07+Departing+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 7–8 Mar 2015 Departing Blake Island, Mount Rainier in background. Mount Rainier is a highlight of any trip on Puget Sound. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lake-ozette-25-29-mar-2015 daily 0.75 2025-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587439871594-1ZOZA692ZX1Y7LXASG9J/00+Map.jpg Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Route map. Camping permits are available at the ranger station at the north end of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587440574129-0P5EJ66LBKXCUBLFDSXG/01+Flooded+sign+at+launch.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Flooded sign at north end of lake. One of the beauties of an undammed lake is that the water level fluctuates naturally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587440669560-ARF6BD3HBJN3H77703RX/02+Launch+at+boat+ramp.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Launch at boat ramp. Even the enormous cockpit of the Folbot Yukon proved to be a tight fit for dad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587440790261-I1465UXHGBFBGAV27AFW/03+Paddling+south+down+lake.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Kayaking southward down Lake Ozette. No other large lake in western Washington can match its unspoiled character. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587440866424-8OVP7XVFIOQ1QPPBLXWT/04+South+Sand+Point+trail+.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Trail from Ericsons Bay to Sand Point. This trail is also called the “South Sand Point Trail.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587441122166-1PYMK1URSXIT6EES5I1F/05+Skunk+cabbage.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Skunk cabbage along South Sand Point Trail. It’s the rare kayaking trip that takes one so deep into an old-growth forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587441175812-WNF2LXRP0OJCRY5JAPAU/06+Old+growth+forest.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Dad hiking on South Sand Point Trai through old-growth cedar forest. Though rarely used, the trail was in good condition and easy to follow, unlike the overgrown Allens Bay Trail at the south end of Lake Ozette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587441724872-HK8HK75UEUB4DLDTALKO/07+Beach+at+south+Sand+Point.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Beach at south Sand Point. The beach is almost constantly shrouded in sea fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587441823838-2UMCL03UCENRPJ279IW1/08+Dad+walking+up+beach.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Dad walking up beach. If we’d brought packs with us to carry our gear, we might have camped on the beach for a combination lake-ocean camping excursion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587441896480-SMTH3F8WKYPR504WP2M1/09+Sea+stacks+and+foam+at+Sand+Point.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Sea stacks and foam at Sand Point. The foam consists of organic residue from plankton, evidence of the biological richness of the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587442000266-STXQKYFFTT3UIGBCMJSJ/10+Dad+atop+sea+stack.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Dad atop sea stack. The Sand Point sea stack is a great location from which to scout the beach north and south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587442669980-LB47PXJ9CMCT2J68NMBU/11+Sunrise+over+Lake+Ozette.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Sunrise over Lake Ozette. The Olympic coast is one of the most beautiful places in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587442744111-6OLIVP48LB7540HBPZQ5/12+Launch+at+Ericsons+Bay.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Launch at Ericsons Bay. It would be sacrilegious to kayak across such a beautiful lake at any pace faster than a slow drift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587442855406-H8AMY0RP5BXGWGACF9JK/13+Launch+at+Ericsons+Bay.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Looking back at Ericsons Bay campsite. Without a map, a paddler would have to look carefully to identify the gap in the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587443029615-QLPUGR9PVRBJKI36Z29M/14+Approaching+Tivoli+Island.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Approaching Tivoli Island. It doesn’t look like much from the water, but this island has a terrific campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587443083392-AILIKXGGU7864J73UAWV/15+Northbound+from+Tivoli+Island.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Northbound from Tivoli Island. The scene looks almost like a saltwater bay, but the air at Lake Ozette had a distinct freshwater taste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587443158400-96IRIGEBZGCLC19G3TZT/16+Rainy+last+day+back+to+car.JPG Lake Ozette 25–29 Mar 2015 Rainy last day back to the car. Poor dad was a bit underdressed for coastal camping. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/protection-island-dungeness-spit-4-5-june-2015 daily 0.75 2025-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587443995443-KJHM9RSA5O8JPMMEA1RU/00+Map.jpg Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Route map. I did two separate day trips to Protection Island and Dungeness Spit, although it’s certainly possible to paddle between them in the course of a single day, as Freya Hoffmeister did the morning after camping illegally on Protection Island (her second time doing so). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587444729575-AQTZOH7K26UFEIA6ATED/01+Launch+at+Beach+Dr+Diamond+Pt.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Launch at Beach Drive, Diamond Point. This shoreline street-end is the only public access close to Protection Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587444823713-W3C97W0IPSLRUK85DWDM/02+Eared+Grebe+Diamond+Pt.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Eared grebe at Diamond Point. I was very surprised to encounter an eared grebe in breeding plumage here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587444870209-ZEDBWWE9L6N2SFG9RXQB/03+R2AK+racers.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 R2AK racers. By sea kayaker standards, the accommodations of “Team Sea Runner” are downright luxurious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587445928852-UKO9ZJHO1BUH74SAX9S6/12+Paddling+around+Protecton+Island.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Padding around Protection Island. Sandy beaches and loose-soil bluffs make excellent seabird nesting habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587445866189-VGFSMDCUZYKRZMB1MPPO/04+Rhinoceros+auklets+at+Protection+Is.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Rhinoceros auklets at Protection Island. Protection Island is the main nesting colony in Washington for this species, and one of just eight islands where the majority of all rhinoceros auklets nest in North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587445971271-TD5NZP45G68FYKS891O8/05+Pigeon+guillemot.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Pigeon guillemot. He paddled frantically with his red feet in an effort to get away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446022468-SLLBO8YD6IN487V4HQ0E/06+Two+auklets+at+Protection+Is.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Two rhinoceros auklets at Protection Island. During breeding season, it is quite apparent that these alcids are, in fact, members of the puffin family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446444636-E283L5GFGLRZ7ROKDT1X/07+Puffins+at+Protection+Is+jetty.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Tufted puffins at Protection Island jetty. Washington State’s puffins are in such terrible decline there may be as few as 30 puffins left at Protection Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446754980-28XVWQ2MWV1HZTYVWFN1/08+Puffins+and+Auklets+at+Protection+Is.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Puffins and rhinoceros auklets at Protection Island. The island was once platted for an 800-unit vacation home subdivision. Mercifully, the developer’s plans never came to fruition, except for a handful of houses and other structures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446836467-TCBE9L452B4LSIH915V4/11+Puffin+nesting+cliffs.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Puffin nesting cliff at Protection Island. Puffins excavate long burrows in the soil in which to lay their eggs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446923714-FRPEW4JK3JVPRN5KH67X/09+Rhino+auklet+at+island.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Rhinoceros auklet at Protection Island. This species is one of the most approachable on water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587446977126-TTS0V774YKLCBKZC8NPO/10+Puffins+and+pigeon+guillemot.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Tufted puffins and pigeon guillemot. The puffin appears to squawking at an annoying pigeon guillemot, but in reality, puffins do not normally vocalize on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587447439285-C5N5Q12TBO4N4C9CF95U/13+Launching+for+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Launching for Dungeness Spit, lighthouse in background. The lighthouse makes for a moderately difficult hike but a dead-easy paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587447506863-SYEA5U8UHM1T13F3Y521/14+Olympic+Mountains.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Olympic Mountains near Dungeness Spit. The Olympics are one of the best ranges for hiking in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587447567651-PHV1LEOUBZGNRI28CJC5/15+Dungeness+lighthouse.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Approaching Dungeness Spit lighthouse. Mount Baker is visible in the haze behind the buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587448056947-QA8QSUF3X6IC0424MIC7/16+Brant+at+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Brant at Dungeness Spit. I was surprised to see this species still present in June, as it should have migrated to Alaska already. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587448466155-E5WVMGE85IZ4LRVSZQGV/17+Cormorants+in+Dungeness+Bay.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Cormorants in Dungeness Bay. This remote, steel buoy must remind them of the bare, rocky cliffs on which they like to nest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587448554962-JH12N80NFC8ACQUTOE4A/18+Looking+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 Looking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a calm day, it would be trivial to paddle to Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587448606663-SJY95VAL4UQLCBI8HJ1E/19+Mudflat+of+doom.JPG Protection Island & Dungeness Spit 4–5 June 2015 The mudflat of doom. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to traverse on foot! https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/nisqually-seattle-21-24-june-2015 daily 0.75 2025-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587495537858-3W0879Z2FQY5VT398O7Q/00+Route+map.jpg Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Route map. Currents in the area run stronger northward than southward, so a south-to-north routing makes for an easier trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587507372616-RHS4I4XLTF9PUQU2NCPN/01+Sunset+Nisqually+Delta.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Sunset at Nisqually River delta. I had to hurry to reach the campground on Anderson Island before dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587507409747-L314XY9VN293D2APN032/02+Anderson+Island.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Morning at Carlson Bay campground on Anderson Island. Only kayakers may camp here, although other users may come during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587507484080-DGJ94T59EN866TVAYP94/03+Eagle+Island+State+Park.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Eagle Island State Park in the middle of Balch Passage. This small island would make a terrific campsite, but unfortunately, it is day-use only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587507621525-HTHQZ0QIYY0T2EKTQZGW/04+McNeil+Island+state+prison.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 McNeil Island Corrections Center, 1875–2011, the last island prison in the United States. Today, the only so-called “residents” who remain on the island are sex offenders subject to civil confinement (to be served following their criminal sentences). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587509938930-YXI6PJAG89OHR437J0I2/05+Fox+Island+pier.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Fox Island pier. Fox Island has one of the nicest shorelines in south Puget Sound, although almost all of it is, unfortunately, privately owned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587510102114-MWIB8S6SQOC75OQF4YLE/06+Tacoma+Narrows+Bridge.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Actually, two independent suspension bridges side by side, built to replace the original “Galloping Gertie” that collapsed in 1940. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587510182096-XUO6S3Q16V7UHTFA8V7N/07+Tacoma+Narrows+Park.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Tacoma Narrows Park. It feels almost like camping in someone’s backyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587510220105-X0OMYZJD3CANMLM3L0EV/08+Under+the+Tacoma+Narrows+Bridge.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Kayaking under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Currents here sometime exceed five knots, so paddling with the tides is essential. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587511306363-PAZ0MM3C6Y7GJ2ECMHYR/09+Mount+Rainier+seen+from+Point+Robinson.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Mount Rainier seen from Point Robinson, Vashon Island. Rainier is the largest and most attractive of our state’s five volcanoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587510908152-W5P2BHTNV2G0UYACR9H0/09+Point+Defiance.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Kayaking past Point Defiance. It doesn’t look like much from the water, but Point Defiance is actually a lovely municipal park with a great zoo and aquarium and plenty of hiking trails in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587510973230-NEX4466LZ1SZXAJ5SE0E/10+Tacoma+waterfront.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Tacoma waterfront and Mount Rainier. I think of Mt. Rainier as Seattle’s mountain, but if I’m being fair, it probably “belongs” more to Tacoma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587511035672-PVPSX3L5JZJRDBA5SPYV/12+Northbound+up+Puget+Sound.JPG Nisqually to Seattle 21–24 June 2015 Northbound up Puget Sound. I’m always surprised how little vessel traffic there in on the sound, considering that more than four million people live here. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/duwamish-river-9-aug-2015 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587515321782-9JZ811JLKDZ8SJTXXIH6/00+Route+map.jpg Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Route map. The Duwamish River has suffered many insults since the arrival of American settlers, including damming, rerouting, and severe industrial pollution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587515903968-MP6N72BG4B6SE0EY1LOI/01+Fort+Dent+Park.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Launch at Fort Dent Park. The launch we used was a poor beach of riprap beneath a bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587515937558-UTZRNR1NH1DF27AGXXLL/02+Confluence+of+Green+River+with+Black+River.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Confluence of Green and Black Rivers. The Black River flows in from the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516420867-Y2DJEDZPTQ8N75GBC02W/03+Down+the+Duwamish.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Paddling down the Duwamish. Black cottonwood are some of my favorite hardwoods, although most land managers don’t like them because they shed limbs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587515972149-4YRP5KG95SO6GHVFYB8U/04+I-5+crossing+in+Allentown.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 I-5 crossing in Allentown. Because of the excessive development along its banks, the best way to appreciate the Duwamish River is by boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516026449-ALX733NO73ABVXYH2WMB/05+Osprey.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Osprey calling overhead. The lower Duwamish River is a superfund site because of severe PCB contamination, which may pose a threat to this fish-eating bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516115571-9BQUJ57W28LIZS9O365G/06+South+Park+Bridge.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 South Park Bridge. In some parts of this neighborhood, the soil was so contaminated by industrial waste they had to rip out people’s yards and repave the residential streets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516198851-0N33GY1042HJQB60MVVF/07+Lower+Duwamish.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Kayaking the lower Duwamish. Seattle is a software town now. This older “tech” is slowly rusting away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516272751-114FXQ9WCGUUC50IPAKF/08+Under+the+pier.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Under a pier on the Duwamish River. A kayak is the perfect boat in which to explore seldom-seen nooks and crannies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516320432-6DLO33IHPO8X9L5FBQUY/09+Under+an+ocean-going+barge.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Paddling under an ocean-going barge. Technically, the kayak and the barge are both boats, but they have little else in common—neither in purpose, nor design, nor attitude toward life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587516635607-1GIAKGPXRZ67JVXV4HAL/10+West+Seattle+Bridge.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Approaching the West Seattle Bridge. The port of Seattle sees less traffic than the port of Vancouver, but a kayaker must still remain alert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1639597652053-RQW4FVBSGLVFK0TX0BT5/11a+Seattle+waterfront+from+West+Seattle.JPG Duwamish River 9 Aug 2015 Downtown Seattle waterfront seen from West Seattle. Any time of year, it’s a pretty city. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/burrows-and-strawberry-islands-21-23-aug-2015 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517212571-S8K7BBXS12ZD2FAJJV3L/00+Route+Map.jpg Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Route map. Tides can be difficult in this area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517450018-SMOSQL89RGVFCXMJYXQ4/01+Launch+at+sunset.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Launch at sunset. Beats the heck out of car-camping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517522537-L0V1ZEO8Q458S7UDHVKK/02+Stars+over+Burrows+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Stars and moon over Burrows Island. On clear nights in the San Juans, a flashlight is unnecessary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517567587-K06GKYYKUO1RDIZZ5HBP/03+Morning+near+Burrows+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Morning near Burrows Island. When the morning sunlight is this color yellow, it’s a sign the coming day will be a hot one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517632915-TLSY9GLMYH5N4BMI51EU/04+Burrows+Island+lighthouse.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Burrows Island lighthouse, est. 1906. This lighthouse has seen less of the tender care lavished upon the lighthouses at Lime Kiln, Turn Point, and Patos Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587517750740-ZL2TUH40O3HRNQYOH3PT/05+Northbound+up+Rosario+Strait.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Northbound up Rosario Strait, south of Cypress Island. Rosario Strait is where I first learned to work with tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518068141-IBQ9XFCYTKXM0GE4PLGK/06+Buoy+in+Rosario+Strait.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Buoy in Rosario Strait. When the current is rushing, it can be dangerous to approach this buoy, but it’s safe when the currents are weak, as here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518016600-5KJ7RHH6A3BAI9WMWKUE/07+Approaching+Strawberry+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Approaching Strawberry Island. The dirty brown, rocky cliffs are characteristic of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518130054-6IATBJS6B7K7VCTCGFHN/08+Setting+up+camp+on+Strawberry+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Setting up camp on Strawberry Island. This is my favorite campsite in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518191077-CZ8AMX4WB95WB6AZO9JZ/09+Exploring+forest+on+Strawberry.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Exploring the forest on Strawberry Island. Madrones and Douglas-fir are the dominant species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518240829-GMPNB81GBQZ0MMOUTU5U/10+Reading+atop+Strawberry+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Reading atop Strawberry Island. This is a reliable spot for observing harlequin ducks and black oystercatchers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587518298663-6DEHROQHCNIZXF2Z7ZXP/11+Sunset+at+Strawberry+Island.JPG Burrows and Strawberry Islands 21–23 Aug 2015 Sunset on Strawberry Island. In August, it’s common for wildfires to cast a haze over the San Juans that becomes most visible during sunset. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/broughton-archipelago-5-12-sept-2015 daily 0.75 2024-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587521716497-7VQTEDDF4IJJ74L7W6TQ/00+Map+labeled.jpg Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Route map. There are a thousand possible trips through the Broughton Archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587521809225-PSITY14JOUHLXYWQ5JT2/01+Loading+at+Telegraph+Cove.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Loading at Telegraph Cove. This is the best and cheapest launching option for the Broughtons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587521853909-N48HZ1WRBLGKD06HXXAI/02+Foggy+Johnstone+Strait.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Crossing foggy Johnstone Strait. Johnstone can funnel winds both from the northwest and southeast, the two prevailing directions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587521908787-3TKR5BFK2G8QB3H1DMT6/03+Pearse+Islands+setting+sun.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Pearse Islands setting sun. In a place like this,, rainy skies somehow feel more appropriate than sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587523806883-YOIBUPSM0NGJFPGK0FQ0/04+Humpback+and+murres+off+Hanson+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Humpback whale and common murres at Hanson Island. I believe the whale and the birds may both have been feeding on herring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527124154-EOA2FBLG6MLMRSUK610Y/05+Harbor+seals+in+Plumper+Islands.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Harbor seals in the Plumper Islands. These animals are sensitive to disturbance, so I always try to give them a wide berth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527217867-PUKX90MX3S5G6OJHEZF1/06+Harbor+seal+BLTU+and+CAGU.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Harbor seal, black turnstones, and California gulls. Each creature finds its own way to thrive in this environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527287714-2WMBF1ULZQG8AU1VAGQL/07+Through+the+Plumper+Islands.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Kayaking through the Plumper Islands. Currents can be strong in the narrow channels between islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527459191-QGTRT3M8R212W1BS92FD/08+Rhinoceros+auklet+in+Blackfish+Sound.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Rhinoceros auklet in Blackfish Sound. This is my favorite of the Big Four alcids, and one of my favorites of any kind of seabird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527532894-IGRXSF941WQBEXIRFER5/09+Murres+in+Blackfish+Sound.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Common murres in Blackfish Sound. The murres gathered in such numbers their groans and croaks carried for miles across the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527644615-XGX2HOHW1VIY0HIDRMIE/10+Westbound+in+Queen+Charlotte+Strait.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Westbound in Queen Charlotte Strait. On a day this calm, you could paddle straight to Cape Caution, over the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527704363-R7G88B7JQUJ5GJ1W1PHL/11+Approaching+White+Cliff+Islets.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Approaching the White Cliff Islets. Were it not for Kimantas’s atlas, I would not have thought to camp in this unexpectedly lovely spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527800831-XC2GI6KTE68QZNQW3Y6V/12+Setting+up+camp+in+White+Cliff+Islets.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Setting up camp in the White Cliff Islets. The landing was a smooth, sloping rock, not any kind of beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587527943237-6AIL418AMOL2MV6VTZ38/13+Red-necked+Phalaropes.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Red-necked phalaropes. Huge numbers of these swimming shorebirds were passing through the Broughtons in early September. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528000164-TIIFK6YGKS12CNQS4M23/14+Paddling+around+Mars+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Paddling around Mars Island. I believe this may have been one of Kayak Bill’s early habitats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528167704-838S73083RAYXIQJ5RUI/15+Under+a+tree+in+Trainer+Passage.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Sheltering under a tree in Trainer Passage. I stayed here a while, protected from the drizzle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528340479-GUVNSQDSTP2PFJ1B31WZ/16+Trainer+Passage+narrows.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Trainer Passage narrows. Away from Johnstone Strait and Knight Inlet, currents were much gentler, even in narrow passages like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528746509-WNOKP4TD40VO37BEGLG9/17+Approaching+Fox+Islands.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Approaching Fox Islands. Campsites can be hard to find here without a guidebook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528783617-NLVL7IAB0YNCE5IEJXKE/18+Retreat+Passage.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Paddling southbound down Retreat Passage. Fog tended to be thick in the mornings then dissipate over the course of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528917377-4KCSC0GJR3E9LNOVX5SH/19+Alex+at+Meemquamleese.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Old house posts at Meemquamleese. It’s rare to find an old longhouse in such good condition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587528992667-55922K3LZVI92AHOZDTB/20+Beach+at+Crease+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Beach on Crease Island. Gravel is one of the best camping surfaces: flat, yielding, and with excellent drainage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529092908-QQG55GBTV974CZR36W92/21+Morning+mist+at+Crease+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Morning mist at Crease Island. The seawater was still warm from the summer, but the air had already cooled as autumn arrived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588528462198-30CEN5MOA3GIN19KCIND/22+Red+squirrel+at+Flower+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Red squirrel at Flower Island. This handsome species closely resembles the Douglas squirrel familiar to Washington State outdoorsmen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529358653-P3ACYCN4GG58B7NMLJIH/23+Cooking+dinner+on+Flower+Island.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Cooking dinner on Flower Island. Sitka spruce and salal in background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529402729-FVQM6LJE48OUG2M6LAKX/24+Common+murres.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Common murres. These have already mostly transitioned to their winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529493614-XVMY6H4HVV5PBBLWNEQD/25+Humpback+whale+in+Blackney+Pass.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Humpback whale surfaces in Blackney Passage. Its breath was so loud it sounded like an engine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529541000-3UCXB91MUT39ZA50V0TM/26+Humpback+diving+in+Blackney+Pass.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Humpback whale diving in Blackney Passage. This is the most commonly seen whale in our waters, but each sighting is still a thrill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587529605006-7CCK1QLX7W6PQ0ZJUIVN/27+Orcas+in+Johnstone+Strait.JPG Broughton Archipelago 5–12 Sept 2015 Orcas in Johnstone Strait. This is the most reliable place in the world for orcas. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/strawberry-island-21-23-sept-2015 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531457580-SKYT6OVCJ0E2ZVQ8OPTJ/00+Route+map.jpg Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Route map. Washington Park is the best launch point, but it requires careful coordination with the tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531540024-MXYCLP2QYPPHO5EJFTDD/01+Launch+at+Washington+Park.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Launching at Washington Park. Rachel’s enthusiasm makes every trip a pleasure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531634764-HSNK5WYKDJMHPZFV3SHB/02+Northbound+up+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Northbound up Rosario Strait. This is my favorite stretch of water in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531674171-3XV83QCCREOH18HT8JZB/03+Reef+Point+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Reef Point, Cypress Island. DNR protects most of Cypress Island as a national resources conservation area (and some parts of the islands are nature area preserves). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531769275-ZOECXO2ZHCNFEBPZM1XX/04+Strawberry+Bay+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Strawberry Bay, Cypress Island. It was a leisurely paddle in delightful company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531908580-RZTFNIQDDPUHNNMZG1PL/06+Rachel+eating+lunch.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Rachel eating lunch on Strawberry Island. We brought a book to identify native plants, but Rachel already knew most of them by heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531827032-MAUFJHM03QVE0L90B3E0/05+Rachel+sleeping+outside.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Rachel sleeping outdoors. We had the tent just in case it rained, but we did not use it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587531998740-WRHRX448SS9C1CX0AOPS/07+Breakfast+with+native+onions.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Breakfast with native onions. One of the best camping breakfasts ever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587532048260-KTW17Y9XJF1BMJ3J4589/08+Kayaking+in+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Kayaking in Rosario Strait. On fall days like this, the world feels infinite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587532096613-76AIYFSNW1PO5LMHJM4G/09+Crossing+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 21–23 Sept 2015 Crossing Rosario Strait, Cypress Island in background. If only we could stay out there forever. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/clayoquot-sound-23-30-dec-2015 daily 0.75 2025-10-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587582190836-CWPU7F0Q1IVGVV70Z8MU/00+map.jpg Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Route map. I rounded Meares Island counterclockwise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587582530609-ZYZ8Y7QV4ICFBU4SBP99/01+Nighttime+at+Incinerator+Rock.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Nighttime at Incinerator Rock. There’s a sense of trespass and alienness in walking a west coast beach under moonlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587582765173-HRVGI0I4C89CP9EEOEJX/02%2BBeach%2Bat%2Bnight.jpg Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Beach at night. The boundary between water and land is always blurred on the ocean coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587582876378-B0E9PV89RMBH57T4F7NB/03+Frosty+Tofino+morning.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Arriving in Tofino on a frosty morning. The only waterfront activity was from people traveling to and from the village of Ahousat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587582965910-9BMG3P78L4HOMRGT5H2N/04+Morning+paddle+in+Heynen+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Morning paddle in Heynen Channel. The warming effect of the ocean kept the snowline a few hundred feet above sea level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587583253838-61HEK1MZE5KBUUA8M13Z/05+Small+islands+in+Heynen+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Small islands in Heynen Channel. Even when paddling toward a destination certain, it is always worthwhile to wander off-course through mazes like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587583360793-C7FAWJSXYN8BOAUKHOT0/06+Western+grebe+in+Browning+Passage.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Western grebe in Browning Passage. This is our most handsome, dignified grebe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587583400982-MA76C9FZSODGKS5TQQXW/07+Paddling+down+Browning+Passage.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Paddling down Browning Passage. The clouds hugged the mountains like cold smoke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587584953005-VNLVJ14ESZ5PBWCWOKU6/08+Cisaqis+protest+cabin.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Cisaqis protest cabin. In 1984, this was the site of one of the first big anti-logging protests in North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587587938131-VZ80UWG3FCZAL7SISR4W/09+Paddling+up+Fortune+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Paddling up Fortune Channel. Frost coats the kayak’s bow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587588122257-2T2IY01YMEG6GQMSFANW/10+Catface+Mountain+in+Calmus+Passage.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Catface Mountain seen from Calmus Passage. The Insular Mountains leach the rain out of passing clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587588785723-YV4N1O2ROI0HFPRPT57M/11+Offshore+islands+in+Clayoquot+Sound.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Offshore islands in Clayoquot Sound. Even with the many gaps between the islands, they still caused a noticeable reduction in swells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587590261696-F2JC1CMU5GF5164I0IMS/12+Approaching+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Approaching Flores Island in light rain. By December standards on the coast, this qualifies as excellent weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587590786953-H6JR7GAMB1R555HPT5WX/13+Camp+at+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Camp at Whitesand Cove, Flores Island. Long, sandy beaches are one of the chief attractions on the west coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587591744909-6ZK3I4NSUF1PHQPAYTIQ/14+Sunrise+in+Clayoquot+Sound.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Sunrise in Clayoquot Sound. The sun’s warming rays were especially welcome in the cold of winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587591790782-1JT4Y8WHLS7QYRG2HIPL/15+Winter+morning+in+Clayoquot+Sound.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Winter morning in Clayoquot Sound. This time of year, the sun took a long time to break the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587591856149-J4PJOHQJ2F278TCP56ER/16+Camp+on+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Campsite at Whitesand Cove. The beach stayed wet all day with frost, spray, and condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587591952901-GLADSPAMXNZRMJI0NTLL/17+Hiking+on+beach.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Hiking on beach, Flores Island. Although Flores was not large, the rugged coastline and thick forest made it difficult to traverse on foot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587592074754-63MS9VZJ7N0WWQ21I48V/18+Culturally+modified+tree+on+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Culturally modified tree on Flores Island. A strip of western redcedar bark is taken for use in clothing or basketry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587592150544-SI1FYZEF0ZYAIPX3VK82/19+Catface+Mountain+in+Clayoquot+Sound.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Catface Mountain in Clayoquot Sound. An open-pit mine is proposed that would absolutely devastate the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587592940933-9DU3X8DZ9OW4HTXMERBB/20+Rough+beach+on+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Rough beach on Flores Island. The more westerly beaches received bigger swells and made for worse launching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587593581687-40A6VF013QS5E1ICUGOE/21+Sunset+at+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 23–30 Dec 2015 Sunset at Whitesand Cove. This time of year, this far north, the sun describes only a 110° arc from southeast to southwest, not a 180° arc from east to west. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hope-island-2016 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587594610845-3M1RH44UYD65RAXHW5LX/00+Map.jpg Hope Island Route map. South Puget Sound is often overlooked in favor of the more famous San Juan Islands, but the south sound offers kayaking just as good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587594785351-E406HEV4PVMI8S3PG8CP/01+Launch+at+Boston+Harbor.JPG Hope Island Launch at Boston Harbor. Supposedly, the name “Boston Harbor” comes from a sleazy real estate promotion in the early 1900s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587610390607-26QU9WF4G84V1CSX7FMX/02+Dofflemyer+Point+lighthouse.JPG Hope Island Dofflemyer Point lighthouse, the southernmost lighthouse in Puget Sound, est. 1934. Unfortunately, the beach in front of the lighthouse is private property—the scourge of the sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587610711604-G89PEDYN8K8VJ0D5A17Y/03+Paddling+up+Squaxin+Passage.jpg Hope Island Paddling up Squaxin Passage. Currents here are generally mild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587610766592-LVT63KZXXWMTIH4OEP7P/06+Cabin+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Cabin and daffodils on Hope Island. The caretaker here has a pretty sweet gig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611009736-2RI0X5SRB4406HJW0V2C/08+Heading+back+to+Boston+Harbor.JPG Hope Island Heading back to Boston Harbor. Rain and clouds are the norm here, not the exception. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611269188-BYUKUSV0WZ16067ZZJC6/01+Loading+at+Boston+Harbor.JPG Hope Island Loading up at Boston Harbor. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at the marina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611354179-W8H3LQD78J2E1DYHEAAG/02+Paddling+up+Squaxin+Passage.JPG Hope Island Kayaking up Squaxin Passage. Partially overcast days are the most pleasant for paddling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611411209-988MUV97IDHNEVPUDPSJ/03+Approaching+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Approaching Hope Island. The individual campsites are east of the main landing area, the single group campsite to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611471230-X83A3KXAFKARDDPDYIIC/04+Rachel+cooking+breakfast Hope Island Cooking breakfast on Hope Island. Banana pancakes with maple syrup! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611536268-P7JBVQ34JKF0FG69MZIW/05+Rachel+and+Alex+reading+on+the+beach.JPG Hope Island Rachel and Alex reading on the beach. Though the grass may look inviting, do not be fooled—it is mostly submerged at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611693445-EHN7K4C7V0B9O56B7CKI/06+Rachel+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Rachel on Hope Island. Our daughter, Maya, was born a few months after this trip. Years later, Maya made her own first visit to Hope Island. Later still, Maya’s younger brother, Leon, also visited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611755321-9ZFZU9K16EFBF2WZB1XV/07+Campsite+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Campsite on Hope Island. The campsites here are close together but well screened by vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611804080-ZYQBB7T7P5AQQ3X45VWG/08+Folding+kayaks+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Folding kayaks on Hope Island. Feathercraft Klondike and Folbot Yukon, both companies now defunct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587611852018-D8BIGC609Q6O9SS0PT95/09+Rachel+departing+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island Rachel departing Hope Island. An ebbing tide is favorable for a southbound return down Squaxin Passage, but the ebb becomes slightly unfavorable in the vicinity of Boston Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587612042402-H8Q8PPH93CDZXBSC2V31/10+Rachel+and+Mount+Rainier.JPG Hope Island Rachel and Mount Rainier near Boston Harbor. Mount Rainier is even more prominent here in the south sound than it is farther north in Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587612129620-L21F6WE3DETBRM256S0O/11+Olympic+Mountains+over+Puget+Sound.JPG Hope Island Olympic Mountains over Puget Sound. The Olympics are our state’s most picturesque mountains, and most are protected as a national park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587612212470-1K1PJEGI4MKCVBQ8EJB4/12+Native+rhododendrons+at+Boston+Harbor.JPG Hope Island Native rhododendrons at Boston Harbor. The blossoming is brief but spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587612270804-BBDZJZN8OIVZULV7GX5A/13+Male+and+female+purple+martins.JPG Hope Island Purple martin boxes at Boston Harbor. Female above, male below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587612302363-559EUA1MLE67DD8GE45Q/14+Battling+male+purple+martins.JPG Hope Island Battling male purple martins at Boston Harbor. The ferocity of these creatures is awesome to behold. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/kyuquot-sound-1-11-june-2016 daily 0.75 2025-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587664618457-DJY9MDNAP5QIQFKJU1TC/00+Map+label+small.jpg Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Route map. The roads were in good condition all the way out to Fair Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587664753897-A2HVVUXHIXB10E4Y8MLM/01+Campground+at+Fair+Harbour.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Campground at Fair Harbour. The folks at Fair Harbour kindly let me camp in this plastic shelter the first night free of charge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587664869899-VP6SI9C4MPO57BTE29SO/02+Paddling+down+Pinnace+Channel.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Paddling down Pinnace Channel. I love the way the mist hugs the walls of the hillsides—a true cloud forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587664934499-Y7BF33IXN2PSH08G54QP/03+Kyuquot+Channel.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Kayaking Kyuquot Channel. This was only the introductory portion of the sound, but the scenery was already spectacular, even in clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587665152897-FLYNL1XU8ZIIDU5PA3D8/04+Foamy+waters+approaching+Mission+Group.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Foamy waters on approach to the Mission Group. Sea foam is an indicator there are breaking swells in the vicinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587665239004-1XZCPPKBH4T0JYH1N6TM/05+Mama+sea+otter+with+baby+sea+otter.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Mama sea otter carrying sleepy baby. The rebound of the sea otter is the one of the great conservation success stories of North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587665526034-X2XK9V6UCVBBPV68JL3R/06+Raft+of+sleeping+sea+otters.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Raft of sleeping sea otters in Mission Group. The otters were wary but unafraid of humans, but I still kept my distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587665611081-A1LF0NVFNYN7NY4W60GG/07+South+beach+of+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 South beach of Spring Island. This beach is one of the few land parcels in the Mission Group that remains public in the wake of the Maa-nulth Treaty, Appendix B-2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587665977466-4UOSY1DOS1OC92U8HRUT/08+South+end+of+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 South end of Spring Island, Mission Group. Both the camping and the paddling here were sublime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587666141624-ZHWJMLQJ0NZS6FKD6I35/09+Wolf+on+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Wolf on Spring Island. This handsome fellow was foraging along the tideline one morning while I loaded my kayak nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587666217382-BCF4TC7SD6ZL9S35PW0A/10+Kayaking+the+Mission+Group.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Kayaking the Mission Group. This archipelago alone would justify a visit to Kyuquot Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587666386553-2NUVBMYDMC9VQ5HPJY23/11+Kayaking+the+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Kayaking the Bunsby Islands. The channels between islands were quite shallow at low tide—no problem for a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587666446546-6BC8E1G37OWRJFBMLSJ8/12+Checkaklis+Island+passage.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Checkaklis Island passage. The Brooks Peninsula beckons from the far side of the channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587666590893-V4BKWC4XHY3XEBMXVDYL/13+View+east+from+Cuttle+Islets.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 View east from Cuttle Islands. Peter McGee’s guidebook identifies the Cuttle Islands as a campsite, but actually they are part of the Checleset Bay Ecological Preserve, which prohibits camping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679484125-KVJAVB00XV9FG9S6EHTS/14+Approaching+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Approaching the Brooks Peninsula. The fearsome Brooks did not pose any hazard in such calm conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679558341-WAQM1V0VF74NFZ08AXE9/15+Paradise+Beach+on+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Paradisiacal beach on Brooks Peninsula. The sand here was as soft and warm as a mattress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679618321-M5GNFHL9FKL9UJOI3TMB/16+Waterfront+camping+on+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Waterfront camping on Brooks Peninsula. The beach was so broad there was never any worry about high tides reaching the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679674225-NWVJJ4CMX3NBNO9S033X/17+Beach+hiking+on+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Beach hiking on Brooks Peninsula. At lower tides, I wandered among the many stone monoliths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679917744-39XZJQE7YAE8B395A8T6/18+Paddling+off+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Paddling off Brooks Peninsula. The weather on the return voyage was just as serene as on the way up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587679959624-XL2O4F3MBMAIXEPPVLOW/19+Late+afternoon+on+Lookout+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Late afternoon on Lookout Island. Unbeknownst to me until after the trip, Lookout Island is also one of the Maa-nulth treaty islands and is not actually open to camping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680053300-U4HPY78FQ3I5NFDU2ZR4/20+Scrambling+on+Lookout+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 Scrambling on Lookout Island. There is a small, horizontal blowhole near these rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680090325-1YZ3C9RQEGTL6HNHO6AH/21+View+from+Lookout+Island+beach.JPG Kyuquot Sound 1–11 June 2016 View north from Lookout Island beach. The island is aptly named—vistas here are long and beautiful. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lummi-island-1-3-july-2016 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680616658-42WBY712WZSX3V63G5GR/00+Map.jpg Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Route map. I launched at the Lummi Nation marina, with permission from the clerk at the store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680714414-Q08ZMRS1LEOWZZ740UQC/01+Sleepy+harbor+seals+at+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Sleepy harbor seals near Clark Island. This species does not like to be approached, but if you keep your distance they ignore you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680781535-NZ7XATHB52BAIT19LW4Y/02+Private+beach+on+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 My own, personal landing beach on Clark Island. Though often crowded, Clark is one of the prettiest islands in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680822519-YIE4NG947MPK2U0A5TW2/03+Northern+rough-winged+swallow+at+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Northern rough-winged swallow at Clark Island. This species does well in the San Juans, where there are a lot of sandy cliffs available for nesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680888293-FP1WZUB1DIB69FI4WRBL/04+Violet-green+swallow+at+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Violet-green swallow at Clark Island. With the barn swallow, this is one of our two most common swallows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587680932967-8PGY2Q8CB3PIXHTX5W4U/05+Pacific+madrone+on+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Pacific madrone on Clark Island. The smooth, red surface is actually its bark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587681012497-23LLK37G8OJKA8MNOU9I/06+Sleeping+out+on+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Sleeping out on Clark Island. No need for a tent in such a temperate climate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587681349392-XLU73DSA7LAPT6YJ671E/07+Southbound+down+Rosario+Strait.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Southbound down Rosario Strait. It’s helpful to coordinate with the currents here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587681395297-S4F3JAJ12CI9OMTYUORO/08+Starfish+at+Lone+Tree+Island.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Starfish and anemones at Lone Tree Island. Life is abundant in these cold, rich waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587681447686-VRK8T8ERN679BF0VEHDM/09+Approaching+Lummi+Island+down+Rosario+Strait.JPG Lummi Island 1–3 July 2016 Approaching Lummi Island down Rosario Strait. Much of the southern third of the island is DNR land. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/saddlebag-island-7-9-oct-2016 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587681896831-0WBBHRF8RCO9D9PBKTAF/00+Route+map.jpg Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 Route map. Launching at Cap Sante would actually have been more convenient and cheaper than launching at Washington Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587682406715-7ENQ3DV4VD7J2I8GYAOS/01+March+Point+refinery.JPG Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 March Point oil refinery: the blight of Padilla Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587682464306-MS8YJ2CFFONADU8FW2Q5/02+Huckleberry+and+Hat+Islands.JPG Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 Huckleberry and Hat Islands. Hat Island did indeed look like a hat, but I did not find huckleberries on Huckleberry Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587694242434-W18GRGPARA0PGV62A1FZ/03+Red-necked+Grebe.jpg Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 Red-necked grebe. One of our most striking grebes in its breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587682690657-6MKABHSUD28RU5FCPTFL/04+South+side+of+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 South side of Saddlebag Island. A great place to lie in the grass under the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587682737396-UY42EAMTR8NYNXBBGQR2/05+South+side+of+Hat+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 South side of Hat Island. Landing and hiking on Hat Island are allowed, but camping is not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587682788956-YRC38R0QR9ILIFYTG6KC/06+Looking+north+up+Padilla+Bay.JPG Saddlebag Island 7–9 Oct 2016 Looking north up Padilla Bay. From left to right: Guemes, Huckleberry, Lummi, Vendovi, Saddlebag, Dot, and Hat Islands. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lopez-island-19-22-dec-2016 daily 0.75 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587683664754-OZWF3OUJTXGRSPXJXWMS/00+Route+map.jpg Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Route map. Camping is allowed at the BLM-owned portion of Cattle Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587683836507-9U3X5IU46NPXDV8LHFNB/01+Odlin+County+Park+in+December.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Odlin County Park in December. If you must car-camp, this is the place to do it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587684063363-79Y7O6VN7PUTQKNCMXP3/02+Walking+at+Fisherman+Bay+Spit.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Walking at Fisherman Bay Spit. The San Juans are much more sheltered than the coast, but strong winds can occur even here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587684222714-RSU1D6E6GEXK2G4Y8022/03+Ducks+at+Spencer+Spit.jpg Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Ducks at Spencer Spit. I am always impressed at how well the different species of freshwater duck get along with one another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587684907291-KSP2HNZJS94ZT5KLREF3/04+Northern+pintail+Spencer+Spit.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Northern pintail at Spencer Spit. This is one of our most attractive ducks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587684960129-ID04TBZ44XUCTBROQG6C/05+Fisherman+Bay+Preserve.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Fisherman Bay Preserve. A lot of land in the San Juans is protected under the San Juan County Land Bank (public) or the San Juan Preservation Trust (private, non-profit). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685713291-OJ8F5B3T99N5BAUG6HQ0/06+Launching+kayak+at+Odlin+County+Park.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Launching kayak at Odlin County Park. Sandy beaches are rare in the San Juan Islands—public ones, rarer still. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685768670-WG487DASZA558EP25TDX/07+Bufflehead+in+Upright+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Bufflehead in Upright Channel. These small, carnivorous ducks always look so cheerful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685819439-NBWVO25VNRRI00IXVSIP/08+Double-crested+and+pelagic+cormorants.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Navigation marker in Upright Channel. Double-crested cormorants looking to the right, pelagic cormorants looking to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685884681-NQ14NFC8V5LNMRO80LV4/09+Harbor+seal+in+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Harbor seal in San Juan Channel. Harbor seals often follow kayakers, sometimes over great distances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685926904-X3B2KHXQDO170MW0819U/10+Kayaking+south+down+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Kayaking south down San Juan Channel. This can be a good spot for orcas, but I did not see any on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587685967953-C2920SXSKRA5KTWNYX7B/11+Flock+of+ancient+murrelets+in+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Flock of ancient murrelets in San Juan Channel. Though small, alcids are totally at home on salt water, even in stormy conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587686011206-922H1VPPXW5XBLBHMVIC/12+Ancient+murrelet+in+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Ancient murrelet in San Juan Channel. The lives these birds lead are so alien as to be incomprehensible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587686142340-CKVW7OXC0269YIGL9275/13+Campsite+at+Cattle+Point+beach+San+Juan+Island.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Campsite at Cattle Point beach, San Juan Island. Almost no one ever camps here, according to BLM. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587689944858-QB5XD4FL2XKQFSFF3CWB/14+Bluff+at+Cattle+Point.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Bluff at Cattle Point. In decades past, this was the only place in the continental United States to find introduced Eurasian skylarks, but the skylarks have since been extirpated from the San Juans, except for occasional strays from the Sidney/Victoria area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587690696755-J2C93ARRH3OOEYSS9QWK/15+Lighthouse+at+Cattle+Point.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Lighthouse at Cattle Point. The foundation is gradually giving away as the sandy bluffs erode. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587690765871-N5W3Z7D8J7TA6IGTCK5Q/16+Walking+along+Cattle+Point.JPG Lopez Island 19–22 Dec 2016 Cattle Point overlooking Salmon Bank. One of the most scenic spots in the San Juans. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-15-16-jan-2017 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693416192-4H7A26WSMMBHCK9ZTZ8T/00+Route+map.jpg Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Route map. Tides in this area are usually insignificant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693453685-PM2J2FVPB4E8EW418TQX/01+Departing+West+Seattle+toward+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Departing West Seattle for Blake Island. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish Blake from the background of the Kitsap Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693504899-GUL82XFOAJRYE6XCQYGU/02+Nathan+and+the+Olympic+Mountains.JPG Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Nathan and the Olympic Mountains. The Olympics are his favorite range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693532554-B3N9EE1G3DZYMT38RZMQ/03+Campsite+on+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Campsite on Blake Island. In January, we had our pick of the best campsites on the northwest side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693579076-B0MK121INLXT4HZXE3J3/04+Blake+Island+forest.jpg Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Early morning forest on Blake Island. The madrone, salad, and Douglas-fir make it look more like the San Juans than the central sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693636835-JU3KUJP9KRGZZEDRFWOO/05+Departing+northside+of+Blake.jpg Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Departing north side of Blake Island. The ship in the background is a bulk carrier, waiting to take on cargo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587693696510-QA2T79HC2CBMF4YDE8LN/06+Nathan+and+Mt+Rainier.JPG Blake Island 15–16 Jan 2017 Nathan and Mount Rainier. This washed-out palette is characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/point-doughty-and-sucia-island-17-20-feb-2017 daily 0.75 2025-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587777786799-NW1YFA7LY172PCYYFJ2M/00+Route+map+9.46.34+PM.jpg Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Route map. North Beach is one of the few launch areas on Orcas that offers free, overnight parking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587778080499-566SAOZWJNFDQEB2O3LS/01+Trumpeter+swans.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Trumpeter swans in Skagit Valley. These swans are a local wintertime fixture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587778153183-VEYB2Z0SONAJ1C8RTCZB/02+Junco+and+Douglas+squirrel.jpg Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Oregon junco snd Douglas squirrel at Anacortes ferry launch. The Douglas is my favorite species of tree squirrel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587778228737-0JS81K8CC0BHXTN9OM0S/03+Loading+boat+on+North+Beach.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Loading boat on North Beach. Sucia Island in the background. Though calm today, currents in this channel can run to three knots, and the passage is notorious for rough seas during wind, owing to the presence of Parker Reef halfway between Orcas and Sucia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587778856019-CUEKK8QDQQF90D1UCOCO/04+Surf+scoters.jpg Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Surf scoters at North Beach. Though primarily winter residents, these sea ducks often linger long into spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587779363671-QZK21G5WMYR8D4IG8NYM/05+Kayaking+in+President+Channel.jpg Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Kayaking in President Channel. Stratocumulus are the most common clouds in our region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587782956466-DSUJO3XXK1HQYDUG3RTJ/06+Camping+at+Point+Doughty.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Camping at Point Doughty. A beautiful but exposed location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587783002656-NB8PL07UYPRQ5LZ5QY1C/07+Sunset+at+Point+Doughty.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Sunset at Point Doughty. Doughty is one of the best places in the San Juans for sunsets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587783048470-O7A48IA7Y93C49MA9DZN/08+Cloudy+President+Channel.jpg Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Cloudy President Channel. Stratus clouds are also quite common, especially during winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587783579346-WBEL8JMI5024OHBZFRZU/09+Fossil+ammonite+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Fossil ammonite on Sucia Island. The fossils here occur in a 75-million-year-old, Cretaceous-period sedimentary formation called the Nanaimo Group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587784271144-06XFANF8IFY3LWJT7B0A/10+Sucia+Island+sunset.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Sucia Island sunset. Sucia is one of the best islands in the San Juans for a wide variety of beautiful spectacles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587784350942-M68J37AUPQA13659OBCR/11+Burning+clouds.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Burning clouds on Sucia Island. As everyone knows, the sky turns red during sunsets from all the oxygen in the atmosphere catching fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587784620482-KXB6D6BDD6X5GI0BPXXB/12+Fox+Cove+Sucia+Island.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Fox Cove, Sucia Island. The mushroom rock is one of my favorite San Juans landmarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587784652190-B58ZZCW2IICO4C7P1A8W/13+Launch+at+Fossil+Bay+Sucia+Island.JPG Point Doughty and Sucia Island 17–20 Feb 2017 Launch at Fossil Bay, Sucia Island. In the background, the Cascade Mountains, Lummi Island, and Clark Island. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/posey-island-19-21-mar-2017 daily 0.75 2024-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785031368-7NOF18J47QNXIN7GWKJY/00+Route+map.jpg Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Route map. Parking at Roche Harbor would have been closer, but parking at Reuben Tarte was free. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785149739-CEPSKRDUJR934H9FXGH5/01+Looking+across+Spieden+Channel.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Looking across Spieden Channel. I call Spieden Island Jurassic Park, because it is owned by a strange billionaire who has populated the island with exotic animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785267453-FCLBAR2AYRXWKNWW7MZH/02+Kayaking+westbound+down+Spieden+Channel.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Kayaking westbound down Spieden Channel. Beautiful, rising cumulus clouds announce the arrival of cold but clear weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785360317-5WBIPX1ZMOT73V33R08M/03+Campground+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Campsite on Posey Island. Most of the trees here are seaside juniper, an uncommon species in western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785422692-WXW8MVKFCJGBQIOZQ1DP/04+Yellow-rumped+warbler+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Yellow-rumped warbler on Posey Island. In Washington, there is overlap between the ranges of the western Audubon’s subspecies (S. c. auduboni) (pictured), which has a yellow throat, and the northern and eastern myrtle subspecies (S. c. coronata), which has a white throat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785817931-QRLHQWQBYM3OO345VBMI/05+Oregon+grape+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Oregon grape on Posey Island. Sour grapes, for sure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587785853709-WG49AOT1MEC0JOOQUMT9/06+Alex+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Alex on Posey Island. The entire south shore of the island appears to be an ancient shell midden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587786189456-ORR0OMKBN83EHL4H2Q22/07+Kayaking+back+to+Reuben+Tarte.JPG Posey Island 19–21 Mar 2017 Kayaking back to Reuben Tarte. There’s nothing more inviting than a cloud-draped channel in the San Juan Islands. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hammersley-inlet-5-7-may-2017 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587786445476-UOQO4C2PC1IKZ2AJXBRI/00+Map+of+campsites+and+orca+sightings.jpg Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Map of campsites and orca sightings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587786829658-W82CPNC1BSK3HOQN4AF2/01+Adult+male+and+juvenile+orca+Squaxin+Passage.jpg Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult male and juvenile orca in Squaxin Passage. The sound of their breaths was tremendously exciting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587786890290-M3FJ235YP1YSDD9CI3I4/02+Adult+female+Squaxin+Passage.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult female orca Squaxin Passage. The whales seemed to approach us with a sense of curiosity rather than menace or fear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587786955803-OWMPENA66RZQM6ZXL005/03+Adult+male+and+juvenile+spout+Squaxin+Passage.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult male and juvenile orcas spouting in Squaxin Passage. With their loud, high spouts and tall fins, orcas are the most readily spotted of our local whale species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587787038190-LQBAD50J7XNPD4J8CIPL/04+Adult+male+screens+off+kayak.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult male screens off rest of pod from our kayaks. We took his hint not to approach any closer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587787169664-0RPQQO8F9KA8X5HKNPGH/05+Family+group+Squaxin+Passage.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Family group of orcas in Squaxin Passage. How wonderful to watch an orca family with a member of my human family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587787225124-BM63XD01FA7DT48Z8N4F/06+Adult+female+and+calf+in+Totten+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult orca female and calf in Totten Inlet. Orcas must feel rain on their backs the way we feel breeze on our cheeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587787630171-R44PGGIT4J5OAI5DCCZ9/07+Dad+entering+Hammerley+Inlet+on+a+flood+tide.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Dad entering Hammersley Inlet on a flood tide. Currents reach five knots in some places. As the U.S. Coast Pilot says, “Hammersley Inlet is considered dangerous for strangers.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587788039458-Q5LF0C9J48U55UMHQLSI/08+Adult+male+Hammersley+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Adult male orca in Hammersley Inlet. Homeowners along the shoreline were so excited about the orcas they were yelling updates to dad and me as we paddled past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587788437855-8JHP9UXDBGU5B2M5W31Q/09+Six+AM+on+Hammersley+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Six o’clock in the morning on Hammersley Inlet. An early rise to catch the ebb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587788484135-GTFQPG4TKG1FICRENB8A/10+Alex+on+glassy+Hammersely+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Riding the smooth glassy waters of Hammersley Inlet. With no orcas and no rain, the journey out was much more sedate than the journey in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587788539410-8O5FCQUBHK101P6WO350/11+Alex+departing+Hammersley+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Alex departing Hammersley Inlet. All along the shore were bags of oysters, a delicacy for which the south sound is famous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587791477678-ZJJ1WZQM89JGEK9ZODZ2/12+At+the+mouth+of+Hammersley+Inlet.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 At the mouth of Hammersley Inlet. Pigeon guillemots were nesting in these cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587791512537-WBMDK1L7SZV3VMBPLCCR/13+Crossing+to+Hope+Island.JPG Hammersley Inlet 5–7 May 2017 Crossing to Hope Island. We could almost as easily have returned to Boston Harbor, but I wanted to show dad Hope Island. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/gods-pocket-9-13-june-2017 daily 0.75 2026-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587858299484-LDPUWKGL780PXY7Z4CR5/00+Route+map.jpg God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Route map. The drive from Seattle was a full day each way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587858432165-84FM93GYV77PV00UJEPM/01+RV+Campground+at+Scotia+Bay.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Car-campsite at Scotia Bay. Wouldn’t be Camp Bangladesh without a rope swing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587858500132-PRK2LNU25JU2O5EHMG7J/02+Mouth+of+Hardy+Bay.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Departing Hardy Bay. Launching at Scotia Bay not only shortened the paddling distance, it also obviated any need to deal with mudflats in Hardy Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587858586257-N1KBRTZ9NHW7EPCOIND9/03+Crossing+Goletas+Channel+toward+Gordon+Islands.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Crossing Goletas Channel toward Gordon Islands. Goletas is known for strong currents and heavy chop during windstorms, but it was benign during our crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587859371116-7G60QU9YR1G643KMP04B/04+Coast+Mountains+across+Queen+Charlotte+Strait.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Coast Mountains across Queen Charlotte Strait. Queen Charlotte Strait is the part of British Columbia that most strongly reminds me of Alaska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587859427489-NMGUIYBGIF2E5OFW3DQT/05+Entering+the+Gordon+Islands.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Entering the Gordon Islands. It’s amazing so many trees can grow on what appears to be a bare-rock cliff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587859477301-MR6S2LWQWI5YE1UWYL1U/06+Narrow+channel+through+Gordon+Islands.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Narrow channel through Gordon Islands. Though not suitable for camping, the Gordons were absolutely gorgeous for kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587859535134-QPYPVFGK9DK0IGXG3L6U/07+Atop+the+shell+midden+at+Bell+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Standing atop the enormous shell midden at Bell Island. According to archaeologist Robert Galois, who got it from William Duff, who got it from Mungo Martin, Bell Island was once the site of a village called Ik’ix’yulis. Nothing else appears to be known about the site. I asked several of the First Nations bands in the area about it, but the only ones who responded at all said they didn’t know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587862674268-6ZDIT1YINCVWJYPQAZN1/08+Alex+and+Dad+at+Bell+Island+campsite.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Alex and dad at Bell Island campsite. Dad’s favorite outdoor activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587876713562-K93T4J5S0X8V8CGN6AM1/09+Beach+campsite+on+Balaklava+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Beach campsite on Balaklava Island. We skipped the site at Nolan Point on the southern tip of Balaklava, which looked too dark and wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587876850638-660UH7R6JDWHWYNASDZD/10+Kayaking+in+Queen+Charlotte+Strait.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Strait. Wind and clouds are the rule here, and the rule must be obeyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587876905978-ECLPNUR5UBN5J9CR7YN9/11+Unloading+on+Vansittart+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Unloading gear on Vansittart Island. In our ignorance, we camped on the difficult, cramped east side instead of the more accessible west side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587877095297-YLEEJDTVAL18QRAL5BAI/12+Sea+otter+at+Nigei+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Sea otter at Nigei Island. The sea otters here were more wary of humans than were the otters in Glacier Bay or the Olympic coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587877442717-5GWIQ78YMMVWZ1OIXTTH/13+mew+gull+takeoff.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Mew gull, subsequently renamed “short-billed gull.” In summertime, the legs of this handsome species are a brilliant yellow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587877662172-0WPZZPTMTP0HPWTP3AGB/14+Sea+otter+with+urchin.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Sea otter with urchin. These clever creatures use rocks to bash open difficult shellfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587877774643-G7TCDXC3HXY0OJIV3U96/15+Wolf+scavenging+on+Willes+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Wolf scavenging on Willes Island. Coastal wolves, unlike wolves on the mainland, forage mainly by beachcombing and only occasionally bring down larger prey such as bears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587878119697-VP7C3GPH9E6HXGCBP2IW/16+Sunset+near+Lemon+Point+Nigei+Island.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Sunset near Lemon Point on Nigei Island. In Queen Charlotte Strait, the horizon is usually blocked by mountains, clouds, or both. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587878290979-MGMOUO4AMDRNBHE9QTLA/17+Kayaking+in+Goletas+Channel.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Kayaking down Goletas Channel. Currents here were strong but straightforward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587878340024-7LY50X5MXUVHBHPCZN5T/18+Fork-tailed+storm-petrel+Goletas+Channel.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Fork-tailed storm-petrel in Goletas Channel. When they alight on the water, they do not mind humans’ approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587878388750-FIK4P7H25PDH6K3QGKAR/19+Surf+scoter+Hardy+Bay.JPG God's Pocket 9–13 June 2017 Surf scooter in Hardy Bay. A face familiar to all North American sea kayakers. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/gwaii-haanas-national-park-4-24-aug-2017 daily 0.75 2025-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587878923370-80XLOV278VK6NO33RCOD/00+East+coast+Gwaii+Haanas+map.jpg Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Route map. Paddle down, zodiac back to our car at Moresby Camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587879095447-NE3KSZIP512MQBL5BJYE/01+A+rock+to+sleep+on+near+Skeena+River.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Skeena River, Prince Rupert. We slept out on this rock near Skeena River. Due to wildfires closing several highways, we took three days to drive up to Moresby Island, passing through Prince Rupert and across Hecate Strait by ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587879164982-ZSCWRCG48O01GJ0C21RX/02+Cumshewa+Inlet+from+Lousia+Island.jpg Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Cumshewa Inlet from Louisa Island. High pressure aloft gave clear, hot skies during the first week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587879194853-JHCAV7L2M5YJ4QWVFQID/03+Black+turnstones+already+arrived.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Black turnstones winter in Cumshewa Inlet. By the end of August, many winter species were beginning to arrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587879230763-1GXPW0P0CKBFUU3TRZ7Z/04+Southbound+toward+Skedans+Islands.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Hecate Strait southbound toward Skedans Islands. We typically travelled less than ten miles a day, so there was time to enjoy everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881052788-XODBNX0DSV8KWII7ERJP/05+Didi+describes+life+at+Kuna.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Haida watchwoman Deedee Crosby describes life at Kuna. Deedee’s own grandmother lived at Kuna in the 19th century, and Deedee told us lovely stories of life in the ancient village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881110487-WA2AKQOYXYQRLTBRN2ZB/06+Trees+grow+naturally+from+poles.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Trees grow naturally from old poles. Decay is a natural and welcome part of a totem’s lifecycle, not something to be resisted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881144296-9EO1M8HW5V1T2PKMAD8V/07+Fluted+column+reveals+European+influence.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Fluted column reflects European influence. The arrival of whites in Hadia Gwaii brought new tools and new ideas to the islands, influencing both the size and design of Haida poles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881372752-AN0NKM359OLLJXNKYMP6/08+Limestone+Islands+high+pressure+ridge+aloft.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Limestone Islands, high-pressure ridge aloft. We didn’t use a guidebook to find campsites. We just guessed from the chart where good ones might be, then hunted around till we found one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881420105-JNM670UG094UAODBSW1V/09+Crossing+Laskeek+Bay+in+morning+calm.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Crossing Laskeek Bay in morning calm. The sheltered east side of Gwaii Haanas is accessible to paddlers of all skill levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881438115-OTX173V5R24MRFFIVJM4/10+Endangered+northern+abalone.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Endangered northern abalone. River otters left trails of mussel, crab, and abalone shells all over the beaches and forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587881458881-WG8E8C0X1441RCUI4YJ1/11+Longhouse+remains+at+Tanu.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Longhouse remains at Tanu. Tanu was once home to dozens of longhouses and hundreds of people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882141226-7OXHYCSEADYLLG7CM7XJ/12+Modern+commemorative+totem+at+Windy+Bay.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Modern commemorative totem at Windy Bay. The human figures on the totem represent the activists, arms linked to prevent the passage of logging trucks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882185701-5MKW9AUBG0XMB7ZCKZD2/14+Agglomeration+Island+looking+for+campsite.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Kayaking around Agglomeration Island, looking for campsite. Whenever possible, we tried to camp on small, offshore islands to avoid the pervasive bugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882233314-UA6V3HKBR4Q3ALTPSBQU/15+Beautiful+camp+by+Ramsay+Is+stream.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Beautiful camp by Ramsay Island stream. We brought only six gallons of water for two people, so we sometimes camped near streams to fill up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882293091-EQY4QPY29N5TIENJW5GE/16+The+Ramsay+Island+campsite.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 The beach at Ramsay Island. Camping in Haida Gwaii is much easier than along the mainland coast across Hecate Strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882332407-59SZ5T4Z80UQ5CP8KNC8/17+Ramsay+Island+sunset.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Ramsay Island sunset. We tended to stay up late and sleep in. There was never any hurry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882417473-WSZ9ED9T7JRDVCXNVCUV/18+Hottest+part+of+Gandil+Kin+hot+springs.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Hottest part of Gandil Kin Island hot springs. No one else was at the hot springs the day we visited, so we spent three hours soaking in the hottest pool. When I put my ears underwater, the bubbling of the springs sounded like the Earth’s stomach growling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882487788-H6B8RTGNUD9RUMLEVNYH/19+A+22+degree+halo+protends+rain+in+24-48+hrs.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 A 22-degree halo protends rain in 24–48 hours. Wx radio reaches all parts of Haida Gwaii, but it’s still fun to make your own predictions, using evidence like this 22-degree halo to time the arrival of rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882520365-1DQ5QFNZO68RQVROEFPJ/20+Crossing+windy+Juan+Perez+Sound.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Crossing windy Juan Perez Sound. Once the high-pressure ridge aloft collapsed, a train of surface lows began striking the islands, a new one every day or so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882552011-5YIJ9V0M71V5O2E28T1W/21+The+tombolo+campsite+at+Wanderer+Island.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 A tombolo campsite at Wanderer Island. Not once did we share a campsite with anyone else. The only people we encountered were at the watchman sites and Rose Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882588279-IRC4XSG5WSHVLMHNSRZ9/22+Pigeon+Guillemot+in+Burnaby+Narrows.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Pigeon Guillemot in Burnaby Narrows. The Big Four alcids is what I call pigeon guillemot, common murre, marbled murrelet, and rhinoceros auklet. You can expect to see these on any trip. On Haida Gwaii, you can also expect tufted and horned puffins, Cassin’s auklets, and ancient murrelets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882633546-FEPXE3JUSVB10XXNCCWW/23+Skincuttle+Inlet+south+of+narrows.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Skincuttle Inlet south of narrows. Trees, rocks, clouds: the stark and beautiful face of the Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882677559-YEJ0SHH3MP3RR2YBA1L7/24+West+of+the+Copper+Islands.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 West of the Copper Islands storm-petrel nest site. Some of the Copper Islands were closed to protect nesting seabirds, but we encountered nesting seabirds outside the closure zone, as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882709069-ROWES8GR01E0KMARD45Y/25+Goodwin+Pt+rock+garden.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Goodwin Point rock garden. Tidal currents were a non-factor until south of Skincuttle Inlet, at which point it became important to consider them. Wind was a factor in all inlets, even on calm days, due to gap winds and heating-induced sea breezes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882736504-9U45SDINWQ7T46A64V0C/26+A+tarp+palace+at+Louscombe+Pt.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 A tarp palace at Louscombe Point. Introduced deer grazed down the undergrowth so badly that campsites were easy to find everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882798186-T6KX8XKLJQZU6FC5AWY5/27+Rainforest+trail+on+Anthony+Island.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Rainforest trail on Anthony Island. The rainforest leading to Sgang Gwaay was as beautiful as the village itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882854033-4K4F5E2CHM4H519H21MJ/28+Mortuary+poles+of+Sgang+Gwaay.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Mortuary poles of Sgang Gwaay. The only sounds here were birdsong and the faint wash of waves upon the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587882933096-ZTQ8MF4BTL2HCOHDUF3A/29+Ancient+village+of+Sgang+Gwaay.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Ancient village of Sgang Gwaay. The poles are monuments to centuries of human activity, generation after generation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883037894-IKJGZ4514EK6B2BNHIXB/30+Bear+motif.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Bear motif mortuary pole. The poles that remain at Sgang Gwaay are mostly mortuary poles. The remains of the honored dead were placed in a box on top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883068393-1NPC9Z12A7MAK7DFTKOF/31+Killer+whale+motif.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Killer whale motif. Natural and supernatural animals are equally prevalent in the motifs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883103070-EBKV3B9IPEGMU9W47JQ6/32+Family+crests+still+in+use+today.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Family crests that are still in use today. Some of the knowledge of the lineages and stories represented here has been lost, but an enormous body of knowledge remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883193036-WLN729UO9IIWIGT0UWJL/34+Pole+undergoing+natural+decay.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Pole undergoing natural decay. There is an overwhelming impression of humanity in these ancient poles, as if the carvers were whispering in our ear even now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883136939-B0A8C289IPKY0QET1JNK/33+The+eyes+almost+seem+to+see.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 The eyes almost seem to see. The arrival of iron and steel tools in the late 18th century sparked an explosion in the size and complexity of the carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883228035-3JJLSGWNMFXULK2MO2MK/35+Even+decayed+poles+have+fierce+aspect.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Even decayed poles have a fierce aspect. When the village was inhabited, there were no trees. The forest that seems so timeless is actually quite recent, at least as forests go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883283451-S8OJEXI9ATIMVOEF4AVY/36+Tufted+puffin+at+Adam+Rock.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Tufted puffin at Adam Rock, Gwaii Haanas. Tufted puffins are my favorite alcid. They have so much personality and style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883351379-OR2UXBFEKRJJL0DQIX6Z/37+Tufted+puffin+flock+resting+Adam+Rock.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Tufted puffin flock resting Adam Rock. There were at least a hundred tufted puffins at Adam Rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588532347319-AYJMT1GZJWF8QTC6F4O1/37a+tufted+puffin+carrying+fish+Gwaii+Haanas.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Tufted puffin carrying fish at Adam Rock. Their large beaks allow parents to carry multiple fish back to the nest in a single trip, saving energy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883377497-BKJ57QIUDU83V5826MYF/38+Horned+puffin+at+Flatrock+Island.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Horned puffin at Flatrock Island. We did not find the horned puffin at Adam Rocks, but I did find two pairs of horned puffins at Flatrock Island, thanks to a tip from a resident of Rose Harbour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883420773-TOE2AL8HKS8IHFG2JLL1/39+Departing+Louscombe+Pt.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Departing Louscombe Point in heavy fog. Even on days that ultimately turned sunny, the morning fog was often so heavy that we lost sight of land during long crossings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883457946-CIMD2TZ27F9NA3XW6XTM/40+Partial+solar+eclipse.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Partial solar eclipse. One of the Rose Harbour residents alerted us that the partial eclipse was just barely visible through the mist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883563299-CKD1NLU45VD0Q98I831N/41+Dads+favorite+sitting+rock+near+Rose+Is.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Dad’s favorite sitting rock near Rose Island. While we waited for our zodiac, we set up camp across from Ross Island. I went down to find more puffins while dad stayed on the beach and read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587883584932-J27IUNK3IN8KBDX1L7PA/42+Sunrise+over+Houston+Stewart+Channel.JPG Gwaii Haanas National Park 4–24 Aug 2017 Sunrise over Houston Stewart Channel. Houston Stewart Channel near Rose Harbour is uncommonly beautiful, but it is essential to pass with the tidal currents instead of against. Strong gap winds also funnel through here. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/patos-and-sucia-islands-21-23-sept-2017 daily 0.75 2024-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923379122-LYDPKMAPJK81EG3E86EP/00+route+map.jpg Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Route map. The northern San Juans are some of the most attractive islands in the whole archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923477797-VR3Y9H4ZDX0WFG12PQF4/01+From+North+Beach+toward+Sucia+Island.JPG Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 View from North Beach north toward Sucia Island. Patos Island is visible on the far left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923546014-OXOYZPX1NDHDW4WPCQAE/02+Paddling+northwest+toward+Patos+Island.JPG Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Paddling northwest toward Patos Island. On more than one past trip, President's Channel between Orcas and Patos has been too rough to cross. This time, it was glass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923653937-C43RES35FLH1QRTUCQMW/03+Sandstone+shoreline+of+Patos+Island.JPG Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Sandstone shoreline of Patos Island. Low, pockmarked cliffs like these are found throughout the San Juans and Gulf Islands, as well as the nearby shores of eastern Vancouver Island and Chuckanut Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923774295-RSDLYEOGHT31IQ7DMZ7N/04+Hiking+on+Patos+Island.JPG Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Hiking on Patos Island. A loop trail leads around the western half of Patos Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923805343-8E38FOZ6RSXOGY3DBXGL/06+Three+Heermans+gulls.jpg Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Three Heerman’s gulls on Patos Island. Heerman's gulls are my favorite species of gull. What handsome red bills and black feet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587923839878-JK14SMX1MR3DEO1JM7GJ/07+Heerman%27s+gull.jpg Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Heerman’s gull on Patos Island. The Heerman’s gull migrates “backward,” breeding in the southern part of its range then migrating north for its non-breeding season, which generally corresponds to our summer and fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587924281740-6XQ5L6XG9X4FL1QFB5QW/13+Departing+Patos+under+clear+blue+skies.JPG Patos and Sucia Islands 21–23 Sept 2017 Departing Patos Island under perfect blue skies. Some days, the water is so smooth you could almost lie on it. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/elliott-bay-1-oct-2017 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925042393-N8YI2AO0U2R3IBOB46KP/Route+map.jpg Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Route map. This route is a great way to get to know Seattle’s waterfront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925128602-MHHU6BIJ12UF76DEOZGA/01+Elliot+Bay+waterfront.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Seattle skyline from Elliott Bay. Fall is the prettiest time of year in Seattle because of the lovely clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925161485-MMELQ2XNGNYRCUW5RPLW/02+Seattle+Great+Wheel.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Paddling under the Seattle Great Wheel. People in the Ferris wheel gawked at me while I gawked at them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925194601-6ULKSHBWMWWCWNT63TSI/03+Aquarium+fish+ladder.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Fish ladder at Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium has a working fish ladder and salmon hatchery. Visitors watched me through the window, waving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925252129-OP8YD2BN6AT52PNRDFZK/05+Pilings+under+aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Paddling under the Seattle Aquarium. Mysterious pipes and beams serried in all directions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925227862-9AXBYA0RSO8XEFVTXA3N/04+Secret+passage+under+aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Underground water passage. A secret passage way under skylights, with pedestrians walking overhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587925330156-HPF0TX9G6WIIJAPPDM4B/06+Hidden+bay+near+main+entrance.JPG Elliott Bay 1 Oct 2017 Hidden bay near aquarium main entrance. Emerging again under the sky in a hidden bay surrounded by buildings. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/desolation-sound-15-19-oct-2017 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943141723-O3IDBS6TSJOCOURF85EM/00%2BRoute%2BMap.jpg Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Route map. I took the last available free parking spot at Lund. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587926817143-JP8ST0QPBK8PGJUZPOIE/01+Red-necked+grebe+at+Lund.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Red-necked grebe at Lund. Daylight was so brief, I wasn’t able to reach Lund from Seattle before nightfall. I stayed at Edwin’s lovely hostel in Powell River to get a predawn start on Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943269300-THQPGL2ADLQK5EDW9128/02+Early+morning+harbor+seals+at+Sevilla+Island.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Early morning harbor seals at Sevilla Island. In the dim light, the birds and animals were less frightened by my silent passage than they would have been during daylight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943319294-GOMB0WUHH0T5TW3R3HOG/03+Kayaking+in+Copeland+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Entering the Copeland Islands. I was happy to see the Copeland Islands on my way north. It had been too long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943383985-W49VACZAF1O4YUS4FK16/04+Harlequin+ducks+in+Copeland+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Male harlequin ducks in Copeland Islands. Most seabird species were already wearing their duller winter plumage, but these gentlemen added a touch of color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943428824-QGBS5E995LBDEBWB1F7N/05+Thulin+Passage+cliff.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Steep, foggy walls of Thulin Passage, Malaspina Peninsula. Surprisingly, flood tides seemed to run south. I had guessed they’d go north, so I had to fight them the first day. Luckily, they were weak in this area, even during this time of the new moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943789009-NBBF4GPGFQDFEXG55AHN/06+Steller+sea+lion.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Steller sea lion surfaces for air. The sea lions were highly inquisitive, to put it mildly. This one approached me underwater, and I was briefly concerned about a ramming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943834809-PIS50K3TWUKKEY7XNUH3/07+Humpback+whale+at+Sarah+Point.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Diving humpback whale at Sarah Point. This fine creature welcomed me into Desolation Sound. It was tail-slapping the water, apparently to stun prey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943859117-V87J6XP38GCLQ3JRSRKO/08+Humpback+and+black+turnstones.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Black turnstones and humpback whale. Winter birds and winter mammals dominated the sound to a much greater extent than humans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943885791-1MFPRB3P689YHLD97GV1/09+Kayaking+Desolation+Sound+to+Mink+Island.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Crossing Desolation Sound toward Mink Island. I love the fall-time palate of grays in our part of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943934178-K7URNTN3UDHAD19O4OT6/10+Camping+in+Curme+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 West Curme Island. If it weren’t for BC Parks’s tent platforms, camping in the small Curme Archipelago would be difficult or impossible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587943966924-BO1ZFR9NP234SN0HV34T/11+Alex+in+the+Curme+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Alex in the Curme Islands. What a pleasure it was to have this miniature paradise all to myself. I spent the weather days reading science fiction novels on my Kindle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944018753-PD3ZS89V0VFE0WKAG596/12+Oysters+in+the+Curme+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Oysters in the Curme Islands. At low tide, it was possible to walk between some of the Curme Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944047881-JXDM6CTGEQSEX7HXUAC4/13+Rainbow+Desolation+Sound.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Rainbow at West Redonda Island, Desolation Sound. I was surprised how little the high mountains seemed to impede the storm winds. Once the low-pressure systems began to hit, it was all chop, all day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944076484-MFMPTY83BKY83AJKR9N2/14+Clearing+skies+Desolation+Sound.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Desolation Sound in the wake of a cold front. With more weather systems on their way, I decided to bail out rather than risk getting stranded, even in so lovely a place as this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944106496-8OL36UNZO7YUH2WGQIB8/15+Departing+Desolation+Sound.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Looking back toward Mink Island, Desolation Sound. This area is one of the best in Canada for wildlife and wild vistas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944137249-0979XF3VI8RC9WYGDUJN/16+Retuning+to+Curme+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Looking for campsite, Copeland Islands. It’s too bad I missed Toba Inlet, but it gave me more time to enjoy special places like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587944162792-IEU8WJFN8LVPU9UTD35L/17+Sunset+in+Curme+Islands.JPG Desolation Sound 15–19 Oct 2017 Sunset in Copeland Islands. Thursday morning was a bit of crawl back to Lund from North Copeland, fighting a 15-knot headwind and a half-knot adverse current. It was midnight before I made it back to Seattle. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/naval-base-kitsap-30-dec-2017 daily 0.75 2025-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945267374-5PHV6TTBILLHGDVIDEV6/00+Route+Map.png Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Route map. Sinclair Inlet is fairly sheltered from wind, and tides are only a minor factor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945363490-IMRS71RB6QMZC2JTGR6D/01+Horned+Grebe+at+Port+Orchard.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Horned grebe at Port Orchard. This is our most approachable species of grebe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945451058-PL2XZSIE9JSS9D7VQLNX/02+Kitty+Hawk.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Aging Kitty Hawk. The Kitty Hawk was the last of the navy’s oil-burning aircraft carriers. All the modern ones use nuclear reactors for power. The Kitty Hawk had been decommissioned and would soon be scrapped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945500646-ST0J23KS6MUY58L18IJR/03+Fast+combat+support+ships+and+missile+frigate.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Two fast combat support ships and a decommissioned missile frigate. The carriers require lots of protection and support while they are at sea. The frigate is the Rodney M. Davis, now decommissioned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945525076-SF2EOMKLOJ992ZHK9DDZ/04+John+C+Stennis.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 John C. Stennis. Signs on the docks said to stay 300 feet away from the ships, but when we approached the active carriers, a patrol boat came out and warned us to stay 300 yards away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945560744-PR63VXSB6C1FTUZZ3F62/05+Nimitz.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Nimitz, lead ship of her class and the oldest American carrier still in service. I like big boats and I cannot lie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945586473-EZ51AIPELNEQA7I0NVIQ/06+Nuclear+submarines.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Decommissioned nuclear submarines. The active submarines are across the peninsula at Bangor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587945947108-JFGQCWJFXJNHC3INAC83/07+Dad+and+two+vehicle+cargo+ships.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Dad and two vehicle cargo ships. The ships’ ramps are for loading and unloading heavy armored vehicles. They are part of the navy’s fleet of force prepositioning ships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946003199-I2XCHIRTZ711QQB5MDR4/08+Alex+near+Port+Orchard.JPG Naval Base Kitsap 30 Dec 2017 Alex near Port Orchard boat ramp. Sinclair Inlet was surprisingly quiet and peaceful, considering the massive amount of military power that lives there. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/skagit-island-16-19-feb-2018 daily 0.75 2025-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946241774-JECGUW176QNN6QATRP0Q/00+Map.jpg Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Route map. Quarry Pond is a poor campsite, but it’s often the only car-campsite open this time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946414090-R7XZSZPDRFO92G2A3UFK/01+On+windy+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 On windy Skagit Island. Kiket Island in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946526276-1HPXN4L71SXIKUZP66P8/02+Hiking+south+side+of+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Hiking around the south side of Skagit Island. It started to snow on Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946728544-HII2WBCZJZLCNNCQQI0E/03+Madrones+on+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Pacific madrones on Skagit Island. Madrones are one of our most handsome trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946783294-ELWONRVOG63WP2B2NJPV/04+Red-breasted+merganser.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Male red-breasted merganser. The wind was so strong it blew his tuft over his forehead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946813037-LL9LSXZ554QMBTVKY2LX/05+Red-breasted+merganser+with+fish.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Merganser with fish. A pair of glaucous-winged gulls swooped on him in an attempt to make him vomit up this fish. The stubborn merganser just submerged to avoid them, wisely declining to try outflying two gulls. Eventually, they gave up and left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587946835415-FIYLTGGCV1BVVHAB3W65/06+Sunny+Deception+Pass.JPG Skagit Island 16–19 Feb 2018 Sunny Deception Pass. This time, I had the morning current with me. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/anderson-island-11-mar-2018 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587948934347-LP12B0L8YHWIC5TIKZA9/00+Map.jpg Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Route map. A discover pass is required to launch at Luhr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949123804-ANZMTYXZUYS8OV4HK43P/01+Launch+at+Luhr+Boat+Ramp.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Launch at Luhr Boat Ramp. Anderson Island in the background, Olympic mountains in the distant background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949211049-AUWRRPFW0PBJ25991K0Z/02+Kayaking+Nisqually+River+delta.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Kayaking Nisqually River delta. The gazebo marks the end of the boardwalk, as close to the salt marsh as landlubbers can get. We kayakers can get considerably closer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949145173-A59VI2TGZU19YZDHT19D/03+Kayaking+past+Luhr%27s+Landing.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Kayaking past Luhr’s Landing. The white building on the pier houses the Nisqually Reach Nature Center, but it is almost always closed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949463796-2H04IL11HBAO2WXYNSKT/04+Small+mud+islands+in+Nisqually+delta.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Small mud islands in the delta. On these bright, sunny days, you just feel lucky to be alive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949485562-2CK3MVETMI5KHTUA51RC/05+Hungry+dunlin+scours+the+mud.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 A hungry dunlin scours the mud. Soon, this one will don its breeding plumage and head north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949507705-8ASEJNOEOHN2ZP2TZ7VA/06+Dunlin+finds+a+tasty+treat.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Success! The dunlin finds a tasty treat in the mud. One gulp and it’s down the hatch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587949531243-193CDM06CQ77LKEE9PZZ/07+Mount+Rainier+from+Nisqually+delta.JPG Anderson Island 11 Mar 2018 Mount Rainier, the king of Washington, master of all it surveys. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/goat-island-14-15-apr-2018 daily 0.75 2024-09-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950042278-N9AWTBY7KHZYEJ7SJQ8S/01+Rushing+ebb+at+Deception+Pass+bridge.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Rushing ebb at Deception Pass. Kayaks shoot through here like rocketships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950120081-WFLLMZH6WBY06WG0BOS2/00_Map.jpg Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Route map. Note the enormous mud flats surrounding Goat Island and nearby Ika Island. Avoid at low tide, or keep to the dredged channel in blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950206869-FWHVPCTC6JNBBB4NHQMD/02+Bridge+at+La+Conner+on+a+typical+gray+Washington+day.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 The bridge at La Conner on a typical gray Washington day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950240248-YGOM962KXY2YSROZ02VC/03+Double-crested+cormorant+in+Skagit+Bay.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Double-crested cormorant in breeding plumage. These birds had moved from their winter freshwater roosting sites out to the coast to breed, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950634030-3VF26YCTQZRW4M63CXX6/04+Male+and+female+buffleheads+beginning+to+pair+off+for+breeding+season.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Male and female buffleheads, Swinhomish Channel. They were already beginning to pair off for the breeding season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950675796-9IN3HUZM3A0W3W20IYN3/05+The+western+tip+of+Goat+Island+is+by+far+the+nicest+for+camping.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 The western tip of Goat Island is by far the nicest spot for camping. The beach here disappears at high tide, so it is necessary to lift the boat up the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950713592-GII665IQAZFICMCENSF0/06+One+of+the+four+gun+emplacements%2C+ruins+of+an+ancient+and+warlike+civilization.jpg Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 One of the four gun emplacements, ruins of an ancient and warlike civilization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950734750-OTE765BIKUL4YWVN8F67/07+Passageway+in+Fort+Whitman+Goat+Island.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Passageway at Fort Whitman, Goat Island. The rooms inside the fort were surprisingly clean and dry for not having been maintained for seventy years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950816211-COAKWXCMOA50BRKHCTWB/08+Sitting+on+steps+at+Fort+Whitman+gun+emplacement.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Sitting on steps at Fort Whitman six-inch gun emplacement. Slowly but relentlessly, nature is reasserting its sovereignty over Goat Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950870424-ZQ4ZC3YINT5HN9C81LGJ/09+Descending+from+roof+of+Fort+Whitman.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 Descending from roof of Fort Whitman. On the roof of the fort, I was delighted to find a hummingbird nesting in a Douglas-fir that was growing right out of the concrete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587950904309-TZK5CUHAS0QQOWTR0N79/10+View+from+inside+Fort+Whitman.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 View from inside Fort Whitman. It would certainly be possible to sleep inside the fort, but I’d worry about the ghost of some long-departed first sergeant still haunting his old battery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587951059136-5VK9JW9XX9B5F5Q38R4T/11+Current+flows+fast+through+Swinomish+Channel.JPG Goat Island 14–15 Apr 2018 The current flows fast through Swinomish Channel. I waited till the afternoon flood to depart. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/strawberry-island-19-20-may-2018 daily 0.75 2025-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952023274-RBDDI5H061AD42J4WC0S/00+Route+map.jpg Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Route map. Rosario Strait is the sometimes-challenging but always-beautiful route to Strawberry Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952271193-F8D2HSIWQ7D2DQSBGYEP/01+Early+morning+departure.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Morning departure from Washington Park. Cypress Island nearest on the right, Blakely on the left, Obstruction and Orcas in the distant fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952323896-9OYB3TQVGJKSJ8VHE7X0/02+Flock+of+Brandt%27s+cormorant.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Flock of Brandt’s cormorants in Bellingham Channel. Usually, Brandt’s are the rarest of our three species of cormorant in Washington, but today there were dozens of them in the channel off Reef Point, Cypress Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952398808-KMV5G8JGJ2KL02WOLKSO/03+Brandt%27s+cormorant+close+up.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Brandt’s cormorant flyby. Thoughtless powerboaters would flush the cormorants, and the flocks would whir past my head, sometimes in such numbers their wings created a gusty, windy whoosh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952478298-91L9N4P2MI8JGYOWEPIV/04+Breeding+plumage+pelagic+cormorant.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Pelagic cormorant still in breeding plumage. Most of the pelagics were all black, but a few still had white rump patches and red throat patches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952436924-TYKFMC7AZYRO44ZE6HYG/05+Approaching+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Approaching Strawberry Island. Strawberry Island has always reminded me a sea turtle swimming to the left (the little part is its head), although my wife says it’s actually a whale swimming to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587952511912-WC7OV1APXE645GV9NBFA/06+South+landing+beach.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 South landing beach, Strawberry Island. I paddled quickly to arrive while the tide was still fairly high. The ebb currents strengthens the longer you wait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953031145-Z88IUVXEF5XUGBC65UHX/07+The+king+of+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 The king of Strawberry Island. Several of the oystercatchers were trying to mate, and they were definitely feeling spry. When a raven swooped by, three boisterous oystercatcher rose to attack, chasing the raven off all the way through the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953087719-XAZAYKW6YW8246LWJ1YZ/08+Nootka+rose.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Nootka rose. Spring flowers were all over the grassier parts of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953112129-0YCKLA970NR34QZD09CA/09+House+wren+prepares+to+sing.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 House wren prepares to sing. They are the drabbest of wrens, but their song is beautiful and their rarity (on this side of the mountains) makes them a treat to watch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953137164-95IGL65AESMVLY3QHK87/10+Reading+by+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Reading by Rosario Strait. When it got dark, I just lay down on my folding chair and slept under the stars. There were a few drops of drizzle, but not enough to make me set up my tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953168373-KX34H3FN0KEY37POTS14/11+Sunset+over+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Sunset over Rosario Strait. One the remarkable things about the San Juans is how it can feel like a wilderness even so close to civilization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953216367-OI86MUB10EE5G83M31JP/12%2BSouthbound%2Bdown%2BRosario%2BStrait.jpg Strawberry Island 19–20 May 2018 Kayaking southbound down Rosario Strait. Burrows Island on the left, James on the right, Lopez on the right in the background. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/smith-and-minor-islands-10-june-2018 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953693943-WNEY8KGNEXKQ76CG8163/00+Map.jpg Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Route map. Distant, lonely islands in the middle of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953816912-FJ02QB6J3135JRR6ZLRO/01+Camp+at+Deception+Pass+State+Park.jpg Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Car-camping at Cranberry Lake. Cranberry Lake is the most scenic of all the campgrounds in Deception Pass State Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953883885-80X82W52WC1DMRJ52D5I/02+Calm+conditions+on+Sunday+morning.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Calm conditions early Sunday morning. Smith Island is the low island just visible on the horizon dead ahead. The large, distant, hazy landmass to the right is Vancouver Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587953915000-YOBF7BI9LU6ZAASG0C8J/03+Looking+up+Rosario+Strait+in+5-knot+wind.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Looking up Rosario Strait in five-knot wind. It was fun to see my beloved San Juan Islands from the middle of the strait. On most trips, I am among the islands, looking back the other way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587954406539-YNO3KO25OT7USKF5UH28/04+Rhinoceros+auklet.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Rhinoceros auklet. Of all the alcids, this is the one most kindly disposed toward humans. They often surface quite close to kayaks and seldom fly away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587954456291-V5DT0YGZ0NPHPJZDS4BH/05+Small+flock+of+auklets.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Small flock of auklets. What handsome rhino horns and streamers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587954482298-VXR9TUUORB3HMR2E8NTH/06+Cargo+barge+between+Smith+and+Whidbey+Islands.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Cargo barge between Smith and Whidbey Islands. The most direct shipping route between Vancouver and Seattle runs past Smith Island, so look out for traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615918890624-CUU1K7QNJ44NNE5XQABA/07+View+of+Smith+Island+from+Minor+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 View of Smith Island from Minor Island. I tucked around the back side of Minor Island to avoid disturbing a large flock of double-crested cormorants roosting on the ground on the southeast side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587954689408-WBIQKDV0R65FYMB0SYWZ/08+Minor+Island+light+1935.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Minor Island light. Historical photos show this 1935 building’s landing used to be at ground level. The island is slowly washing away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615919235084-741R6VUYNIVIBM379O3G/09+Regulatory+signage+on+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Regulatory signage on Smith Island. Unlike the NWR’s overreaching website (which falsely claims a mandatory 200-yard buffer around all islands, not just Protection Island) these signs here on Smith Island correctly express USFWS’s jurisdiction—only over the uplands, not the tidelands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587955994957-QO4I928UPQ3C1UUB96ED/10+Cliffs+of+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Cliffs of Smith Island. Birds nest at all levels of the island, from the grassy uplands to the clifftop fringe, down through the crevices in the cliff face, to the vegetated runout, and finally the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587956058812-465TBIU8K18PIXD3JUUQ/11+Gulls+flying+over+the+nesting+cliffs.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Gulls flying over the nesting cliffs. Only glaucous-winged gulls were present today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587956120890-SYVVJ01US5848NM908XK/16+Gang+of+glaucous-winged+gulls.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Gang of gulls. Look at those beaks. I’m quite convinced gulls would eat me if they could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587956165325-446SEFDIKD7JN6PIOBUK/12+Seabird+burrows+on+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Seabird burrows on Smith Island. The entire fringe of the clifftop, which wraps three-quarters of the way around the island, is punctured with regularly spaced alcid burrows. Most appeared empty, but it’s hard to be certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587957820785-EO08OH3ET3DXUNJXOFVD/13+Burrows+form+a+watching+face.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Burrows form a watching face. On the south side of the island, the clifftops curve lower to head-height and are very near the mean high tide line, enabling me to look right in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587957880477-6BHAK2BCEYLEM6D7KVJN/14+Tufted+puffins+in+burrows+on+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Tufted puffins in burrows on Smith Island. The puffin nests seemed to be concentrated along a narrow segment of the cliff just north of the former lighthouse location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587957923070-Z1L81G44XQF6QV5OZNPY/15+Tufted+puffin+dives+from+cliff+on+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Tufted puffin dives from cliff on Smith Island. Most alcids nest on or near steep slopes because they need a gravity boost to gain enough speed to fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958450195-PSXTPIXWVRNORH95P3ET/17+Lighthouse+goes+missing.jpg Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Lighthouse goes missing. The old lighthouse is still visible in Google Earth’s earliest photo, taken in 1990. In all subsequent photos, it is missing, toppled onto the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637612967105-CUPHZO30REVF02VO6JJ6/23+Smith+Island+fresnel+lens.jpg Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 - Make it stand out Fourth-order Fresnel lens, originally installed in the Smith Island lighthouse. Today, the lens is on display at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958619440-E4QENNVGK8XV3RISFVJS/18+Ruins+of+1858+lighthouse.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Ruins of 1858 lighthouse. It’s amazing these pieces held together at all. This thing was built tough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958645654-RYETW530ZFP0GNK4CYOD/19+Remains+of+generator.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Remains of a generator. This generator once charged the batteries that powered the light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958669463-CFD12CQAH0PUKVN0SMHH/20+Such+a+comfy+harbor+seal.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 A comfy harbor seal. There were perhaps eighty or more harbor seals on and around Smith and Minor Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958694657-WWTQCAXKQAUP57V62KQT/21+Preparing+to+depart+Smith+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Preparing to depart Smith Island. Ancient lighthouse keeper’s house and ancillary structure in background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587958715705-HW2GJSN07HGVYIH66ZHS/22+Paddling+back+to+Whidbey+Island.JPG Smith and Minor Islands 10 June 2018 Paddling back to Whidbey Island. Tidal currents ran double or triple the speed predicted at PCT1451, the nearest NOAA current station. I was lucky I had timed my trip to travel with the tides instead of against. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lummi-rocks-16-17-june-2018 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587959220858-M1ZWPU9WSZB7CO3WJFBL/00+Route+map.jpg Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 I launched from the beach at Gooseberry Pt. in the mistaken belief that the public had access over the tidelands. After the trip, I learned that the tidelands are in fact the property of the Lummi Tribe by executive order of President Grant, Nov. 22, 1873. I should not have launched here. Always check your 19th-century executive orders before launching a kayak! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960099087-01HXXE5YC0021RRMMCDB/01+Lummi+Nation+pier.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Lummi Nation pier. The Lummi still derive a great deal of their sustenance from the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960124640-IQ3G4DV9783TQ7UVI4OW/02+Paddling+up+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Paddling up Hale Passage. Winds blew a steady ten knots from the north day and night, slackening only for an hour or two around dawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960158034-5GH6QNDT4VQSBT8D6A09/03+Southbound+down+Rosario+Strait.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Paddling southbound down Rosario Strait toward a tide race. These lovely islands feel like a second home to me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960196380-IPN844K9PC4OLE1KK8WX/04+Landing+beach+at+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Landing at Lummi Rocks. I was worried there would be regulatory signage or seabird colonies on the island, either of which would have compelled me to keep moving. Luckily, the only sign merely advised visitors to respect the site, and the only seabirds were glaucous-winged gulls and pelagic cormorants nesting out of line-of-sight from the tombolo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960255620-P2XQDGWRA05Z7XBZBYUV/05+Sitting+on+the+tombolo.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Sitting on the tombolo. As I’d hoped, the tombolo was clear and level. Plenty of room for campers, especially those like me who just lie out under the stars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960226143-MX80PDJVT70149CKBX7K/06+Seals+relaxing+on+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Seals relaxing off Lummi Rocks. On such sunny days, humans and seals alike just want to bask. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960289917-UC5KM4JG4RREMWPY7B7N/07+On+top+of+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 On top of Lummi Rocks. Lummi Island in the background left, Vendovi Island in the background right. Hat Island in the distant background right. Mainland in the distant background right of Lummi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960327518-CU6W5U34ZMJ2575QVLQQ/08+Sunset+over+Matia+Island.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Sunset over Matia Island. This time of year, the sun sets quite far to the north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960408962-RP4DZN66K61L71QXOF5L/09+Departing+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Looking back at Lummi Rocks. The north wind and ebb tide gave me such southward push that I didn’t once paddle all the way to the south end of Lummi Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960435534-3GBILQU64B3BKOFULHAS/10+Southern+tip+of+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Southern tip of Lummi Island. I was worried about tide races and whirlpools at the tip of the island, but it was completely benign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960523539-GQSN06FLGY5SALZ0KJLS/11+Mt+Baker+from+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Rocks 16–17 June 2018 Mount Baker from Hale Passage. Mount Baker dominates the eastern San Juans in the same way Mount Rainier dominates the south sound. Mount Shuksan to the right. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/quadrangle-of-fire-24-26-aug-2018 daily 0.75 2025-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011278814-4LEAXJ4F4BRQN63ZUWJB/00+Map.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Route map: three-day, two-night clockwise tour starting from Fort Worden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011431194-UIBBD3F3TQC6TGOXN9CD/01+Heermann%27s+Gulls+at+launch.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Heermann’s gulls at launch beach. August is the best month in our region for seeing this very handsome gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011450436-57352DRTH7WFUYKESKKE/02+Army+logistics+support+vessel.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Army logistics support vessel transiting Admiralty Inlet. The extreme haze is due to wildfires, limiting visibility to around seven miles (11 km). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588534935826-4LCN2FTDLRMZWK9FFYFV/03+Point+Wilson+lighthouse.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Point Wilson lighthouse. Point Wilson is famous for extensive tide rips, but they weren’t too bad on a fading ebb, close to shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011518440-T53QXY13L7J631NUR4HU/04+Crossing+Admiralty+Inlet+toward+Ft+Ebey.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Crossing Admiralty Inlet toward Fort Ebey under calm conditions. Partridge Point, Whidbey Island is the destination, visible on the far left of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011545384-HJTIUASGN2Q0TWKWOS85/05+Looking+south+down+inlet.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Looking south down Admiralty Inlet. The smoke created amazing lighting effects throughout the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011579619-WBIIV0EF0UST74794BZL/06+Rhinoceros+auklet+flock.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Rhinoceros auklet flock in Admiralty Inlet. Rhino auklets are the friendliest towards humans of the Big Four alcids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011680583-FTYFY1OGJERHRKQG2MJU/07+View+from+Partridge+Point.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 View from Partridge Point. A lovely, mile-long trail along the bluff connects the Cascade Marine Trail campsite to Fort Ebey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011716735-O3SRZAOIELJ5RPM1SRLB/08+Fort+Ebey+base+end+station+.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Ebey base end station. This bunker-like structure is not a firing point. It’s a base end station, used to triangulate the position of approaching ships by comparing azimuths shot from this position with azimuths shot from other positions in the vicinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011850057-V1XAIUHCGZ6XRHRWJNQW/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Ebey six-inch gun battery. Fort Ebey is much smaller than the forts of the Triangle of Fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011867511-EN99K4EQY2T6GBYR0ZH7/10+Fort+Ebey+battery+commanders+station.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Ebey battery commander’s station. From this underground bunker, the battery commander assigned targets to his guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588011993296-FDJNM8SXMSW6Q3OAMGUS/11%2BFort%2BEbey%2Bworst%2Bwater%2Bfountain.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Ebey is home to the world’s least convenient water fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012056291-91M5ST3J4G6A7TDYNYWR/12+Beach+at+Fort+Ebey.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Beach at Fort Ebey State Park. Here in the inland waters, it’s a rare sandy beach that is open to the public, so camping on one is a real treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012074805-191WTB08V97SEE1TTLK5/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Sunset at Fort Ebey State Park. The marine trail campsite is accessible by cars, but car drivers may not camp here; their campground is on the other side of the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012198171-MZ587BM1XRH517KTVX6F/14+paddling+south+along+Whidbey+shore.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Paddling south along Whidbey Island shore toward Fort Casey. Kelp beds and tide races were frequent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012219598-GYSZHJ08OHVC50AWO2E0/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Ten-inch gun at Fort Casey. Fort Casey is the only one of the forts still to have guns installed today. The actual guns at Casey were originally emplaced at a similar Endicott Period fort in the Philippines. They were brought over to Fort Casey for display after WWII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012268265-MXN2OO3YQMF97FHXEP7T/18+Main+gunline+Fort+Casey.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Main gun line at Fort Casey. The disappearing carriages would drop the guns below the parapet after every shot to aid concealment and hasten reloading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012304700-IX6I0FES9T8YJUHJRF8K/16+Shell+receiving+area+Fort+Casey.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Shell receiving area at Fort Casey. The walkways and gantries and tunnels make for wonderful exploring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012328904-HA1CQP1F2PDLX9KEIV55/17+Playing+on+the+shell+transporter.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Playing on shell transportation system at Fort Casey. I was fortunate enough to catch a guided tour of the fort that took us through some of the magazines that are normally off-limits to visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012352341-ZZP76UC2EPYWACPY68Z7/19+Shell+magazine+hoist.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Shell hoist at Fort Casey. Each of these ten-inch shells weighs 620 pounds (280 kg)! The two furthest ones are mock-ups but the closest one is a real practice round that was actually fired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013572337-GMCEGC3IV0GH941W9PXO/32+Entrance+to+Ft+Flagler+marine+trail+campsite.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Entrance to the Cascadia Marine Trail campsite at Fort Flagler. This campsite was less scenic and had more foot traffic than the one at Fort Ebey, but it was still a great site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012934440-1L0389QGV7WRWS8VV9DE/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Flagler secondary six-inch gun battery. At this fort, you wander through the woods for miles, periodically encountering fortifications that loom unexpectedly out of the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588012990089-S4WL9QPSQWOXGJYK5AVD/22+Fort+Flagler+part+of+Battery+Calwell.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 A portion of Battery Calwell at Fort Flagler. The fort is very slowly decaying into the grass and trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013019433-W2X5AA3XWW3S4HF2BOBR/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Flager has the most helpful signage that explain the technical aspects of naval gunnery. Fort Casey has guided tours that explain how the guns themselves were loaded and operated. And Fort Worden has a terrific museum. Each fort has something to offer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013054034-AR1LWIM7O6JFEN1VIPAL/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Shell receiving area at Fort Flagler. Shells and powder bags would come up the hoist and drop onto the tray seen here, thence to be carted over to the guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013108092-XGPNLXF2832GIS8C2DZG/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Sitting above the magazine level of the main gun line of Fort Flagler. There were barn swallows nesting inside the underground rooms; they would come whipping out past my head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013147317-7R2P75T40HVRMH5GRGKG/26+Down+in+the+magazine.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Down in the powder magazine of Fort Flagler. Without a flashlight, I had to toe my way forward in the darkness to avoid tripping over various concrete protrusions and trenches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013177085-UGKCXOPWT2BJOU3UZ3W1/27+Alex+directs+fire+from+Battery+Paul+Revere.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Alex directs the ten-inch gunfire of Battery Paul Revere. The fire control stations behind the gun line doubled as position-finding stations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013208834-UNJINTTEJT5L3U3CMLMG/28+Fort+Flagler+battery+commanders+station.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 On top of the battery commander’s position. To me the view of Admiralty Inlet is just lovely scenery. To the commander, it was a tactical necessity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013249300-M8MERG1CPCSUHPCCCYYC/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 The top-most level of Fort Flagler. Only a handful of structures protrude above ground level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013315542-DGCO612QZY6X1MTZDX7E/30+Marrowstone+Island+Baird%27s+sandpiper.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Juvenile Baird’s sandpiper on the beach at Fort Flagler. An unusual and beautiful find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588013372151-2SXWBYE4J68JTEZCJDEA/31+Baird%27s+sandpiper.jpg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Another juvenile Baird’s. It was especially remarkable to see so many of these at once. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588014008222-ZWL3H75HRR2RTNWQCTJ4/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Worden secondary battery. Each type of gun had its own special role to play in the tactical scheme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588014031519-N60N7MY0GJMDMSHNXCO0/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Worden main gun line. Up here were the big ten- and twelve-inch guns, which, alongside the twelve-inch mortars, made up the heaviest weapons of these forts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588014073983-P70O6YCQCX7BGF1Q165F/image-asset.jpeg Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Fort Worden communications tunnel. These concrete tunnels must have been deafening when the guns were booming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588014096429-9V62IY3QIFOD6T0EKEL2/36+Exploring+Fort+Worden.JPG Quadrangle of Fire 24–26 Aug 2018 Alex exploring Fort Worden. The fun part of these forts is the scrambling up, down, and around the various structures. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cabbage-island-1-3-sept-2018 daily 0.75 2024-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016314920-D3ZETMM0EWKO3U5QHFPE/00+Route+Map.jpg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Route Map. We managed to visit all the best parts of beautiful Saturna Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016447899-HUW9YSIDT4XR446SDK2D/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Boat Passage on strong flood. It was fun to visit this pass on foot before we paddled through it in our boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016486071-L3XQCJAO5FC6F6K2FG97/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Nathan at Boat Passage. With a whole morning to spare, we took a brief nap on the rocks, lulled by the rush of water through the pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016851174-SMIGBLPCK9RM1QESRC3H/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Nathan entering Boat Passage. There was a fair amount of traffic through the pass, and not every powerboater was comfortable with our presence in the narrow strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016885804-K10USAHP31G55I7Y85MJ/04+Alex+enters+Boat+Passage.JPG Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Alex enters Boat Passage. The southern Gulf Islands can feel almost tropical on a beautiful, early fall day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016911510-AB2S9GH21T7DL2F7JYCI/05+Alex+and+Nathan+headed+east+along+Saturna+Island.JPG Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Alex and Nathan headed east along Saturna Island. The Strait of Georgia was kind, showing us her calm, beautiful side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016935485-ZZLNBJO4F5ZIKUM4ESZG/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Osprey over Saturna Island. No human fisherman can compete with this master of the seas and skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588016981511-KQMBABH2GNEEUXCMU2Y2/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Nathan on Cabbage Island. Wildfires created a red, smoky haze as the sun descended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017011406-M40SJ3Q8A5HJK1DIUNL2/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Sunset from Cabbage Island. On days like this, you feel as if you’ve been transported to another planet, far away from ordinary experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017089896-6FL32QQO0VHHUJOC7VEJ/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Rounding Tumbo Island. Patos Island on the left, Sucia and Orcas Island dead ahead. How lovely to see my old, familiar San Juan Islands from this angle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017154488-3CVB9EO6QH5AIPA34VM1/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Returning to Cabbage Island. As people cleared out over the weekend, it became possible to think of this little island as a castaway home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017173093-AZAJ06H8QEITM7DOIQAD/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Saturday night on Cabbage Island. I love our land of mountains and clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017189798-9C9W5HS72J7P68FX4V7L/image-asset.jpeg Cabbage Island 1–3 Sept 2018 Exiting Reef Harbour. Outside the harbor, whitecaps and currents heralded a long, slow paddle back. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cypress-and-sinclair-islands-22-23-sept-2018 daily 0.75 2025-04-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017733649-JXN0BSW1SKK84ILJ8I0H/00+Route+Map.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Route map. This screenshot from the Public Lands Inventory depicts privately owned land in gray, state parks in yellow, municipal land in pink, DNR land in salmon, and WDFW land in orange. Light blue indicates DNR-owned aquatic lands and tidelands (i.e., saltwater), and white indicates aquatic lands and tidelands owned by entities other than DNR, perhaps private, perhaps government. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017892705-CT4J3OYZ7HZBVM3BOWOF/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Heading into the San Juans shortly after dawn. These calm, gray fall mornings are some of my favorite times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017939540-4LN3GPM1Q8QCVU837ZT0/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Approaching Bellingham Channel in the rain. Rain doesn’t bother me in a kayak; only wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588017961191-BM2XT4DNLWJ3P0GVOL06/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Southern entrance to Bellingham Channel. I’d always previously transited the channel north-to-south. Going south-to-north was a lovely change of perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018317834-USBSEOAZ7WB3M5YCVH2M/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Bonaparte’s gull. These gulls were present by the hundred, spread out in loose flocks throughout every channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018338509-B5VTT9BJ4O27DR7XCPJP/05+Parasitic+jaeger.jpg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Parasitic jaeger. This powerful northern hunter is only paying us a brief visit. Our poor gulls won’t be sorry to see him go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018413064-GJ8MQNNZN9EON21I2CCZ/07+Habor+porpoise.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Harbor porpoise surfaces to breathe. They only stay on the surface for a second or less, so they’re almost impossible to photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018517376-KRS76SYZATSRHM2CTUMK/06+Harbor+porpoise+and+Bonapartes+gull.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Harbor porpoise and Bonaparte’s gull. Our marine environment is full of all kinds of wonders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588536070502-W3TDL5A4FF9FS6XOGEQS/08+Approaching+the+Cone+Islands.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Approaching the lovely Cone Islands. Catching a favorable current in Bellingham Channel is one of the greatest joys a kayaker can experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018683004-4RZMKWPX0WAKLVK3I0K4/09+On+Pelican+Beach.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Pelican Beach, not crowded in the off season. Unlike the more common concave beaches, where sightlines are restricted by the arms of the bay, Pelican Beach has a convex shape that projects into the water, giving wonderful views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018796838-LJON25DQ66V0O73WQKR4/10+Through+the+forest+on+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Through the forest on Cypress Island. The island has been logged over, but the second growth is coming in nicely, thanks to the island’s protected status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018839291-E5I43VC57KVHE8QT4SG1/11+Maidenhair+ferns+on+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Maidenhair ferns on Cypress Island. There are enough creeks flowing year-round to support this hydrophilic species, one of my favorite ferns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018870427-IEKELEZRHXVQD28AT4B2/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Atop Eagle Cliff. Peregrine falcons nest on this bluff, and you feel a bit like a falcon yourself, sitting way up here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018893952-QN9HFW9X85HPUVU2OI2T/13+Cultural+history+of+cypress+island.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Cultural history of Cypress Island. They logged all the trees, dug up all the minerals, caught all the fish, and then tried to sell off the barren remains to rich people. Thank goodness the environmentalists prevailed in the end! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588018926008-X042JTQ47GF83E99TD0G/14+Abandoned+airfield+on+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Abandoned airfield on Cypress Island. One day, the trees will take back what is theirs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588019126645-2GHLYDALZ4WUR1YMVLI4/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Kayaking through the Cone Islands on the way south. The Cone Islands are a kind of mini-wilderness, wonderful to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588019190608-SVPS88JW3W7RZDZU1LBS/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Fidalgo Island ahead and left, Cypress Island on the right. Trees, clouds, water, and rocks—the scenery of home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588019213590-6RYC0O8QNM5BKXAZJM98/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Ferry at sunset near Anacortes. This time, with a favorable current, it was no problem clearing out of their way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588019251412-MULG8WJCFLXLLEA5WR54/image-asset.jpeg Cypress and Sinclair Islands 22–23 Sept 2018 Thirty seconds after sunset in Guemes Channel. What a magnificent planet we live on. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/stillaguamish-river-delta-1-dec-2018 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588038175267-ZW2D64GI3LFL8W5QLY8A/00+Route+map.jpg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Route map. The launch point is beneath the bridge between Camano Island (L) and the mainland (R). This image—and my trip—only includes the northernmost corner of the Stillaguamish delta. The whole delta is perhaps ten times this large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588040909875-JQ4M8C064VMDQUJ1JXHO/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Wooden hulk at launch. Like most of our river deltas, the Stillaguamish once hosted a wide array of timber and fishing facilities, all in wood. These are now slowly decaying into the mud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588040953072-S3RWBH1AAVRK98M8NN1L/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Old pilings. Although this landscape has been heavily modified by industry and agriculture, nature still finds a home in the gaps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588041007274-YMU3PKWEPOOE6VWBATAN/03+Entering+narrow+slough.JPG Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Entering narrow slough. At medium tide, it was possible to penetrate quite far inland through the swamp by using these mazes of channels. But maps of this area are useless. I got disoriented several times, despite my GPS, because the channels are constantly changing and were, perhaps, never very accurately delineated to begin with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588041031543-0FW790EEPGXSMABDL7NC/04+Through+a+slough.JPG Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Through a slough, Stillaguamish RiverDelta. In some places, the channels were so narrow my boat would scrape both sides. Other places, such as here, were much wider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588045587010-BDA5X7EY81R84CT48DOO/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Flooded swamp. As the tide rose, the entire swamp became a vast, placid water world, perfect for ducks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588045654078-MU11OIA1EK77T95MXTG5/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Short-eared owl. This handsome fellow was not perturbed in the least by my passage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588045675310-WPBA7YBZP51ABHE658Z6/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Far side of the dike. Dikes in this area “reclaim” estuarine land for agriculture. You have to portage up and over if you want to access the more inland channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588045694492-IK2ZMMZBEVZ7OVD2ZHCD/08+Windy+slough.JPG Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Slough country. Thanks to the high banks, it was eerily quiet within these channels, which extend quite far into the interior of the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588045715297-0N8GUGLVEYR590W251I8/image-asset.jpeg Stillaguamish River Delta 1 Dec 2018 Wigeon decoy. The intensity of the shooting was remarkable, and it clearly put a lot of stress on the birds. They were constantly flushing at the slightest disturbance, which they don’t do in areas or times when there is no hunting. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/posey-stuart-and-jones-islands-29-dec-1-jan-2019 daily 0.75 2024-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046123913-SYWIXP5T1FAIM8WX0HOG/00+Map.jpg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Route map. When kayaking in December, it’s often wise to keep crossings short. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1636396197510-MV0RT1PJ7FKYUWQIPKQ4/01+Westbound+up+Spieden+Channel.JPG Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Westbound up Spieden Channel. Spieden Island is one of the most picturesque of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046228350-TYEFPT6EARWKRC14BELD/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Barren, Battleship, and Henry Islands. The raindrops made a steady patter on the surface of the sea and the deck of my boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046357431-D78PXQPSI5ZQYFUIO8KD/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Pigeon guillemots in Spieden Channel. Alcid numbers spike during winter, when the birds leave their nesting grounds in the Arctic and along the outer coast and come to Puget Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046386876-JNU4O5DTKNX4RM94Q1SQ/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Rainy arrival at Posey Island. Posey Island’s unusual species composition consists of seaside juniper and Garry oak, both rare in western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046407796-VLPJZ0VPJ8VMS9L7GC2I/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Under my tarp at Posey Island. This 250-s.f. (23 sq. m) monster protected my tent, my gear, and an area for me to sit and read while I waited for the rain to pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046452307-D2XVBSUV2ZQBNMZG7SXS/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Cooking dinner. It gets cold once the sun goes down, so I eat dinner around 4:30 this time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046506640-PMH2SP1LV0NGV410ILET/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Kayaking north up Haro Strait to Stuart Island. In the morning, the wind had died down, and I had an easy crossing to Stuart Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046544397-38THTVKHHEB1JL8U819X/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Mysterious Spieden Island. I call Spieden Island “Jurassic Park,” because the whole island is owned by a secretive billionaire, is off-limits to the public, and is populated by exotic, introduced animals that wander freely over the plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046568105-B4O7672C25XZL4YZT1AC/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Animals of Jurassic Park. I don’t include domestic animals in my species counts, and these are probably tame enough to be considered domestic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046600055-D7AQTOW3FBJLFJ4OMUTE/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Entrance to Reid Harbor. I mistakenly thought Gossip Island, in the foreground guarding the entrance to the harbor, was an off-limits NWR island. Actually, it is a state park island and can be landed upon though not camped upon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046623009-U2B0EVOMN1OA2FP7IPW7/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Pigeon guillemot. Pigeon guillemots can be difficult to identify in winter, because there is a lot of individual variation in how white they are, especially around the head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046647162-38OXCPW36IUDIS96973I/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Marbled murrelet. I saw many dozens of the beautiful marbled murrelet but no ancient murrelets, even in San Juan Channel where they are often numerous in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046669531-2V7OYQPGBPBSUVISW3XW/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Under the trees in Reid Harbor. The best campsite on Stuart Island is not at the dock but at the western end of Reid Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046753955-7FGBTBD68SJDRR6G1CHM/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Hiking on Stuart. Standing in a clearing in the forest atop a high bluff is one of the most characteristic pleasures of hiking in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046789098-QOZX6SFB27RMHMGANTEV/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Stuart Island’s one-room schoolhouse. The island’s public school has been closed for lack of students since 2013, although the school library remains open as a community resource. Interpretive materials plaintively call for children to return to the island one day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046810935-EKXGM8Y0568JTQPZ7DJT/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Turn Point lighthouse. By the afternoon, northwest winds in Haro Strait had kicked up to around twenty knots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1636396672861-S6ZJ3U5OGVP5OFRCVVXX/17+Alex+at+Turn+Point+ighthouse.JPG Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Alex at Turn Point lighthouse, Stuart Island. The heavy chop and blisteringly fast current in Haro Strait made me glad I was off the water already. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046872981-KXZR3BXKDTMJG86ROP76/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Lighthouse keepers’ house. Lighthouse keeper was a working-class profession. This is how such people lived during the middle of the 20th century. Today, they’d struggle to afford a two-bedroom apartment miles from the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588046903940-KGZP0MTMXXXN9MB0QXJ1/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Orion seen from Stuart Island. A high-pressure system over the BC interior brought clear skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047047984-G5JKGC659CKJJHA19K11/20+Bumpy+crossing+to+Flattop+Island.JPG Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Bumpy crossing to Flattop Island. Luckily, the winds were at the low end of the predicted ten- to twenty-knot forecast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047773258-W2L6QS727U5ZWMJKIM1E/21+Looking+down+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Looking down San Juan Channel. The sun stays very low on the horizon this time of year, even during mid-day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047798517-M3IFI5VIQ0QQI949LLK7/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Arriving at west side campground. This site can be a little hard to spot from the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047821873-QN8ICC24BS2GUKCU76WW/image-asset.jpeg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 At the westside campground, Jones Island. The entire island is a state park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047855743-QKMTDRZTVLFCZWX2CM9B/24+Jones+Island+sunset.jpg Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Jones Island sunset. At the height of winter, the sunset was so far south it was almost disorienting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588047891829-EOGT1LCMSEGC2J8NJN6E/25+Looking+west+during+the+crossing+home.JPG Posey, Stuart, and Jones Islands 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2019 Looking back at Stuart and Spieden on last morning. The crossing back to Reuben Tarte took less than an hour. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/harstine-island-16-18-feb-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048451261-VU94VBUFLCV199UXTI5C/00+Route+Map.jpg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Route map. I paddled counterclockwise up Case Inlet, camped at Jarrell Cove, then circumnavigated Squaxin Island and camped at Hope Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048526146-HHSAX02G3GWNIUF3DBD8/01+Departing+Boston+Harbor.jpg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Departing Boston Harbor. A Washington State Discover Pass is required to park at the launch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048558466-T07HW9PSFG76ZNOXODII/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Brisco Point, Harstine Island. Most of Harstine is privately owned, unincorporated land. The beaches are excessively armored to protect these “investments.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048650056-D2REHQP0TKL1AG2YYVSZ/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Overhanging tree. Because of the shape of the island, a Harstine circumnav encourages the paddler to hug the shore, which is the most fun kind of kayaking. There is a qualitative difference between being five feet offshore versus fifty feet offshore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048702517-G9QZX1NV8CNHJNP5I61R/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Red-necked grebes at Harstine Island. Faint tinges of red are just appearing on their necks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048738843-EXGL8L7UXNEWABL8KFJN/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Pigeon guillemot at Harstine Island. This handsome fellow is a little late. Most of his conspecifics already have their black summer plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588048815760-5SHC9B61YG3VNIY9JP6A/06+McMicken+Island.JPG Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Landing beach at McMicken Island. A hiking trail in the forest makes this a delightful lunch stop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049100185-Z0RQLLG1ASM980ERBJX0/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 California sea lions approaching in Case Inlet. All the animals were males. Female California sea lions are very rare in our waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049308045-T8OVEH45HU5BSDVNBGVR/08+California+sea+lions+departing+in+Case+Inlet.JPG Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 California sea lions departing. The sea lions showed commendable discipline in maintaining their line-abreast formation even in the face of my kayak’s disruptive presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049809455-TBR3LT39DNI065903T98/09+Dougall+Point.JPG Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Dougall Point, the northeasternmost point of Harstine Island. Although Harstine has many beautiful beaches, almost all of them are privatized, including this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049844378-KBLP328NIUQ6ERWKCTYJ/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Waterfall at Jarrell Cove. This "waterfall" is actually just runoff from the snow melting above the camping area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049907545-JSCY9VI0LBDXTSIJ1D51/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 North side of Pickering Pass. Arctic outflow, had it materialized, would have produced cold, dry, clear skies. I was not expecting this lovely fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049926251-ZPF88YF50RULTW20FVLG/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 So-called new bridge on the west side of Harstine Island. The current in Pickering Passage splits about two miles south of this bridge. North of the split, the ebb runs north. South of the split, the ebb runs south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588049968339-JBWJ2LK24UILJOG461MU/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Ring-billed gulls at a fish farm. Fish farms are mercifully rare in Washington State, but I found two of them in Peale Passage. Unlike the worst offenders one encounters in BC, these were not running obnoxious generators. Recent legislation has begun to put a squeeze on these polluting eyesores. Hopefully, even stricter regulation will come soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050053980-ZLSQA9IU4G64AX92MH0S/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Creek at Squaxin Island. The entire island is an Indian reservation, off-limits to outsiders. I generally disapprove of any form of privatization of the coast, but the tribe’s right is more just than most, and the tribe has taken better care of Squaxin Island than the various private owners have of Harstine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050138471-SI2S4C04ZWSX2H227EZX/15+Beach+at+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Beach at Hope Island. The entire 100-acre island is a state park, with a wonderful interpretive trail running the perimeter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050182833-WJRC6DN7ZY8ZWUEWXI8J/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Moon over Hope Island. The moon, nearly full, was so bright it was casting shadows https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050206268-XZ99IOTKL6S6C3F4PODP/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Windmill at Hope Island. This is a working replica of the windmill settlers installed in the early twentieth century to pump water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050222880-3SCFQSFC2OA4HQC9O9UY/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Crow tracks at Hope Island. Any time of year, there’s always something cool to see in the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588050243711-6B6YD65JHHRIRYID3O6G/image-asset.jpeg Harstine Island 16–18 Feb 2019 Southbound back to Boston Harbor. How wonderful to have these beautiful waters all to myself. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-sound-spring-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051185922-QXA8RQ2S9LGFORSPXA3S/00+Route+Map.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Route map. This itinerary could also be done as a day trip out of Mukilteo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051213147-NNXL43TGK1UXILX3GQWU/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Launch at Port of Everett. Even inside Jetty Island, the currents were stronger than I expected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051234253-DRGU7W6E3PYKDR1UNAKN/02+Harbor+Seal+near+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Harbor seal near Jetty Island. Possession Sound was full of harbor seals and California sea lions, plus a few Steller sea lions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051256725-7OU5RAGMHL7FT7NTOLY4/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Snow geese over Possession Sound. These beautiful birds will soon head north to breed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051292560-QPK344ZGAYJN04L7SKUI/04+Through+the+wooden+ships.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Through the wooden ships. These remarkable old relics were sunk at the mouth of the Snohomish River to serve as a breakwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051338844-7SLD2MO5A0CMF9I5D8GT/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Kayaking across Possession Sound. There’s no place like the Pacific Northwest in spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051383123-3JIER9KYCDEJ6QJL20G1/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale spouting at Hat Island. The whale’s breath sounded like a wave hitting a pebble beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051407598-JUPZV01U1GSY1DDCV8Z0/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale surfacing. Grays take a leisurely approach to life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051429885-WLD8XA9XGETDR2CB8WQR/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale diving. These grays tended to expose less of their bodies than humpbacks do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051451945-202NBQVLWDA9F2MOHR04/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale and Mount Baker. Washington State still feels like wilderness sometimes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051675210-3GZ4DJY240WYDE9SC1JR/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Kayaking southbound down Possession Sound. Whidbey Island on right, mainland on left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051730840-I7PTU9FBXXKX30ZPQAGO/11+Possession+Point+beach.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Possession Point beach. This lovely site is accessible by car, but because it’s isolated at the very southern tip of the island, there are far fewer visitors than one might expect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051751768-FTCBXW0566YQAYI6LLB6/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Grand fir in the forest above Possession Point. The grand is one of our most personable trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051788987-E8FLH37CBKMBP3L1W6ZH/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Spotted sandpipers. Everywhere they go, these delightful fellows bob their tails up and down as if dancing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051832330-EJ28TUK2PHMNHJGG18FA/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Barrow’s goldeneyes. This is one of our most handsome ducks. Unlike the common goldeneye, which can be seen on both fresh and salt water, the Barrow’s is almost exclusively seen on salt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051900934-XMYQLQX13C4AQ3A83C7T/15+Harlequin+ducks.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Harlequin ducks. These ducks are so clever at finding their way through rock gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051927765-19WZ5WLP1EOYFP1T4UGF/17+Climbing+at+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Climbing at Possession Point. How delightful to have this magnificent beach to myself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051949549-N88XROG6RES1IU9ZN6D8/18+Bluffs+at+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Bluffs at Possession Point. These sandy bluffs are eroding so quickly, I actually saw a stone pop out and come tumbling down to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588051994491-XL0ULG48AHZY9E6AMW5I/19+Northbound+up+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Northbound up Possession Sound. Mount Baker presides over this part of the state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588052831581-6KV60OJ3YZXFJ6NTEC5V/01+Lovely+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Lovely Possession Sound. I waited for perfect conditions to return to Possession Sound. It can get a little choppy on a south wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588052905288-5KE3SYGO2ND24AHH5IQ3/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Ospreys atop pilings. The north part of Port of Everett is my best place in the state for ospreys. Dozens of pairs of these beautiful raptors nest on the pilings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588052969621-COOGO2WIC261D7P2E2BQ/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Double-crested cormorant atop pilings. The pilings are left over from the timber and shingle mills erected during the port’s salad days a hundred years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053032543-ELDIFCGG3THGZLNA4VI9/04+Dunlin.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Suspicious dunlin stare me down. These are transitioning into their breeding plumage. Once their transition is done, they will be a rich brown on top and spanking white below, with bold, black spots on their bellies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053058880-JF0JN9TE6N8S53WLIQZC/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Bald eagle atop pilings. It was amazing how well the eagles got along with the ospreys. You’d think they would consider one another competitors, but they just ignored each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053118918-A11N3MEDI3S24O29VWWK/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Western grebes. The horned and red-necked grebes were already 90% transitioned, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to get pictures of their spectacular breeding plumages. I was fortunate, however, to meet these handsome fellows about halfway to Hat Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053143771-X98S6J9NIKQ1HKQSR8XH/07+Rhinoceros+auklet.JPG Possession Sound spring 2019 Rhinoceros auklet. This gentleman (or lady) is ready for a mate! I saw another auklet nearby, but I couldn’t tell if the two of them were paired off or merely foraging in one another’s company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053304794-IUQRCYPQO1BQI4PCA7FF/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale surfaces. This whale had a deep, blasting breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053350190-8PHD1380TSCXNXGM0CFZ/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Gray whale near Hat Island. This whale wandered across a much wider area than my earlier whale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053373896-REOBZ23J549P01XCR044/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Whale breath. These animals are so beautiful and dignified. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053396664-K2RPAGYEUV1MBUXAD550/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Here come some more marine mammals. Once the whale-watching boats showed up, I cleared out. A gray whale’s company is best enjoyed alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053443456-0XGUNN7ZBP7MHI22DCIS/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Dunlin and plovers. It’s incredible that such small birds can undertake such a long migration. And they do it twice each year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053494241-3BMM0G4EXBODJTQBC4D9/image-asset.jpeg Possession Sound spring 2019 Caspian terns, dunlin, and plovers. Arctic terns used to nest on Jetty Island, but they’ve been gone for decades. Lucky for us, we can still enjoy these handsome Caspians. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/strawberry-island-3-5-may-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588094553052-MJQ9SSGZQ10D0MDS2URI/00+Route+map.jpg Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 Route map. I did move my car to the overnight lot after I’d unloaded. Rules are rules. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588096524320-MK06CGSYF4W8WFNLXW78/01+Alex+on+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 Alex on Strawberry Island. This is the best campsite in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588096555946-NIOZPBMVODAZCL0K7EFE/image-asset.jpeg Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 Common camas. Strawberry Island is host to all sorts of interesting members of the lily family, including this lovely specimen and also a delicious native onion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588096571266-F8TLYGWW1HW9IQICZQA4/image-asset.jpeg Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 View from Strawberry Island north up Rosario Strait. This bluff is the best place in the state to sit and watch harbor porpoises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588096590371-FAD7Q4BWPS780SEUTOVQ/image-asset.jpeg Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 Sunset over Rosario Strait. I love sitting on an island and watching the sun go from one side of the sky to the other over the course of a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588096608586-6VHVGAM9MDVRCNPHYLPM/image-asset.jpeg Strawberry Island 3–5 May 2019 Departing Strawberry Island. With proper use of tides, the transit between Washington Park and Strawberry Island can be almost effortless. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/la-push-goodman-creek-25-27-may-2019 daily 0.75 2025-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588097058592-FP1BOZNTZ70XCVIQJUA9/00+Map.jpg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Route map. The Olympic coast of Washington is protected as a national park. Logging doesn’t start till farther inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588097179612-6BQ4775P67UXOH0JQO0I/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Sunset on Quileute River. Next morning, the dawn chorus of thrushes here was one of the loudest I’ve heard. Unbeknownst to me at the time, these islands had been handed over from the national park to the Quileute Tribe in 2012, so I should not have camped here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588097212401-8TYW85Z13YUUYPE3C4SK/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Paddling down Quileute River. Launching on the Quileute River was easier than attempting a beach launch at La Push. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115128669-3FMOA024FGQGBRYUXD63/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 James and Little James Islands. The jetties at La Push, just a mile downstream of the boat launch, provided a gentle transition between the peaceful river and the heaving ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115153889-6TPO9U6WNS3ACJYIEDDR/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Kayaking to Quileute Needles. The offshore islands are all part of a national wildlife refuge and cannot be landed upon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115185717-6UH0AWR1A9XF2DLE2OJ9/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Arriving at Quileute Needles. Jagged rock forms and pounding swell inform the visitor that he has come to the edge of the world here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115349993-Q4S0FPK6WOWPNE3O1AQN/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Tufted puffin at Quileute Needles. There were dozens of puffins at each nesting island, but the ocean is so big, and puffins so small, that I only spotted puffins within a quarter mile of each nesting island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115371933-9SWKOKW4FIBGBI9FPRK6/07+Pigeon+guillemots+Quileute+Needles.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Pigeon guillemots at Quileute Needles. Their bright red feet are so funny they always make me laugh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115418580-OSEZJDTN5A6IN0QQ81GJ/08+Common+murre+Quileute+Needles.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Common murre at Quileute Needles. Puffins and auklets nest in burrows, but common murres nest right out in the open on the cliffs at Cakesota—the only island where I encountered them on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115459554-TU3E5QIRUH25JFIBV7GD/09+Cormorants+Quileute+Needles.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Pelagic and Brandt’s cormorants at Quileute Needles. Other than gulls, pelagic cormorants were the most numerous seabird of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115749252-XVLOM9E0WK1JO7KDCX8W/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Giants Graveyard. The rockiest and most beautiful part of our wild coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115802713-P62KQ0YCNDOZCEQQGQZJ/11+Into+the+Giants%27+Graveyard.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Kayaking into the Giants Graveyard. How exhilarating to paddle a small, vulnerable boat in such a stark, alien environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115834810-V9FF9OWTGRQ2BH4KM4KC/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Harbor seals sleeping in Giants Graveyard. The coast is lined with all manner of arches and sea caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115897599-OA3K5YGRAKBBQK4R136V/12+Seals+in+Giants%27+Graveyard.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Harbor seals in Giants Graveyard. The harbor seals here on the coast seemed less wary of humans than those on the inland waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588115990802-JXHZV7M5D8EG6R647F89/13+Tufted+puffin+at+Rounded+Island.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Tufted puffin at Rounded Island. Puffins are inquisitive. More so than any other alcid, they often fly out of their way to investigate kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116066281-F2B3Z6BPMXUGLNFW9V9O/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Approaching Alexander Island by kayak. Puffins, auklets, and guillemots all favor islands with steep, rocky cliffs to keep out predators and soft, sandy tops in which to excavate burrows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116101956-VGMRWNI8JOGNR1M6KORB/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Sea otter near Alexander Island. By 1910, sea otters were extirpated completely from our state. Since then, their population has rebounded mightily thanks to a reintroduction program. We now have over 1,700 of them, of which I encountered seven on this trip, including a mother with a pup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116176739-AZKQ25WD062PALMT96GV/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Alexander Island. This wild island looks like it belongs in Alaska more than Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116200461-T1SOWC5OYU6OI0HMQWO6/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Tufted puffin at Alexander Island. Sea grass will make a cozy nest for its chicks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116227840-NFVMBYD4HJ7H8WW995T9/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Pigeon guillemot at Alexander Island. This and the rhinoceros auklet (which I did not encounter on this trip) are the two most human-tolerant species of seabird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116483332-ZHTPDKRAH3HDU6D4H591/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Paddling up Goodman Creek. The creek is like an artery, pouring water from the heart of the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116522993-NH7HSBQ3UV85ROCQJOBS/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Falls Creek waterfall. At low tide, I could only paddle as far as the confluence with Falls Creek. At high tide, I probably could have gone another quarter mile upstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116579313-NY30T5NM10DTRJ237X4Y/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Exiting Goodman Creek. During a neap tide, it would be possible to camp on the sandbars of Goodman Creek, but I was keen to camp on the beach just around the corner, where I could listen to the waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116604313-GZURHEM9LRD5M5V67OX5/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Alexander Island from the beach outside Goodman Creek. Long, sandy beaches are one of the Olympic coast’s chief attractions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116630950-MUDX5UKCY0HN0HIZ07JM/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Alex on the beach east of Goodman Creek. The main coast hiking trail, which generally runs along the beaches, goes up and over a headland just east of here, diverting most hiking traffic, so the only people I encountered were a dozen day hikers, all of whom departed before high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116691847-W99BW3KQDA5EWXL1YUQC/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Arch at Goodman Creek beach. On the far side of this arch were hordes of people camping at Mosquito Creek. On my side, I was the only camper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116741894-CSC0GQNHONB6T7AJD56H/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Loading kayak on last morning. I selected this beach because it has no camping quota; it is isolated by headlands from the hiking route; and it is sheltered from swells by its orientation and the offshore rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116773469-MJZVKK484NC3QUD2DY9S/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Launching at Goodman Creek. Passage among these rocks is only possible at middle tides and above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116798144-7I78LIG1QSJVI5RIX5OZ/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Sea caves at Goodman Creek head. Inside the caves, the deep booming of the swells was amplified and reflected from all directions, as if the Earth itself were about to collapse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116821194-S70K08C81CZFHNOLIRY2/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Sea arch at Toleak Point. On a typical summer day, the coast is shrouded in fog in the morning, which gradually burns off in the course of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116847531-SFI8Q4QYBXW2U0XE9VNB/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Sea stacks at Toleak Point. These rocks have a ruined, ghostly affect, especially in the fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116881977-7BFKHDQJAR79ID26GQWH/29+Toleak+Point.JPG La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Rock garden at Toleak Point. Here, I drew near enough to land to watch the poor hikers stumbling up the beach beneath their heavy packs, while I cruised in comfort and luxury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116932921-I576ECGH2UPC0WD9M9KB/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Entering Giants Graveyard. On the way back, I stayed closer to shore than I had on the way down, which brought me closer to these wonderful sculptures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116952090-DJ19RR7XU854H8L72AVE/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Through Giants Graveyard. The white chalky stains on some of the islands are from enormous quantities of guano deposited by generations of seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116972651-MM50RQ4U3N1CG9SJ2RX1/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Teahwhit Head. Hikers have to climb up rope ladders to get around these headlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588116991167-E8KAHLTM8YUN0DO1W3F1/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Arch at Teahwhit Head. With no noise from motorboats, cars, or airplanes, and no other people around, visiting these islands felt like traveling back to prehistoric times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117062676-9GTN7JQ1O1ZB7TXE3O00/image-asset.jpeg La Push–Goodman Creek 25–27 May 2019 Kayaking back up Quileute River. Only here, in the immediate vicinity of La Push, did I encounter boats, and even here, there were fewer than ten. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cape-flattery-7-9-june-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117277237-URLXC72HP5TAZN7GJZL3/00+Map.jpg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Route map. Simply hug the coast all the way around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117367558-GHH9AA0ACL2C8WD440N8/DSC_0030+Scouting+Cape+Flattery+on+foot.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Scouting Cape Flattery on foot. There is an observatory platform at the tip of the cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117405167-7AWZ7HLZQHLPFEFV5Q8W/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Barred owl. This adult owl and a juvenile flew across the road in front of me while I was driving between the Cape Flattery trailhead and Hobuck Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117430920-ODHI3GV18E6MBTQ8T1JW/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Point of the Arches seen from Hobuck Beach. This stretch of coast is one of the most popular for hiking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117474014-WCY3X82X8774R9J6FHM5/DSC_0056+Waadah.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Waadah Island, Neah Bay. The long jetty between this island and the mainland adds a couple miles to the paddling distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117494928-LVJX5ALLTNB31II4RKBO/DSC_0068+Mamu.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Marbeled murrelets. These beautiful little alcids were numerous in the Strait of Juan de Fuca but almost absent on the open coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117523357-DFXOA4J2QW4NCULW98CT/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Harlequin ducks. Every duck in this photo is a male. I’m sure they’re wondering where all the females are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117574917-FTVHS1P3I6IXCTYYLI9N/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Beach inside cave. This cave had three entrances, all converging at an underground beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117619975-Q4OHYZJH9XUEW4WXIGO9/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Departing a sea cave, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Even a gentle swell was sufficient to create deep, booming echoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117645483-1C6X7058I7FPE5TXLW0L/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Arch above a spire. The diversity of rock forms was a constant delight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117728695-J4X4AYTSPP2KVZK6MEP5/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Sea anemones inside sea cave. I was surprised how much marine life made its home inside the arches and caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117772272-BSD1W5AYNA7GX4Q0U5FW/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Through a narrow passage. There were over a hundred arches, tunnels, and caves. It would take many visits to find and explore them all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588117829088-7JFRAOX0CER3BLLYAFF9/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Mushroom rock, Strait of Juan de Fuca. The sea caves begin about a mile east of here and continue all the way around the cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588118760466-T9ZO8A35HWISVGU70I1Z/DSC_0203+Tatoosh.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Approaching Tatoosh Island by kayak. The narrow passage between Cape Flattery and Tatoosh Island can get rough when the wind is up or the swell is high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588118814246-2H237RHP21Z6QZ9F0WMD/DSC_0237+lighthouse.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Tattoos lighthouse, est. 1857. The island was a coast guard station for many years before the U.S. government turned it over to the Makah in settlement of a claim by the tribe against the U.S. for violation of the treaty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119178794-MDEWG6ZQG34FITSF0S53/DSC_0286+murres+ii.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Hall of murres. In here, the common murres are quite safe from marauding eagles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119206690-KEBMEFOY4L6APFKF0I0M/DSC_0270+murres+iii.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Murres atop their ledge. Even by seabird standards, murres form unusually dense colonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119336484-97VJ0FFPGJALI9S68AUQ/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Steller sea lion haul-out north of Tatoosh. The males kept up a steady roaring, moaning chorus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119389064-UPEUF3YJTCPG5MPFY5UT/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Fuca Pillar. Dense beds of kelp sometimes created obstacles for me, but they were perfect habitat for sea otters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119466073-WRH2RLJX4YEWDJLYG879/DSC_0332+CAPE.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Approaching Cape Flattery by kayak. The observatory sits atop one of these headlines. Kayakers can paddle underneath it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119514423-IPJMC9147R15KOCHDJQV/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Under an arch at the cape. In the crevices between headlands, the most perfect, secret little gardens have sprouted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119555830-O4EOQOH8BP68IG7WCKBA/DSC_0374+inside+cave.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Driftwood log inside a cave. Some of the caves are so twisty and so deep, the light would disappear altogether. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119626182-KR97O6R7Z0WAO2EQONY0/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Rectangular passageway. The headlands at Cape Flattery are as hollow as Swiss cheese. Whole mazes have formed within them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119665623-QPOP4Z7NUR0TEGBQGG7O/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Stone grotto. At higher tides, it is possible to penetrate even deeper into the complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119731028-O8XHKTCUH4KWS2GY76VN/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Sea stars. The quantity and diversity of invertebrate life was astonishing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119753307-9N9WDGOOU761MJFWC1E0/DSC_0416+arch+Tatoosh.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 View of Tatoosh Island from beneath arch. Some of the caves had dead ends, while others had secret back doors leading out by a different way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119821896-J3PDS2HI0H6AZ77N3S6N/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Fuca Pillar. The many rock formations offshore broke up the swells, making the caves easier to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119842810-OD2PDTCV57IDSNN73YYB/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Hobuck Beach. This is the northernmost of the many long, sandy beaches of the Olympic coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119893169-OQZMUEKFRZ77LIRDZAYH/DSC_0466+early+silhouettes.JPG Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Rock formations south of Cape Flattery. These stone sentinels reminded me of the Giants Graveyard from my previous month’s trip last month out of La Push. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588119998619-6TUOJ3EP5H4GND68KK5O/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Rock silhouettes south of Cape Flattery. The early morning is the most beautiful time of day on the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120024408-8P0TRULOJ8A3WQROJK01/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Fuca Pillar. Like two stone men keeping watch out to sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120057246-F1YO43EKH07HRNS3FVCE/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Secret beach. Some of these little gardens were so well hidden, I almost expected to encounter dinosaurs or sasquatch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120104943-YFSGCHD5EQGY1WXA9UID/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Inside a sea cave, Cape Flattery. A grunting harbor seal inside this cave sounded like some kind of enormous, enraged boar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120139012-IDAP0SFRB6ZV3K4SKN30/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Exiting sea cave. A pigeon guillemot dropped out of the roof and nearly struck my kayak before it flew off through the entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120163039-9H1GRHZJ1JPO5HR7OYRN/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Mushroom rock. Its chalky top is testament to its popularity with cormorants and gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120186434-0BH6QVQAFBL1SGVZCTL4/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Chain of arches. Some of the passage were so narrow, I had to use my hands instead of my paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120265088-ZDG066JE5VQRRY21DKKL/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Sea cave in Strait of Juan de Fuca. This one has a skylight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120351900-YUUD43ZQYGY0IBK2CJIJ/image-asset.jpeg Cape Flattery 7–9 June 2019 Strait of Juan de Fuca, looking north to Vancouver Island. It’s a lovely corner of the world. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/chuckanut-bay-22-23-june-2019 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588120926486-01G0UUYWFEVUXAWZSVN3/00+Map.jpg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Route map. The winds were blowing out of the south at about 10 knots—enough that I decided to take the easier route to Lummi instead of the longer route to Saddlebag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121048372-40VN37WZE0HYX4SV9TSB/DSC_0004.jpg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Paddling down Bellingham Bay in mild chop. The San Juan Islands, visible in the distance, are a lovely sight any time of year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121086021-0FYRLAJ71NZ6JYR62EZL/image-asset.jpeg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Clark Point, Chuckanut Bay. The rock formations here are reminiscent of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121129187-DTIDVBNPMS3FIXDQI2KU/image-asset.jpeg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Chuckanut Bay rock formations. It would be a fun adventure to camp in one of these sandstone caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121151389-D6VF5ZOX85MBI4F5EF76/image-asset.jpeg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Chuckanut Bay. Unfortunately, almost all of Chuckanut Bay is private property. The Nature Conservancy’s private island in the middle of the bay is open to day trips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121412281-WYWGP3JLYNEQMJEWDA75/image-asset.jpeg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Pseudofossil in Chuckanut Bay. An easy mistake to make. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588121503592-GDF8ZRIM59TB4EM2N6OI/image-asset.jpeg Chuckanut Bay 22–23 June 2019 Lummi Island. The massif in the center of the island is Lummi Peak. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-13-14-july-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124318128-CX4U6W7M2JIYZF5I6LVP/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Route map. Taking the ferry divided the trip into short, easy segments—car, then ferry, then car, then kayak—which gave Maya lots of breaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588540416296-QCXJM07ISCJXEM7WGLEM/01+Caspian+tern+overhead.JPG Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Caspian tern overhead. There were a lot of these beautiful hunters at the Fauntleroy ferry launch. Most are probably breeders whose chicks have recently fledged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124437915-BFXJZY7Y8PGV7L21WFKR/02+Caspian+tern+diving.JPG Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Caspian tern diving. They hit the water with a terrific splash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124468781-SIKKTYAOLYVLF4DIPSHF/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Caspian tern surfacing empty-handed. Only about a fifth of the dives I observed yielded any fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c0dfa6fc-3ac9-4e2d-b08a-d5156d3f0294/04b+Alex+and+Maya.JPG Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Alex and Maya on the way to Blake Island. Maya helped me paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124622714-IY4J6HSUJU2V1CY129PA/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Family eating lunch. Maya loved romping around the campsite barefoot all day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124641070-JREZMGID8UN0Q21Z6RZ8/06+Maya+in+tent.JPG Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Maya in the tent. Maya swiftly figured out the complicated system of zippers to let herself in and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588124660633-I7IVL919AC9NZKKEAYN6/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 13–14 July 2019 Rachel on the way home. I mistakenly packed up her sun hat in an inaccessible part of my boat, so she improvised. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/la-push-cedar-creek-2-4-aug-2019 daily 0.75 2024-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588127251099-CDSTZJWIAQXRHB6ZJ0OD/00+Route+map.jpg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Route map. From La Push, there are great trips along the coast out of La Push, both both north and south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588129671935-L82NI0P0UI8C2GKNZNLP/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Launch at Mora, Dickey River. The Dickey is the last tributary on the Quileute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588540792505-IF5JXJ5RQVN1F3AGSA7U/02+Western+sandpipers+Quileute+River.JPG La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Western sandpipers on Quileute River. These birds are on their way south from the Alaskan tundra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588129872282-B4O7BDOT97RFS1SMRBUY/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 James Island in the fog. James Island sits at the mouth of the Quileute River. Swells become noticeable as you approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588129890667-KPNZEWTCJLB3KF7RO8WN/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Rialto Beach in heavy fog. Rialto is one of the main jumping-off points for hikers on the coast trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588129909288-1JJAQKU8D8LXLVIYBWJ0/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Rock garden south of Cape Johnson. In areas with substantial offshore rocks, the swells are muted. Paddling is relaxed, and beach landings are easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588129974062-OBPVRKBL3Y0L1X60W2AM/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Common murres. The one on the left is just beginning his transition to winter plumage. The one in the middle is mostly complete. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130084567-ERBUH32XORL5INH2J3IG/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Sea otters south of Cape Johnson. This is one of the largest rafts I’ve encountered anywhere, even in southeast Alaska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130118107-Y0D9FSRVXT2UFEVS12I4/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Sea otters mating. The male grips the female’s nose in his teeth and holds her head underwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130141600-SD5458RDSHS68FRQGLV5/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Sea otters splash. They both seem glad to have gotten that over with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588541096036-NLK43NX45N4NJ0NS3D8M/10+Landing+beach.JPG La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Landing beach. The headland also served as a break against the steady north winds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130265127-1H4XTGPHW7C59362NED3/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Walking up the beach. The Olympic coast beaches are justly famous as a hiking destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130291863-6BMNH297O4MLOP4XMLMP/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Headland on beach. Unlike kayakers, who can simply paddle around, hikers are forced to climb up and over headlands like this one every couple of miles—an exhausting ordeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130334716-NCNKDV3H354N7KR0E8H9/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Looking north toward Cedar Creek. There were no other campers along my little stretch of beach, but on this north side, there were several dozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130354753-GZTZ7PLRE4KUEFISYJKX/14+Sea+stack+silhouette.JPG La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Sea stack silhouette. The sea fog cleared just as the sun was setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130559676-VP50F237SNF1TUZJ5MIJ/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Log bridge over Cedar Creek. Hikers were filling up their drinking water here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130792954-7E0BVRUMYJ0AAKXVOTEB/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Sunset behind Carol Island. The atmospheric haze only adds to the beauty of the coastal sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588130909500-M91Z1VVCV6D4YLLINRQ0/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Departing at low tide. It was a long carry down to the waterline. Luckily, the beach here was mostly sand, not boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588135004559-VARLS53NL20CBUSSL4XD/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Coastal invertebrates. The sea stars seem to be making a recovery from their terrible but mysterious die-off a few years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588135750902-DHIMVZBHHMXAKRNDNPO0/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Paddling south toward Cape Johnson. The seas were as calm as a pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588135797045-4VD4OYZMQ0O9TK2XZBJO/image-asset.jpeg La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Harlequin ducks, Caspian tern, California and glaucous-winged gulls in Quileute River. The ducks seemed to be in molt, unable to fly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588135936348-NDMESHBJDY1SP1VFJVIL/22+Brown+pelican.JPG La Push to Cedar Creek 2–4 Aug 2019 Brown pelican. Pelicans always look like they’re having so much fun, whatever they’re doing. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/saddlebag-island-31-aug-2-sept-2019 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588136573315-8HIZLF7KR3IS5RLLFG68/00+Map.jpg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Route map. Tides here are so gentle I did not even bother to consult a tide table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588136651974-WWPW8H3MBO3JBZKX693N/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Maya trails her hand in the water. In the background, an oil tanker unloads at the March Point refineries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588136727795-MLXKT2XDKF7JO37HZSH7/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Rachel in Guemes Channel. We had perfect kayaking weather: plenty of sun but a slight overcast to keep temperatures from soaring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588136748622-3PJ30JQCPWKEQKNPQT5O/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Maya helps Rachel paddle. How delightful to share the water with these two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588136980648-2D7SFK8EAJNGS66UN307/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Chili dinner out at the grassy point. Maya took to Saddlebag Island like it was her native habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137038506-0L6QR37VIE006FE9V081/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 March Point refineries at night. Even I, a wilderness lover, must acknowledge a certain hellish beauty in these, the ultimate works of man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137086108-69FOTNQZ7VP4385PZETJ/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Maya and her dog, Ruby, walking in the forest. The central "saddle" part of the island, a sort of isthmus, was easy hiking for a toddler. The headland "bags" on either side, however, were steep enough to require a carry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137142883-KXO0D9AZVDNK6SZVMO4X/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Looking for crabs. The eelgrass here was thicker than anywhere else I’ve seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137172348-ID49BU3FHLZ2QYVYZGSK/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Pear growing at campsite no. 4. It’s too bad the ranger never called back about my illegal camping—I could have asked her what kind of pears these were. They had perfect texture and a rich, sweet flavor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137258910-84BROBGO5LU4AG1I28GB/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 31 Aug–2 Sept 2019 Paddling home. The warm sun and gentle, rocking waves almost lulled me to sleep, too. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/doe-island-5-6-oct-2019 daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137487089-SSMGT9WOY5KV3U9FMDZ3/00+Map.jpg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Route map. I camped at Cranberry Lake the night before to give myself an early start on Saturday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137615551-BDS3IPTHPK38FMLO9W4N/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Sares Head, Burrows and Allan Islands in background. The flood was running about four mph here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137679753-ZSO7GHV2KZLGTKCB2JA7/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Inside a sea cave at Sares Head. There is a whole complex of sea caves along this coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137703851-XNQYQ1DDNOW813AEUJSR/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Common murre in Burrows Bay. All but one of the murres were in their winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137737121-NOHYPK28COTDD2CPAQYK/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Looking north up Rosario Strait on a drizzly morning. This palette of grays—gray sky, gray water, gray landforms—is the classic look of the Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137790203-ZTB9ISO8WRWD46DVQO98/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Campsite on Doe Island. The views of Rosario Strait were unsurpassed; even better than those on nearby Strawberry Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137826158-834UK9FX8YIQAGRUILLG/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Brown creeper. It forages by flying to the base of a tree, then working its way up the trunk and branches to find insects, then flying off to the base of the next tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137847068-CRSTJ99622LNXNPN2GBI/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Chestnut-backed chickadee on a Sitka spruce. This species in more common out in the woods, whereas the black-capped is more common in the city. However, either species can be seen in either habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137892493-XBB68Q4TZ9I7I9ONED2L/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Paddling south down Rosario Strait. Cypress Island on the left, Blakely Island on the right, Fidalgo and Burrows in the distance ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137929165-3CUFVSDWTWZYRSET6YBS/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Juvenile murre and Mt. Baker. This youngster was still dependent on its father for food. It swam around cheeping plaintively until the father came and gave it a fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137965664-IABAVHOHT3IKGBVA59FT/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Surfbird and black turnstone on Burrows Island. These winter visitors forage on rocks just above the waterline, scampering up and down to avoid getting splashed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588137989907-JY5PPU4VJ746TYVJTLIH/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Sunset over Olympic mountains. In this part of the world, the clouds don’t obscure they view; they are the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588138013663-IMXOG4CY6YW2B6VL9AAW/image-asset.jpeg Doe Island 5–6 Oct 2019 Sunset near Allan Island. There’s plenty of kelp, but the only otters around here are river otters, not sea otters. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/discovery-island-2-3-nov-2019 daily 0.75 2025-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588188130705-5IIGJCYHL4BSWNZYL1KW/00+Map.jpg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Route map. Who needs lines at the border when you have a kayak? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588188188398-YXMPOJHYZA6CXE7W90LI/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Southern Gulf Islands. These, too, are an enticing destination but out of range of this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189009271-US7Y61GL840Q48QB4TQG/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Cadboro Point. Hugging the shore here ensured the helpful currents didn’t help a little too much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189049473-8R3NIZF3BOZ5MYHPKSTN/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Marbled murrelets in Cadboro Bay. I was hoping for, but did not see, ancient murrelets, which sometimes flock with marbled murrelets in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189096166-Z8QHATF4K8ZZXGII8953/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Pigeon guillemot in Baynes Channel. A lot of alcids, mergansers, cormorants, and loons came to Baynes Channel to intercept fish being swept through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189184204-JHKGERFXQWF0KQS5UVRU/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Channel between Strongtide and Vantreight Islands. These little bays created eddies without which I couldn’t have navigated the Chatham Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189206444-4G5NAF22K42OSVMMYRUD/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Harbor seals in Chatham Islands. The seals here must see a lot of kayakers, because they were singularly uninterested in me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189240064-ZZAEIBVFV3PZ1EGE79XL/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Greater yellowlegs in Chatham Islands. This is one of our most handsome shorebirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189262260-YEP5O7NHV6AEEVR3NXDL/09+South+side+of+Discovery+Island.JPG Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 South side of Discovery Island. The currents here were markedly weaker than the north side of the island or in the Chathams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189300643-45FN9LVS3O4B9RQUD1VT/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Evening reading on Discovery Island. There’s nothing cozier than sitting on the shore of an isolated little bay, watching the sun go down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588189373232-1TW2NCP7KAJLVT0VJ0WK/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Sunset over the Olympic Mountains. The Olympics always look wilder than our other mountain ranges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588190649194-FPGE0VG5TNFVS9WEBNPT/Eddy+map.JPG Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Thomson, R.E. "Oceanography of the British Columbia Coast." Can. Spec. Publ. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 56: 291 (Ottawa: 1981), 196. Information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191277941-MCKPHW40LAP4979VENO6/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Sunrise east end of Discovery Island. The sun rose not over a distant mountain range but over a thick bank of fog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191357907-XTD57U52CFCLK0JNBZET/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Kayaking northbound up Haro Strait. A GPS was indispensable for navigating in the fog and amid the constantly shifting currents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191381428-7TP3V51IRJX6AFVOAF57/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Bulk carrier M/V Global Passion. “Running over kayaks is our passion.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191425927-8YJI7JRGNR047QV5TLJE/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Harbor seal in Haro Strait. Who knows why they so enjoy following kayaks? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191462284-KEVZ1AKLNJ06R2JD41B0/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Immature rhinoceros auklet in Haro Strait. This has always been one of my favorite alcids. They have such a great personality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588191493513-QJ2Q4AOTT565F8N01851/image-asset.jpeg Discovery Island 2–3 Nov 2019 Coast of San Juan Island. Yet another adverse eddy appeared here close to shore, slowing me to two miles per hour for the last two miles. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/freeman-and-mcconnell-islands-27-30-dec-2019 daily 0.75 2025-07-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192037764-1WGFAKDHY8EGDNHE5UP0/00+route+map+labeled.jpg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Route map. Tides in this area are weak to moderate, so a kayaker’s timing and direction are not so important as they are in, for example, Rosario Strait or Spieden Channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192142298-66N4ZTW15Y5FRHYYCKTT/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Hugging the coast northbound up President Channel. The weather forecast consistently called for strong winds, but the islands sheltered me from the worst of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192172309-II8ZJSRT3DFCE3YQ3IGE/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Harbor porpoise in President Channel. In the distance, I saw one of the ferries stop near Spieden Island, which usually means the crew have spotted orcas, but I wasn’t able to see from such a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192383267-K8NUFVK6YIH1ZIT6RG50/03+Approaching+Freeman+Island.JPG Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Approaching Freeman Island. I love remote little places like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192421153-OEURIEP4VZQ1S3R3OAU0/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Atop Freeman Island. A rope and pulley would’ve helped me lug all this gear up the cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588192440589-O0KSLC2NQUPIK4ENGSAA/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 South beach Freeman Island. This is actually the easier of the two cliffs to ascend. The beach disappears at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194519671-6E3N9I69J14VRUDZWQP6/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Kayaking southbound down President Channel. I love when everything is blue, green, and gray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194561509-M0912B8SQWTG2C58JQET/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 West shore of Orcas Island. The current nudged me along at half a knot to one knot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194596960-LVMOV8FTJNZ466LMDMHT/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Common murre in President Channel. I saw all four species of year-around alcid, but did not find any ancient murrelets, which are present only in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194615128-BF6SZFEKU24CAAJPPJHM/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Looking west toward Spieden Island and the Gulf Islands. Steller sea lions on the east point of Spieden were roaring so loudly I could hear them over two miles away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194633120-QEYFBZMG6IG6415WX9OU/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Winterized government dock at Jones Island. I stopped here for a quick break on my way to McConnell Rocks. I returned the next night to camp here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194659297-AWIWHCATHW5EPHT65MPV/11+View+from+McConnell+Rock.JPG Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 View from McConnell Rock. This would make a great campsite, but landing here is prohibited under the RMP which entered effect in January 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194780672-2SLMMGC8Z3N9RYTYD1NF/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Approaching Yellow Island. The Wasp Island archipelago is like a miniaturized version of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194820925-VPETC46TMUTGNC2Z2DSJ/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Parkland on Yellow Island. The caretaker had departed for the winter, leaving me to explore the island on my own—the best way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588194843790-FCR0OMNIIG5DG2QDQL9R/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 A settler and a settlor. Tib Dodd and her husband built the first house on Yellow Island and eventually deeded the island to the Nature Conservancy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588195502860-2A8NTTKTMND3MZ71T7NQ/image-asset.jpeg Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Landing beach and caretaker cabin on Yellow Island. The caretaker here has just about the sweetest job on Earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588195521953-HE40M7Q9PS3I4X80F2YD/16+Surf+scoters+at+Jones+Island.JPG Freeman and McConnell Islands 27–30 Dec 2019 Male and female surf scoter at Jones Island. Altogether I saw sixteen species of seabird, which is a little low for this time of year. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/portland-and-rum-islands-15-17-feb-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196232425-H11VRXBA69AOGYGCY3CU/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Route map. This was my first time back on Portland Island since WCP spring campout 2012. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196326638-88FCKW1MNNEC4AER845L/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Launch at Swartz Bay. I was lucky to find free overnight parking right next to the ferry terminal. By Monday morning, there were no spots remaining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196354578-TAKFD3V7WK1XNIXS52BK/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Harlequin ducks. These are some of our cheeriest ducks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196372699-XEKMAS8E3WI2KESA3QNW/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Looking south down Prevost Passage. Even over such short distances, it’s easy to get lost in this watery maze if you don’t know the geography. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196396536-GSMT5UJI8ZMQQQMJJX9R/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Looking north toward Saltspring Island. Even in this most urbanized part of the Gulf Islands, nature still dominates the vista. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196415476-B0HQMZHH7YE89PPI0N9D/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Barrow’s goldeneyes. These are the least shy of the Bucephela, but they still don’t like to be approached. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196434289-PD4VCN2J2ZDQTR16PCN5/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 At Arbutus Point, Portland Island. Pender Island in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196683590-233OL80PW50S1HEKKZB7/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Leaving Arbutus Pt. in the morning. On days like this, you just want to keep wandering through the islands forever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196748293-7JF4B3HUTVRM4PX6PM8V/08+Cormorants+at+Arbutus+Point.JPG Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Cormorants at Arbutus Pt. I could smell them before I could see them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196774165-5IR8ZPCVVS12IR1EG1U9/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Common murres. Almost all the murres and most of the guillemots had their breeding plumage. None of the murrelets did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196799690-OHNRDHQJ44P16GE045SO/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Sunset on Rum Island. When kayakers dream at night, this is what they see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196815697-D8WXRQYAKO34D8AGIX1I/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Silhouettes on Rum Island. There was caution tape across the trail leading up from the beach but no closure sign or any other explanation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588196834026-6A24V45P6XMW4P8QILP3/image-asset.jpeg Portland and Rum Islands 15–17 Feb 2020 Sunrise over Rum Island. I love these chilly, blue-sky winter days. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/thormanby-and-jedediah-islands-6-8-mar-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197407945-ABN8V9APTG9J8ZMNVD27/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Route map. I probably should have launched at Brooks Cove and parked for free up the road at Smuggler Cove Provincial Park. The route from Brooks Cove would have been even more scenic than the one from Secret Cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197534326-6UN1BFLQ71O0FREFWHTQ/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Drinking tea at Buccaneer Bay, Thormanby Island. The drysuit was necessary only because of drizzle, not wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197566367-8BFC8UTQB2A185DISZZR/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Trumpeter swans over Thormanby Island. Swans fly so high they are often audible before they become visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197605529-0PFO5R6QUSV1GKNBA2CU/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Crossing Malaspina Strait. The ebbing tide seemed to provide a slight westward pull in addition to its more pronounced southward flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197620162-FX75RD9Y6VOA13QXFHA5/04+White-winged+scoter+Malaspina+Strait.JPG Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 White-winged scoter in Malaspina Strait. This species usually forages farther from shore than the more common surf scoter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197852379-OXJDN8H9ILPXQ9OURAVY/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Marbled murrelets in Malaspina Strait. These were the most numerous alcid on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197895328-EH3MYJWMY3VVI3S7679F/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Lopsided float near Upwood Point. “Ocean buoy reports it’s raining sideways out there!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198011656-VA829CS5QHK3427XQ6QH/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 California and Steller sea lions. Out of the water, it’s easy to see the size difference between these species. California sea lions are large but Steller sea lions are really large. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197955779-BY1MN47UOLQPAFRUD4V6/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 California sea lion at Upwood Point. Only the males of this species are found in our waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588197993076-ST5B0KYF5Y40HFH53NU4/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Sleeping sea lion. This one was too tired even to look up as I passed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198089288-4FU5PXGT7I7HAY7DY77U/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Inside the water maze of Home Bay. The entrance to this maze was difficult to discern from the outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198125789-I8V39D5DFS7ZOSEOCT3N/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Sandy beach at Home Bay. At low tide, the bay dries to a considerable distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198161110-9UBABZUL3MMJITRCOQ23/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Sheep on Jedediah Island. About a quarter of the sheep were ewes, all born at the same time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198179115-SEO7IVA5DJUPD57FTLIQ/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 View of Home Bay. One of the most picturesque coves on the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588198204734-OISMJN5R54NNKCKGLYSE/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Old Foote residence. In the 1880s, the government gave away Jedediah Island for free as a crown grant. Ownership of the island passed through a chain of half a dozen private owners until the government finally repurchased the island in the 1990s at a cost of millions of dollars. Next time, maybe we can eliminate the middlemen and keep public lands in public hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588203071282-OYUN2B5876TAQIQ8I0WA/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Conjoined western redcedar and Douglas-fir. Competitors? Symbionts? Lovers? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588203144800-NNJL5W49IGW41RJDNRVZ/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Sunrise at Upwood Point. There’s no better feeling than watching the dawn break from a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588203197791-S0497ZBCBMYQ0OGZV8LB/image-asset.jpeg Thormanby and Jedediah Islands 6–8 Mar 2020 Early morning in Malaspina Strait. How tempting just to paddle off into the wilderness forever. https://alexsidles.com/categories/oregon daily 0.75 2025-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f9879f01-56d0-4858-8696-6b71ff85fec1/Looking+over+rim+of+Devils+Punchbowl+cover.JPG Oregon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/69414fe7-ab57-41ee-a1f7-eedfb21e50c3/Tunnel+beneath+Cape+Falcon+cover+photo.JPG Oregon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/30290557-a3c3-4b59-930f-d59cb7fa3d1d/Columbian+white-tailed+deer.JPG Oregon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/06189f27-143a-4b79-bf76-ca1d4a6b87ee/Rachel+and+Alex+kayaking+Skagit+River+cover.jpg 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0070e9e6-869f-4392-a814-813dc3071944/eggs+of+black+oystercatcher+Strawberry+Island+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6fd801a1-3931-46eb-bfd4-fe4bae02ac51/Liam+Alana+and+Jane+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/573ad607-5505-40d5-8787-0eb74c1ef0a7/Long-tailed+duck+Uganda+Passage+cover.jpg 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3f2bc948-f7f5-4a83-8747-f7f0a876d16d/Alex+on+Little+Flower+Island+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ab62391e-9829-4204-876e-541b78af5ca2/Ancient+murrelet+near+Mandarte+Island+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f4f19dfa-bee7-4d68-935b-a11a22a0df8a/Sea+monster+sculpture+at+Hood+Head+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9fc059e3-0d48-4d68-9f80-428b4f3ba629/Tunnel+beneath+Cape+Falcon+cover+photo.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e38c6d1-ebb3-465d-844d-91f0b897c607/Steller+sea+lion+Iceberg+Point+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e84534a4-4851-443e-8940-9b71f98476e0/Columbian+white-tailed+deer.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1f713ce0-6980-4ffa-8949-82c8acf0fe87/Maya+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5bc1da7a-8ae5-4092-9790-8e3017b6ab35/Dungeness+lighthouse+cover+image.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bfeae851-a9f2-4350-ab4f-a39f761391a1/Skagit+River+cover.jpg 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662513139237-QHVH33T0MSPDMCNC0BYH/Family+on+Anderson+Island.jpg 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657161279255-M79L2MWC1AVPGEUMOLT3/Whidbey+Island+cover+photo.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645752561717-6G6SZZW8TO7OO1O4M544/02+Galiano+Gallery+cover.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631056407135-5ZZ5IE2XP81QDWT1AUTQ/Cover.jpg 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622599463523-OIW3C1VRDNS4RGBS2M9S/29+Blowhole+at+Alexander+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613628028518-T6QFLPCSR75KZR5DM5VC/Kayaking+Lake+Chelan+trip+report.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588441269089-FYGC33GNRW51XYM5H3IA/13%2BHome%2BBay%2Bon%2BJedediah%2BIsland.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588204230375-0UKZMALCAOE66IJFXFK9/10+Sunset+on+Rum+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588203844632-4OFQPIG3K99T1X552KQX/01+Hugging+the+coast+northbound+up+President+Channel.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588140691998-AGXI5BACPJ8U93TMUU63/07%2BLooking%2Bfor%2Bcrabs.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588140040938-Q6BNTEB94Z7HQ2D7PRC4/08%2BSea%2Botters%2Bmating.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588139252646-31QXM0H7C79OAOYKU46E/DSC_0030+Scouting+Cape+Flattery+on+foot.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588138781665-8OR3WSP47P8W5ODC1Q0P/10+Giants%27+Graveyard.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588138438734-TZH5HBKWXURO2CAKANCT/image-asset.jpeg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588054926056-UYZOUX0WP4VIH9OUX9GU/15+Beach+at+Hope+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588449625478-JA3UK3YW1F1BXDXHE6EN/23%2BAt%2Bthe%2Bwest%2Bside%2Bcampsite.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053990465-OAX7PADVF3JZ3E9H42V7/image-asset.jpeg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588053763842-ELKJIX3XNIGS4SZZYXH8/27+Alex+directs+fire+from+Battery+Paul+Revere.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588461872977-ZCE2CXN4QWSSLJ8Y1YIX/02+Hiking+south+side+of+Skagit+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587960987313-1CIPIA8PD1SJMHH4C33Z/02+Paddling+northwest+toward+Patos+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792749195-IYVM0AYFIUPF855ZAVXM/01%2BAdult%2Bmale%2Band%2Bjuvenile%2Borca%2BSquaxin%2BPassage.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792453899-EYMSNG4PRY6BU1ZZFH5F/03+Campground+on+Posey+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587792296942-FTEOP6E6COATWD2XZ9OQ/09+Fossil+ammonite+on+Sucia+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587698406354-R0MJDSMJL55X943AZYVR/02+Walking+at+Fishermens+Spit.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587698105451-II28TT0Q1EH28SD1B0MC/04+South+side+of+Saddlebag+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587697933979-4ZJ41Y43I71J9GER3DKF/05+Pacific+madrone+on+Clark+Island.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587697019550-LRSRITE0ISOMSIJD434Y/10%2BRachel%2Band%2BMount%2BRainier.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587534363792-ASE5S65Z8HZD836ZLU65/09%2BCrossing%2BRosario%2BStrait.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587533925356-2ZH1UNN9X1BVJESX9PWQ/08%2BSetting%2Bup%2Bcamp%2Bon%2BStrawberry%2BIsland.jpg 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1587532443745-RMXBYJVPSEWW9AINKQHW/09+Mount+Rainier+seen+from+Point+Robinson.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586701193498-82UVHUMUIJ39UPY2ZH94/13+Bench+overlooking+President+Channel.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1586701566518-FG6P6RCN7EXW892WP7S3/05+Old+growth+forest+on+east+shore.JPG 2- to 3-night trips https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/salmon-bank-25-may-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590520496322-K1CI288AVTHKJ3O06ES1/00+Route+map.jpg Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Route map. The yellow arrows show the current direction at the peak of the ebb tide on 25 May 2020, with current speeds given in knots. Larger arrows indicate faster current. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590520814227-UXRIZYN9B52PNRNJZNB6/01+Beach+at+Otis+Perkins+County+Day+Park.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Beach at Otis Perkins County Day Park. To forestall harassment by law enforcement or criticism by locals, I printed copies of the various governor’s proclamations and county health orders and left them on my windshield, so passersby could assure themselves that I was not doing anything unlawful by traveling to the San Juans for a day paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590520936637-WZLRZBCLYXZ6BT2IN7KQ/02+Southbound+down+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Southbound down San Juan Channel, on the San Juan Island side of the channel. Between the powerful ebb and my fast, new Tiderace kayak, I sprinted to peak speeds in excess of 8.5 miles per hour (14 kph)—the pace of a fast jog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590521254876-K7MDAHJBOM2C31UESCW2/03+Southwest+coast+of+Lopez+Island+by+kayak.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Looking toward southwest coast of Lopez Island. I love being out on the water on a calm, rainy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590521551987-CDOGLRBHWT1Y4WPL4STZ/04+Salmon+Bank+buoy.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Pelagic cormorants on the Salmon Bank buoy. This buoy was equipped with a carillon of bells that sounded like the tinkling of wind chimes, quite unlike the monotonous bong, bong, bong of most buoys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590521771258-TYTM4MTSP4D40N4LJHKF/05+Pigeon+guillemot+at+salmon+bank.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Pigeon guillemot at Salmon Bank. Every one of the guillemots I saw was in breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590522429526-HZ1BB8DMP1HN11KOU162/06+Winter+plumage+rhinoceros+auklet.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Immature rhinoceros auklet. This year’s brood has not yet likely fledged, so this individual is probably about a year old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590522522758-UYG4WU2BPQ0PI90UGTU3/07+Breeding+plumage+rhinoceros+auklet+at+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Adult rhinoceros auklet, breeding plumage. This is one of our most inquisitive seabird species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590522661352-IBJ7WR3EANR2FY5HMKPE/08+Pacific+loon+at+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Pacific loon at Salmon Bank. This individual has just begun its transition to breeding plumage, visible in the lightening of the back of the head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590522710178-EQ7HJGJHA0RL0ZEBIMHS/09+Breeding+plumage+Pacific+loons+at+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Breeding plumage Pacific loons at Salmon Bank. This is our most handsome species of loon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590522758733-9P2SCAUR3XFFSJ5X5GS6/10+Paciic+loons+at+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Pacific loons foraging. Many seabirds stick their faces into the water to look for prey before they dive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590523277257-0RLCRSCJBA0H593IJVS2/11+Cattle+Point+lighthouse.JPG Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands, WA 25 May 2020 Cattle Point lighthouse. Tide races here can sometimes be uncomfortable, but today they were just vigorous enough to be fun. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sucia-island-30-31-may-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069019970-P5U9RKY9X3OPRVTFDZU3/00+Route+map.jpg Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 The currents between Orcas and Sucia can run over three knots, but they were much less when we crossed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069274751-5TLX2R36L2OENS1RGWK6/01+Maya+on+ferry.jpg Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya on the Orcas Island ferry. The rain-slick deck of a ferry is the natural home of a native Pacific Northwesterner like her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069363153-6RB5EX8GC0VOO51QR853/02+Maya+at+North+Beach.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya and the kayak at North Beach. North Beach is the usual launch point for trips to the northern San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069433275-WLWFBSYNJCKLBFXQHSNH/03+Launching+kayak+toward+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Launching kayak toward Sucia Island. Maya loves trailing her fingers in the water so much she sometimes falls asleep that way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069546594-56VY6IXAYD1NY7JR0DXO/04+Alex+and+Maya+in+tent+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Alex and Maya in the tent on Sucia Island. There are more than sixty campsites on Sucia, but this one at Fossil Bay is the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069751501-LTYWVH0OB9LVXH4NZPM2/05+Maya+boots+up+to+go+exploring.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya boots up to go exploring. Sucia has some of the best hiking trails and beaches in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069828324-50DB52OS5ZXO0OQ099G2/06+Maya+at+Fox+Cove+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya at Fox Cove on Sucia Island. This weekend, we were the only ones camped on the entire southern half of the island, although there were about half a dozen powerboats moored overnight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069913201-5EIM4JKJLP7XBRNWSS17/07+Fox+Cove+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 View of Fox Cove. This little bay is one of the prettiest in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591069957124-K4JY5DAMKZR0HV2TRXWP/08+Canada+geese+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Canada geese on Sucia Island. In addition to this family of geese, there was a mixed flock of purple finches and American goldfinches foraging in this field. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591070094311-5H5M3408XP2YWROEI311/09+Campsite+at+Fossil+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Campsite no. 15 in Fossil Bay. Maya was happy to spend the whole day playing around here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591070188823-QOL13IIPR7BXOMFYBU8D/10+Picnic+table+at+Fossil+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Campsite picnic table. The harder it rained, the cozier we felt under our tarp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591070533995-6DI609VH7NOS97W39EDS/12+Maya+overlooking+Fossil+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya overlooking Fossil Bay. When we first arrived, she wanted me to carry her over the piles of driftwood, but before the weekend was over, she was scrambling over even the biggest logs herself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591070386948-BS3AABO3JBYVN4R0KKME/11+Sedda+stuffed+dog.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya herself took this photo of Sedda, one of the principal members of the dog pack. Then Maya and Sedda took the waterproof camera down to the beach and dunked it in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591070840368-B4YML6L9HHMX8RS5WS7L/13+Maya+in+tent.jpg Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 In the tent on Sucia Island. We both fell asleep long before sunset and woke up long after dawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591071023589-URPO2HTCGLXEE49ZRG0F/14+Kayaking+to+Sucia+Island+dock.JPG Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Kayaking across Fossil Bay to the boat dock. There were harbor seals and a river otter in this bay, and a mink at the Orcas Island marina where the taxi dropped us off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591071083471-YQ16Y19JJFFR5FPN0BV4/15+Climbing+on+sandstone+rocks+Sucia+Island.jpg Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Climbing sandstone rocks, Sucia Island. A three-year-old will never run out of adventures on this island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1591071146105-OAW85ORSHESMPVTZ1XSF/16+Maya+on+water+taxi.jpg Sucia Island 30–31 May 2020 Maya in the water taxi, leaving Sucia Island. The boat driver spotted harbor porpoises at Parker Reef, but Maya and I did not see them. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/anderson-island-13-14-june-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592195390482-07QZPCX63H8GKDE2PGUY/00+Route+map.jpg Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Route map. The 2014 edition of the WWTA guidebooks claims that the campsite at Carlson Bay is only for WWTA members (which I am), but the more recently updated online reservation system says that “the public” may also camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196083410-1Y1HWSONQAPS94QMZNT7/01+Maya+entering+kayak+at+Luhr+boat+ramp.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Maya entering kayak at Luhr boat ramp. She was very proud of her new, “long” boots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196146509-AU7PKKN95W86U48W2WQM/02+Crossing+Nisqually+Reach+toward+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Crossing Nisqually Reach toward Anderson Island. At low tide, the Nisqually River delta turns into a vast mudflat that can strand even a shallow-drafted boat like a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196236879-8Z2D5FLRCYGEZL8Z307O/03+Kayaking+to+Carlson+Bay+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Arriving at Carlson Bay, Anderson Island. Maya fell asleep during the crossing, trailing her fingers in the water, as she often does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196293222-F6KWF5VXC0955TWVM049/04+Campsite+on+Anderson+Island+WA.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Campsite on Carlson Island. Though exposed to wind, this is one of the most scenic campsites in the south Puget Sound. Thanks to the reservation system, there are never other campers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196644322-WB0NAQL5S8YWXG53B6UN/05+Maya+in+tent.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Maya in tent. Telling stories and playing games in the tent is at least half the half of a camping trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592196741753-GLU8Z7DG058NSMUNL63F/06+Maya+hiking+on+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Maya hiking on Anderson Island. There is an extensive trail network through the forest, including a link between Carlson Bay and Andy’s Wildlife Park in the middle of the island, but Maya and I confined ourselves to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592197023861-QUBJBPZSB2990B6ZJTPX/07+Lunch+break+on+the+beach.JPG Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Lunch break on the beach. The local crows were very interested in our doings, but raccoons were absent (though I have seen them here on previous occasions). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592197187023-EB8BTKQTRTBLIV01YYA2/08+Eating+dinner+Anderson+Island+beach.jpg Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Dinner on the beach. There was a picnic table at the opposite end of the beach, but we made do with our life preservers on the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592197302549-J54DJOQPVU4TPJDWTNLO/09+Hiking+in+lagoon+estuiary+Carlson+Bay+Anderson+Island.jpg Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Hiking in lagoon outlet. At low tide, these shallow, braided channels were perfectly scaled to a three-year-old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592197427292-RJF5QJSS73UFYJ767JYN/10+Falling+asleep+in+tent.jpg Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Snuggled up in tent. Maya stayed cozy in Rachel’s super-warm winter bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592198126040-D045HXAWLU8Y7QDZD3XU/11+Retuning+from+Anderson+Island+to+Luhr.jpg Anderson Island 13–14 June 2020 Returning from Anderson Island to Nisqually delta. There were fewer harbor seals on the return crossing, but we did encounter a large flock of pigeon guillemots diving and splashing, as well as one rhinoceros auklet and one common murre. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/agate-point-20-june-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592720915087-IQQ1IZ4HDPKSAZW9AWLQ/00+Route+map.jpg Agate Point 20 June 2020 Route map. Puget Sound is a busy crossing but not so busy as to be dangerous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592721669898-RPO55GOQWT8CST0SVNAR/01+Launch+at+Shilshole+Marina.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Launch at Shilshole Bay Marina. Day-use parking is free, but overnight parking requires a permit. A fee is not necessary to launch next to the boat ramp at the north end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592721749721-HDBQRVP42ZWGJ35EYOLU/02+Kayaking+across+Puget+Sound+toward+Bainbridge+Island.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Crossing from Shilshole to Bainbridge Island. On two occasions, harbor porpoises approached my boat to within ten feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592724339632-DHLY2B6ISFVBJ7LH5F9E/Agate+Point+petroglyph.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Agate Point petroglyph. The face, eyes, and mouth are clearly visible. Faint markings immediately to the right are another petroglyph of a face, no longer discernible today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592724766545-1CRB7DFQS4W5SU0P81U4/Coast+Survey+carving+%2522CS%2522+Agate+Point.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Coast Survey “CS” atop Agate Point boulder. Carved 1856. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592724799684-L256F5C6DPOE0UQUDE07/Geodetic+survey.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Geodetic survey marker atop Agate Point boulder. Stamped 1931, emplaced 1934. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1592725019840-MKVZ2YBCBEXKDLFXU00F/06+Return+to+Shilshole+Marina+from+Agate+Point.JPG Agate Point 20 June 2020 Return to Shilshole Bay Marina from Agate Point, Bainbridge Island. Seventeen-knot crosswinds are a boon to sailors but a curse to kayakers. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/race-rocks-28-june-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593496049106-5UW7D3FBZMXPEWP8RO5A/00+route+map.jpg Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Route map. The beach at Angeles Point requires a quarter-mile carry down a gravel road to reach the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593497196806-OT7NDQBXKMCFAB6KLTTR/01+Kayaking+at+dawn+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Kayaking at dawn, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Sunrise over the sea is a majestic, almost alien spectacle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593497494597-LL9XVFKYRUU0HKDF81JQ/02+Kayaking+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Kayaking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward Vancouver Island. Around twenty freighters of various sizes and descriptions transited the strait during my trip, but none came closer to me than two miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593497584974-RE350H7PXTOW3YQSB76O/03+Approaching+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Approaching Race Rocks from south. From shore on the Washington side, the lighthouse was barely visible to the naked eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593497669178-15EQMZHPJUGK85QXNWQY/04+Arriving+at+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Arriving at Race Rocks. As seems to be all but standard practice in the field, one of the former lighthouse keepers here has written a book about life on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498063688-7N5QPEYV61C5A1G1VD9T/05+Sea+otter+at+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Ollie the sea otter at Race Rocks. It’s rare to encounter just one sea otter—usually, there is either a herd or none—but Race Rocks is near the limit of this species’s range, so perhaps Ollie has been unable to entice a mate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498241046-77UI7AUZR8EEZUSRAIY4/06+Pigeon+guillemots+at+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Pigeon guillemots at Race Rocks. The jetty where they are perched is one of the places the elephant seals like to haul out, but no seals today. Pearson College photographed an elephant seal on this very jetty the day after I visited! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498332207-KB7UMKNNL7VO8FVI0D00/07+Race+Rocks+lighthouse.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Race Rocks lighthouse. Students and staff from Pearson College man the island intermittently throughout the year to conduct scientific experiments and deter illegal activity, but no one appeared to be present today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498415130-9VL7L2C657AKTR0AX8QY/08+Kayaking+at+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Kayaking at Race Rocks. By late morning, it was warm enough I peeled off my drysuit and woolies and paddled back across the Strair of Juan de Fuca in a t-shirt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498572796-JRSK6ZK8G02DTMU31JKQ/09+Rhinoceros+auklets+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Rhinoceros auklets, Strait of Juan de Fuca. This species’s main nesting site is at Protection Island, just thirty miles away, so it was no surprise to see so many. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498679148-RLAPLM25565GTFXSVD8B/10+Cassins+auklet+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Cassin’s auklet, Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is our most numerous alcid but also the hardest to find at sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593498759743-EU8Y50SLOPVIKRTYX9NV/11+Crossing+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca+by+kayak.JPG Race Rocks 28 June 2020 Kayaking from BC across Strait of Juan de Fuca to Washington. The Olympic Peninsula is one of the most beautiful parts of the state. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/freshwater-bay-to-crescent-bay-27-june-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626021093-WLJSOABXIOMCQGP2PH1W/00+Route+map.jpg Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Route map. Rob Casey, in his excellent guidebook, recommends this stretch as one of the prettiest along the entire Strait of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626252987-6TE3TIE6LA5FZ2K0M3GP/01+Ediz+Hook.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Ediz Hook, inside beach. Ediz Hook is the smaller sibling of nearby Dungeness Spit. Unlike Dungessness Spit, however, Ediz Hook has not been left in its natural state. It is home to a coast guard station, paper mill, boat launch, and other “amenities” of civilization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626415688-253GDEVSYB3981IQRIMH/02+Angeles+Point+beach.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Angeles Point beach. In a fifteen-knot wind, the Strait of Juan de Fuca was a mess of whitecaps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626556295-C9SM99SX5GGPX677YCR0/03+Parking+lot+at+Angeles+Point.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Parking lot at Angeles Point. The Olympic Mountains are a beautiful backdrop for kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626611614-TKZZGR6BF7J8WWNEJ00Q/04+Elwha+River+Road+bridge.jpg Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Elwha River Road bridge. Clallam County installed this magnificent footbridge beneath the road bridge to enable hikers to complete the Olympic Discovery Trail without risking themselves in traffic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626705495-GTR22ZU2AHD3TJHICG3J/05+Camp+Hayden+casemate.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Camp Hayden 16-inch gun battery casemate. Camp Hayden was built during WWII to replace the obsolete Endicott Period forts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593626948804-YDXAFKTMT1NGZI3HTFHR/06+Rock+gardening+at+Freshwater+Bay.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Rock gardening at Freshwater Bay. Freshwater Bay is one of the most sheltered launch points along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593627152362-73M5W9P269P2VA76QS9R/07+Observatory+Point+Freshwater+Bay.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Observatory Point, Freshwater Bay. Beyond this rock, the paddler is fully exposed to wind, waves, and swell in the strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593627194011-CDZF2FE4YFGD2XAE7S9K/08+Kayaking+past+cliffs+in+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Paddling past cliffs between Freshwater and Crescent Bay. There are a few pocket beaches along this stretch, but mostly the shoreline is cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1593627241069-OU223IGFHDJX4J7LZXQF/image-asset.jpeg Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 27 June 2020 Choppy conditions at Tongue Point, Crescent Bay. This is a popular area for surfers. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cascade-head-and-cape-meares-10-11-july-2020 daily 0.75 2024-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594706164381-VA1G66XJOJC1701MQNV8/Route+map+Cascade+Head+topo.jpg Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Route map. Knight County Park is day-use only, and the only nearby campgrounds are horrible, commercial RV parks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594706668229-WPHABBZ3PC6WW1TC5JZS/01+Mouth+of+the+Salmon+River+near+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Approaching the mouth of the Salmon River near Cascade Head. Cascade Head is justly famous as a beautiful hiking destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594706724539-7AH4M4I836D8NBRSHH9A/02+Sandbar+at+Salmon+River.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Sandbar at the mouth of the Salmon River. A dozen or so kayakers were paddling on the river, but only a handful braved the crossing into the open ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594707812897-68SKEWQ4H8QA12YKQ78O/03+Arch+at+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Small arch at Cascade Head. Often, arches become inaccessible at low tide when the falling water exposes rocks, but this one was easily traversed even at a one-foot tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708039420-QGKZU0WQDY60SY7QAGIO/04+Inside+sea+cave+at+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Inside sea cave at Cascade Head. In the far depths of this cave, a black, sandy beach was exposed at low tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708152634-CT2GFGX9MWFGCDG3IAFZ/05+Light+at+the+end+of+the+tunnel.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Light at the end of a tunnel. Water dripped from the ceiling of the cave, likely from sea spray or condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708264824-EPPH44R5E9SSSXU0IWS8/06+Cliffs+at+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Cliffs at Cascade Head. Here is the front line in the war between the ocean and the continent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708313213-1UW011KGCVAK046RZSBK/07+Exiting+sea+cave.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Exiting sea cave at Cascade Head. The weight of an entire mountain presses relentlessly upon the roof of the cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708834450-UR4GUGUHOY1HUZJE657W/08+Kayak+inside+large+sea+cave+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Inside large sea cave, Cascade Head. Some caves went so far back it was frightening to proceed, as if I might become trapped forever, far from sunlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594708941613-X8BTTJEE6QFYZWQFE76J/10+Mouth+of+giant+sea+cave.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 The mouth of a colossal sea cave. Some of the caves were so large and sinuous the swells could not reach all the way to the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594758434262-QUEB5RS9GBXSHN1G6AP0/11+Two+Arches+near+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Two Arches near Cascade Head. The offshore islands are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, so landing is prohibited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594766068297-Z9VJHEKD5EFSRE37330M/Approaching+Two+Arches.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Approaching Two Arches. The swells created unpredictable, bucking currents beneath the arches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594766315851-58TBCP9BFXGOKXE56TYT/14+Nesting+brown+pelicans+and+Brandts+cormorants+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Roosting Brandt’s cormorants and brown pelicans near Two Arches. Only rarely have I gotten such a clear look at a Brandt’s cormorant’s blue throat pouch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594766515631-GOKVMXHZDXVAG85EQH9W/13+Nesting+brown+pelicans+and+Brandts+cormorants.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Colony of Brandt’s cormorants and brown pelicans. These birds are not nesting; only roosting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594767518443-8NB2KQ0XWJP7Q8JJC7OU/15+Peeking+out+of+sea+cave.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Peeking out of a sea cave. Most of the caves were wide enough I could spin my 18-foot kayak with ease. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594767634276-5NLDG1F95AJBKATTBSKX/16+Sea+stars+and+anemones+at+Cascade+Head.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Sea stars and anemones in the mouth of a cave, Cascade Head. Wherever there are swells, marine invertebrates grow more densely than they do in the protected inland waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594767708404-HEFXYIL56LGYHCH6KJVK/19+Water+falling+near+sea+cave.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Water falling near sea cave. This natural shower was a little too chilly for this kayaker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594767783721-CR9FA7KM1H3XBNV7B0M9/20+Paddling+up+Salmon+River+Oregon.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Paddling back up Salmon River. At low tide, it would be possible to wade most of the way across the river delta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594768525334-HZ0UDDDZR5RO7IH0HPTH/21+Sand+lake+panorama.jpg Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Sand Lake, Oregon coast. Of course, the Sonoran desert is not fringed by Douglas-fir forests as these dunes are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594768614873-76BBW8IUYBAMUOF61AII/22+Dune+grass.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Dune grass at Sand Lake. The wavy lines in the sand are evidence of the dunes’ slow migration before the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594777788484-NOV35Q3PNR76I5963DYT/Route+map+Cape+Meares+topo.jpg Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Route map, Cape Meares. A kayak is the perfect vessel in which to explore this rugged coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594769826392-LNHVEILDBOFHLS9XEG5J/23+Kayaking+at+Three+Arch+Rocks+near+Cape+Meares.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Kayaking to Three Arch Rocks near Cape Meares. Offshore seabird colonies are some of my favorite places to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594769972867-XILV5L19TFZKLX23DOIZ/24+Brown+pelican+at+Three+Arch+Rocks.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Brown pelican at Three Arch Rocks. When a pelican flies close overhead, it’s like seeing a pterodactyl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594770047360-NPG6UXAG6XY1KX633YN4/25+Pelagic+cormorants+at+Three+Arch+Rocks.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Pelagic cormorants at Three Arch Rocks. In Washington, this species is more numerous than the Brandt’s, but in Oregon, Brandt’s are more numerous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594770105775-5HTDVOC29SYYO0EHSBC7/26+Brandts+cormorants+roosting+rock.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Brandt’s cormorants roosting on rock. The seabirds were more approachable here at the colony than out on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594770172576-XQ4CLEC2UWBY73XC9SE7/27+Brandt+cormorant+with+blue+pouch.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Brandt’s cormorant flyby. This is our most handsome species of cormorant, but in Washington, it’s rare to get so close to one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594773558750-45ANVKL6EJ9WQAFUTBGO/28+Common+murre+at+Three+Arch+Rocks.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Common murre at Three Arch Rocks. Murres not only look like flying penguins, they also fill the same ecological niche in the northern oceans that penguins do in the southern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594773744829-NYDEUWSSGCV5D3QRAE2Y/29+Sky+full+of+murres+at+Three+Arch+Rocks.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Sky full of murres at Three Arch Rocks. The website was right about one thing: every time an eagle attacked the colony, the adults would flee to the sky in a great rush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594773825845-VEWKV76GH1LPOT3TE1QK/30+Murre+colony+on+Shag+Rock.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Common murre colony on Shag Rock, westernmost of the three arches. There were so many murres the top of the island appeared, from a distance, to be covered in dark lichen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594774513027-U7XTQDCVVOJCW840FBSI/31+Finley+Rock+tunnel+and+nesting+murres.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Finley Rock tunnel and nesting murres. The murres liked to take a shortcut through the tunnel rather than fly up and over the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594774578526-CCMNECVUZ0D3HUDI3SWB/32+Arches+at+MIddle+Rock+and+Finley+Rock.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Arches at Middle Rock and Finley Rock. On the east side of Finley Rock, a large haulout of Steller sea lions raised a continuous, growling chorus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594774647638-URPUOIJYV9LAWGGDSD82/33+The+arch+at+Middle+Rock.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Passing beneath the arch at Middle Rock. One day, the keystone of the arch will give way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594774728038-UTF6UCUF8KEV3YZFTPWA/34+Tunnel+with+murres.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Tunnel with murres. Many murres nested inside this cave, where they would be safe from marauding eagles and gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594774836987-LC0AREC08F16PBAYRGSH/35+Rounding+Cape+Meares+by+kayak.JPG Cascade Head and Cape Meares 10–11 July 2020 Rounding Cape Meares by kayak. The cliffs here were so steep there were even murres nesting on the mainland, a behavior I had never observed anywhere else. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lewis-and-clark-nwr-12-july-2020 daily 0.75 2025-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594777538737-A0XMP3QTR9XMKQI4KYAS/Lewis+and+Clark+NWR+kayaking+route+map.jpg Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Route map. What the topo map doesn’t show—and this would prove to be a consequential omission—is the enormous mudflats that form at low tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594778703044-WC1EYON1REPM04J02589/01+Launch+at+John+Day+boat+ramp.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Launch at John Day boat ramp. The Columbia River and its tributaries are tidally influenced even many miles from the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594778760782-KPPMCIBHDFXI7PIORDAP/02+Confluence+of+John+Day+River+and+Columbia+River.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Confluence of John Day River and Columbia River. This old rail bridge looked so decrepit I hope it is no longer in use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594778871753-G2GCO00XKM85GTF61VJ3/03+Kayaking+main+stem+lower+Columbia+River.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Main stem, Columbia River. Even against the river’s current and an adverse, ebbing tide, I was able to make 3.5 mph (5.6 kph) to the good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594778952811-E9VBRGOC55OG3MQPYR4Y/04+Mule+deer+wading+in+Lewis+and+Clark+National+Wildlife+Refuge.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Mule deer wading in lower Columbia River. Most locals refer to this mule deer subspecies as the black-tailed deer. Some even argue it is an entirely separate species from the mule deer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594780630530-WEGYVNDLC6GZY2BFERK6/05+American+white+pelican+Columbia+River.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 American white pelican flyby. This species loves brackish estuaries, and brackish estuaries don’t come much bigger than that of the lower Columbia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594781779953-X9T4GGFWP0V27KXKLX3B/07+Flock+of+American+white+pelicans+Lewis+and+Clark+National+Wildlife+Refuge.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Flock of American white pelicans, Lewis and Clark NWR. If the water is deep enough to float a pelican, it’s deep enough to float a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594781829487-0E3UOBS43P9TVEOUXP7V/06+Kayak+run+aground+in+Lewis+and+Clark+National+Wildlife+Refuge.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 Wading across the Columbia River. Mercifully, the bottom was firm sand instead of sucking mud or quicksand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594784861216-TEF5R4ECCDTJW9N3YB3I/08+Kayaking+the+Lewis+and+Clark+National+Wildlife+Refuge.JPG Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 View of the Lewis and Clark NWR. A GPS was invaluable for navigating between islands, because the channels were all but invisible from a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594784903615-XJHI4D2R1YK9OOJT465V/image-asset.jpeg Lewis and Clark NWR 12 July 2020 South Channel, Lewis and Clark NWR. This was one of the few parts of the refuge where motorboats could penetrate at low tide. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hein-bank-19-july-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595298143476-I88LEPJIC2F27G8GC3CM/00+Route+map.jpg Hein Bank 19 July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595298270531-0G1T5WQ4UFJGXT87RNSG/01+Western+sandpipers+Fisherman+Bay.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Western sandpipers at launch point in Fisherman Bay. These are on their way south from the Arctic, having bred earlier in the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595298348231-W9PUO4K3O2ZU78EX8GXQ/02+Killdeer+Otis+Perkins+County+Day+Park.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Killdeer on launch beach, Otis Perkins County Day Park. Killdeers can be surprisingly hard to spot when they are blending in on pebbly beaches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595303650125-NBDUU7BD6PKEGZ2SR033/03+Looking+north+up+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Looking north up San Juan Channel. The San Juans are one of the most beautiful parts of Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595303700533-73SHCM6QP6FD27VEO607/04+White+rainbow+by+kayak.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 White rainbow, San Juan Channel. The fog was so thick a passing sailboat stopped to ask me where I was going and whether I had a GPS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595304421829-27YFAL5PYLA99GJ0LIBL/05+Kayaking+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Kayaking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward Hein Bank. The Olympics are the most attractive of our state’s mountain ranges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595304492073-B9OW9WZLUMT2CKFT8DK3/06+Pelagic+cormorants+Hein+Bank+buoy.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Pelagic cormorants atop Hein Bank buoy. The white structure behind them is the buoy’s radar beacon, or “racon.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595304923609-3DI07267N2J1NGI64QZL/image-asset.jpeg Hein Bank 19 July 2020 The Nikon 400mm f2.8E FL ED AF-S VR. At all costs, do not drop this uninsured, US$11,000 lens into the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595305606766-ZZQYO6C5AC9FWYT7CWXU/08+Blurry+minke+whale+Hein+Bank.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Minke whale at Hein Bank. Or what you will. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595305747421-EFE2C2RY7W79KW7L8D76/09+Minke+whale+dorsal+fin+Hein+Bank.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Minke whale dorsal fin at Hein Bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595306647150-I9UN2KRRRHIDP1J8YGBX/10+Kayaking+Salmon+Bank+to+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Hein Bank 19 July 2020 Crossing Salmon Bank, heading toward San Juan Channel. Grassy San Juan Island on the left, forested Lopez Island on the right, mountainous Orcas Island in the background. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-1-2-aug-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596503768006-J8EO1181HXEO24G9SM1H/00+Route+map.jpg Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Route map. There was plenty of free, overnight parking in the neighborhood near Weather Watch Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596503803665-2S7U0DO0GGJRDSKXJMR9/01+Chelsea+and+Maya+at+Weather+Watch+Park.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Chelsea and Maya at launch beach, Weather Watch Park. Low tide is a delight to little girls who like to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596503879535-98GJPI11RXBA2NL5BU4L/02+James+and+Chelsea+kayaking+to+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 James and Chelsea paddling to Blake Island. Chelsea helped James paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504007291-LBMLYG1XAQ6D86B35CSO/03+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+to+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Alex and Maya paddling to Blake Island. Wind and currents were both benign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504143129-XC47XIW1M6O1E0TPNRO8/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 James unloading gear on Blake Island. At low tide, an extensive mudflat developed, but the footing was quite firm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504231235-W7COOLTWOTE5V9RQU87I/05+Maya+and+Chelsea+on+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Chelsea and Maya climbing on driftwood. The girls made up their own adventures, unencumbered by adults. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504348779-B77BZEH6WHL0ZI4CS14N/image-asset.jpeg Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Maya and Chelsea in Chelsea’s tent. Chelsea, age six, made up stories that delighted Maya, age three and a half. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504452507-JELJSCDAKZ47XBI3JKKD/07+Maya+in+tent+Blake+Island.jpg Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Maya in her own tent. So many stuffed dogs accompanied us they needed their own drybag just for dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504637722-SPMKOJFDV8WI420D7TMN/08+Loading+up+kayak+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 Loading the kayaks on Blake Island. The seagrass was full of crabs, ranging from fingernail-size up to hefty Dungeness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1596504895821-TBYWAGYBPPGZI7QSK3KO/09+James+and+Chelsea+kayak+past+Alki+Point.JPG Blake Island 1–2 Aug 2020 James and Chelsea paddling past Alki Point. There’s nothing finer than a summer afternoon in Seattle. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hope-island-5-6-sept-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599541520836-2SM60YEXXF4BDUCX5EB8/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Route map: I didn’t check tides prior to setting out, but fortuitously, we caught an ebb that carried us southbound along the shore at a brisk clip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599542210428-6G8MT20YLMVKUKB50H0P/01+Chelsea+and+Maya+loading+boat.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Chelsea and Maya loading kayak. The girls liked riding with their dads, but they each mentioned they should have their own boats to paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599542280876-PSMM1T9747S8VWJFH5C5/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 James and Chelsea paddle to Hope Island. James spotted the first seal of the crossing near the north end of Hope Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599542348079-P3CI8V179YYPOIMKFDCE/03+Maya+on+the+beach+at+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Maya happy to be on the beach at Hope Island. This was Maya’s first time on Hope Island, although Rachel and I camped here in May 2016, just four months before Maya was born. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599542880563-7729E3PAEVNT9B8FTT6G/04+James+and+Chelsea+exploring+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 James and Chelsea in the meadow. Chelsea is an expert climber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599543878453-B92H8QMKYF91VU2D60MJ/05+Alex+and+Maya+walk+in+the+woods+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Alex and Maya walking in the forest. The forest on Hope Island has some of the most diverse tree and shrub species in western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599543141319-NX9NZGAMPUDNZW57416O/06+Chelsea+and+Maya+play+in+tent+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Chelsea and Maya play in tent. The girls made up elaborate stories about the adventures of their stuffed animals and also asked their dads to make up even more elaborate stories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599543520591-XRIFCARY8HHGT9W44C8U/07+Evergreen+huckleberries+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Evergreen huckleberries on Hope Island. The girls scampered through the forest, picking ripe berries and feeding them to their dads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599544260602-CLJGDWULNOXPKHCNEHAP/08+Relaxing+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Relaxing on the beach. At high tide, much of the beach grass was submerged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599544320595-N5WB5RI04DXC92QU70QF/09+Chelsea+rope+swing+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Chelsea on rope swing. Only Chelsea was adventurous enough to try the swing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599544614319-BVID0U0PJ708HA4TUCOW/10+James+as+dinosaur.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 A Jamesosaurus? OK, I’ll show myself out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599544654724-YR95MTEXWXJ7GDJKC4CU/11+Maya+drumming+on+kayak.jpg Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Maya sitting on kayak. The rubber hull of the folding kayak makes a perfect bass drum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599544709300-8U0XN7Y6Z2UBESNBLAH2/12+Chelsea+and+Maya+painting+on+Hope+Island.jpg Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Chelsea and Maya painting in the campsite. Chelsea painted a watercolor raccoon, while Maya painted the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599545634296-D2ZU6MCXY7JCF3L2NN69/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Chelsea roasting marshmallow. Chelsea’s job was to blow out the flames every time they flared up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1599545237375-5BUABCLQ50K0YLXH7K52/14+Alex+and+girls+eating+smores.JPG Hope Island 5–6 Sept 2020 Alex and the girls eating smores. James brought a handheld butane torch for this very purpose. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/flaming-geyser-state-park-12-sept-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600022658321-I5RSNKZB3V9CEWPFHF3X/00+Route+Map.jpg Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Route map. The launch at Flaming Geyser is popular with the inner-tubing crowd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600023503825-PIJ8UNQ4ER62W3JLT0GW/image-asset.jpeg Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Launch point on the Green River. The current started off strong and only grew stronger farther upstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600023556858-IO8NOFT4DBIBMT0L5B2C/02+Kayaking+in+wildfire+smoke+Green+River.JPG Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Kayaking up the Green River through thick wildfire smoke. Washington’s 2020 wildfire season was the worst since 2015, which was the worst in Washington State history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600024432915-D5HLQXJ8VHWESMIG5AUB/03+Kayaking+down+Green+River.JPG Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Paddling back down Green River toward launch point. My kayak’s fiberglass hull suffered greatly from the shallow, stony bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600026773307-XA4NMKU76XWHNFJH00WU/04+Green+River+petroglyph.JPG Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Green River petroglyph. The petroglyph is higher than head height on the boulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600026882936-FD45OS1ADQRQYVDA5MRA/05+Green+River+petroglyph.JPG Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Head-on view of the Green River petroglyph. My wife, Rachel, sees a face in the overall shape of the three carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1600027351767-V3XB48KOSR1GB6U5CBQ5/06+Flaming+geyser.JPG Flaming Geyser State Park 12 Sept 2020 Flaming geyser. As if the Earth itself were a giant Bunsen burner. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/saddlebag-island-26-27-sept-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613382197-3NG206O1YWJI39EB48VU/00+Route+map.jpg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Route map. Flood east during the morning, ebb west during the afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613481628-2F1CZMI0TG0HQ4XD5O07/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Maya at launch beach, Seafarers’ Memorial Park. We parked overnight in the nearest lot—legally dubious, perhaps, but no ticket resulted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613605575-Q93BT7FOXAO6OBMI80OT/02+James+and+Chelsea+departing+Cap+Sante+Marina.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 James and Chelsea departing Cap Sante Marina. The big, open cockpit of this folder makes for a comfortable ride, but it is not suitable for paddling in adverse conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613690363-0E2O2SPE7JZAMH9PV1NQ/03+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+Padilla+Bay.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Alex and Maya kayaking Padilla Bay. To the south, Padilla Bay is dominated by the two oil refineries at March Point, but the view is more natural to the north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613784337-JOFFSFLFJ8R8OOV3KVV3/04+James+and+Chelsea+kayaking+Guemes+Channel.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 James and Chelsea kayaking Guemes Channel. Both girls asked for stories from their dads during the hour-long crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613910735-QD52JVNHQ3RT02K5YTY5/05+Painting+in+camp.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Painting in the campsite. We had to be careful not to mix up the paintbrush-rinsing cup with the identical coffee-drinking cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601613959079-75MUO0BJ7ECC9SY0IL0H/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Maya air-dries her painting. Thanks to the tarp and James’s generous supply of towels, everybody stayed dry despite frequent cloudbursts on Saturday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614106624-ZXJY4ZSV3LBT0HK0QM9E/07+Making+popcorn+on+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Making popcorn, Saddlebag Island. This fancy stove was also ideal for pancakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614174969-HFUQTO70A9VIV8DAVYUV/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Maya playing in the tent. Instead of her usual stuffed dogs, Maya brought rubber ducks. This mama duck had been bad, so she had to go in the bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614312520-ZUT6ZXRNU4YIWRESX2VI/image-asset.jpeg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Rope swing, Saddlebag Island. Maya watched Chelsea for a long time before deciding she wanted to try, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614423057-I50MD511YRE7RZAHX9KO/10+Hiking+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Hiking around Saddlebag Island. Open, grassy fields are a hallmark of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614486676-1WHN85896CGKSXS2KPN7/11+Maya+playing+with+stuffed+dog.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Maya playing on Saddlebag. Maya liked this dog of Chelsea’s so much she declared it a sister of Sedda, one of the principal members of Maya’s dog pack. Two years later, Chelsea gave Maya the dog to keep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614572521-56I0R3B8XBZ43XJSTOK1/12+James+and+Chelsea+day+paddling+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Day paddle, Saddlebag Island. James and Chelsea paddled around the south end of the island, between Saddlebag and Dot Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614661006-GPMUL9YISDF9UV82M501/13+Sunken+sailboat+Saddlebag+Island.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Sunken sailboat, Saddlebag Island. “When your draft exceeds the water’s depth…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614770577-1ZVUY5KZ1YW4BSFRC5TZ/14+James+and+Chelsea+kayaking+to+Seafarers+Memorial+Park.JPG Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 James and Chelsea return to Seafarers’ Memorial Park. Chelsea tested whether bull kelp could be used as a fishing lure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1601614876066-HYQJI2AF2QWP3OVZLWIJ/15+Maya+and+Chelsea+playing+at+Seafarers+Memorial+Park.jpg Saddlebag Island 26–27 Sept 2020 Looking for pebbles, Seafarers’ Memorial Park. The girls played throwing and chasing games on the beach while their dads loaded the cars. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hope-island-24-25-oct-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604186210465-6IJRONQJ443USMD5LPP4/00+Route+map.jpg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Route map: I considered heading to nearby Skagit Island, but Hope Island is a shorter crossing involving slower currents, so it was the safer choice in light of the forecast wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183491561-DVG8LMVV054D1ZR8XNX6/01+Letter+from+Dog+Owner+to+Maya.jpg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Letter from the dog owner asking for help. Before the trip, Chelsea mailed Maya a letter from an imaginary dog owner, summoning Maya and her stuffed dogs to Hope Island for a rescue mission! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183562422-CAJCXQCAL7RYGFB33KFF/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Loading kayaks at Snee-Oosh Beach. Hope Island in the background, just under a mile from the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183592263-YM53Z5KUFSIQMINX248I/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 James and Chelsea paddling to Hope Island. The girls enjoyed listening to stories from their dads during the crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183688003-27O2SOB1NL7F0ET3MPO5/04+Kayaking+toward+Hope+Island+Skagit+Bay.JPG Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Kayaking to Hope Island. Hope Island in the middle distance, Whidbey Island behind to left, Fidalgo Island behind to right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183610572-1OPOBDMP7QWK4W8GU1VY/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Chart showing confusing currents in Skagit Bay on a flood tide. Current speeds are generally moderate, which is fortunate considering how unpredictable is their direction of flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183877188-FOTKIA6HNPZ5Q277L0NA/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Maya in tent on Hope Island. A mischievous dog named Sam has stolen the pump to my sleeping pad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183906819-N755FC54LEBSE8DSXGQJ/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Chelsea and Maya playing on Hope Island. James hung up a kelp piñata for the girls to whack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183943487-1C3XUGWSAFL8ZACEEV4T/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Maya and Chelsea rope swing. Everyone was quite impressed at Chelsea’s rope-swinging abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604183987821-AJDDV7DMGCVQCSHD6ZWR/image-asset.jpeg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Chelsea rope swing Hope Island. Chelsea was the most adventurous explorer of all of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1604184040895-ZKND9AXA99JW1AGWSEH8/09+Chelsea+and+Maya+eating+sandwiches+in+tent.jpg Hope Island 24–25 Oct 2020 Chelsea and Maya eating Nutella sandwiches. The girls took refuge in the tents whenever they got too cold. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/point-roberts-7-8-nov-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078498230-IU7I7RKKYU9DZYDICX58/00+Route+Map.jpg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Route map. Boundary Bay is wide but very shallow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078646951-UBT58X22MOQYDYZRT6T9/01+Birch+Bay+forest+walk.JPG Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Birch Bay forest walk. Colors of the black cottonwood, vine maple, red elderberry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078677271-2A8VRNLM61JRSD0Z59CS/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Launching kayak at Semiahoo Spit. At the very north end of the spit is a tiny public beach adjacent to a free, overnight gravel parking lot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078763521-AARG3SJQZSZ36UBK65VU/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Common loon, Semiahoo Bay. Loons, grebes, and sea ducks were the most common seabirds in the bay, with smaller numbers of alcids and gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078823925-M8EJI27OY5QO8RHJYDNX/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Long-tailed duck, Semiahoo Bay. Unusually for Washington, long-tailed ducks were the most numerous sea duck species after scoters on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078906981-T5B8MA2HSK1L47EDJNSO/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Paddling toward Kwomais Point. The near landmass on the right is Kwomais; the distant landmass that looks like an island is actually Point Roberts…or “Isla de Zepeda,” according to Narváez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637264069282-YPN9KD6KZUL5ROR7MKXK/1791+Narvaez+carta+pequena.jpg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 - Make it stand out Carta pequeña, Narváez, 1791, erroneously depicting Point Roberts as the “Isla de Zepeda.” By turning north instead of south at the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Narváez expedition missed Puget Sound altogether. However, the prescient Narváez left a tiny gap in the shoreline at modern-day Admirality Inlet (“Ensenada de Camaño,” no. 36), allowing for the possibility of additional waterways to the south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078925719-NLCLZG97I6WRNM3SQKDH/06+Boundary+beacon+Boundary+Bay.JPG Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Boundary Bay boundary beacon. According to the official nautical charts, the “H” stands for, “Hey, you’re on the wrong side of the border.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605078974806-129YC1GLZC41MGITQM8S/07+Western+grebes+Boundary+Bay.JPG Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Western grebes, Boundary Bay. These were foraging in flocks hundreds strong throughout the central reaches of the bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079003510-K16EAFNPYTCH5ROQ97GK/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Cormorants over Boundary Bay. Brandt’s were the most numerous species, followed by pelagic. I saw no double-crested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079072503-XX2X65BOCXX5M683EI5I/09+Hiking+at+Point+Roberts+Lighthouse+Marine+Park.JPG Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Hiking at Point Roberts Lighthouse Marine Park. Even in the afternoon, there were only a handful of other visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079126164-KLHJ71A4ACK5ALIV2CZZ/10+Sunset+at+Point+Roberts.jpg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Sunset at Point Roberts. The view across the Strait of Georgia made me want to keep paddling right on to the Gulf Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079153314-HAQ0RVMQWLH11NFFLZNL/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Dawn at Point Roberts. Light from the lighthouse flashed on my tent walls all night, but I was too tired to notice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079177183-CXAFZYQRCX5OG2B3VCW3/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Twenty surf scoters and five black scoters. Thanks to its position far out in the Strait of Georgia, Point Roberts is a magnet for seabirds and marine mammals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079280024-06ZZS9X8RR8K7L3LZZMQ/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Ancient murrelets, Boundary Bay. These winter visitors are less shy than the marbled murrelet and even more handsome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079321448-JINVWE1A82P2TGTJXY8V/image-asset.jpeg Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Mount Baker from Boundary Bay. Volcanoes and sea kayaks are a happy combination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605079357665-LI59SUY9Q7PDFVE01RBR/15+Return+to+Semiahoo+Spit.JPG Point Roberts 7–8 Nov 2020 Return to Semiahoo Spit. Old buildings on rotting pilings are a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/case-inlet-26-dec-2020 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609132167166-KIVBZNAXMSEE49APQ0UH/00+Route+map.jpg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Route map. According to Mason County property records, the petroglyph is on a privately owned tideland, so something-something public trust doctrine? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609135399698-MSWZ1E3RDP6NTZ921SHA/01+Launch+kayak+at+Allyn+Waterfront+Park.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Launching kayak at Allyn Waterfront Park. Priest and Ridley’s thorough guidebook, Kayaking around the Key Peninsula, led me to this excellent launch, which also offers overnight parking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609135578426-J6W7AEJ7MDC1DRSUINY8/02+Kayaking+across+Case+Inlet.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Kayaking across North Bay, Case Inlet. Only a handful of boats were abroad on this cold, windy morning, and no other kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609135760716-0G0JKN295VT9VOKP3Y17/image-asset.jpeg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Alex with Case Inlet petroglyph. On an eight-foot tide, several feet of beach were exposed below the petroglyph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609136067239-FMJA110RKKGCV7FH1P74/05+Case+Inlet+petroglyph+at+Victor.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Faces on the Case Inlet petrogylph boulder. The Hills and McClure each describe an unsuccessful effort in 1907 or 1909 to extract the petroglyph boulder from the beach, during which it was revealed that additional carvings on the boulder continue up to fifteen feet beneath the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609135867858-5SQ2MGNQ6MPVE849ANJZ/04+Case+Inlet+petroglyph.jpg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Case Inlet petroglyph. Supposedly, there is a single salmon figure somewhere on the boulder, but I was only able to identify faces, of which there are dozens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609137364599-DC6K2VE8271R3AZ7JYAC/image-asset.jpeg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Close-up of face. It is amazing the depth of emotion that emanates from this seemingly simple design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609137452664-RYGZP5AE1X8N02V0VQ4U/07+Face+on+Victor+petroglyph.jpg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Face on Case Inlet petroglyph. Among many unanswered questions is whether all the carvings were made at approximately the same time or over the course of hundreds of years or longer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609137557446-HWX1JLX1K74R47CO0QJ0/08+Eyes+and+mouth+on+petroglyph.jpg Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Face on petroglyph. I do not begrudge Daniel Leen his freewheeling speculation that some of these carvings may have had a shamanic element. It’s easy to imagine such a distinctive artifact may have had religious significance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609138415324-6IHSOKOHHDX99MDXP70H/09+Paddling+Case+Inlet+to+Stretch+Point.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Kayaking Case Inlet toward Stretch Point State Park. Winter kayaking in the rain reminds us that we live on a world of water. The pockets of land are merely incidental. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609138670208-599FY1ZLC3Q16NBCUJEM/10+Arriving+Stretch+Point+State+Park.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Arriving at Stretch Point State Park. There were not many birds in Case Inlet today, just glaucous-winged and mew gulls, buffleheads, goldeneyes, and surf scoters, horned grebes, and pigeon guillemots. There were mallards in the lagoon at Stretch Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1609138808590-W3OKL43RA1R41JEQ1IY4/11+Alex+at+Stretch+Point+State+Park.JPG Case Inlet 26 Dec 2020 Beach at Stretch Point, looking north up Case Inlet. Who says drysuits don’t look “cool?” They look cool! https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/obstruction-pass-9-10-jan-2021 daily 0.75 2024-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610418235069-RU29ALS2HILO1883U15O/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Route map. Tides run in opposite directions on the west and east ends of the route, but less than two knots in most places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610418342895-J2HV12XUP991QC1ERM57/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Launch at Deer Harbor Marina. I know you are supposed to pay to park here, but there are no posted instructions as to how much, and never anyone around to ask. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610418829033-B2KRHX0NGME04JGH46C5/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Kayaking the Wasp Islands. As I have observed on previous occasions, the Wasp Islands are the most “San Juans” part of the San Juan Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419003811-Y1RCPF73UKKF6K6PHPUP/03+Kayaking+Pole+Pass.JPG Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Kayaking Pole Pass. On foggy mornings, it feels as if a plesiosaurus or some other astonishing creature might emerge at any moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419040792-6IDS0I3FJVSQ3IEWYKQG/04+Pigeon+guillemots+in+West+Sound.JPG Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Pigeon guillemots in West Sound, Orcas Island. Of the Big Four alcids, I saw only guillemots and marbled murrelets on this trip—no rhinoceros auklets or common murres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419237909-5AY3LHWVRC4O2RWMNMPP/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Approaching Victim Island. Landing is allowed on the rocky shelves on the north side of this BLM island, but camping is not allowed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419272143-H4LZMJYMF7RDQF7A59OL/06+Barrows+goldeneyes+at+Blind+Island.JPG Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Barrow’s goldeneyes at Blind Island. Already in January, the males were performing mating displays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419325382-R7YX54HLWIMGASG30N9X/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Loading kayak at Obstruction Pass. I packed only the bow and stern hatches, not the large day hatch behind the cockpit—an exercise in preparation for longer trips in the future. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419408823-Z6SMO46BUO2NU89SQKSB/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Frost Island and Olympic Mountains from Obstruction Pass. A blanket of clouds makes the Washington landscape feel more intimate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1610419424126-QQIQCMPLBBHL41MQHBZF/image-asset.jpeg Obstruction Pass 9–10 Jan 2021 Paddling across East Sound. From left to right, Lopez, Shaw, and Orcas Islands. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lake-chelan-13-15-feb-2021 daily 0.75 2024-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624015638-4LYIM730CAEGRGWFGMCV/00+Route+map.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Route map. A north-to-south route begins at the most remote and wildest end of the lake and finishes at the most densely developed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624197322-TQTUANJ9CNFDI7N2B909/01+Kayak+on+deck+of+Lady+Express+water+taxi.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Kayak on deck of Lady Express. The water taxi was just able to accommodate an eighteen-foot kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624256391-SF0D55Z7XPUEO8SK3DRA/02+Stehekin+boat+ramp+and+dock.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Stehekin boat ramp and dock. The little town of Stehekin can only be reached by boat, aircraft, or hiking trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624380165-7040A801A7I1SKUIGEUR/03+Trumpeter+swans+at+Stehekin.JPG Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Trumpeter swans at Stehekin. At its deepest point, Lake Chelan is the third-deepest lake in the United States, but there are shallow bays at the north and south ends that attract large flocks of overwintering waterfowl. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624521807-LIQY1777NWH2CT9WM9QH/04+Kayaking+down+Lake+Chelan.JPG Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Kayaking down Lake Chelan. Other than me and the water taxi, I saw no boats the first day, only one boat the second day, and just two boats the third day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624555691-USJ940ZCSDUPL2PZI7E9/05+Frozen+creek+Lake+Chelan.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Frozen creek, Lake Chelan. The mouths of the various creeks and waterfalls were all frozen over, with cold water still running beneath the ice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613624638003-H9AMPZL6SYWBWH8980I8/06+Paddling+south+down+Lucerne+Basin.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Paddling south down Lucerne Basin. Except in the bays at the ends of the lake, there was little wildlife abroad, neither on the water nor on land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625310626-HREXVIXGWS21OECN01N6/07+Kayak+rounding+point+Lake+Chelan.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Kayak rounding point, Lake Chelan. The fog shrouding the mountainsides somehow made this cold, remote corner of the lake feel even more colder and more remote. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625696552-K69SWHTIVCACAX77JHI0/08+Ice-lined+shore.JPG Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Ice-lined shore. Thanks to low moisture content, snowy patches on shore were not slippery. Icy patches caused by waves or spray were another matter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625774221-GQASV908D0HKPFXU54VR/10+Steep+slopes+of+Lake+Chelan.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Rocky shoreline of Lake Chelan. Further south, the mountains become lower and rounder, and the lake becomes broader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625752023-O7GBIE953VNULI8X4CJT/09+Clearing+skies+and+buildng+winds+on+Lake+Chelan.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Clearing skies and building winds on Lake Chelan. The rolling hills and sparse forests create long, majestic sightlines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625899477-DN5DQ26CPOAR0KR8VPYC/11+Snowy+foggy+morning+near+Fields+Point.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Snowy, foggy morning near Fields Point. Storing my drinking water against the hull of the kayak allowed the relatively warm water of the lake to thaw the ice in the water jugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1613625949273-ZJAVXI61QVQ1CMCCDDHV/12+Paddling+into+Chelan.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 Paddling into Chelan. This soothing, pastoral scene is the kayaker’s reward for three days’ hard effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621367795632-BY93FKGM8CH3VHS9YEQH/01+Looking+up+Stehekin+Valley.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 - Make it stand out Looking up Stehekin Valley. The town of Stehekin (year-round population 85) can only be reached by boat or plane or by hiking across Cascade Pass in North Cascades National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621367837939-V5MIJ6GPSPYHHNA62MAK/02+Paddling+toward+pictograph+cliff.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 - Make it stand out Paddling toward pictograph cliff. The most well-known pictograph on Lake Chelan is painted on the steepest face of the cliff, directly across from the lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621367877713-71AX8O9JXXEWFG3XLMRO/03+Lake+Chelan+pictographs.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 - Make it stand out Lake Chelan pictographs. The pictographs include anthropomorphs, fish, and various quadrupeds, along with a series of vertical lines in horizontal arrays. Unfortunately, the pictographs are also marred by decades-old graffiti and gunfire impacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621367931176-SHZH51RB1ZCIRR2K46G2/04+Pictographs+close+up.jpg Lake Chelan 13–15 Feb 2021 - Make it stand out Pictographs close up. The red ochre used in these paintings seeps into the underlying rock, eventually becoming a chemically bonded part of the rock itself. https://alexsidles.com/categories/family-outings daily 0.75 2026-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/28e9d7a7-9ab3-4d47-9da8-d72da15f27bb/01+Maya+at+old+MOHAI+launch+beach.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c3569e5-bf00-4d49-943c-43ec0ffad96d/02+Leon+at+old+MOHAI+launch+beach.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11f366ca-2ac2-497a-ba64-7446acafc021/03+Throwing+bread+at+boathouse.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d53be4a6-b437-4d1f-b235-3785ba8f7969/04+Kayaking+through+ice+at+Seattle+Arboretum.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6e4d79a9-f4ef-4c35-9a95-2c9c7dc7ff5a/05+Long-billed+dowitcher+at+boathouse.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d09e6a5e-986e-4cd1-a9a0-bc2b9f027f22/01+Maya+Leon+and+Alex+kayaking+off+Yesler+Swamp.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9bfc2f6d-cd6c-45b6-aa6b-43d29532606b/02+Rachel+kayaking+off+Yesler+Swamp.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6d85292b-175b-4908-b48b-97f7dc4bbfa4/03+Leon+plucking+ice+from+University+Slough.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fed846b1-bbfd-452f-8a98-8ba68f519934/04+Swans+off+Cottonwood+Point.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/46aa401a-8add-4f7c-9d3f-7f8d9a7110fb/01+Leon+at+Montlake+Playfield+Park.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d7d27a1d-e9db-4087-9e18-73dc1fa7411c/02+Leon+launching+kayak+at+Seattle+arboretum.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9838a42c-e928-4283-b8be-2bf1d69996d2/03+Kayak+approaching+SR+520+bridge+at+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f8a47c85-f8fa-447e-a670-0a8c8c0b34ec/04+Feeding+geese+in+Lake+Washington.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3c1e4b85-c7b3-46af-a822-0c2241a6b75e/05+Kayaking+under+Montlake+Bridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/35bf574f-66d1-481b-bcf7-fc21a6df8f7a/01+Grandpa+John+kayaking+arboretum.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b922c3fd-5333-47f8-8872-e9ae2bc7e3a0/03+Maya+and+Leon+feeding+geese.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e27e934e-9bfd-496b-9b34-041357c5e304/04+Maya+paddling+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/17e9cc09-fd0d-420f-a163-4ebfb8b9e2a0/05+Leon+on+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f863f0d1-1eaf-4622-848c-536ef3d2d84f/06+Maya+on+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bbcd749d-1e24-443e-a22b-3e4986eb92b4/07+Great+blue+heron.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6bce553f-1d32-465b-a7bb-05f2aa406c9a/08+Pie-billed+grebe+nest+Seattle+Arboretum.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/81643d91-f587-46d5-b2e6-e7ebde0ca77e/09+Pie-billed+grebe.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ccdaa3c1-a8aa-4a6d-b7a4-750619fd051d/Leon+in+kayak+at+SR-520+bridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e0549009-04a2-4ec7-b4fe-572854b5e6b3/Leon+kayaking+with+ducks+at+Seattle+Arboretum.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/be07ad86-fb10-4206-a7e5-779f320efe63/Leon+kayking+off+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e641fa67-92be-4985-bb7a-2b4430ffc9ea/01+Leon+at+Seattle+Arboretum+launch+ramp.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/25615e66-f189-43fe-84f6-ae610850e5a8/02+Kayaking+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a624e87d-ceaa-4aa6-8cdd-a4fa36fbe37f/03+Kayaking+through+cattails+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d0bb84dd-bf50-4a97-9f8c-65e323aed97b/04+Turtle+at+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa70f905-b67a-4edb-9ce9-2219dce56d88/05+Crew+grafitti+in+Montlake+Cut.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cf96ac67-8123-46ca-84b1-7effef21b9e3/06+Leon+at+Montlake+Playfield.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b016a8c8-8ea9-426d-bae7-4819ca29aa78/01+Maya+breaking+ice.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Maya breaking ice at Seattle Arboretum. The kids helpfully stomped the ice at the beach to create open water for our launch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c1ba1e95-52e3-494b-9146-fb5efe9d993c/02+Leon+breaking+ice.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Leon breaking ice at Seattle Arboretum. In spite of his high boots, Leon still managed to soak his pants while charging through the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e23c2ae8-989c-489f-bec2-dd22a7ee324d/03+Grandpa+John+in+Folbot.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Grandpa John paddling Folbot. In a pinch, it's possible for a paddler to carry one kid in the Folbot, but I took both kids in the much larger Long Haul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cfb33a23-811d-411d-82e2-eee7b3dfc075/04+Maya+and+Leon+breaking+ice.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Maya and Leon smashing ice with paddle. The father we went, the thicker the ice got, until we reached a point where we had to back out and find another route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0f26f46a-9db1-4664-9cff-877eccdce33e/05+Beaver+tree+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Beaver-damaged cottonwood, Foster Island. Even under ordinary conditions, cottonwoods are prone to falling over at inopportune moments, so when you add a hungry beaver to the mix, watch out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/882b106b-ad83-4cc7-a76d-ca934ac6561b/06+Killdeer+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Killdeer, Foster Island. The killdeer would twitch their feet in the mud to detect prey, then dart with their bills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f75bdb08-a80b-4344-bfa4-e44f6dc5ee07/07+Green-winged+teal+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Green-winged teal, Foster Island. Perhaps owing to the cold, the teal were more approachable today than they usually are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3f3ef263-901f-459b-b0c2-3116d8b5e0dd/08+Wood+duck+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Wood duck eating bread, Foster Island. Wood ducks used to be rare and shy in Seattle, but over the last twenty years, they have become abundant and bold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/817e110b-c806-478a-8583-0d95803e306c/01+Maya+and+Leon+Green+Lake.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e1bbf59-85ea-4cd2-be1d-fa5e36d48c66/02+Kayaking+under+dock+Green+Lake.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cba7aa22-73ab-4dfb-a8be-bc56f4c0b580/03+Feeding+ducks+Green+Lake.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1664763846729-RE80DPD2XYY2HV5FWS09/01+Maya+throwing+bread+to+ducks.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1664763864853-MXTMH1J28JOVKQIJA7I9/02+Kayaking+under+Foster+Island+footbridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1664763882248-K4P7OEQHO8REDFR60382/03+Leon+climbing+at+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1658710864872-KL56HTF1THCMN0THFTNU/01+Launch+at+canoe+club+beach.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1658710893495-N4TITNBO68LGH0S0981N/02+Kayaking+on+Lake+Union.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1658710919177-1ZLSZV3NC8O70SNINK1Q/03+Ducks+and+geese+at+Gasworks+Park.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650780768708-ZD5CWPQ7DNSBCGAFTZ0X/01+Maya+and+Leon+kayaking+around+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650780792231-WZ5PYHQ5UX2GGLSASQI5/02+Maya+kayaking+under+footbridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650780814540-PFWDI5E332WH1R1ZHE3O/03+Maya+approaching+turtle.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650780841304-L31RYSJ6APMM9UF4LDGX/04+Maya+feeding+ducks.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650780862098-NYZZJ1T6A5UI0KRFI7D6/05+Leon+and+a+goose.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1646021672183-J8WA8QER9XYN19WFRN3V/01+Princess+Maya.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1646021696512-HWXAA0K9XU6CJC92CTF1/02+Grandpa+John+and+Leon.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1646021737843-8ZH7Y6OCR47PNF1TLG5S/03+Kayaking+under+Foster+Island+footbridge.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1642020284695-H8WL6QDWJ4KOS7ZD3Z1C/01+Leon+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1642020305434-PBEQ1P2HG0YG8G5YWJ9G/02+Ducks+approaching.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1642020333824-SCPRDMWVO1F05MOI220D/03+Stay+back+100+feet.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1642020358169-LEM8UH7WIMFGG2D7U97F/04+Leon+on+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635658472994-9R1MAOO5MQTEK07HA84F/01+Grandpa+John+and+Leon.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635658497848-N9G5S545QOF3B8NNKXQE/02+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635658519201-EDPIZT7UQGV5OYJ1ICL0/03+Grandpa+John+and+Leon.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635658551732-LCDQBZSCOCNZ0INC5PUU/04+Alex+Leon+and+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635658576405-Y0U75ZRM5BIG4IGV08K2/05+Leon+and+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195404744-HP2FCCZEOMMQ77BSQQCP/01+Leon+at+Baban%27s+house.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195462758-R1EFKEWQMCB3FJG22SLG/02+Leon+in+shade+at+launch.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626196380771-EA8ZJJ4YPCTRFF0NS6L5/03+Leon+and+Maya+on+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195514797-2FOMCUQXZHWZ67TVFLM6/04+Leon+at+SR+520+bridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195552472-IYL4TT7QZHC03P5HZSUP/05+Great+blue+heron+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195573538-EF731NNLM945KP97POZ2/06+Green+heron+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1626195659507-KIN1SZAJ3ODH1GC5O0KZ/07+Maya+and+Grandpa+John+under+520+bridge.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618860688550-7K6IRTUPNTNU2FHDUWZY/02+Leon+and+Grandpa+John.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Grandpa John holding Leon while Alex loads the kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618860733969-AM7K756QT02J3KH4N1ED/03+Leon+and+Maya+and+mallards.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon and Maya and mallards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618860817905-EZ5BHGY1VT7QJT33JAL2/04+Maya+watching+carp+at+Center+for+Urban+Horticulture.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya watching for carp at Center for Urban Horticulture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618860982374-V0OVC7FCJ8V9VADVPRT2/05+Leon+dipping+fingers+from+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon trailing fingers from kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618861052945-IERRTROUU6AORYEMFLPN/06+Maya+and+Leon+kayaking+with+geese.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya and Leon kayaking with geese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618861165568-USTMQEQ2YMMT8104DT19/07+Kayaking+under+wooden+footbridge+at+Center+for+Urban+Horticulture.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Kayaking under wooden footbridge, Center for Urban Horticulture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618861238743-TXGNG8RLU8NTCPS05Q07/08+Kayaking+back+to+Belvoir+Park.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Paddling back to the launch at Belvoir Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618861316564-WPY9U77QNBSIRJ9MDC2T/09+Leon+sleeping+at+Baban%27s+house.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon sleeping at Baban’s house after the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623156824-H2HVWTN36IH25U13IFO4/01+Leon+at+home.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon, eleven months old, at home preparing for kayak trip. This would be Leon’s second time ever in a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623263220-WRHMZZP5H3HYI4GNG8AC/02+Leon+in+the+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Alex and Leon in kayak. We put Leon in a boat with me, Maya in a boat with Rachel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623381210-OQPY8E9KWXG1LP4BC173/03+Rachel+and+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Rachel and Maya in kayak. Having not enough bread to feed the ducks, we had to bring a bag of tortilla chips, which Maya discovered were also tasty for people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623484623-L3AA8WMGSW3VTZE9OM8S/04+Rachel+and+Maya+feeding+ducls.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Rachel and Maya feeding ducks. Today, we attracted mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623538705-QIWYNN18AAGBCEKQ2MIB/05+Paddling+under+520+bridge+construction.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Paddling under SR 520 bridge construction. Foster Island is a maze of urban and natural features, perfect for kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623610482-9M421L1WS022HGDZMNP6/06+Leon+approaching+bridge.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon approaching bridge. Leon loves being outdoors—so many interesting things to look at. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623727368-2HDP4KXNXTYS60O5BKX9/07+Alex+and+Leon+kayaking+Arboretum.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon and Alex approaching arboretum landing beach. When Leon grew a little fussy, I removed his life jacket to cheer him up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623825986-0VNFCX3Y31226EI5UAZ9/08+Leon+trailing+fingers+from+kayak.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon trailing fingers in the water. Leon was so excited to discover he could reach the water I had to squeeze him between my knees to keep him from diving headlong out of the boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614623930952-50PQ2CWYWRICUXM5O0P7/09+Maya+waving+stick.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya waving stick. There were some aggressive, hissy geese at the landing beach, but they were no match for Maya and her goose-chasing stick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614624015308-1ZHYJIGVLUMBHDYTPO8H/10+Alex+Leon+and+parents+at+arboretum.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Grandpa John and Baban at landing beach, arboretum. My parents made a surprise visit to the arboretum just as we were taking off the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1607363357927-6IT5OI3LNKZS2GKEEWN5/image-asset.jpeg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Under the SR 520 bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1607363392268-BB3KQBTA70E47F4LJDOE/02+Feeding+geese+under+bridge.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Canada geese and a floating construction bumper. The bumper was very difficult to cross in our kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1607363449989-5AATUJ8ABLVP77HVMW1R/03+Maya+and+Baban+in+Laurelhurst.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya and Baban having a snack at Baban’s house after the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605463306074-CH576IUX4QN85TUDIINA/image-asset.jpeg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605463333211-UDCNAVVPMO93KXTQFOJB/image-asset.jpeg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1605463359499-E6KJRXB292YNKY513DC5/03+Lunch+on+Foster+Island.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1597970952820-8EK0COFO4VZQAFLPLFEE/IMG_1271.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Feeding ducks at Squire’s Landing, Kenmore, WA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1597970737858-UMUMF39OWD4APLTLEIH0/01+Leon+in+kayak.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon’s first-ever time in a kayak, Squire’s Landing, Sammamish River, WA 16 Aug 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595964287138-OB0GGWKUVNPZJ0K6PQ45/IMG_1202.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1595964316032-PL06RFANNWX2IZN791KJ/IMG_1212.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594061702595-QBXTH2KZMFAZ5QWKTGOW/IMG_0476a.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya in sunglasses, sun hat, waterproof shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594061815866-83XN6T3D1ZSQCRZCXIG7/IMG_0479.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Kayaking under the pier at Shilshole Bay Marina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594061990325-PUGEQJ41C3W3QJ7HAZ0Q/IMG_0489.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Kayaking toward Salmon Bay railroad bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594062062884-J1VKAXQQKV5C1D3WX78G/IMG_0494.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle With other boats, waiting to enter Ballard locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594062123692-AOY2YFCJQBEC9AZMHCAY/IMG_0506.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Entering the small lock at Ballard locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594062168744-8TK63OZ4EDAGQCVH83W8/IMG_0524.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle View of the small lock from the upper side, Salmon Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1594062293153-X05UCXNMLTXQ2IC3XKRH/IMG_0539.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Inside the small lock, being lowered to Shilshole Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300135161-4X3YQHHL3J07HKRP4AA3/01+Maya+announces+kayaking+trip.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle In the morning, Maya announced she wanted to take a kayaking trip, but she wanted to go in the boat with mama, not dad. She wanted dad to stay ashore and watch the new baby, Leon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300206409-162WL7DFJM3MHRQBXVW1/02+Leon+on+the+dock.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Baby Leon slept on the dock while we loaded Rachel and Maya into the boat. In accordance with the posted notice, Leon did not engage in any diving or swimming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300342142-EUK3BKQTY8BHBXMFLD6N/03+Maya+contemplates+water.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya contemplates the water while Leon sleeps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300448093-C632E0TB78AP7UTRFD1F/04+Rachel+and+Maya+in+boat.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Rachel and Maya in the boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590341910341-AKHNN6GF28DSX9RO4FCM/03A+Alex+and+Leon+on+dock.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Leon and I stayed on the dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300497642-NFC6HL5PQCNPRK7MQXCC/05+Mama+duck+and+babies.jpeg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Mama mallard and babies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300532780-X99F3KYJD6GZ6OA790V9/06+Rachel+and+Maya+under+willow.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Rachel and Maya paddle under a willow tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300565259-M5NH8IJVQM67NYWTUHP0/07+Maya+resting.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya rests her head in the kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300602418-K8WDJI9HFTYF3PZZB1I3/08+Rachel+and+Maya+approaching+dock.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Rachel and Maya approaching dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1590300667387-9J3RNLXS6P3L5T1EBOBY/09+Maya+helps+carry+boat.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya helps carry the boat. We used the launch at Belvoir Place, because the more usual launches at the arboretum and UW dock were closed due to coronavirus restrictions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226952544-YO01QTUFM4FPRO2N8BMZ/IMG_9992.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle First time in a “grown-up”-style life jacket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226886706-NBWV9SF0G2OIJES0GOCY/IMG_0008.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle At Green Lake, not our usual Lake Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226593345-YEO9CDHDEAEHJ4PZGK3P/IMG_9980.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Waiting for dad to load kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226728711-ZN281PU8JE8X8YSHJSSQ/IMG_9982.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Listening to Baban read after the kayaking trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226629893-FNAB9036DNRH2UFDXDPY/IMG_9985.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Climbing at Baban’s house after dropping off the kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226192173-DCWIOG74L0S3S3TBDM87/IMG_8031.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225906216-M35AF0V28C4H3QXN2GQE/IMG_7616.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Picnic at Foster Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588226017882-O1YLR4YLT0T85X7C6N5V/IMG_7623.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225851389-X710ARZT9EGZPK4IVWD0/IMG_7592.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Feeding ducks prior to launch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225193637-XQP53PECK3AZA0BTSTKD/IMG_0953.JPEG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225238308-H1T8RB1ABV13NZFLVOQB/IMG_0955.JPEG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225262503-3MNX62OM1XBKEJ519YP4/IMG_0957.JPEG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224656765-T5NZJSY807PFYE2EXPPH/IMG_7457.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224910752-0CN5HIU2BFIETIEC89KW/IMG_5893.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225641088-J69Q1J18SU6U1LEMKSQU/IMG_5900.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225479769-LICJ6FB8F5VF5K9DTW52/IMG_7455.JPG Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225040743-ACNVZ9EHTWJKNOLQRJO4/IMG_5818.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588225055621-0PH1LPGEPYSFGRM1OFYE/IMG_5824.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224532701-5OQZFVDGSZ2UZL41Q8NV/IMG_4942.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224341539-NQD3WKTLMYYYEBX522I7/IMG_2998.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224361977-H7SCN6P3CAORO59KSCFQ/IMG_3010.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588223258759-0XE1R7PM4XKRAJNQZ5WU/IMG_2703.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Each time Maya gives the ducks bread, she says, "Quack, quack. Thank you, thank you." Such polite ducks they are! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588223567152-LE5F9MLGX6KNH9Z5Q65F/IMG_0959.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya loved pointing out all the birds, trees, bridges, planes, and boats around Foster Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588223872394-HTXFYHCRSNQV9FP8DP8B/IMG_2710.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya keeps an eye on Rachel going under the 520 bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588223936550-E31AS49Z1GO0F2923TDK/IMG_2662.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle I took Maya through the secret passage where I sometimes find Virginia rails, but there were no rails today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224078013-2S163L3AB281L9SLS2M5/IMG_0945.jpeg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle What fun to trail ones fingers through the water. This is Maya’s first time doing this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224150682-HNIG9SC3LC7KZCZW5MGN/IMG_2669.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya spots a turtle sitting on a log. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588224851508-24PM69K9B3RCGI10WWKW/IMG_2650.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1588223101345-EF86RLF1OZOGMD2K7WKN/IMG_2651.jpg Family Outings by Kayak in Seattle Maya’s first-ever kayaking https://alexsidles.com/about daily 0.75 2023-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1614802896268-UEJSHU871O4KUZSXRCHL/Alex+on+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG About Alex Sidles on the Brooks Peninsula, Kyuquot Sound, BC 8 June 2016. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/long-island-6-7-mar-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353311965-F9OBNF5LLM7VTWJFEXIU/00+Route+map1.jpg Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Route map. Free overnight parking at the boat ramp; free, no-reservation camping on Long Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615352726246-596UQE9WJ4U0FL6VFA1I/01+Round+Island+Willapa+Bay.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Round Island, Willapa Bay. Most of the south end of the bay dries at the lowest tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615352863955-BM0RO5N1R9712XITTOFX/02+Kayaking+shore+of+Long+Island+Willapa+Bay.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Kayaking along shore of Long Island. Willapa Bay is protected from ocean swells, but the swells were audible from here, booming against the outer beach three miles (5 km) to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615352893676-2VGSA1YFTJWKLLBYW1OX/03+Pinnacle+Rock+Willapa+Bay.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Pinnacle Rock, Willapa Bay. Ebb currents flowed at about one knot here in the main channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615352951537-B5KPEB54IE0K3223AW3Y/04+Red-breasted+merganser.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Red-breasted merganser. Most of the sea ducks had already paired off for breeding season, but this handsome fellow had not found a mate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615352994562-70SBJSU120X814KXGDJP/05+Herring+gull.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Herring gull, Willapa Bay. Uncommon around my usual stomping grounds in Puget Sound and the San Juans, herring gulls are locally common here along the south coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353048348-YR61WW65ZWI3R5NG56AI/06+Spotted+sandpiper+Long+Island.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Spotted sandpiper, Long Island. March is too early in the year for the immense, spring shorebird migration for which Willapa Bay is renowned. This individual was most likely an overwintering bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353116953-AAFD4LVFTHHDY7835KJF/07+Kayak+on+beach+at+Smokey+Hollow.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Kayak on beach at Smokey Hollow. The upper portions of the beach make for easy landing. At low tide, the lower portions of the beach are either sand (walkable) or mud (not walkable). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353222815-CRLJWBAJGKGJ9OO2ZX84/08+Smokey+Hollow+campsite.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Smokey Hollow campsite. From the swamp behind the campsite, red-winged blackbirds sang all morning and Pacific tree frogs sang all night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353519554-PYF9MYXOPJE44IT9XRAT/09+Old-growth+forest.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Old-growth cedar grove, Long Island. The very air feels more alive in a place like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353578979-MU48178UFL5FRFDDVCQ0/10+Old+western+redcedar.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Old western redcedar. At one time, the whole coast looked like this. At some time in the distant future, it may again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615353822341-MCX1BB38F8FI8R1VB885/11+Rough-skinned+newt.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Rough-skinned newt. Poisonous amphibians can afford to adopt a relaxed attitude toward life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615354256939-THR9WF2B8B71LAWW783P/12+Newt+climbing+on+hand.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Newt climbing my fingers. The newts were so unafraid of falling I had to be careful not to drop them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1615354417358-S3XLMKDZ2FP3GSVA15XM/13+Returning+to+mainland.JPG Long Island 6–7 Mar 2021 Returning to mainland. There were no other people or boats all weekend. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/fort-ward-and-middle-point-10-11-apr-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618521560066-JTXDAN094B2W315U5V2W/00+Route+map.jpg Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Route map. Currents can run nearly five knots between Fort Ward and Middle Point, but I was fortunate to hit them at only half that speed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618521755862-GN0GJVTU2JHGO7BDSFCN/01+Kayaking+across+Puget+Sound.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Kayaking across Puget Sound. Kitsap Peninsula to the left, Bainbridge Island to the right, Olympic Mountains in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618521845927-5MF3TZKEKEJPNVFT9VUI/02+Alki+Point+lighthouse.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Alki Point lighthouse seen from south. Alki Point is prominent from the north and south but obscured from the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618521897158-8KKKLG3TGZZNNVJDB0QJ/03+Horned+grebe+breeding+plumage.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Horned grebe breeding plumage. In fall and winter, this species is usually quite approachable, but it becomes shyer during the breeding season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522078605-HF443PZAD9BONGFG1I77/04+Steller+sea+lions+off+Bainbridge+Island.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Steller sea lions off Bainbridge Island. These individuals were so habituated to boats they paid me no mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522271250-AAY4AWOHF8UN9S1WE8TT/05+Harlequin+ducks+Beans+Point+Bainbridge+Island.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Harlequin ducks at Beans Point, Bainbridge Island. The females’ mottled plumage is perfectly adapted for camouflage among the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522380289-A357XVZZVVYC5HPYYESE/06+Fort+Ward+battery.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Battery Vinton, Fort Ward. One of the three-inch gun batteries along the shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522531511-LURY5MEGOYA6C31T2Z7O/07+Middle+Point+torpedo+house.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Mines outside Middle Point torpedo storehouse. I tried kicking the mines to see if they would explode, but it appears State Parks has disarmed them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522432009-1TFDJHEDGV1IB8GFGEQG/08+Inside+Middle+Point+torpedo+house.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Inside Middle Point torpedo storehouse. The building was constructed to store mines in 1901 only for the mines to be moved out to Fort Ward in 1910, proof that military boondoggles have a lengthy pedigree in the United States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522653087-L8EK74AZ1R37FWPYAEOX/09+Battery+Mitchell+Middle+Point.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Battery Mitchell, Middle Point. This battery was intended to house additional guns to protect the minefield from interference by enemy boats, but the guns were never installed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522748198-TKAVBPG82J6LV8GM64FS/10+Harbor+seal+asleep+at+Restoration+Point.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Harbor seal asleep at Restoration Point, Bainbridge Island. Thanks to my approach from downwind, the sleeping seal did not hear or smell me until I was quite close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522785848-A8UJM1PS1YJ0LKRJ78OF/11+Pigeon+guillemot+Restoration+Point.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Pigeon guillemot at Restoration Point. This was the only seabird I encountered still completely in its winter plumage. It’s springtime, buddy, time to put on new feathers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522815417-6VAYGXMWUCP08JTTMU0H/12+Kayaking+to+Blakely+Rock.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Kayaking to Blakely Rock. Onshore flow, a common phenomenon in the warmer seasons, kicked up a little chop in Puget Sound but not enough that I felt the need for a drysuit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1618522863092-Q661TXET23J70X7CAH97/13+Reading+on+Blakely+Rock.JPG Fort Ward and Middle Point 10–11 Apri 2021 Reading on Blakely Rock. A rare opportunity to be alone in the middle of densely populated Puget Sound. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/burrows-island-1-2-may-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620068792094-7JWRJ5S9OK70XC70F90F/00+Route+map.jpg Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Route map. Burrows Island provided shelter from the southerly wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620070314150-8V884IRKQJFFLBY1GOLY/01+Dogs+all+lined+up.jpg Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 The dogs are all lined up, ready to go. The night before a kayak-camping trip, Rachel and I always set out Maya’s dog pack on top of their drybag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620070592261-YY1BD3MIP7U0QEZ62AHI/02+Launch+at+Washington+Park.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Launch at Washington Park, Anacortes. In the background, Blakely Island to the left, Cypress Island to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620070674409-YQ4OUOHCISLEB59Q7L60/03+Kayaking+in+Burrows+Pass.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Maya kayaking through Burrows Pass. Fishermen (human) and oystercatchers (avian) lined the rocky shore of Burrows Pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620070811177-YSF3HUJZNHLDEB823NE0/04+Alex+and+Maya+in+tent+Burrows+Island.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Alex and Maya in tent, Burrows Island. The weather was so fair we slept without a rainfly on the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620090009177-ZBV3NTF9CJMQ88MPSMRG/Maya+hiking+on+Burrows+Island+beach.jpg Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Maya hiking on beach. At high tide, most of the beach disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620071207764-HVVGFJBHBQK1SWATI4PU/05+Salmonberry+flower+Burrows+Island.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Salmonberry flowers in the forest. The salmonberry is one of our earliest fruits each spring and one of our most delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620071435721-MX0BA6FV84ILTSS2BVYK/07+Maya+on+rocks+on+Burrows+Island.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Maya on the rocks, Burrows Island. The sun-warmed rocks offered a welcome reprieve from the cool shade of the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620071586417-YGLLM8PP2YIEBS6FL65B/08+Kayaking+back+to+Washington+Park.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Kayaking back to Anacortes. The current was moderately adverse during our return, but I was able to find eddies along the shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1620071775908-TFZZF03KIH7HOBHONCP3/09+Chips+in+the+kayak.JPG Burrows Island 1–2 May 2021 Chips, one of the principal members of the dog pack, riding in the kayak. During the paddle back to Anacortes, Maya borrowed the camera to photograph the subjects of greatest interest. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-sound-23-may-2021 daily 0.75 2025-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621883686217-M9W30CMJAA92JQJ9DZ1V/00+Route+map.jpg Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. A flooding tide and a ten-knot wind pushed me north at a tremendous speed but made for a slow return. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621884766826-IJ5LAT7RWW2TQXW579UH/01+Mukilteo+ferry.JPG Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Mukilteo ferry crosses in front of kayak. The sight of a ferry always gives me a homelike feeling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621885602707-682WWLOYCTCQC8G6WI1M/02+Gray+whale+diving+Possession+Sound.jpg Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gray whale diving, Possession Sound. Of the four common whales species in Washington’s inland waters, the gray whale is the most approachable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621885728203-R467G5DHWGPPZVMGRNG7/03+Gray+whale+blowhole.jpg Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gray whale double blowhole. All baleen whale species have a pair of blowholes, just like we have a pair of nostrils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621886938144-F2K5D5ZMXKAC5K6WPJJ5/04+Gray+whale+spout.JPG Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gray whale spouting. The blow of the gray whale is often described as “heart shaped,” but you have to squint pretty hard to see it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621887033119-Z122HA70WO6H44AC7I13/05+Possession+Sound+gray+whale+flukes.jpg Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gray whale flukes. Unlike humpback whales, gray whales do not often expose their entire tails, even during their deepest dives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621887102985-SXFG28CPQ0AUY04GSQ66/06+Gray+whale+flukes+and+fins.JPG Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gray whale fluke and fin. In the shallow east end of Possession Sound, this whale appeared to be rolling onto its side during some of its dives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1621887673844-RR4PVCP2393K7Y5F258R/07+Paddling+south+down+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 23 May 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking south down Possession Sound. These are the classic blues, grays, and greens of Washington. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/la-push-destruction-island-29-31-may-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596237037-O583GZ1K9YKUS6EUQ0GB/00+Route+map+small.jpg La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Between La Push and the Hoh River, there is no direct road access to the coast. The wilderness is left to the hikers and kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596316933-3OSYCIQQRJWSB075NSWM/01+Launch+at+Dickey+River.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Launch at Dickey River. One advantage to launching on the river instead of the beach is that the river is free of surf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596407755-GN8H15PBU7NH7A5302JX/02+Greater+scaup+Quillayute+River.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Greater scaup, Quillayute River. Scaup are primarily present during the winter, but each year, a few individuals spend the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596439348-LUBBKPW84YK0B82PPULV/03+Approaching+Quileute+Needles.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Approaching Quileute Needles. With Rounded Island, Alexander Island, and Destruction Island, this is one of the principal seabird nesting sites south of La Push. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596495179-LBHO8LJKWHA3MX9053Q2/04+Common+murres+at+Quileute+Needles.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Common murres at Quileute Needles. Murres are more common in Oregon and Alaska, less common in Washington and British Columbia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596528127-QUZCVT2C377DJA2RPAIQ/05+Harbor+porpoise+off+Teahwhit+Head.jpg La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoise off Teahwhit Head. Harbor porpoises were unusually abundant on the coast this weekend. I must have seen thirty over the course of three days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596553834-4U9OIH4AZI3UYO5D5BJX/06+Ocean+swell+in+Giants+Graveyard.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Ocean swell in Giants Graveyard. At low tide, there were too many reefs for comfort inside Giants Graveyard. High tide is an easier time to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596606998-MZYBSXPZUBPXWTVEN95G/07+Approaching+Toleak+Point.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Approaching Toleak Point. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful anywhere in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596640688-KAFM4X7ZKZ2WR74TRHDN/08+Arch+at+Toleak+Point.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Arch at Toleak Point. Hikers on the beach looked on with envy as I visited monuments they could only view from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596712615-E9BDD0K2ETN00Z1G5H3R/09+Kayaking+into+Goodman+Creek.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking into Goodman Creek. Just a short distance upriver, the cool, salty ocean air gives way to warm, lush forest air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596752674-D5PKPIMZED33AV505M7R/10+Falls+Creek+waterfall.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Falls Creek waterfall. This is a popular spot for hikers to cool their aching feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596793222-8YFDU0FXNWG3MUJUT7HB/11+Kayaking+up+Goodman+Creek.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Heading farther up Goodman Creek. Thrushes, warblers, and flycatchers were singing from the shade of the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596928494-RUOWZJYKXIGLJ6OI0HWP/12+Sunset+Hoh+Head+beach.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Sunset, Hoh Head beach. According to the National Park Service, the trail down to this beach "no longer exists." Perfect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622596978488-JXF3HISUKAQ3OBUEWPZ4/13+Surf+launch+at+Hoh+Head.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Surf launch, Hoh Head beach. Surf was higher at low tide, lower at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597001337-ATGS3C83QTN2EDWKMF3E/14+Pacific+loon+off+North+Rock.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Pacific loon off North Rock. Every other seabird species was in breeding plumage, but most of the Pacific loons were not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597027370-ZGKUF0AN8YTMRTYZTPQS/15+Marbled+murrelets+off+North+Rock.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets off North Rock. In Washington State, this threatened, forest-dependent species’ population is declining at an average rate of 3.9% per year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597138696-Z2N28AGFUR7CMXWKGQIR/16+Kayaking+to+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out An appetite for destruction. Landing on Destruction Island is prohibited, but there were several fishing boats off the island, including two guys spear-fishing from kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597184295-AAZSOFIPM9407JKBKT66/17+Harbor+seals+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor seals at Destruction Island. Unfortunately, I forgot my binoculars, so I can’t say whether any of the hundreds of seals present at Destruction Island were elephant seals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597212846-VAIWMDN6DRTBJVT8IDLC/18+Mother+and+baby+harbor+seal.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Mother and baby harbor seal. Several of the mothers were carrying pups on their backs. Whenever the mothers dove, they would crane their necks back to make sure the pups were ready to be submerged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597263093-N2E2MYB920XZ1WBVBR04/19+Olympic+mountains+from+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Olympic Mountains from Destruction Island. Most Washingtonians never see the western face of the Olympics, which is visible only from at sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597295504-Y236JFCYY2B225EBAYPY/20+Black+oystercatcher+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Black oystercatcher, Destruction Island. These gooseneck barnacles are some of the oystercatcher’s favorite food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597334517-7S7PY06ONVH1NHXIKGBP/21+Gulls+over+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Gulls over Destruction Island. It is amazing how much more abundant wildlife is in places where humans are not allowed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597413478-BMOPGYIFXXDXNXQRQKWN/22+Purple+stars+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Purple stars, Destruction Island. The long, narrow bays on the southwestern side of the island were full of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597466345-SOQZT34SNYDKKF2U91K3/23+Sea+otter+Destruction+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Destruction Island. Once extirpated from Washington, sea otters have rebounded to the point where they may have reached carrying capacity along some segments of the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650324481795-A8Q4DST1V80L0KXIF12S/24+Group+of+sea+otters+at+Destruction+Island.jpg La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Raft of sea otters, Destruction Island. I accidentally disturbed this raft when I rounded a corner and interrupted their sleep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597660136-EWF1SYJWTFOUPMQRJR77/25+Kayaking+north+toward+Hoh+Head.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking past North Rock toward Hoh Head. The flood tide appeared to be running against me here, but that may simply have been fatigue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597739080-1FFAVH4K69OYL1AMBWQX/26+Sea+cave+at+Hoh+Head.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Sea cave at Hoh Head. The cliffs are discolored from the accumulation of centuries of cormorant guano. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597771846-XOVWZ6GWJQKGVW0KMJ17/27+Sunset+at+Hoh+Head.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Sunset at Hoh Head. Here is a time and place where it is good to be alive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622597899635-Y1L6D9APVES45RA5065K/28+Dawn+at+Alexander+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Dawn at Alexander Island. The colors, sounds, and smells of the coast make me feel like the first man on Earth, or possibly the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598016413-HCT72Q5CVY4QUR5Y71E2/29+Blowhole+at+Alexander+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Blowhole at Alexander Island. During the largest spouts, the spray would reach nearly to the vegetation line on the top of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598051132-RY75G6T1NQGGYD7ICL99/30+Kayaking+north+toward+Toleak+Point.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking north near Toleak Point. Rounded Island to the left; Teahwhit Head in the distance to the right of the island; Toleak Point and associated islands to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598083582-EPAAPK5133WUYAP9VES0/31+Pelagic+cormorant+at+Rounded+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorant at Rounded Island. At least 95% of the cormorants I saw were pelagic. The few others were all Brandt’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598109749-A94S196TYTH3U7PWW4ZX/32+Tufted+puffin+at+Rounded+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Tufted puffin at Rounded Island. There are fewer boomers surrounding Rounded Island than the other puffin colonies, so it is easier to approach the birds more closely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598140851-ZYY9SWDX7IHQZO9PGZ2R/33+Pigeon+guillemot+at+Rounded+Island.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemot at Rounded Island. The guillemots came so close I could hear their thin, whistling calls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598229620-VH0A1YATI4K92R0OFWQL/34+Arch+at+Teahwhit+Head.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Arch at Teahwhit Head. This headland marks the division between Second Beach and Third Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1622598608711-NNNKOIGZE4G70X13HKIM/35+Entrance+to+Quillayute+River.JPG La Push–Destruction Island 29–31 May 2021 - Make it stand out Entrance to Quillayute River. More sea stacks beckon the paddler beyond. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/anderson-island-19-20-june-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624333642981-D5MZUXT016WSZSYX8LZW/00+Route+map.jpg Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. At low tide, vast mudflats are exposed at the Nisqually River delta, but we launched on a rising four-foot tide and experienced no difficulty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624333991968-M3JVDG6GFN5DYMGQQOKL/01+James+and+Chelsea+paddling.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea launching at Luhr boat ramp. Chelsea excelled at coming up with taunts to direct toward Maya and me in our rival kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334076230-V25WX7OOLGMT6SQLMDXT/02+Maya+and+dad+paddling.jpg Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex kayaking across Nisqually Reach. Maya brought into the cockpit a backpack full of Barbies, her whole stuffed dog pack, and a sack of croissants, which she and I shared for a treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334246570-M389N0ZCEQPLGH0E21AP/03+Harbor+seal+south+sound.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Nisqually Reach. The seals here were fearless of us kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334336800-HWIY8H1GWGKHOR14A76X/04+James+and+Chelsea+and+Olympics.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea paddling toward Anderson Island. The Olympic Mountains made an enticing, wild backdrop to our crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334415196-KL8F77CVT585POPQ1UVG/05+Maya+and+dad+paddling+to+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex headed toward Anderson Island. The Folbot Yukon is a one-person kayak, but it managed to fit both of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334855251-5JDXUKZ58W344DAGAP3T/06+Maya+and+Chelsea+on+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Chelsea in the lagoon, Anderson Island. The girls pretended to be dogs escaping from their dog owners, the dads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624334972043-W3JQSTS2DQH51YWQ9YL7/07+Chelsea+finds+a+snail.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea finds a snail. The lagoon was full of snails, crabs, and sculpins, which attracted several species of foraging bird, including kingfishers, ospreys, great blue herons, mallards, and a single double-crested cormorant who didn’t seem to catch anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624335044417-SMQFWN6WSBU1QYHHZNPD/08+Maya+wading+in+lagoon.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Maya wading in the lagoon, Anderson Island. Everything in Carlson Bay was the perfect size for a child to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624335422756-MVKCN5S48LVD8Z920WLK/09+Maya+and+Chelsea+playing+in+tent.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea and Maya play in tent. The girls liked their dads to tell stories about the stuffed animals, but they were equally adept at making up their own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624335540229-AC897E1NTALA99K70V5G/10+Chelsea+on+rope+swing.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea on rope swing. There was little shade on the beach, so even those of us who did not swing enjoyed sitting beneath this alder to watch Chelsea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624339640229-Y4XORXT4LMQZOZJ3LVV6/11+Chelsea+running+on+beach.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea running down the beach. The girls turned every part of the park into their playground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624335757979-5XP0O6OQQOFYHS5IP2J6/12+Western+fence+lizard.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Western fence lizard, Anderson Island. Maya and I saw two of these on the driftwood logs near camp, while James and Chelsea saw as many as five during their walks on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624335833288-SY8T552ES0BR7M7OTCI5/13+Northern+rough-winged+swallow.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Northern rough-winged swallow. South Puget Sound is a paradise for Hirundinidae. We saw barn, violet-green, and northern rough-winged swallows, plus nesting purple martins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624336617099-ZT9Q8P8AO1ULOTAHNITP/14+Maya+in+tent.jpg Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Maya in the tent with Strawberry Dog, one of the principal members of the dog pack. We went to bed before dark and woke up after dawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624336711136-BMQZMKW6NHFN01O7T5OB/15+Maya+and+Chelsea+playing+on+beach.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea and Maya playing on the beach. The tide came in so fast we could watch the water rise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624336794727-4GKWXPR4H4BYXP5LX8QS/16+Chelsea+riding+back+to+Luhr.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea riding back to Luhr beach in kayak. The water was so still and quiet we could hear the breaths of the porpoises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624336911037-VCNUJ43OL4BEWT1J0TID/17+James+Chelsea+and+Mt+Rainier.JPG Anderson Island 19–20 June 2021 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea kayaking beneath Mount Rainier. The trees and mountains are what make this place home. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/willapa-spits-26-27-june-2021 daily 0.75 2025-12-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624943814047-WZ9CCSBGUMZ3DRB7739S/00+Route+map+small.jpg Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Route map: To get an early start Saturday morning, I car-camped Friday night at Bruceport County Park. All campsites were reserved, but by arriving late in the evening, I was able to nab a campsite from a no-show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944283725-LQ4B7UAIWP305YLQ1MUI/01+Shellfish+beds+on+Palix+River.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Shellfish beds, Palix River. Most of the tidelands in eastern Willapa Bay are privately owned, the individual parcels jealously delineated by hemlock stakes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944384770-YY8Y3H4I1I6UI16BTFGV/02+Caspian+terns+Ellen+Sands.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Caspian terns, Ellen Sands. During low tide, vast stretches of the bay turn to mudflats, much to the delight of terns and gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944417358-E8SEBI3BRTDPG6QM6U6T/03+Common+loons+Willapa+Bay.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Common loons, Willapa Bay. These individuals must be non-breeders, to still be on the coast in June. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944559998-AJ9AQHQ2D97YD3GVSX1C/04+Kayaking+coast+of+Leadbetter+Point.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking coast of Leadbetter Point. The Willapa Bay bar is subject to currents up to six knots, so it’s important to travel with the tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944724031-FPU9HUK5U8ZD42MFBKNX/05+Coyote+Leadbetter+Point.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Coyote, Leadbetter Point. My presence scarcely disturbed its clam-digging at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944793778-RXQVKY1V57MJZ4P6NAKZ/06+Harbor+seals+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor seals, Willapa Spits. I searched the crowd for elephant seals but did not find any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624944866817-AN28UPT8TICP8I02AJIE/07+Alex+on+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Alex on Willapa Spits. Landing is best from the east or south. Long lines of breakers obstruct passage from the north or west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945069350-1P6AV9KX8J9EFE5O17KO/08+Low+tide+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Low tide, Willapa Spits. The sand was full of clams of every description: razor, butter, soft-shell, Manila, cockle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945112712-ASKY2WENQFVA4ZM91K4M/09+View+toward+Cape+Shoalwater.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out View toward Cape Shoalwater. Owing to the extensive shoaling in the Willapa Bay bar, no deep-draft vessels have entered the bay since 1976. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945183207-W8P83VM61TTCMJLKML6I/10+View+from+tent.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out View from tent. During the hottest part of the day, the only shade was the one I brought. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945222508-PMIYVNYXPTRI8DYDTN5L/11+Alex+on+beach+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Alex on beach, Willapa Spits. I spent most of my time near camp to avoid frightening the seals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945269526-GF9XE6IS8Y86E4SGOZP5/12+Sunset+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Sunset, Willapa Spits. Regrettably, there was no green flash this evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945534357-V506V4SLCSYD81467FQ4/13+Snowy+plover+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Snowy plover, Willapa Spits. The bands on its feet help researchers identify this individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945611895-QO5XJCJ1JPX2YQWAUOVY/14+Snowy+plover+tracks.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Snowy plover tracks. The pattern of ridges in the sand is likely caused by wind, not waves, but the presence of driftwood in the uplands is evidence that waves do overtop Willapa Spits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945642749-IAZBG6HBOEH4WXLDGE1Z/15+Brown+pelicans+Willapa+Spits.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Brown pelicans, Willapa Spits. On the way back across Willapa Bay, a pair of American white pelicans flew over my kayak, making for a coveted two-pelican day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1624945694068-GC3R9NX53WLYQ5Q43D53/16+Kayaking+back+to+Bay+Center.JPG Willapa Spits 26–27 June 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking back to Bay Center. The flooding current pushed me so much farther south than I intended that I nearly missed the channel through the shellfish beds. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sucia-island-24-25-july-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595508153-E6KAKIMSL2Y889F2ZV35/00+Route+map.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. Fortuitously, the marina where the water taxi lands is a just a short walk from the launch beach where we left our cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595631241-2EOEAHJ8A7Z7ARCLINK6/01+Maya+in+kayak+to+Sucia+Island.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Maya riding in kayak to Sucia Island. She is accompanied in the boat by two mischievous mermaids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595700883-C1W8VKJJPU57OACTQOLC/02+James+at+Chelsea+kayaking+Sucia+Island.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea arriving at Sucia Island. From the water, it can be hard to identify the openings to the island’s various bays and coves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595841975-NR2AYRNDR1J4V161FNZY/03+Maya+on+Sucia+Island+beach.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Maya on the beach, Sucia Island. At high tide, most of this rock shelf goes underwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595875893-25WJD6A4L5PRPO4MTDZ0/04+James+and+Chelsea+on+Sucia+Island+beach.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea and James on the beach, Sucia Island. The outer arm of Fossil Bay is the best place to look for fossils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595917471-1J4X4QHNTJ7CADBOXNY3/05+Under+the+tarp.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea and James under the tarp. Most campsites are shaded by trees, but we had to set up a tarp for shade at our campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627595968870-CEAG1NHBNH227X1VUU6O/06+Alex+and+Maya+in+camp.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex in camp. James brought astronaut ice cream for the girls, what a treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596314983-B392KHN29LY2DKOGNKA7/07+Yellow-rumped+warbler.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Yellow-rumped warbler, Sucia Island. Dozens of these juveniles were foraging for insects among the driftwood, especially in the morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596501431-UL8PD78IO9KG36KJEPI3/08+Townsends+vole+Sucia+Island.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Townsend’s vole, Sucia Island. Have you ever seen such a large, plump vole? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596595547-J7NC2SVAY0Q7HBI6ZHOA/09+Chelsea+holding+up+fossil.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea with her fossil, Sucia Island. I don’t ever have much luck finding fossils on the ground, but Chelsea’s keen eyes picked out this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596672269-6BL79VK2GVHMNBKEK0UN/10+Sucia+Island+fossil.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea’s fossil, with US five-dollar bill for size. At first, we thought it might be a fossil claw, but the Burke Museum says it is more likely a marine fossil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596857657-RXBRYO74B48360OQ66GV/11+Alex+and+Maya+wading+Fox+Cove.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya wading in Fox Cove. The bottom here is muddy but still firm enough for walking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596918068-S5WKUAIOEEELP0PPCR1E/12+Maya+and+Chelsea+wading+Fox+Cove.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Chelsea and Maya exploring Mud Bay. There are plenty of crabs and jellyfish to capture the girls’ imaginations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627596959291-WZH7QRJRCXHSSDYJQI1E/13+Chelsea+and+Maya+on+mushroom+rock.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Chelsea on the mushroom rock. The sandstone formations on Sucia Island are perfect for climbing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627597035888-NUALTTRZNUMKCJRFOPBK/14+Alex+pushing+Chelsea.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Alex wheeling Chelsea. By Sunday afternoon, the island was three-quarters deserted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1627597100521-XL5ZMIESSAGV90MEMP7T/15+Alex+and+Maya+water+taxi.jpg Sucia Island 24–25 July 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex on water taxi. The water taxi has regular service to Sucia Island, but by special request, it can also pick up kayakers anywhere else there is a dock. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/salmon-bank-7-aug-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628472949014-XWMHRUX4MOHLJK8A0HSS/00+Route+map.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. South Beach is the nearest launch point to the banks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628473223894-9SY43C7FV4WEVVBEFCG0/01+Assembling+Long+Haul+kayak.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Assembling Long Haul kayak. The boat weighs an awesome 110 pounds (50 kg), thanks to its multi-ply skin and thick frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628473292196-KO1ZHCXHNYH7SI3549RU/02+California+gulls+San+Juan+Island.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out California gulls, South Beach, San Juan Island. This was by far the most numerous gull species today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628473376285-V4RBCFKAEMW27TY1DS3R/03+Dad+paddling+to+Salmon+Bank.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Dad paddling to Salmon Bank. Just as slack current arrived, the wind also died, turning the sea to glass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628473448553-RM5OCYWZUEA3DJZ7BPQM/04+Pacific+loons+Salmon+Bank.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Pacific loons, Salmon Bank. This is our most approachable species of loon, and also the most vocal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628473888857-98F0KIHW6HTEQG0W9DCE/05+Rhinoceros+auklet+Salmon+Bank.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Salmon Bank. Breeding season is nearly over, yet this individual still has its horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632785491124-CE6YZGMNJB17Q421U1JT/06+Heermans+gull+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Heerman’s gull, Salmon Bank. The Heerman’s is a common summertime species in the Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628483914008-GJ4SMRERO12WHCEHZVVL/07+Salmon+Bank+buoy.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Salmon Bank buoy. The three chimes on the buoy each toll a different note, creating a sort of symphony conducted by the waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628474049895-5UDNVA7ZTAXTIREW2G18/08+Alex+delivering+lunch+by+kayak.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Alex delivering lunch by kayak. In the cardboard boxes are fresh sandwiches from the local deli. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1628474167909-TLZPS1E1DA4300HJJB7O/09+Dad+eating+lunch+in+kayak.jpg Salmon Bank 7 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Dad eating lunch in kayak. We buttoned up our dry suits to protect ourselves from the drizzle and breeze, but there was never any threat of capsize. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/grays-canyon-21-22-aug-2021 daily 0.75 2024-11-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1630437860853-GAL61SHG9VQLNKCTBCYO/00+Route+map.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. Launch at 5:30 PM Saturday, paddle all night to Grays Canyon, return to launch beach by 4:30 PM Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629844312273-JJKA24TUT27OPGWFX3ID/01+Departing+Damon+Point+by+kayak.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking out of Damon Point. North jetty to the right, Grays Harbor bar to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629844347960-U528PNGJ08K99CDC4K97/02+Alex+kayaking+out+to+sea.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Alex kayaking out to sea. On only two or three occasions the entire trip did a motorboat approach close enough that I could hear its engine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629844581607-2YX4BEEJTO8OOP3B2PN9/03+Evening+paddle+out+to+sea.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Paddling out to sea in the evening. Owing to the cloud layers, there was neither a proper sunset nor sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629844779047-O5G5DSAQR2PI8V3UQHV0/04+Dawn+at+Grays+Canyon.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Dawn at Grays Canyon. Not until the sun finally broke through the clouds was it bright enough to make sense of my surroundings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629845109365-89ME0A1RO33Y4L610YL2/05+Kayaking+Grays+Harbor+bar.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking across the Grays Harbor bar. Conditions were light during the tail end of the flood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629845918965-9EEGM88J4IMNOS4XYZRC/Rescue+diagram.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Rescue diagram. One hour earlier or three hours later, and conditions would have been much easier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1629846285971-18YEQKTJCYK2DL2USLOM/07+Kayak+adrift.jpg Grays Canyon 21–22 Aug 2021 - Make it stand out Kayak adrift, U.S. Coast Guard photograph. The kayak appears to have suffered a rough couple of days at sea. The bow hatch has popped off, exposing the float bag in the compartment; one half of my spare paddle is missing; my main paddle has broken free of its leash, which is trailing in the water. Amazingly, my deck light and pistol are still attached! https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/strawberry-island-4-6-sept-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631054803919-LD788I7OUAO2N3M3S9V8/00+Route+map.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. A flood tide moves water northward up Rosario Strait, which is helpful, but eastward up Guemes Channel, which is not helpful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055009879-0U3OFV3EVR0HGKMEU7V2/01+Kayaking+past+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Cypress Island. I timed the currents less for speed and more for avoidance of any tide races. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055094632-ZT0YXGILI6KM70HZ3PXE/02+Maya+arrived+on+Strawberry+Island.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya arrived on Strawberry Island. The first thing she did was put her doll, Cupcake Babe, in a baby carrier so the two of them could explore the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055139332-BLX6IUM8RRIHHYGIT7E5/03+In+the+tent+on+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out In the tent, Strawberry Island. My hope of sleeping without a rainfly was dashed Saturday night by fifteen-knot winds and rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055226198-68F24V3L0IGAGAOGUNQZ/04+Alex+and+Maya+on+a+hike.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya on a hike. The Nootka rose bushes in the forest were head-high to Maya, so I had to carry her “up top” on my shoulders until we reached open ground on the east side of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055269886-XD11XTYTLHCGO19IJQV0/05+Building+a+dog+prison.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Building a dog prison (later a dog house). Everything on Strawberry Island, including the beach, is perfectly sized for childhood adventures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055336517-1A4XDRC121YPK6GDJYV3/06+Dogs+on+the+beach.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Oh no! Sedda and Biscuit have escaped their prison and climbed the cliff! It will need an extra-long stick to get them down! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055358581-S47UD4IX86DC420Z82E8/07+Looking+over+Rosario+Strait.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Looking over Rosario Strait. Maya was proud of her ability to climb these rocks without any assistance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055462620-05B46MFD5DNPM1IL8XMU/08+Birdwatching+on+Strawberry+Island.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Birdwatching, Strawberry Island. Heermann’s gulls and black oystercatchers were the species of greatest interest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055504274-K930V2AX46CNP26CPLCH/09+Playing+with+Chips.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya playing with Chips, one of the principal members of the dog pack. Chips fixed a plate of dog food consisting of grass and the cones of Douglas-firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055581576-HT553TTWYQTT4LEBNDBZ/10+Dogs+on+a+log.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya herself took this picture of three of the dogs on a log. Strawberry Dog, Ruby, and Chips are wearing limpet shells for decoration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055675702-6VWSW0B1NY3HM0H6YMA5/11+Sunset+Strawberry+Island.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Sunset, Strawberry Island. Days like these are precious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055727783-UNBPRBGKPU2DA5VGJVZZ/12+Dinner+in+the+tent.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Dinner in the tent. Maya stayed nice and warm in Rachel’s enormously thick down sleeping bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1631055758828-S648BBEGJA0RZXP0419B/13+Kayaking+back+to+Anacortes.jpg Strawberry Island 4–6 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking back to Anacortes. We just barely caught the tail end of the morning ebb. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/kinney-point-25-26-sept-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777630007-9UYMZBLO5Q79MSJZUJ4G/00+Route+map+80.jpg Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. There is also camping at the Oak Bay Park launch point, but the kayak-accessible campsites at Oak Bay are in the middle of a gravel parking lot, undesirable for wilderness-minded kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777708099-8LINVJLFI17OJ9BUOD3Q/01+Chips+ready+to+go.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Chips, excited to go kayaking. The morning before we left, Maya took this picture of Chips, one of the principal members of the dog pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777746905-PCZ9UHYMT5UJW9A9EFAW/02+Loading+kayak+at+Oak+Bay+Park.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Loading kayaks, Oak Bay Park. These folding kayaks are so massive we sometimes just carry our gear in cardboard boxes stacked in the cockpit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777780829-ZHIGI0XMQF5PXD6VRV2R/03+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+Oak+Bay.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking Oak Bay. The currents in Oak Bay run an hour or two ahead of the currents in nearby Admiralty Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777892546-9Y81NL8SF2TNIXHUE5BH/04+Dad+kayaking+Oak+Bay.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking Oak Bay. My dad forgot to pack his rubber boots, so he had to wear his tennis shoes to launch and land over the barnacles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632777923762-E13NJ1HX98O5O2BKHWOF/05+Maya+in+kayak+Scow+Bay+marsh.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya in the saltwater marsh between Indian Island and Marrowstone Island. The water here was so shallow a powerboater ran aground trying to shoot the pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778025541-7NAUVEZEOG0VHI4JKKXQ/06+Greater+yellowlegs+Scow+Bay+marsh.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Greater yellowlegs. This time of year, it’s hard to tell whether an individual yellowlegs is migrating through or planning to spend the winter here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778117357-DEXOIKKOPG895VSVRKPX/07+Maya+and+dad+reading+Mog+book.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Grandpa John reading Mog and the Granny. From this blufftop picnic table, we enjoyed views of the bay and mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778137451-BCNTIVBHYUDS6X61T28T/08+Sunset+Olympic+Mountains.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Sunset behind Olympic Mountains. The Olympics are our most attractive mountain range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778213017-6B7MBNX2J9QLXL83HX6B/09+Maya+and+Biscuit+in+tent.jpg Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya and Biscuit in the tent. Rachel’s extra-warm sleeping bag had plenty of room not only for Maya but also for the dog pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778239514-KA4H8WLZ5X2T6N1M4EBI/10+Dad+hiking+Kinney+Point.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Grandpa John hiking Kinney Point. Although State Parks claims Kinney Point is only accessible by kayak, the forest trail actually connects to a county road about a mile up from the campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778307219-PAXZH9CDMKXUHOT14URV/11+Maya+hiking+Kinney+Point.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Maya hiking Kinney Point. The woods were full of mischievous animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1632778343076-DHRK8UNUH0ISGKYZK3W4/12+Kayaking+Kinney+Point+to+Oak+Bay+Park.JPG Kinney Point 25–26 Sept 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking from Kinney Point to Oak Bay Park. The hulls of our folding kayas are so beamy they doubled as sails, propelling us before the wind at tremendous speed. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/carr-inlet-23-24-oct-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635206807700-H6V12CVO2MMCSGBEI4KH/00+Route+map.jpg Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. I had originally intended to paddle all the way past McNeil Island, but I decided to keep the paddling distance short on account of the weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635206956872-BLOT3J361B5RHNBZAXI8/01+Kayaking+shoreline+Carr+Inlet.jpg Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking shoreline, Carr Inlet. At high tide, the water reached many of the houses’ shoreline bulkheads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635206991160-MQYFI02BO0TXBYV9ZE72/02+Paddling+under+trees+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking under tree, Carr Inlet. Noise from traffic grew quieter farther south in the inlet but it never disappeared altogether. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207050568-1ENLDF308AGAD3ORIYUU/03+Kayaking+south+down+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking southwest down Carr Inlet. Tidal currents were negligible in either direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207075082-544QDWXSP0P9KI6K11IV/04+Horned+grebe+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Horned grebe, Carr Inlet. Other than the scoters and mergansers, this was the most common species on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207152173-2JUER43TY89BMHY6JXI0/05+Common+loon+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Common loon, Carr Inlet. The loons were hooting and warbling back and forth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207182527-YI990V84LNKNLLK4NVCO/06+Harbor+porpoise+and+harbor+seal+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoise and harbor seal, Carr Inlet. Despite their proximity in this photograph, the two species do not associate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207209939-R7E9EK8STOXMCWZQ6TOS/07+Harbor+porpoises+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoises, Carr Inlet. Porpoise breaths are audible across a considerable distance, but they only rarely produce visible spouts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207276794-P03CRS4ZBO6XM0B5RHQQ/08+Forest+at+Penrose+Point.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Forest at Penrose Point. The raindrops beat a loud, continuous patter upon the canopy of maple leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207445919-SMXDAUIIQ5Z2EUFYYYIT/09+Licorice+ferns+Penrose+Point.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Licorice ferns, Penrose Point. This species does not require soil for a growth medium, just the mossy trunk of a maple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207516426-VT0XBOVOLLNJ7IIUZMWG/10+Fallen+leaves+Penrose+Point.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Fallen leaves, Penrose Point. The trees produce one last, exuberant flush of color before lapsing into the quasi-death of winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207694433-4A9T8IBBLM1SCISZLDHI/11+Lagoon+at+Penrose+Point.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Lagoon at Penrose Point. At low tide, it is possible to walk all the way around the point, but at high tide, you have to stick to the forest path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207786485-90LPWG2I4WSD01SOBPKZ/12+Common+mergansers+Penrose+Point.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out Common mergansers, Penrose Point. All mergansers were in their basic plumage, making it difficult to distinguish males from females. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1635207820912-XSDKP8IBF6WSFK65S6ZD/13+Paddling+northbound+up+Carr+Inlet.JPG Carr Inlet 23–24 Oct 2021 - Make it stand out North end of Carr Inlet. Here, the seas calmed and the sun emerged. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sand-island-20-21-nov-2021 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698173479-48N4S6TH229YAB97AWUE/00+Route+map.jpg Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Route map. Sand Island is a short paddle from the Washington mainland but a long paddle from the Oregon mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698434666-KJX8HOGT7SSGHIIUPR8C/01+North+Head+lighthouse.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out North Head lighthouse, est. 1898. Today, the dangerous Columbia River bar is illuminated by more than a dozen lighted buoys and beacons, but in the 19th century, there were only a handful of lights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698498135-7T48VXODY1I1HEGWV7Y0/02+Sanderlings+Cape+Disappointment.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Sanderlings, Cape Disappointment. These fall and winter residents forage at the edge of the breaking waters, sprinting away to avoid being splashed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698525951-OJ8GEG914Q9L187O3M19/03+Least+sandpiper+Chinook+marina.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Least sandpiper, Chinook marina. I was surprised to encounter this species outside the fall migration season, but Seattle Audubon’s Birdweb confirms that least sandpipers winter along the coast from Grays Harbor south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698577096-RCBT1PMPYSC74QLRCDMH/04+Dunlin+and+sanderlings+East+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Dunlin and sanderlings, East Sand Island. The dunlin is our quintessential overwintering saltwater shorebird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698612867-JZ10YXE36QJ7L189H5TZ/05+Surf+scoter+Chinook+marina.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Surf scoter, Chinook marina. It’s very unusual to see this species out of the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698638034-6RKF1V5I1YY42WUGNZHT/06+Chinook+marina.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking Chinook marina. Parking was $5 per day, with a $10 launch fee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698849873-BTUIUQVHL53RLMGI94QC/07+Kayaking+Baker+Bay+to+East+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Kayaking Baker Bay to East Sand Island. A minefield of half-submerged pilings surrounds both islands. With careful navigation, I managed to hit only one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698904690-O5ATM9YN8SA59UVL23J4/08+Anti-cormorant+fence+East+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Anti-cormorant fence, East Sand Island. Hopefully, this shoddily constructed fence does not reflect the level of workmanship the Army Corps applied when it built its dams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698933641-4Y8ML39EJH9XJD2FO4AN/09+Cormorant+nest+East+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Cormorant nest, East Sand Island. There were eggshells next to some of the nests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637698963972-CU5I9KBQX92WFI0TNTJD/10+Alex+and+cormorant+nest+East+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Alex and cormorant nest, East Sand Island. Cormorants have been nesting on the anti-cormorant-nesting fence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699085998-QSFNY76D7ISF3Q2IE299/11+Alex+reading+on+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Reading and drinking tea on Sand Island. Even though Sand Island is in a river estuary, it is subject to ocean swells and tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699140554-HWKEQA5801ON5900I6FF/12+Surfbird+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Surfbird, Sand Island. This handsome shorebird forages on rocks, not mud or sand like the smaller species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699184035-06EB0JRSQZK3A8RGLUSP/13+Late+afternoon+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Late afternoon, Sand Island. Even on a nine-foot tide, there is enough room on the beach for a tent without having to retreat to the uplands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699215251-EJEOKJFFSOH6IKOHJ2V4/14+Wine+bottle+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Wine bottle jetsam, Sand Island. Uppercut cabernet sauvignon leads with a robust flavor on the palate, but the follow-up is weak and watery, like an amateur boxer throwing an uppercut punch only to lose his own balance in the attempt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699310511-BBL1CKR86OZ32YRFK1J8/15+Sunrise+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Tent at sunrise, Sand Island. There was no rain but plenty of condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699385948-F4XMO5DF6XKFMHW066RE/16+Sanderlings+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Sanderlings, Sand Island. These little birds are at home on the coast in a way we humans never could be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699454796-SRBHA2LPHQUT02MXOOVT/17+Cape+Disappointment+lighthouse+from+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Cape Disappointment lighthouse, est. 1856, seen from Sand Island. Scotch broom and sharp-bladed grasses make camping on Sand Island unappealing anywhere except on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699492974-SSS7L8O9JPIWJKD650HZ/18+Northern+harrier+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Northern harrier, Sand Island. This raptor is a common sight in open, marshy fields. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699556457-2P33VJJRD9G2MHD3QEK3/19+Horned+grebe+Baker+Bay.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Horned grebe, Baker Bay. During the non-breeding season, this is one of our most approachable seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1637699588426-8IRMI9N9F7U0KOIX3BDB/20+Paddling+under+beacon+Baker+Bay.JPG Sand Island 20–21 Nov 2021 - Make it stand out Paddling under beacon, Baker Bay. Sticks protruding below the metal grating are evidence of cormorant nests. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/vashon-island-22-23-jan-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063193531-ZT4XNLQ3WVDRRLI2LZ09/00+Route+map.jpg Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Vashon Island is connected by a narrow neck of land to Maury Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063337773-UYC9V4R430YHLE491FDN/01+Launch+at+Des+Moines+marina.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Pre-dawn launch at Des Moines marina. Free overnight parking is available many places on the mainland but few places on Vashon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063376297-TR7N6H7FCYB15MC2YW54/02+Foggy+crossing+of+East+Passage.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Foggy crossing of East Passage toward Maury Island. The fog was so thick I could only see Maury Island, not the larger Vashon Island behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063487270-QIB2YWJO5HBD4YW978DF/03+Paddling+shores+of+Maury+Island.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling the shores of Maury Island. In the fog, it was impossible to tell from a distance which headland marked the true south end of Maury Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063548536-O3GJ40CHSUYKHX1UXWXI/04+Foggy+Maury+Island.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Fog-shrouded Maury Island. A cloud forest is one of my favorite natural vistas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063606540-VZSAZFOMD2SFX2SW6JIW/05+Barrows+goldeneye+Maury+Island.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Barrow’s goldeneye, Maury Island. This species is the most approachable of the Bucephala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063647918-KPTSX8Z6CSOGAT121ICK/06+Common+goldeneyes+Quartermaster+Harbor.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Common goldeneyes, Quartermaster Harbor. It was a good winter for common goldeneyes in Puget Sound. I saw well over a hundred over the course of the weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063687272-5H5DOS967YQBZNZX504B/07+Red-breasted+mergansers+Quartermaster+Harbor.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Red-breasted mergansers, Quartermaster Harbor. Many of the seabirds had already begun their transition to breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063716937-XVGWWNU11A9UR3LZ07M7/08+Crossing+Quartermaster+Harbor.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Crossing Quartermaster Harbor. Here, the mass of the island blocks the north wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063747467-ND6YYY492ZM2V59DBK0H/09+Double-crested+cormorant+Colvos+Passage.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant, Colvos Passage. A steady breeze is perfect for drying feathers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063779288-NEX9YAQQCKW0Q0B2DE49/10+Alex+at+Lisabeula.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Making tea at Lisabeula. I had the park to myself from sunset Saturday until late in the morning Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063864510-Y2333FOSK1E10BRJVNA1/11+Paddling+up+foggy+Colvos+Passage.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling up foggy Colvos Passage. These cool winter days are perfect for kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063902633-64MFHBJN9Q2FT6L9KNYO/12+Kayaking+under+Vashon+ferry+dock.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak under Vashon ferry dock. Unlike most kinds of boat, a kayak does not demand that our shorelines be encrudded with piers and ramps and breakwaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643063939521-H5BIQU671TKC4DGU9KYD/13+Brant+foraging.JPG Vashon Island 22–23 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Black brant foraging, East Passage. These gentle geese forage on seaweed, both along shore and in open water. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/race-rocks-29-jan-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643664630013-7BU6CM9XMU3L0T4U0OZL/00+Route+map.jpg Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The launch at Angeles Point requires a quarter-mile carry down a gravel road to reach the beach, so I was grateful to have borrowed my dad’s boat cart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643664850487-FG8C26745V9YYMC0OFNN/01+Kayaking+from+Angeles+Point.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out It’s morning in America. The January sun lay so far south I had to turn back toward Port Angeles to watch the sunrise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665268307-25HRUC11NXDEYYRI7CKT/02+Kayaking+across+the+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Atmospheric haze obscured Race Rocks till I drew within five miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665293977-ZR2XSKN0735X4TM51WS1/03+MV+Matson+Tacoms.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out M/V Matson Tacoma, en route from Tacoma to Anchorage. Cargo ships pose a threat to kayakers in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, but the risk is manageable for an alert kayaker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665392851-5VQ5AFEW2WWI2UX5RKYY/04+Approaching+Race+Rocks+lighthouse.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Approaching Race Rocks lighthouse. Constructed in 1860, the lighthouse has been automated since 1997, the same year Pearson College established a semi-permanent staff of “ecoguardians” on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665511104-5NSMMGBDM71S7SS2L8R6/05+Steller+sea+lions.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Steller sea lions. Steller sea lions overwinter at Race Rocks but they do not breed anywhere in British Columbia south of Sartine Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665588381-L7QX8BHNZMLQ9Q0MF2HL/06+California+sea+lions.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out California sea lions. California sea lions overwinter at Race Rocks but they do not breed anywhere at all in British Columbia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665642356-WUB66VS7TB0ILUA27UV2/07+Adult+male+Steller+sea+lion.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Adult male Steller sea lion. Males of this species can weigh over one ton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665697900-9BG7CPRNVEALKIEP6OF4/08+Adult+male+California+sea+lion.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Adult male California sea lion. Males of this species can weigh over half a ton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665740851-U6YHD490SC5KMKYNRBQ8/09+Sea+lions+and+harbor+seals+Race+Rocks.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Pinnipeds of Race Rocks. California sea lions on the bluff, Steller sea lions on the rocks, harbor seals in the water. The fencing is maintained by the “ecoguardians” to control the movements of the animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665859570-UITNFVOMFUJU4SKFAHJ7/10+Race+Rocks+ecoguardians+on+lighthouse.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Race Rocks ecoguardians atop lighthouse. These people stampeded thirty sea lions when they moved between their quarters and the tower. Race Rocks might be better off without their “guardianship.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665837231-P2NIDG1U34T217BRMDP3/11+Harbor+porpoise+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoise, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Wind, swell, and current are no concerns of theirs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1643665955557-K53U0UH7RTSW6WH2CZAI/12+Kayaking+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Race Rocks 29 Jan 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking southward across Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Elwha River valley forms a distinct notch in the foothills, a landmark along an otherwise featureless coast. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/gabriola-island-19-21-feb-2022 daily 0.75 2024-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645747644164-HHTL3BZ8QB5N6929ATLQ/00+Route+map.jpg Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Delays at the border caused me to miss Friday night’s last ferry to Gabriola Island, so I car-camped on VI and crossed to Gabriola early on Saturday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645747753443-QUCMV0VEPMV90YQPUNZW/01+Kayaking+out+of+Descanso+Bay.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking out of Descanso Bay. The provincial park offers an easy launch beach and cheap overnight parking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748236261-936ST1A9G264ZBESRF1C/02+Galiano+Gallery.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out The Galiano Gallery, Gabriola Island. The gallery was eroded by groundwater with a high salt content. My daughter Maya, age five, said it looks like a “statue of a wave.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748288163-YQMURKC05RBLJJF778ZN/03+Gabriola+Gallery+rock+hang.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Galiano Gallery, overhanging rock. This weathered rock is a remnant of the original cliff face behind which the erosion of the gallery occurred. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748348941-6SVA6LAGWH4VR4NJLPNE/04+Galiano+Gallery+sketch+Malaspina+1792.jpg Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Sketch of the Galiano Gallery. This published sketch from the nineteenth century is based on a lost, earlier 1792 sketch by Galiano expedition member Manuel José Antonio Cardero. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748470665-QYI5NBKUW3UX42583LOJ/05+Entrance+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Entrance Island lighthouse and outbuildings, est. 1876 at the cost of three workers’ lives. Weather reports from this station are crucial to planning kayaking trips on the exposed Strait of Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748671762-MKMVQAMPEPLNXUEMCQCX/06+Sea+lions+of+Entrance+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Sea lions of Entrance Island. Both species were present during my visit, barking and roaring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748713724-D1M2ZOO1DNLCND37KBOW/07+Sandwell+Provincial+Park+petroglyph.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Sandwell Provincial Park petroglyph. The uncertain provenance of this petroglyph reminds me of the similar cloud hanging over the Green River petroglyph in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748830812-PL7QBNLOFQMCJ75TFSNX/08+Kayaking+the+Flat+Top+Islands.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking in the Flat Top Islands. From left to right: Tugboat, Vance, and Acorn Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748854184-Y4736QYQXTU3GUEAKCQR/09+Small+island+off+Saturnina+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Small, Crown island offshore of Saturnina Island. Saturnina was recently purchased by the BC Parks Foundation, so one day it will be added to the BC Parks system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748877369-1V99UAQ6DTKXN3VJXIJS/10+Harbor+seal+Saturnina+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Saturnina Island. The seals snorted at one another all night, loud enough to wake me in my tent on the spit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748902666-BWEPYR2SVM7G3U4KN4GI/11+Sunrise+in+the+Flat+Top+Islands.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Sunrise in the Flat Top Islands. The Flat Tops offer cozy kayaking of a type similar to the Mission and Bunsby Islands of Kyuquot Sound, the Wasp Islands of the San Juans, or the Beardslee Islands of Glacier Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645748926543-9I31Y8HDH9IME0HJ2ZGP/12+Kayaking+into+Gabriola+Passage.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking into Gabriola Passage. I hit the ebb at the day’s peak of six knots, at which speed the passage did not pose any difficulty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749361781-DW0RZDNUYFTHOQJZN30U/13+Kingfisher+petroglyph.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Kingfisher petroglyph, church site. “Kingfisher” is the name bestowed by the petroglyph’s twentieth-century rediscoverers, Mary and Ted Bentley, but this carving may actually depict some other kind of animal, possibly mythical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749414952-7EYBFS51RM5OVBH1Y02Y/14+Face+petroglyph.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Face petroglyph. Highly stylized faces comprise about a third of the petroglyphs at the church site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749441073-1MIJZWA6TJ4YSO9Q495P/15+Finned+quadruped+petroglyph.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Finned quadruped, church site. Unfortunately, most of the original stories behind these petroglyphs have not survived to the present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749470313-HYZ5VC66HM9YIMCBDV9N/16+Zoomoprhic+petroglyph+with+bottle+nose.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Zoomorph with bottle nose. This is the largest and most spectacular petroglyph at the church site. I think it looks like a gull, but I am not knowledgeable enough to make respectable guesses. My daughter, Maya, thought it looks like a penguin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749499150-MGEUKTDOEXFNNJM6YB83/17+Degnen+Bay+zoomorph+petroglyph.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Degnen Bay zoomorphic petroglyph. Frank Degnen, son of the first white settler in the bay, deepened the lines of this petroglyph in the early 1900s to prevent its disappearance due to erosion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749640140-6YI75WR7FEYGR5EYNDEF/18+View+from+Kendrinck+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out View of Kendrick Island. The main island is the private property of a yacht club, but public camping is allowed on the two islets to the south, which connect with the main island at low tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749702618-PAA99U1PIKA1OHL9JGJ7/19+Kendrinck+Island+sandstone.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Kendrick Island sandstone. Like the Galiano Gallery, there is an outer crust of cliff face, behind which the sandstone has eroded due to groundwater intrusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749739284-RCB4UZNEJKMYD86XS708/20+Daffodils+on+Kendrinck+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Daffodils on Kendrick Island. On the Crown island where camping is allowed, the tree species are the seaside juniper, Garry oak, and Pacific madrone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645750438948-5DP90JWTKHHNR5DUVLST/21b+Black+oystercatcher+Gabriola+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Black oystercatcher, Gabriola Island. Some of the oystercatcher flocks numbered fifty birds or more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645749975704-HUJRHMGUVYES9J6MKQ3O/22+Barrows+goldeneyes+Gabriola+Island%27.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Barrow’s goldenyes, Gabriola Island. These crustacean-eating ducks rarely exit the water, but they will scramble over rocks that are partially awash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645750000044-VV6J8RI9H6CPPDENUW7W/23+Bald+eagle+on+log+boom.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Bald eagle on log boom, Gabriola Island. Don’t let the timber industry see this photograph, or they’ll start claiming that log booms constitute habitat mitigation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645750512819-K37D87KJHLHIQGU6PC6D/26+Hailstorm+at+False+Narrows.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Hailstorm in False Narrows. The cascade of ice pellets into the water made a loud hissing sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645750534817-YR5027DYG8WZLM7HRQBV/27+Cliffs+of+Gabriola+Island.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Cliffs of Gabriola Island. The cliffs lured me close to appreciate their twisted sandstone architecture, only to toss me around in the clapotis raised by the fifteen-knot northwesterly wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1645750605592-JVPSIF59G2UBQIB3W6IK/28+Glaucous-winged+gulls+at+sunset.JPG Gabriola Island 19–21 Feb 2022 - Make it stand out Gulls at sunset. Hundreds of glaucous-winged gulls formed a train at Duke Point, following their leader to parts unknown. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cape-flattery-27-mar-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648515414223-ZL7N51CT6SQ0511Y74X6/00+Route+map.jpg Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Shoals off Waatch Point require a wide detour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648515534959-104NDN0FSTQOK4CJ6MVG/01+View+of+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out View of Cape Flattery. A trail atop the bluff leads to a lookout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648515596724-6TLHGUS8XVNPRD3KCDQ2/02+Launch+bauch+at+Hobuck.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Launch beach at Hobuck. Makah Bay is a notorious slophole. There are only a few safe lines through the various shoals and boomers, and refracting waves are everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648515628209-0U8GOJKZQO9KS60X23D2/03+Waatch+Point+rainclouds.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Waatch Point rainclouds. Bands of rain blew in throughout the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648515672561-LUSRIFQR99E9EDCI8RP9/04+Looking+out+at+Hobuck+Beach.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Surveying Hobuck Beach. The location and intensity of the breakers vary as the tide rises and falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527457181-P1CAZWZTHAWA9UXKX393/05+Beach+near+Archawat+petroglyph.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Beach near Archawat petroglyph. Somewhat to my own amazement, I managed not to capsize landing through the surf line, although my boat did get spun backwards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527578006-GK4JJ8DBHODXY2HY73PG/06+Archawat+beach+break.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Archawat beach break. One of the Makah seasonal villages was here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527625168-CCSNC087XVSZ596RIHNQ/07+Archawat+petroglyph.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Archawat petroglyph. The petroglyph is nine feet long from snout to tail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527657932-K99QPI851HTTPP6X64WU/08+Archawat+petroglyph+design.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Archawat petroglyph, contrast boosted. The petroglyph depicts a sea-wolf with an orca inside, both animals facing right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527691933-4X5H331XMX0HA2D5LSLQ/09+Archawat+petroglpyh+head+detail.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Archawat petroglyph, sea-wolf head detail, contrast boosted. Many Pacific Northwest tribes have legends of a wolflike creature that lives in the ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527788580-W3X05T02GS3JUJ05X2YJ/10+Fuca+Pillar.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Fuca Pillar, viewed from south. Named in 1788 by John Meares, after the lost (and possibly fictitious) 1592 voyage of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527920081-B24G7701Q61YPD800DXD/11+View+of+Tatoosh+Island.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out View of Tatoosh Island. The lighthouse, est. 1857, is no longer manned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648527971450-BH21A08UG3F9NMEX14FZ/12+Marbled+murrelets.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Marbeled murrelets. The other alcids were all in their breeding plumage, but all the marbeled murrelet were still in their basic plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528028657-IJDZYNDAD42STGE0R0EU/13+Sea+otter.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Sea otter. The otters’ primary habitats lie well south of Tatoosh Island at Cape Johnson and Destruction Island, but there are always at least a couple of otters at Tatoosh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528140435-U6BQMCDCKEEXSU3L3POZ/15+Tatoosh+Island+lighthouse.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Tatoosh Island. The island was omitted from the Makah reservation in the 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay, but Congress added the island to the reservation by statute in 1984. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528259868-6397HD741VIQNLYDIO0E/16+Cape+Flattery+by+kayak.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Cape Flattery by kayak. The headlands are all hollowed out with caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528330217-OGAYLDIP7VIMDAQVI2W8/17+Cape+Flattery+viewing+platform.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Noticin’ you, noticin’ me. Tourists on the viewing platform enjoyed the sight of a kayaker in the water below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528353796-W2MNTIFRML8DUVKCCIN2/18+Kayaking+under+sea+arch+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking under sea arch, Cape Flattery. The higher the tide, the easier the passage through the arches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528773321-XSDM4PV8C0MDL3VDAHWM/19+Kayaking+protected+bay.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Protected bay, Cape Flattery. Some of the bays are connected by tunnels through the headlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528829822-LDKHB9ZXN04FBRHVETZ8/20+Twin+arches+at+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Twin arches, Cape Flattery. A kayaker could play hide and seek for hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528860082-WYRPWN42ULKODE6E7L3F/21+Kayaking+through+cave+at+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking through tunnel, Cape Flattery. Some of the tunnels are so long they are more like caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528895723-CP0XPKC74WZXFRKBBYDS/22+Sea+arch+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Sea arch, Cape Flattery. There are dozens of formations like this, each more spectacular than the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528952986-0GE0Y44PDRP0UMPMW87Y/23+Inside+large+sea+cave+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Inside large cave, Cape Flattery. Many of the caves are so large they have sandy beaches inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1648528986356-P7WRU3S96YC8B1MXZG0O/24+Approaching+rock+garden+south+of+Cape+Flattery.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Approaching rock garden south of Fuca Pillar. In calm conditions, it’s safe to cut inside of the offshore rocks, but in rough seas, it’s better to go outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649812222013-WFMJ45J1EV8KI0ZRRFDR/25+Kayak+on+the+beach+at+Hobuck.JPG Cape Flattery 27 Mar 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak on cart, Hobuck Beach. The north end of the beach generally experiences less surf than the middle or south end. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-sound-9-april-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649714897048-828KEA1W67ZVJUPCPII1/00+Route+map.jpg Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out During this time of the first-quarter moon, currents were mild enough that I did not bother to coordinate my paddling with the tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649714987768-6C6V4PS419HWNJ1I94TW/01+Kayaking+from+Mukilteo+to+Hat+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking from Mukilteo to Hat Island. Sadly, all of the shoreline of Hat Island is private property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715055743-G29S1TI0M51D8PC09TQ0/02+Brant+on+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Black brant on Possession Sound. These overwintering birds would soon depart for the high arctic tundra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715114668-VF4ETCGSU6TZ0WZQP0JW/03+Marbled+murrelets+at+Mukilteo.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets off Mukilteo. The murrelets had transitioned to their forest-brown plumage, camouflage for their nest sites high up on branches in the old-growth forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715145206-SBQPBKA9IW08KV4RFQME/04+Short-billed+gull+on+Possession+Sound.jpg Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Short-billed gull on Possession Sound. This newly renamed species constitutes the eastern Pacific population of the species formerly known as the mew gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715179814-R9Z3KKON4SY26RR7G43E/05+Harbor+seal+off+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Harbor seal off Jetty Island. These gentle seals are the friends and secret protectors of kayakers everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715254775-AHJ7T3J6SBSZLAG6214F/06+Caspian+tern+with+fish.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Caspian tern with fish. Jetty Island has long been an important nesting site for terns, and many dozens were present this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715415687-B940MY1GF8LW89IBK2BC/07+Breakwater+of+pilings+and+barges+Snohomish+River+delta.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Breakwater of pilings and sunken barges, Snohomish River delta. The breakwater was built sometime in the 1940s out of barges that were older still. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715471913-ETWN18NY5O3DRE2YNLO2/08+Derelect+barges+Snohomish+River+delta.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling between sunken barges, Snohomish River delta. I always enjoy the faded glamor of wooden boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715571621-JN6R82RUVF778O16PPT8/09+Kayak+on+Jetty+Island+beach.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak on Jetty Island beach. Jetty Island is composed mostly of dredge spoils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715598908-IHMXLT902XRTY5RHI35C/10+Fifteen+knot+wind+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Fifteen-knot wind, Possession Sound. Both the shallow and the deep-water portions of the sound experience whitecaps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649783600035-0Z363C55524KLZ4GXFM0/11+Gray+whale+spout+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Gray whale spout off Jetty Island. On a calm day, whale spots are audible at a great distance, but the wind today was too noisy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715806258-J5RJI7AH9T0JWRZJIEF3/12+Gray+whale+fluke.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Gray whale fluke. Off Jetty Island, the water is shallower than the whale is long, so its flukes and fins protruded during many of its dives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715835707-GW4MQ0R2UIPPRZPQFTLV/13+Gray+whale+blowholes.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Gray whale double blowhole. I had hoped to see the whales spyhopping, but they did not. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1649715891938-LV6CUEE0FWEOKBPWKYPP/14+Paddling+south+down+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 April 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling south down Possession Sound. How delightful to paddle the only kayak on the water. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/kalaloch-16-17-april-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650340851194-ITB6QZTPMWMKDZBQTF02/00+Route+map.jpg Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The launch at Ruby Beach involves a long boat carry, while the launch from South Beach involves a short scramble over driftwood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650340984928-VX0ZOBVBSFNDOMEIS0V0/01+Alex+on+beach.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Launching a kayak on South Beach. The car-campsite here was not yet open for the season, but the Kalaloch site was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341098191-0MVZC6FE77UHUZ6DNX5W/02+Rain+clouds+at+South+Beach.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Rain clouds offshore of South Beach. It even rains on sunny days here on the rainforest coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341126711-XSRT0GX9TNHLTW46LFKW/03+Marbled+murrelet+Olympic+coast.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelet, Olympic coast. This seabird’s nesting habits are so secretive and so unexpected that the first nest was only discovered in 1974. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341201798-F3W3MIYV3SH7YJ7Y8O4Y/04+Red-throated+loon+Olympic+coast.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Red-throated loon in transitional plumage. Unlike the musical common loon, the red-throated loon quacks like a duck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341232561-XLDX5II7QUWQJCYBLIX0/05+White-winged+scoter.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out White-winged scoter. About a fifth of the scoters were white-winged, the rest were surf scoters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341261714-TICFXOGOPGJY71FX217O/06+Western+gull+Olympic+coast.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Western gull. One of our largest and handsomest species of gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341346406-DLNQ0FE5C10KTLR3PNQO/07+Tunnel+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Tunnel Island. The island is part of the Copalis National Wildlife Refuge, so landing is prohibited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341449075-E8AQ9UDK37I1KMH3OXRR/08+Pelagic+cormorants+Tunnel+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorants on a rock offshore of Tunnel Island. These individuals are in their high breeding plumage, with white rumps and streamers. Fossil seashells are embedded in the sandstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341489335-UNUS2M7OI352IM5N6CKS/09+Arch+at+Tunnel+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Arch at Tunnel Island. Caves and arches are some of the most exhilarating environments to explore by sea kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341614879-KK7ZRK57DZL9EH4E92A1/10+Remains+of+Elephant+Rock.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Remnants of Elephant Rock. The rock no longer forms an elephant, but it does form a lovely water maze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341647026-11BNU1M6RGNWHCSENJCU/11+Waves+breaking+in+tunnel+of+Tunnel+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Waves breaking in tunnel of Tunnel Island. The power and the patience of the Earth far surpass our human abilities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341696955-E2XRASM9ZDVJMT4T823B/12+Diving+gray+whale+Olympic+coast.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Diving gray whale, Olympic coast. Unlike humpback whales, gray whales only display their flukes during foraging dives, not during ordinary, breathing dives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341782130-QOKU5HQ1DSYB6BXFRWZK/13+Gray+whale+spout.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Gray whale spout. Like most gray whales, this one is covered in barnacles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341830615-I0IZEED58Z8N6HB86895/14+Whale+tail+Olympic+coast.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Whale tail. The white patches are depigmented scars from parasites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341858640-GEBF4KUPK3LKZMUVJB8B/15+Eye+of+a+gray+whale.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Eye of gray whale. More than most baleen species, gray whales like to poke their heads above water to look around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341890893-T717NNM6DLOGQBR1JM0N/16+Gray+whale+foraging.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Gray whale foraging dive. The whale’s size and power command the kayaker’s respect, but it is not intimidating to paddle close to such gentle creatures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341946323-SU6ZHIRWH5GU4K7HLHDJ/17+Kalaloch+sunset.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Kalaloch sunset. The Pacific Ocean is the best ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650341995511-EA8CUUVZJZI5D5WRIDH0/18+Destruction+Island+sunset.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Destruction Island sunset. With the swell running only two feet, I did not have to contend with the breakers-to-the-face phenomenon that can make a coastal launch such an invigorating experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342032995-0MCC90ZVN6SMWDQYVEXN/19+Destruction+Island+lighthouse.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Destruction Island lighthouse, est. 1891 with a first-order lens. It’s amazing to think such a structure was once considered cutting-edge navigational technology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342081308-TBFW9FEY3A1KBICZLWBX/20+Rock+gardening+at+Destruction+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Rock gardening at Destruction Island. The eastern side of the island consists of sheltered, rocky bays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342153869-RSY0GRJT9M3Z7GD4DWFH/21+Oystercatchers+at+Destruction+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Black oystercatchers, Destruction Island. The wintertime flocks of oystercatchers had dispersed into mated pairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342270152-S5I8GBEWXG8QX9DFRCT0/22+Raft+of+sea+otters+at+Destruction+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Raft of sea otters at Destruction Island. Something like twenty percent of the state’s entire population was asleep in this one, giant herd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342392579-DUCH9Y8CSGV5FLDTU2SC/23+Sea+otter+at+Destruction+Island.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Lone sea otter, Destruction Island. Sea otters are less inquisitive and more easily frightened than seals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1650342424482-TB2GX7081DXU9X2Q9ZAV/24+Pigeon+guillemots+off+Ruby+Beach.JPG Kalaloch 16–17 April 2022 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots off Ruby Beach. Ruby Beach is where I first life-listed this species many years ago. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/wingehaven-30-april-1-may-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651539389869-3865H5E9FN8EN4NDB87M/00+Route+map.jpg Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Free public beach access next to the ferry terminal, free forty-eight-hour parking just up the hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651539511484-AGNNBT1TQA5J8K3EZYW5/01+Maya+and+Leon+on+launch+beach.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon on the launch beach at Vashon ferry terminal. Brave Maya carried a paddle to ward off any Canada geese who might try to bother her and Leon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651539554413-2L7IL8RU1QWX8618UKM4/02+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+on+Puget+Sound.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking on Puget Sound. Maya was wearing a unicorn headlamp, part of this trip’s theme of “unicorn girl.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651539671312-N74G07EUZF5V2L5L7REV/03+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+Vashon+Island+shoreline.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon kayaking along Vashon Island shoreline. Leon was now big enough he had inherited Maya’s former life jacket, but it was still large on him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540252572-X8A3NBSRS4LCATAPVTHY/04+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+Puget+Sound.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon kayaking on Puget Sound. The Long Haul folding kayak has a second seat up front, but Leon preferred to ride in Grandpa John’s lap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540212922-XINIXANXII35UPONBTYQ/05+Maya+asleep+in+Kayak+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya asleep in kayak at Wingehaven. Even a unicorn girl sometimes benefits from a lunchtime nap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540368435-3HC8OHOT3X8Y407X2G5O/06+Ruined+balustrade+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Ruined balustrade, Wingehaven. The faux-European finery is being replaced by an aesthetic more authentic to the Pacific Northwest: moss and decay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540400805-BIKGWJ2Q1JY9HDJ9MKXV/07+Concrete+baluster+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Crumbling concrete baluster, Wingehaven. A public park turns out to be a longer-lived legacy than any physical structure could be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540497714-4M6H1H761ZN4H253RCOV/08+Wingehaven+gargoyle.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Wingehaven gargoyle. It seems no culture can resist the temptation to carve petroglpyhs along the Puget Sound shoreline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540606755-QZAL9BZ76ZKO3B1FEITJ/09+Leon+and+Maya+relax+in+tent.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya relax in the tent. Leon, who had before never spent the night outside, would whisper “noise” every time he heard something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540653224-VX34UPAJX08UIA6ONVH7/10+Leon+and+Maya+roughhouse+in+tent.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya roughhouse in the tent. The kids found so many ways to play we didn’t get to half the games I had planned or books I had brought. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540689700-PB950V6RXGYP5PHHLTB2/11+Leon+playing+with+dump+truck+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon playing with dump truck. At age two, Leon could recognize and state the names of a dump truck, excavator, bulldozer, front loader, grader, fire engine, police car, and monster truck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651773996039-1YWSP6KS2JPXBEP0OLYY/12+Family+camping+at+Wingehaven.jpg Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Family camping at Wingehaven. From his post in Grandpa John’s lap, Leon spotted harbor seals and river otters in the bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540753914-P4N5PAM6F5OZ9X7X882B/13+Maya+asleep+at+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya asleep at ferry terminal. In the enormous blue drybag was her pack of stuffed dogs, which she used as a pillow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1651540829815-CWILIAR744D5L7HFWRAJ/14+Leon+and+Grandpa+John+at+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 30 April-1 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon asleep at ferry terminal. Leon used to get so excited about kayaking he would often mistake cartop cargo boxes for kayaks. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/jones-island-14-15-may-2022 daily 0.75 2025-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017012713-3OLLQH082U51QLV40FZD/00+Route+map.jpg Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The clusters of islands sheltered us entirely from the forecast winds of ten to twenty knots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/052c3a57-5fc0-482d-a686-b011b7eae3c7/01+Leon+and+Grandpa+John+departing+Deer+Harbor.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Grandpa John departing Deer Harbor. Leon was fascinated by all the piers and boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017236193-OIWLRBH7SSNCNKBHL3IC/02+Maya+with+drybag+full+of+dogs.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya with a drybag full of dogs. Maya brought her pack of stuffed dogs, plus a little unicorn-mermaid (“mermicorno”) named Laddie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017272890-2ADYWFNBD9MYAS02YQFI/03+Leon+and+Grandpa+John+kayaking+San+Juans.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Grandpa John paddling through North Pass. In the background, from left to right, are Crane Island, Cliff Island, Shaw Island, and Reef Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017364228-HMCWHYV14W8B2248ODCL/04+Jones+Island+kayak+landing+beach.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out South landing beach, Jones Island. There are other official landing beaches on the north and west sides, and unofficial landing beaches scattered around the island’s circumference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017417193-H1IYYKOZAVI1Y0C9OYWH/05+Jones+Island+campsite.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Jones Island campsite no. 20. In the vicinity of the campground, the shoreline of Jones Island consists mostly of low, gently sloping rocks, so the grownups didn’t have to worry about Leon getting into danger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017534572-XISK9ECUJH0L0HPEBPAB/06+Leon+playing+in+tent.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Leon playing in the tent. He would race around and around and then throw himself onto the ground, even without an air mattress to cushion the fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017565618-WFA2Y3ZJDZSPM462SWDT/07+Leon+and+Maya+climbing.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon climbing. The kids were so excited about this rock they came racing all the way back to camp to tell me about it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017618375-9CV1U9FTAHMGVPASFSS8/08+Leon+and+Maya+exploring.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon exploring the shore. Maya showed Leon how to be careful on the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017681905-22MIGFCCMEDVPYCJX19T/09+Maya+building+a+dog+house+on+Jones+Island.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya building a driftwood dog house. Doug, the mischievous Douglas squirrel, kept trying to capture Laddie, the mermicorno, and some of the dogs were helping Doug do it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017773739-6325ZMH2JR0OQGEMHIL6/10+Maya+playing+with+dogs+and+grass.jpg Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Maya playing with dogs and grass. The dogs like meals of grass, leaves, flowers, and the cones of Douglas-firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017806401-8WUMQTSACUXM5ZUKHXLD/11+Grandpa+John+hiking+with+Leon.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John hiking with Leon. During their hikes, they encountered deer on the island, but we never encountered the raccoons for which Jones Island was at one time famous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017950555-6YYY73PXTYPGD7A8BFU3/12+Departing+Jones+Island.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Departing Jones Island. Tides in President Channel slowly tried to pull us off-course but not to any concerning degree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1653017978167-EBJHGRH5RWWJN9EB85D6/13+Kayaking+back+to+Deer+Harbor.JPG Jones Island 14–15 May 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking back to Deer Harbor. As he had on the outbound leg, Leon took advantage of the soothing, rocking motion of the boat to grab a couple hours’ nap. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sucia-island-11-12-june-2022 daily 0.75 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655177828121-AHTDZEU3CMK8GBWIY3TA/00+Route+map.jpg Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. We crossed during slack current and experienced no troubles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655177906897-VECWA4OW0XFR6RTQLYA5/01+Leon+drives+onto+Anacortes+ferry.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon driving onto the ferry. When the kids were little, we had a family tradition of sitting them in our laps when we drove onto the ferry. Washington State Ferries had a family tradition of yelling at us to stop doing that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178064443-2KAKY1CT11OVHZF8D8BM/03+Maya+and+Rachel+kayaking+to+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Rachel kayaking to Sucia Island. In the background are Waldron and Skipjack Islands, and beyond are the Gulf Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178116022-P1X7LQDRQFXBJNMI40YW/04+Maya+in+the+kayak.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maya in the Long Haul folding kayak. The June weather was neither too hot nor too cold, too sunny nor too overcast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178192364-C04Y6DLIRJR32IHT6KEV/05+Entering+Fossil+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking in Fossil Bay. The majority of fossils are actually found along the outside arm, not within the bay itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655182142648-TM1E3CWZO8YRA2OPA50Z/06+Campsite+in+Fossil+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Campsite in Fossil Bay. Fewer than a quarter of the many campsites were occupied this weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655226616839-ZO77NUQNJUG7V52FV1SA/07+Maya+and+Leon+playing+motorboat.jpg Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon playing “motorboat.” Driftwood sticks made perfect, kid-sized practice paddles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655181257993-0MP4OVVXG8TOF4I39XQA/08+Leon+and+Maya+roughhousing+in+tent.jpg Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya roughhousing in the tent. After a late start this spring, the mosquitos had finally hatched, so we had to zip up the tent after a few minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178430189-2QC7NVSGXAOUPA4AYAS5/09+Maya+romping+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maya romping on Sucia Island. Sucia Island is as popular with yachties as it is with kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178553632-N0NDKFUNPH9EX6VFEM9G/10+Rachel+on+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel on Sucia Island. This was Rachel’s first camping trip since Leon was born two years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178580746-TJ6COL81452WJGZ6OZXJ/11+Leon+finds+a+rock+to+throw.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon finds a rock to throw. We brought four changes of shoes for Leon, and they were barely enough! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178608143-BV6FJ35C2JOI7VTQ7EUS/12+Alex+cooking+dinner.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Alex cooking dinner. No raccoons troubled our campsite at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178680552-0HV15VLD0ANNNPYLJ38B/13+Fox+Cove+Mushroom+Rock+sunset.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Mushroom Rock sunset, Fox Cove. There’s a different beautiful sight in every direction on Sucia Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178814553-0EBKXI9F7BX6CTWW59BD/14+Purple+finch+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Purple finch. Sucia Island is the most reliable spot I know in western Washington for this species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655181699786-JGF0YYHL5TMKD9JAJWXX/15+White-crowned+sparrow+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out White-crowned sparrow. This individual was so unafraid of humans it hopped around the picnic table in our campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178915152-LEPBS12XHTD5B2UO13FT/16+Nootka+rose+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Nootka rose at Shallow Bay. This species ought to be the official flower of the Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655178987841-IVA3KFIF6OYR1WWKDIIA/17+Flower+unk+1.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Oregon stonecrop. This species prefers rocky ledges, which are all over the place on Sucia Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179013362-LFIU77GMF5QVTFE8SZB8/18+Flower+unk+2.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out American vetch. Without its gorgeous purple flowers, it would be easy to overlook this lowly vine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179384942-URXGGT4J8VDWHUZ5WY33/19+Native+honeysuckle+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Our native honeysuckle. This species is particularly popular with the bees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179440841-7R8RKES95BDF944NGPN7/20+Bluffs+of+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Bluffs of Sucia Island. The smaller pockmarks form a sort of ladder leading to the caves above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655308773165-CMKTCF8RQF4WL7X5BBW0/22+Climbing+the+caves+at+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Climbing the caves at Sucia Island. The caves are too small and too high above ground to be much good as an overnight shelter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179617766-Z000VTU8XO8C2BVPAR08/22+Leon+wearing+dads+hat.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon wearing Alex’s hat. It was a source of endless delight for Leon to steal his dad’s things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179740183-90OG5NB8F1TIBE8NQVKK/23+Maya+dashing+down+path.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maya dashing down the path. Maya was old enough to explore the island on her own, but she had more fun if one of the grown-ups or Leon came with her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179805109-P45AGTUJXDY7NPFIA73K/24+Rachel+carries+Leon+uptop.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel carrying Leon “up-top.” From his perch atop a parent’s shoulders, Leon announced one destination after another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655179926712-K09TCXC1WZN5HSWEGNT1/25+Alex+wheeling+kids+around.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Alex wheeling the kids. The kids were so intrigued by the wheelbarrow we had to fetch a second one just for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655230600519-KMO4MCD04XLET3JITS9D/27+Sucia+Island+fossil.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Sucia Island fossil. Fossil-collecting is prohibited, but someone had already removed this one from the cliff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655233576837-OO0YCLJFJ72TLZ4TDFM7/28+Leon+departing+Sucia+Island+by+kayak.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon in kayak, departing Sucia Island. Leon loved all the buoys and boats in Fossil Bay, a reminder to me that an island doesn’t have to be a wilderness to be beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655180259540-WB42BU57UL1GHAUSM9YQ/27+Rachel+and+Maya+departing+Sucia+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya departing Sucia Island. No better place, no better company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655180367001-M1Q1REG1HMI3NNDCNXJC/28+Harbor+Porpoises+off+Parker+Reef.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoises off Parker Reef. Even the animals seem friendlier in such gentle waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1655180429992-K7SAXVOLN4G5FBO81K6F/29+Leon+asleep+in+kayak+off+Orcas+Island.JPG Sucia Island 11–12 June 2022 - Make it stand out Leon asleep in kayak off Orcas Island. There’s plenty of room in a folding kayak to sprawl out for a nap. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/scott-islands-16-21-june-2022 daily 0.75 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656133520802-70AUJXI4X4FKM5QFCS1K/00+Route+map+labeled+cropped+high.jpg Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The San Josef River has the nearest road access to Cape Scott. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656133733482-TX59LU0S8C25DPV63W3U/01+Launch+on+San+Josef+River.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Launch on San Josef River. This muddy boat ramp is the closest point of approach for vehicles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656133819597-XNHNG7BZRNIKPIYQ3QD2/02+Paddling+on+San+Josef+River.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling on San Josef River. The river flows through a dignified old spruce forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656133859139-AEC36NELUIKOY1KLKBDJ/03+Arriving+at+Helen+Islets.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Arriving at Helen Islands. At midnight, I was awakened by the howling of a family of wolves on nearby Cape Russell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134073157-A4RJ9EG19XR4IVIY0XPO/04+Kayaking+out+of+Helen+Islets.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking out of Helen Islands. The islands and coves around Cape Russell would, by themselves, justify the journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134124874-M06MMLQ99UCK0WYLEKSI/05+Distant+view+of+Cox+and+Lanz+Islands.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Distant view of Cox and Lanz Islands. Islands peeking over the horizon exert a particularly powerful summons on kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134160762-CR5MG8VTWB1GDNQ02O7X/06+Channel+between+Cox+and+Lanz+Islands.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Channel between Cox and Lanz Islands. Try as I might, I could not enter this channel during a flood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134193645-KS67IQ9UIB2GO9NC5N94/07+Lanz+Island+landing+beach.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Lanz Island landing beach. I identified what I suspected was an ancient First Nations house site on the southern part of this beach, subsequently confirmed by a traditional knowledge and use study. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134379422-WNFIRN8TRA1VS1WE7DPO/08+Rest+day+on+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Rest day on Lanz Island. There was plenty of fresh water on Lanz Island, which was good news for me, in that I had poured most of my drinking water into my car’s leaking radiator during the drive from Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134474275-T792VZ64C26BAI9J46TI/09+Barnacles+on+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Barnacles and mussels on Lanz Island. A stranded kayaker could survive for weeks just foraging off the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134496674-KL1JMR4234MLKD8K6QV9/10+Sea+stars+on+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Purple sea stars, Lanz Island. This species often assembles in clusters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134517895-VI7CZ3D1REXQEC48AU45/11+Orange+sea+star+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Purple sea star, Lanz Island. This “ochre sea star” is a different color but the same species (P. ochraceus) as the purple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134669545-O2LBXBCZ2L06WN2YLEYG/12+Townsends+warbler+on+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Townsend’s warbler, Lanz Island. This spectacular species is my favorite of the Pacific Northwest warblers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134726814-2XSIOMUKQLMMXF5VZBHN/13+Mink+on+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Mink rubbing in the sand, Lanz Island. Likely in 1938 or 1939, brothers Hans and Lars Fredricksen, settlers living on nearby Cape Scott, introduced mink to Lanz Island and raccoons to Cox Island, where the ravenous predators promptly eliminated all breeding seabirds from each island. The brothers then drowned at sea, leaving the mink and raccoons to roam wild to this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134915989-RMHZTELTHNI11OBNZYCQ/14+Sartine+Island+seen+from+kayak.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Sartine Island and offshore rocks seen from kayak. Sartine Island looks and feels like the back of beyond, but Sartine is still only halfway between Lanz and Triangle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656134992610-PXZC6REM9GPW5FVCT6UC/15+Triangle+Island+seen+from+sea.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Triangle Island looms from fog. Tide races around the rocks a mile east of the island were particularly large and confusing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135052425-XD97UV0IH802S5TQE4GT/16+Steller+sea+lion+rookery+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Steller sea lion rookery. Unlike the haulout sites familiar to all Pacific Northwest kayakers, this is a true rookery, a ground for birthing pups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135216408-09PQ7J4OTI5WAWG4CI7V/17+Plinth+of+lighthouse.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Plinth of lighthouse, const. 1910, dismantled 1920. At 700 feet above sea level, the lighthouse was so frequently shrouded in haze that it was rarely visible to mariners. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656436435423-8YXFNIEHM07LF1WTL6R8/18+Tufted+puffins+off+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Tufted puffins off Triangle Island. Triangle Island is by far the largest tufted puffin colony outside Alaska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656138781494-IZO039FXOTFV6UAKHHDH/19+Rhinoceros+auklets+and+tufted+puffins+off+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklets and tufted puffins off Triangle Island. Some 80,000 rhinoceros auklets breed here, and some 60,000 tufted puffins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135521715-KDSWPDNX5AC1GR3DF2MD/20+Common+murres+and+tufted+puffins+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Common murres and tufted puffins off Triangle Island. Common murres are abundant in Oregon and Alaska, less so in BC and Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135642353-0U24ZZB82VLSFMI6NH2Z/21+Kayaking+into+south+bay+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking into south bay, Triangle Island. There is almost no flat ground anywhere on the island, although the researchers tell me it is not too difficult to walk the ridgelines once you have ascended the slopes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135734806-B6PTONH7O2OT96QRVI00/22+Research+cabin+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Research cabin, Triangle Island. Power from solar, water from a spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135768366-STREUKRF3CORKCX83V8D/23+Research+crew+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Research crew, Triangle Island. This crew was on day three of their ten-day shift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135803333-XIE61PY8V86EW2RUAMG0/24+Tufted+puffin+flying+off+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Tufted puffin flying off Triangle Island. Curious puffins often swoop close to investigate kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135861580-B6Z7BUP08XD8F31RXKKZ/25+Horned+puffin+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Horned puffin, Triangle Island. One of the handsomest seabirds in the Pacific. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135921573-IMQAH53IV256WCO8RD4S/26+Flock+of+common+murres+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Flock of common murres, Triangle Island. It’s not clear what will become of this population if they cannot find a way to resume breeding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656135951660-BW9ZGU3GNTOAG63760V5/27+Sooty+shearwater+offshore+Triangle+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Sooty shearwater off Triangle Island. This species was the only tubenose I encountered—not even any storm-petrels, which breed on Triangle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656136699017-5DIPZEPCE89RJ33KEM88/28+Departing+Lanz+Island+through+kelp+patch.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Departing Lanz Island through kelp bed. Cox Island looms in the background through the mist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656136731871-V8YSJ1Q3IH6YJSY9T57A/29+Sea+otters+in+kelp+at+Lanz+Island.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Sea otters in kelp, Lanz Island. I had somehow gained the idea there were few or no sea otters in the Cape Scott region, but in fact I saw dozens, including off VI and off each of the Scott Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656435653478-OQFZOZAUCXTO791PD7FV/30+Sea+otter+San+Josef+Bay.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Sea otter, San Josef Bay. Such incredibly handsome animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656136802105-8BHB6X6AAFV744Y83XQC/31+Cape+Scott+seen+from+ocean.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Cape Scott, seen from ocean. You know you’ve been kayaking in a remote location when Cape Scott, of all places, feels well-populated and hospitable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656136837168-EIGY96JEJFW2X7FKJF58/32+Approaching+Cape+Russell.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Approaching Cape Russell. Beware the currents and reefs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656136967461-TVRS2KKTRVG65EZBJVAH/33+Entering+cave+San+Josef+Bay.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Entering sea cave, San Josef Bay. At high tide, most of the floor of this cave floods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656137031270-CRTUQ5OB0GS49SB08K8O/34+Larger+of+the+two+caves+at+San+Josef+Bay.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Larger of the two sea caves, San Josef Bay. You almost expect to encounter a dinosaur in a place like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656137062960-B2QKXHUKOUCVZ46YEACN/35+Maidenhair+ferns+dangle+from+cave+roof.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Maidenhair ferns. Ferns dangled from the ceilings and mouths of the caves like lacy curtains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1656137094602-E6PGXCD6MIR4SZNQF24W/36+On+the+beach+in+San+Josef+Bay.JPG Scott Islands 16–21 June 2022 - Make it stand out Alex on the beach, San Josef Bay. Crossing the San Josef River bar is easier the higher the tide is. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/whidbey-island-1-4-july-2022 daily 0.75 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159608940-3ZTF4QEL0YQQQJQHBGF2/00+Route+map+Whidbey+final.jpg Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Parking in Burrows Bay was $10 per night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159687570-FUV2O0I6808FPTR7SP6B/01+Kayaking+Bowman+Bay+at+dusk.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Bowman Bay at dusk. Even after sunset, there were still a dozen day-tripping kayakers on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159712585-VW3O0F5BNBBX45PS67E8/02+Sunrise+behind+Mount+Baker.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Sunrise behind Mount Baker. Baker is the second-highest of Washington’s five active volcanoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159756601-09EVFNQT9481LSAVFXSF/03+Approaching+Ala+Spit+at+dawn.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Approaching Ala Spit at dawn. This used to be a Cascadia Marine Trail campsite, but nowadays it is day-use only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159807747-N9FX0GE05MIRPD55WORK/04+Alex+at+Ala+Spit.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Alex at Ala Spit. I stopped to remove my drysuit, which was no longer necessary in the protected waters of Skagit Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159873248-SJP1CVNMVFL1KRMFYSE2/05+Kayaking+down+Saratoga+Passage.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking down Saratoga Passage. Owing to Whidbey Island’s irregular shape, the most efficient circumnavigation does not always hew very close to the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159911584-H3HJDDB1ULKZP8T1F5T8/06+Kayaking+under+Clinton+ferry+dock.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking under the Clinton ferry dock. South of Sandy Point, currents run slower than they do farther north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657159950190-35HATYTKL8I9JI7FM9FE/07+On+the+beach+at+Possession+Point.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out On the beach at Possession Point. The cliffs behind this beach are some of Washington’s best sources of ochre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160015796-M6N5H3LASK8NKDQ3AR1Q/08+Whidbey+Island+stairway+to+nowhere.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out “Come to Whidbey Island, where there’s no limit to how high you can climb.” Erosion of Whidbey Island’s bluffs will eventually turn every property into a waterfront property. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657170378908-EBVEGB4LAEZWJ7WPUP7I/09+Rhinoceros+auklet+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Admiralty Inlet. One of the primary breeding grounds in Washington for this species is Protection Island, just a few miles from Admiralty Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160131100-1J5F8WHSB05C0C571LSE/10+Common+murre+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Common murre, Admiralty Inlet. This individual’s plumage is looking a little worn, although the first week of July would be rather early for it to be molting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160155384-TZXYAYZ3L1O9MK2FD1X1/11+Kayaking+off+Ebeys+Landing.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking off Ebey’s Landing. This lovely stretch is part of America’s first national historical reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160191042-4PVOFD1E7T4JAULNOJB4/12+Red+elderberry+Joseph+Whidbey.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Red elderberry, Joseph Whidbey. This species is edible but not palatable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160235994-RVS5LKW1UJWFRMNC9K3A/13+Oceanspray+Joseph+Whidbey.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Oceanspray, Jospeh Whidbey. This species is one of the principal components of Washington’s low-elevation underbrush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160315719-8YDG57DAP5N8WKRP04VR/14+Kayaking+north+up+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking north up Admiralty Inlet. From left to right: Lopez Island, Decatur Island, James Island, Blakely Island, Rosario Strait, Cypress Island, Allen Island, Burrows Island, Fidalgo Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160534663-2R9TO3628T6XT1E5CS4X/15+Hangar+at+NAS+Whidbey+Island.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Hangar at NAS Whidbey Island. The Navy has stationed so many Growlers on the island that Chief Magistrate Judge Creatura ruled in 2021 the service has to go back and re-evaluate the planes’ noise impacts on the threatened marbled murrelet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160559997-8A9Z3EISEZ3BK23Q7TOM/16+Transmitters+at+NAS+Whidbey+Island.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Transmitters at NAS Whidbey Island. One of the US military’s underappreciated advantages in combat is its excellence in tactical communications. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160590380-T3DQ8Q61090UKQD3LMI2/17+Approaching+Deception+Pass+from+south.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Approaching Deception Pass from the south. Somewhere north of Partridge Point, the current reverses such that flood runs north and ebb runs south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160621407-C71K4MGTIYI1LK28KXSP/18+Lions+mane+jellyfish+Sares+Head.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Lion’s mane jellyfish, Sares Head. This individual seems to be glowing, as if from an ember burning deep within. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1657160654249-FRU8VGQSFZ5VZW7BPGL9/19+Inside+sea+cave+Sares+Head.JPG Whidbey Island 1–4 July 2022 - Make it stand out Largest sea cave at Sares Head. Usually, sea caves are easiest to enter at high tide, but some of the caves at Sares Head are so low they can only be entered at low tide. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/james-island-30-31-july-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659388520827-N75XQSA5FFG1DYUQGIEQ/00+Route+map.jpg James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Route map.The fee for overnight parking at Washington Park has increased to nine dollars per night, cash only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659379799310-VZJY5GLWBI5CZMAEPKA0/01+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+to+James+Island.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking to James Island. There were a ton of powerboaters on the water but only a handful of kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659379883897-REJBLEXNQ2AATNLNBFK5/02+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+past+Cypress+Island.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon kayaking past Cypress Island. As usual, Leon napped almost the entire crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659380549859-33L6ZNF018MJR6JH9S9H/03+Maya+on+approach+to+James+Island.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Maya on approach to James Island. We camped in the southern half of the eastern cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659380651127-45BF8W50SALMEN72OSY6/04+Maya+playing+on+James+Island+beach.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Maya playing on the beach, James Island. Maya prefers to be the one chasing rather than the one being chased. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659380721319-B7F6XJYHY13K5L2MPTW3/05+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+on+James+Island+beach.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon, James Island. Leon loved all the crabs and waves on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659380785118-6UJSPMD2MJZFV0XJ20ZV/06a+Leon+and+Maya+playing+in+tent.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya playing in the tent. We put down plenty of sleeping pads so the kids would have enough room to roughhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659381976653-Z6I08Q9VANG400YBB54F/07+Maya+and+Leon+on+James+Island+beach.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon playing on the beach. With Maya to watch over him, no harm could ever come to Leon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659382045788-V2Y4JSK5YCHBTO37MP9T/08+Grandpa+John+kayaking+Rosario+Strait.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking across Rosario Strait. We timed the currents perfectly to carry us back to Washington Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659382101769-4DVD55K9BQTYALJE36L5/09+Mount+Baker+over+Guemes+Island.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Mount Baker over Guemes Island. Leon became a big fan of Mount Baker and would point out the volcano whenever it appeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659382147862-G737L15QDNOA654184BV/10+Whidbey+Island+Fata+Morgana.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Tugboat with Fata Morgana above Whidbey Island, range twelve miles (19 km). The mirage shifted shapes over the course of half an hour and ultimately dissipated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1659382659470-ED8XUQBI3Z6GQTHH8SA3/11+Dog+pack+arriving+at+Washington+Park.JPG James Island 30–31 July 2022 - Make it stand out Maya’s dog pack, arriving at Washington Park. On such a calm day, the dogs did not have to remain inside their dry bag. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hein-and-salmon-banks-7-8-aug-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108157446-8EF0W5X77DG835LS7LH0/00+Route+map+labelled.jpg Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The route is some twenty-three miles (37 km) in each direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108508005-ZTXT4XADPC36VCX12BJG/01+Kayaking+Dungeness+Spit+at+dawn.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Dungeness Spit at dawn. The flood was moderately helpful, the ebb moderately adverse for the northbound transit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108545902-Z78DK80GBNENMNBK43N2/02+Dungeness+Spit+lighthouse.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Dungeness Spit lighthouse, est. 1857. The historic buildings remain open for tours and even rentals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108631478-1VJMMMPSJYYHY7E452FM/03+Kayaking+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking across Strait of Juan de Fuca. The hazy hills of the San Juan Islands are just visible on the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108750438-OHIYC365HNCQEGBCSOH5/04+Hein+Bank+buoy.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Hein Bank buoy. The white structure on top is a radar beacon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108837194-U6IZ8X624NQEAP09V50A/05+Salmon+Bank+buoy.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Salmon Bank buoy. The three disc-shaped structures in the middle are a carillon of gongs, each sounding a different note when struck by the mallet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108901577-7DWOJJEBD0WL0X52XXSY/06+Harbor+porpoise+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoise, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Quick, shallow porpoise breaths are easy to distinguish from slow, deep minke whale breaths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108947036-UW5E2SAGHLDGD2CHZPIK/07+California+gull+feeding+flock.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out California gull feeding flock. This feeding frenzy is already attracting alcids and will soon attract a whale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660108978153-E7D32EWYD9ML6AWPPJFO/08+Rhinoceros+auklet+flying.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, hurrying to feed. The alcids had just begun their transitions to winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109024960-NKIZ4JO3FXWE929FXX0E/09+California+gull.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out California gull. Most of the gulls were immature birds like this individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109087861-KJUKYLY5IAUXAHOOI4SU/10+Minke+whale+at+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Minke whale at Salmon Bank. This individual had a distinctive white patch anterior to its dorsal fin, and a distinctive notch in the fin itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109182643-LYHFPC4BCV65LZ0XC0RH/11+Minke+whale+spout.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Minke whale spout. This was the first time I had ever seen a visible spout from a minke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109371688-SU2U7TZC1QSTK8NU6USY/12+Kayaking+to+Cattle+Point.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking to Cattle Point. Even from a distance, the dry, brown slopes of Cattle Point are an easy landmark to spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109408190-YH802M2QRXTQWMP0IWLE/13+Gulls+and+Mount+Baker.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Glaucous-winged gulls and Mount Baker. Even with all the development overtaking the state, Washington remains full of beautiful scenes like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109903393-2GEATO706NMXXO6PHK0X/14A+Cattle+Point+lighthouse.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Cattle Point lighthouse, est. 1935. The surrounding dune-grassland habitat is rare and valuable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660109971694-XR7IAD693QQH46CASZFW/15+Reading+on+Cattle+Point+beach.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Reading on Cattle Point beach. At low tide the next morning, a lone hiker came through my camp who told me he has hiked this stretch of beach every morning for twenty years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660110074527-GB5LO4RJNPWF6LH30GNH/16+Kayaking+soutbound+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking southbound across Strait of Juan de Fuca. The flood pushed me too far east, while the ebb pulled me too far west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660110108042-7CGZDSOCHDA0PGDG6ZPI/17+Minke+whale+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Minke whale, Salmon Bank. No white patch and no injury to the dorsal fin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660187001317-1Q4TXITNEXNV0K80AI9F/18A+Common+murre+Salmon+Bank.jpg Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Common murre, Salmon Bank. This species is not usually very approachable, but in the throes of a baitfish frenzy, the birds barely noticed my presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660110225900-D1LNJ3ZF4DF91I23TFIR/19+Rhinoceros+auklet+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Salmon Bank. This individual is well along its transition to winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660110271723-7ZAD39ZLVH1JJR0AVHC8/20+Red-necked+phalarope+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Red-necked phalarope, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Small flocks of this species congregated wherever there were clumps of seaweed floating on the surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660110303991-HVS03M9IKL2SFRNYB0LO/21+Kayaking+past+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 7–8 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Dungeness Spit. Mercifully, I arrived near high tide and so did not have to face the quicksand again. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-20-21-aug-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661288611156-XVBQ5BZXEJHE1MY1PFQ5/00+Route+map.jpg Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. From Weather Watch Park in West Seattle, the distance is about five miles (8 km) each way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661289771871-UHIQI7U82MCUDRM98B9O/01+Leon+kayaking+to+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Leon kayaking to Blake Island. Currents in this stretch of Puget Sound are negligible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661289827168-LRVCFZTN3NYDSW35213M/02+Leon+helping+with+tent+poles.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Leon helping with the tent poles. Leon was thrilled to spend every waking minute with dad for two full days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661289920588-XFFR4JLI8JT7U1JLPBX6/03+Osprey+surges+from+water.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Osprey surging from water at Blake Island. This species forages by plunging bodily beneath the water to capture fish in its talons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661289992786-6BU0GYCHTNRU15KVG4BK/04+Osprey+with+flatfish.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Ospray with flatfish, Blake Island. Forty-five minutes after catching this fish, the osprey returned and caught another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661290134781-8EBJ6BG4EDJUFSJPGE36/05+Leon+at+sunset+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Blake Island sunset. In the middle of the night, I woke up to hear a barred owl calling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661291116286-X1SABS17H68OJBYHL2WN/06+Leon+reading+in+tent.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Reading in the tent, Blake Island. We slept without a rainfly, there being neither drizzle nor condensation in the dry August air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1661291241691-LSGZFNZ1DJBFP4NY7LRV/07+Departing+Blake+Island+by+kayak.JPG Blake Island 20-21 Aug 2022 - Make it stand out Departing Blake Island by kayak. At low tide, the powerboater beach is much nicer than the kayaker beach. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/anderson-island-3-5-sept-2022 daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662508334490-QIWF10QSU46YXVXQZVX9/00+Route+Map+Anderson+Island.jpg Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The ebb was moderately adverse during the northbound passage and moderately favorable during the southbound passage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662508923213-YZVJB24O0TBPDTEWUDJ8/01+Family+launching+kayaks.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Launching kayaks at Luhr. Wind and current were mild at all times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662508993009-5JXEEIM4FLQ6BTIFV435/02+Rachel+and+Maya+kayaking+to+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya kayaking to Anderson Island. Rachel told dog stories until Maya fell asleep in the boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509050153-RU825B7CD2819DWZ9XHX/03+Maya+kayaking.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya kayaking. Nothing is more annoying than dad’s insistence on taking pictures all the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509142845-1BNYIGB3QW24KS62URJG/04+Maya+sleeping+in+kayak.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya asleep in kayak. The gentle rocking of the waves would put the grown-ups to sleep, too, if we didn’t have to paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509218160-XT4EE12ZJ9YYRXWGOKPR/05+Double-crested+cormorant+Nisqually+Delta.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant, Nisqually River delta. Of Washington’s three cormorant species, the double-crested was the only one we saw during this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509285035-EWHMQUXJG8R1E14OBEKZ/06+Red-necked+phalarope+Nisqually+Delta.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Red-necked phalaropes, Nisqually Reach. We didn’t notice these tiny, pelagic shorebirds until we were almost on top of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509361154-SN5V9PU9JAAY6UMAOIPI/07+Rachel+and+Maya+kayking+along+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya kayaking along Anderson Island. We hugged the shore during the northbound crossing to minimize the adverse effects of the ebb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509818173-GBC588UG274CERDRXHDN/08+Campsite+on+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Campsite on Anderson Island. Lagoon to the left, Puget Sound to the right, and “the river” in the foreground, connecting the two at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509878584-E5QH2S8SIXCBGL613G3S/09+Maya+and+Leon+in+tent.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon playing in the tent. Maya had her stuffed dogs, Leon had his monster truck and helicopter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662509989147-W70FMG010L9VUJTO9J9R/10+Leon+eating+huckleberries+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel feeding Leon huckleberries. The huckleberries were a little small for Leon’s grasp, so he figured out a more efficient way to eat them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662510056317-Y4ZZ0OBH0NWRT7Z5BI3K/11+Sunset+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Sunset, Anderson Island. A smattering of rain overnight kept things cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662510282232-UCWXDGJMRX34RUN712I9/12+Leon+on+beach+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Leon storming the beach, Anderson Island. Sometimes with his sister, sometimes with his parents, and sometimes alone, Leon roamed around the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662510344629-X6HJ1HK77MW0NWAVF4JP/13+Family+exploring+lagoon+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel, Maya, and Leon in the lagoon, Anderson Island. The fast-rising water nearly cut us off from camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662510433610-69IOSFJ1T14WDNFPI0RH/14+Maya+wading+across+lagoon+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya wading across “the river.” When Leon accidentally flooded his boots, Maya ran all the way back to camp to bring him his water shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662510504055-ONO1J9ROK8NKJUW3S20R/15+Rachel+and+Leon+in+lagoon+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel and Leon in the lagoon. These small, gravel islands disappeared beneath the rising water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662511057127-IWLRRGXPWYX62VLX3A8H/16+Lichen.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Lichen, Anderson Island. The lichen on the logs forms its own miniature forest within a forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662511099225-ZCY8G5RE1E4MPWJNFHRZ/17+Driftwood.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Driftwood, Anderson Island. Rachel noticed this intricate pattern, carved by worms, insects, and the heat of the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662511187395-VEVA86IV67ECMAF9MQE4/18+Leon+on+bridge+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Leon on footbridge, Anderson Island. A school of tiny fish sheltered under and around this bridge, perhaps to avoid the resident pair of kingfishers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1662511258022-NB97RL04IZR98HWUMMPV/19+Rachel+and+Maya+kayking+past+Mount+Rainier.JPG Anderson Island 3–5 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya kayaking beneath Mount Rainier. On the way back, the favorable ebb made for a nearly effortless paddle. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cypress-head-17-18-sept-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663619809390-F2NW0XQ2VYSF7GSGMNBL/00+Route+Map.jpg Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. The launch beach is an easy carry from the day-use parking lot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663619936667-B1WKUEDGD5XWLCGLETDN/01+Maya+and+Alex+on+launch+beach.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex on launch beach. We used our two large folding kayaks, a Feathercraft Klondike and a Long Haul Mark II. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663620098060-M1HD76JUDLWLIZ5E5AYL/02+Chelsea+and+James+kayaking+off+James+Island.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Chelsea and James kayaking off Washington Park, James Island in the background. It took us an hour and forty-five minutes to paddle from the launch beach to Cypress Head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663620225682-ZS6LK6OSLZLT51QTJ633/03+Maya+and+Alex+kayaking+off+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex kayaking off Cypress Island. During the crossing, we observed rhinoceros auklets, common murres, and marbled murrelets, but no pigeon guillemots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663620512309-RGILDERJ3NV4M40U1C24/04+Kayaking+into+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking into Cypress Head. The headland (right) is joined to the main body of Cypress Island (left) by a low, gravel tombolo (center). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621013735-QOP9YBRJF7ECNKTLU5KG/05+Maya+ascending+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya ascending Cypress Head. The girls scouted ahead of the grownups and were responsible for selecting our campsites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621081869-YPQG5DKLTICLU47E2PCJ/06+James+making+lunch.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out James making lunch on Cypress Head. Eggs, nut bars, popcorn, bacon, sausages, macaroni, and sandwiches of various kinds—what a feast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621254038-ODWWH1VNXVVQUI753SUH/07+Chelsea+and+James+drawing.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Chelsea and James drawing. Before or after these trips, Chelsea always mails Maya a hand-drawn card. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621390919-X48RPTNYQ1EWVAVXUHBW/08+Chelsea+running+on+beach.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Chelsea running up the beach, Cypress Island. She has terrible news: Chips has gone missing again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621467080-KO1A6ATCINURPINJXBY2/09+Maya+bringing+her+dogs.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya transporting her dogs to camp. The notorious Chips is the dark brown dog in the middle of the pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663621565498-HJ5HNVJ7BGOB5RVITY3O/10+Stuffed+dog+Rose+kayaking.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya herself took this photo of Rose kayaking with all necessary paraphernalia, including compass, waterproof camera, goggles, and life jacket. Rose used to be Chelsea’s dog, but Chelsea gave Rose to Maya when she saw how much Maya loved Rose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663622587703-ZPKAUKF1T6JAORNAULP7/11+Sunrise+over+Guemes+Island.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Sunrise over Guemes Island, seen from Cypress Head. From this vantage, James spotted harbor porpoises in Bellingham Channel, our only sighting of porpoises this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663624163204-VSBD76WDGBRZSQUS8TPT/12+Maya+hiking+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Maya hiking at the south end of Cypress Head. From here, I took the measure of the chop in Bellingham and Guemes Channels and decided it would be safe to proceed, fifteen-knot wind notwithstanding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663623155564-X4DE95P7AYRA1JHLYDZK/13+Seaside+juniper+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Seaside juniper with berries, Cypress Head. Our familiar seaside juniper (Juniperus maritima) is a cryptospecies. Prior to 2007, it was thought to be a member of the Rocky Mountain juniper (J. scopulorum), but DNA and terpenoid analyses reveal it is actually a totally separate species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663623834069-L1GFX5MS1OYGT2E3BOJT/14+Townsends+solitaire+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out Townsend’s solitaire, Cypress Head. Seattle Audubon’s very credible Birdweb does not record this species in the Puget Trough during September, so this was quite a good find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1663624093508-8EUHB3EO7YZ7U7R09YO7/15+View+north+up+Bellingham+Channel+from+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 17–18 Sept 2022 - Make it stand out View from Cypress Head north up Bellingham Channel. From left to right, Cypress Island, the Cone Islands, Sinclair Island, Lummi Island, Eliza Island, Guemes Island. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/klemtu-to-port-hardy-9-22-oct-2022 daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666846926187-ND0X05BMTNFPMX40TZ9W/00+Route+map+labelled.jpg Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. I parked my car at the Port Hardy ferry terminal, carried my kayak aboard the ferry, launched the kayak beneath the Klemtu ferry dock, then paddled back to my car at Port Hardy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666895437444-FCHM8AR44Y6VW7MISAKQ/01+Narrowest+part+of+Meyers+Passage.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Narrowest part of Meyers Passage. This is a principal waterway connecting the Inside Passage with the outer islands. Kayak Bill, ancient indigenous peoples, and modern residents of Klemtu have all used this route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666895468568-84Y7PO8R8AEAIME46FD6/02+Meyers+Passage+Kayak+Bill+camp+location.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill campsite location, Meyers Passage. Kayak Bill had a campsite somewhere in this sublimely secluded bay, but I was not able to find it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666895506929-ISNUI6NGWO08G95O0FYZ/03+Meyers+Passage+pot.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Pot, Meyers Passage. In the exact location marked on Kayak Bill’s chart, I found a rusty old pot in the forest. There was none of the characteristic Kayak Bill campsite architecture, so I cannot conclude that this is a Kayak Bill artifact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666895769819-Q6QBON35OI7NRGJGH2IS/04+Morning+view+of+Laredo+Sound.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Morning view of Laredo Sound. The haunted, layered appearance of the coast in autumn exerted a strong influence on Kayak Bill’s watercolors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666895858209-5R2EACTVABRACFD8T3ME/05+Searching+Higgins+Pass+for+Kayak+Bill+camp.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Searching Higgins Passage. Somewhere in this maze of rocky islets is another Kayak Bill camp, but I could not find it despite three hours’ combing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666900470374-HGPTQ5RJAZLAAR4H4ZT7/06+Departing+Kayak+Bill+Camp+I.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking south end of Aristazabal Island. Kayak Bill was not afraid of ocean swells or rocky shores, but he did try to avoid surf landings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666899588744-Y81GE83ZS9A4W7S5UD0W/07+South+end+of+Aristazabal.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out South end of Aristazabal Island. Minutes after I took this picture, a hitherto-inactive boomer fired up just feet behind me and capsized my kayak, costing me my third pair of binoculars in as many years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666899850439-ZILFUJ4CVYMCPPWGJVXP/08+Kayaking+Beauchemin+Channel+toward+Aristazabal+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Beauchemin Channel toward Aristazabal Island. It requires multiple crossings of ten miles (16 km) or more to get to the most interesting locations along this part of the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666900106855-OP2H5TYVWZH3PCEDTPOZ/09+Narrow+passage+Weeteeam+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Narrow passage, Weeteeam Bay. Kayak Bill often sited his campsites near intricate waterways like this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666900339953-FLTKB8Z3SN296ZLEDYWV/10+Islands+in+Weeteeam+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Islands in Weeteeam Bay. This maze is confusing for strangers to navigate even with GPS, but for Kayak Bill, it must have felt as familiar as a living room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666896644301-YYXJO97CCVFPFPNNGOLU/07+Kayak+Bill+Camp+I.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill Camp I, Aristazabal Island. The tarp supports, firestand, and a small windbreak remain intact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666897820373-U93J030ECDDJDT2QM7X6/08+Firestand+at+Kayak+Bill+Camp+I.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Firestand, Camp I. The firestand allowed Kayak Bill to set objects at different heights above the fire to accomplish different purposes: boiling water, smoking meat, or drying clothes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666898238613-3JSUDUQHQ6XQQS3OCIOD/09+Kayak+Bill+well+at+Camp+I.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Gathering water from Kayak Bill’s well, Camp I. A trail, marked by buoys hung from trees, leads from Kayak Bill’s Camp I to a series of small fresh-water wells in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666900988067-L792G96DI4MTRXUA9J5G/14+Kayak+Bill+Camp+II.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill Camp II, Weeteeam Bay. This camp is smaller and more overgrown than Camp I or Camp III, and sited on a much less accessible beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666901166932-OVX7J0IRVFGWP6MHOMUS/15+Windscreen+Kayak+Bill+Camp+II.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Remnants of windscreen, Camp II. Whenever he arrived at a camp, Bill could just throw a tarp or mosquito net, as needed, over the existing infrastructure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666901738080-4GATGP1U891TUP3RTO8T/16+Windscreen+Kayak+Bill+Camp+III.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Windscreen, Kayak Bill Camp III, Weeteeam Bay. Camp III is the most intact of Bill’s camps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666901857291-GB4RKOTTP0I3OE1EFRQL/17+Stakes+Kayak+Bill+Camp+III.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Stakes, Camp III. Kayak Bill drove stakes into the ground to support additional windscreens within the camp, as well as benches and other furniture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666902104092-0LA6N464D1UFNM0W6OHU/18.+Firewood+Kayak+Bill+Camp+III.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Firewood shelter, Camp III. The shelter, wood, and extra saw blades are all original Kayak Bill artifacts. The fishhooks and ziplock bag containing a novel are probably deposits from later visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666904714983-QRVTZ7CE283HI6AAFDM2/19+Harvey+Island+from+Beauchemin+Channel.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Harvey and Sinnett Islands at three miles’ distance, seen from Beauchemin Channel. There are other, even more remote islands in Hecate Strait, but I don’t know whether Kayak Bill made use of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905016546-OTL5AK8P5ZYE6ESQNP14/20+Harvey+Island+south+entrance.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Harvey Island, south entrance to channel. Only at high tide is it possible to traverse the channel through the middle of the islands, where Kayak Bill built his home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905148093-0ZP0SP8ELREHCANKGQ46/21+Kayak+Bill+clamshells+Harvey+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Remnants of Kayak Bill’s pile of mussels and clamshells, Harvey Island. Bill ate seals, deer, ducks and grouse, and fish, but his main source of meat was shellfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905294390-AVLAD6NIZ43H2JE2T29O/22+Ruins+of+Kayak+Bill+hearth+Harvey+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Ruins of Kayak Bill’s hearth, Harvey Island. If not for having seen the intact fireplaces in Weeteeam Bay, I would not have recognized this as a Kayak Bill artifact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905402596-JAZH6MKKJ17VBFARAOQ1/23+Kayak+Bill+ropes+Harvey+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill’s tarp and windscreen ropes, Harvey Island. The goons didn’t have the guts to climb the spruces and cut down the ropes Kayak Bill had hung. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905654443-5E5I1RSBU3C4B1TA37O6/24+Memorial+to+Kayak+Bill.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Amid the ruins of his hearth, tobacco and whiskey for Kayak Bill. Sorry I missed you, buddy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666905975101-58L9YZDVWDCKXA5ZXE8U/25+Sunset+Harvey+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Sunset, Harvey and Sinnett Islands. At low tide, the islands are defended by a drying reef hundreds of yards wide, but it wasn’t enough to keep out the intruders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666906556680-VIB5DQQLCGAU3IO78X6S/26+Goo+Ewe+salmon+stream.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Goo-Ewe salmon stream, Higgins Passage. Spawning salmon crowded the stream so thickly the entire surface of the water rippled and the air reeked of fish, attracting flocks of ravens, crows, and eagles. Here my GPS died for no apparent reason, throwing me back to the good ol’ map and compass for the next nine days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666906856288-8YPIQBQ6ZQ8UM3KBXDU9/27+Kayak+at+Cape+Mark.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak at Cape Mark, off Athlone Island. South of here, I hewed to the outer coast and camped on nothing but sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666907112992-OTKMPI3ONI4QXTKIDG34/28+Sunrise+Athlone+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Sunrise, west coast of Athlone Island. The weather remained benign until the last four days of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666907623605-KKFECQ9NXQBLXFPOCL8V/30+Black-legged+kittiwake+Beauchemin+Channel.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Black-legged kittiwake, Beauchemin Channel. This handsome species was present in low numbers throughout the central coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/85139797-2f3a-4cfa-9abb-348501a670a9/31+Short-tailed+shearwaters+Laredo+Sound.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Short-tailed shearwaters, Laredo Sound. The twin nostrils of the birds’ “tubenose” are visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666908783125-4PBMV5CY72M7O8T28LEM/33+Sea+otter+Milbanke+Sound.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Milbanke Sound. In 2022, the sea otters were much more numerous and widespread than the previous time I kayaked through here in 2011. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666915985080-8USV2GLA64VF345K3E5B/33+Raft+of+sea+otters+Grief+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Raft of sea otters, Grief Bay. On a day of high swell, the sea otters seemed to be as grateful for the shelter of Grief Bay as I was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666907344396-MJ3FCW1G91GKJMFNJQVO/29+Kayaking+Milbanke+Sound.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Queens Sound. Here I encountered my first humpback whales of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666908391973-I1NEE7SZS92XZW6KFE3J/32+Beach+on+Snipe+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Beach on Snipe Island. The Goose Islands are justly famous for their beautiful sandy beaches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666926432092-KYCAU7Y3DMW6YKJ3C0IV/34+Dunlin+at+Camp+III.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Dunlin, Camp III. It’s more common to encounter this species in flocks, but this individual was alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666914144565-5UKZDW4E71Y34LYDS4BX/35+Semipalmated+plover+Snipe+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Semipalmated plover, Snipe Island. This species is closely related to the more familiar killdeer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666914336292-VPX2VBAUXVXWGMPTQ8RV/36+Spotted+sandpiper+Indian+Cove.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Spotted sandpiper, Indian Cove. In its winter plumage, it loses the spots for which it is named. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666914478724-FCP7ODZRZXQ3ZBKR9JAT/37+Juvenile+surf+scoters+Higgins+Passage.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Surf scoters, Higgins Passage. These juvenile birds were more approachable than the wary adults. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666914823392-15M9DMUXI30PI85668TY/38+Fox+sparrow+Harvey+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Fox sparrow, Harvey Island. Much like Kayak Bill, the fox sparrow prefers to skulk in the bushes, only showing itself when it has some definite purpose in doing so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666914889371-2VYE3U75S5P02WY6XW68/39+Savannah+sparrow+Snipe+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Savannah sparrow, Snipe Island. This versatile species is as much at home on the beach as it is in grassy meadows inland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666915023066-V0ARXZEGBJR0XMQEMYZE/40+Cackling+geese+and+northern+pintails+Goose+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Cackling geese and northern pintails, Goose Island. The cackling goose was split from the Canada goose in July 2004. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666915544613-7ZTQCDS01BG5I0GV2L7B/41+Common+raven+West+Beach.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Common raven, West Beach, Calvert Island. The ravens here are unusually large and well-fed, likely thanks to the proximity of the Hakai Institute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/59ad1d92-b0b8-4e02-8c4d-07f83a0d92b1/43b+Pictograph+headdress.jpg Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Pictograph depicting human figure with headdress. In the immediate vicinity were other pictographs, faded into unrecognizable smudges of ochre. I searched for petroglyphs and other cultural relics I suspected were in the area but found none. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666928603044-9AAVWOY2V4IJBEMD7RDJ/44+Longhouse+ruins.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Longhouse ruins. A partially collapsed roof-beam, right, spans a central pit. The second roof-beam, left, is wholly collapsed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666928994228-4CZKJWEVIZ0FZXYM0TE3/45+Longhouse+central+pit.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Longhouse central pit. The terraced sides of the pit are made of cedar planks, which served as stadium-style seating inside the longhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666929130608-AX8F94E7HZLGYM33TH6B/46+Longhouse+roof+beam+and+post.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Longhouse roof beam and post. The longhouse is well along in its process of fading into the forest whence it came. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666930998029-JWYGR66U934RP6DHYNON/47+Kayak+Bill+bed+Gosling+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill’s bed, Gosling Island. Nowadays, visitors to Gosling use it as a bench to sit and get drunk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666931179338-FQCE36JVZ9GWUDQQSIME/48+Kayak+Bill+fireplace+Gosling+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayak Bill’s fireplace, Gosling Island. The thin, upright stones are diagnostic of a Kayak Bill site. Other campers build primitive rings of stones, not a proper stone oven like Bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666931425652-PMJZG85T4XZQ47FL9RRA/49+Kayak+Bill+windscreen+Grief+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Windscreen, Kayak Bill camp at Grief Bay. The windscreen here is one of the most intact I found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666931550817-88O5XV578ESAWHJYU8R2/50+Inside+Kayak+Bill+Grief+Bay+camp.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Inside Kayak Bill’s Grief Bay camp. The windscreen hides the beauty of the bay, but it was worth it to Bill to protect himself from the elements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666931687204-CNG4MSTY6I23DJ12CVK0/51+Kayak+Bill+firestand+Grief+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Firestand, fireplace, and firewood supply at Grief Bay camp. All the classic elements of a Kayak Bill site are present here, but it’s a smaller camp than most others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666934075808-SFKRQJGZEYMS7DSTZHVI/52+Kayaking+Surf+Islands.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking among the Surf Islands. These little islands shelter the longest beach on the north shore of Calvert Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666934646067-3TE126YMJBG4BHKFYX11/53+Kayaking+west+coast+of+Calvert+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking west coast of Calvert Island, Mt. Buxton and Safety Mountain against the skyline. I had hoped to transit the west coast of Calvert in a single day, but a twenty-knot headwind in the afternoon made it a two-day proposition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666934926390-5X8WYBE5PG9MDEDGPPVD/54+Calvert+Island+beach+east+of+Blackney+Island.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Calvert Island beach east of Blackney Island. A Hakai Institute staffer (the only person I spoke with during two weeks’ kayaking) told me there is a Kayak Bill site on this beach. If so, it would be an undocumented one. I searched and did not find anything. The staffer also told me of a Kayak Bill site on the northwest side of Triquet Island and hinted obliquely at a site in the Moore Islands. Those, too, would be undocumented. Given the absence of a genuine Kayak Bill site at Blackney, I discount the likelihood of genuine sites at Triquet and Moore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666935468076-VFEMPP0KFN9Y9LK6PYE8/55+Kayaking+Grief+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Grief Bay, Calvert Island. But for the fact it is so many miles from anywhere, this would rank among the premier kayaking destinations on the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666935552650-GWVTDW0ZGOQO13X6E3DL/56+Wolf+tracks+Grief+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Wolf tracks, Grief Bay, Calvert Island. Calvert Island is the stronghold of the coastal gray wolf. I was three nights on Calvert, up before dawn each morning and not in bed till after dusk, yet I never saw a wolf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666978718955-5BS3KQHDX0MA869ZEJU7/57+Surf+at+Blunden+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Landing beach at Blunden Bay. “Excuse me, I didn’t order this much surf. Can you please take it back?” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666978943763-IWKZO2QWPYB0I32IRSQ7/58+Blunden+Bay.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Blunden Bay, calmer conditions. Over the course of two days, the surf moderated until it posed no threat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666986175802-XPFQ1KGY6Y10NQRBHCAM/59+Rounding+Cape+Caution.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Rounding Cape Caution by kayak. Cape Caution has a fearsome reputation, but it is the area north of the cape that is actually more dangerous. Cape Caution itself is less challenging to paddle than the other two major capes, Cape Scott and Cape Flattery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666980310669-LABCSQ6SYUBAP95PHSMN/60+Rock+patterns+Southgate+Group.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Rock patterns, Southgate Group. Even mankind’s best pictographs pale in comparison to those nature has wrought. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1666979870463-B2RVDYN3602C7D47TXMD/61+Crossing+Gordon+Channel.JPG Klemtu–Port Hardy 9–22 Oct 2022 - Make it stand out Crossing Gordon Channel. A quartering wind between the Gordons and Port Hardy bullied me for the last few miles. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/elliott-bay-12-nov-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24436ca5-df1d-4615-8edc-1f920a2ce98a/00+Route+map.jpg Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. We launched from Cove 2 of Seacrest Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/23e0d05e-d480-46d6-beb1-c57b2fb178c8/01+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+Elliott+Bay.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking Elliott Bay. Maya brought her backpack full of stuffed dogs, just as she does on our camping trips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/42009254-b9e1-4c08-8e14-12c4be5a69be/02+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+Seattle+waterfront.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon kayaking past divers. The container cranes at the port seemed to be inactive on this Saturday afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/21bcb49e-ac58-4c61-bed4-eb108e068b9c/03+Maya+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+Seattle+waterfront.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Maya and Grandpa John kayaking across Elliott Bay. Each year, more and more skyscrapers adorn the Seattle skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/312f0d20-645d-4f15-a441-dfe05d6ff971/04+Grandpa+John+and+Olympic+Mountains.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon kayaking past Olympic Mountains. The Olympics are Washington State’s most scenic mountain range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2cc471c5-80ed-4a69-ac7f-e41e07c17490/05+Ferry+passing+kayak.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Ferry passing kayak, Elliott Bay. The ferry captains showed admirable patience with us small, slow, recreational boaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/84b6357e-9794-43cc-a445-aa4533d3645a/06+Feeding+gulls+at+Seattle+Aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Maya feeding gulls at Seattle Aquarium. Between the sea kayaks and the seagulls, we put on quite an authentic Seattle show for the tourists walking the waterfront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3be54681-cb48-42e2-87c3-3968f61e4b63/07+Maya+kayaking+under+Seattle+Aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling beneath the Seattle Aquarium. Pipes and outfalls of various, mysterious purposes channeled water hither and yon beneath the pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1a635f11-fc37-4a48-b799-8ba85440c0ad/08+Grandpa+John+paddling+under+Seattle+Aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking beneath Pier 59. Skylights and open spaces in various places contributed to the maze-like environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bf6cd7b3-5f6a-402b-a2bf-2e2bccf45b7b/09+Maya+touching+wooden+piling.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Maya touching remains of Pier 63. Though manifestly unsafe, these ancient pilings are part of Seattle’s heritage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/739ce75e-9b5b-4583-8091-dee6499c5d83/10+Barge+with+wooden+debris.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Barge loaded with debris from old pier. No doubt water and sediment quality will improve once these creosote-coated timbers are hauled away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b791c20c-73aa-47f9-aa05-2f861c0b0164/11+Maya+and+Grandpa+John+kayaking+aquarium+fish+ladder.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Nov 2022 - Make it stand out Fish ladder at Seattle Aquarium. One of my favorite things about the aquarium is the way it integrates the natural waters of Elliott Bay with the artificial waters of the tanks inside. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/ocean-shores-canals-3-dec-2022 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24aef129-fb81-42d0-aa20-129acfa8ce3a/00+route+map+labelled.jpg Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Route map. Public launch points are at the north end of the north lake (Duck Lake) and the south end of the south lake (Lake Minard). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f9e71c07-6284-414a-a91a-7f396b833496/01+Kayaking+Ocean+Shores+canals.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Ocean Shores canals. Even on a day of twenty-knot winds, the waters in the canals were protected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/603a025b-6432-4626-9f77-00283385621d/02+Street+signs+in+Ocean+Shores+canals.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Street signs in the Ocean Shores canal network. It is surprisingly easy to get turned around in this maze of twisty passages, all alike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b86fe0f1-2815-4e57-a7be-a0dec5cb934c/03+Ocean+wins+sign+Grand+Canal.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out “Ocean Wins.” An all-too-ominous sign in a town that, according to models, will be completely inundated in the event of a tsunami, with one hundred percent of homes, businesses, and government facilities expected to be destroyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/30c19c35-7464-498a-8cbe-be73728d7d2e/04+Common+goldeneye+Ocean+Shores+canals.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Common goldeneye, Ocean Shores canals. Many of the ducks were in their eclipse or basic plumages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bacaa007-4659-4df3-b52b-668abfa8be77/05+Common+mergansers+Duck+Lake.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Common mergansers, Duck Lake. This handsome species is always wary of approaching humans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/efb31b8f-bde8-4b72-8131-3cd1a5595f13/06+Mallards+Duck+Lake.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Mallards, Ocean Shores canals. Although the ducks are not hunted within Ocean Shores city limits, they were still visibly uncomfortable with my presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/386c120a-ed89-4cc3-ba0d-cd701476a17d/07+Canvasbacks+Duck+Lake.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Canvasbacks, four male and one female, Duck Lake. These diving ducks are winter residents in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8d59c7b6-f21d-4e96-b5b4-4836aebecdfc/08+Greater+scaup+Ocean+Shores+Canals.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Greater scaup, Ocean Shores canals. This female bird is in eclipse, but she can be distinguished from the lesser scaup by her more rounded head and the thicker black stripe on the tip of her bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d064af5f-710d-4af2-8c34-e8c3ff8a592e/09+Male+deer+Ocean+Shores+backyard.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Mule deer, Ocean Shores backyard. In a few more weeks, this handsome fellow will shed those magnificent antlers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/298e58e2-5fc3-4fd5-a3ae-2c4fe8ade10f/10+Kayaking+Ocean+Shores+canal.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Kayaking Ocean Shores canals. These passages must be spectacular when the alders and cottonwoods are in their autumn colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8060624a-dbfe-4a71-8e2f-f641adcdae89/11+Party+boat+Ocean+Shores+canal.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Pontoon boat, Ocean Shores canals. Some of the vessels looked homemade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e03754b2-537f-4005-9fac-fd0a35f4121a/12+Paddling+up+Ocean+Shores+canal.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out Paddling up Friendship Passage, Ocean Shores. Even the wider passages were still so narrow that I frightened most of the ducks into flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/26327a82-3dc9-4558-bfe1-75de6a946bf9/13+North+end+of+Duck+Lakes+Ocean+Shores.JPG Ocean Shores Canals 3 Dec 2022 - Make it stand out North end of Duck Lake, Ocean Shores. Almost none of these waterways are visible to the casual tourists who congregate along the beachfront boulevards. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/shi-shi-beach-28-29-jan-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1a8fda1a-77ad-4ac9-a56a-1af3482b8b67/00+Route+map.jpg Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. New in 2023, the Makah have closed off most parts of their reservation to outsiders, but the main tourist attractions remain available, including Hobuck Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8f627c53-5513-4f55-89ae-73bca8c9e744/01+Launch+at+Hobuck+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Launch at Hobuck Beach. The northern end of the beach is usually easier than the central or southern parts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0ee729fc-de61-493d-a2ca-f7fc099a6aa0/02+Paddling+south+toward+Portage+Head.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Paddling south toward Portage Head. A rip current carried me farther offshore than I intended, but the added distance helped me avoid breakers and reefs in Makah Bay, north of Portage Head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/623caade-0ee8-43b1-b0ab-0c7a0876a10f/04+Western+grebes+Makah+Bay.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Western grebes ride the swells in Makah Bay. The most abundant seabird species this trip were western grebe, Brandt’s cormorant, common loon, common merganser, surf and white-winged scoters, marbled and ancient murrelets, and western and short-billed gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f155d5b9-a250-40c6-ba51-6ae3115dcfa8/03+Rocks+off+Cape+Flattery.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Rocks offshore of Cape Flattery. When the fog lifted, I could see all the way to Cape Beale on Vancouver Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb86bda2-5946-40e0-bbd1-96b1d8d53b6c/05+Sea+otter+Makah+Bay.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Makah Bay. I encountered six of these delightful creatures over the course of two days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/21a7508e-3cba-432a-ac0c-fda1c16e1343/06+Spindrift+at+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Spindrift, Shi Shi Beach. The most sheltered landing sites are at the southern end of Shi Shi, as close as possible to Point of the Arches, or on pocket beaches at the northern end, beneath the cliffs of Portage Head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/19a28d97-2925-442f-8db3-892dd1032323/07+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Shi Shi Beach, low tide. Arctic outflow winds seldom dropped below ten knots, making for a chilly weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6e49f052-a051-4a7a-b3d7-e18555ef8fda/08+Sea+stacks+of+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Sea stacks, Shi Shi. During the lowest tides, intrepid hikers can clamber far out onto the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f0aa6d1-30e9-4520-ad1d-41066e52cc73/09+Beacombing+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Beachcombing, Shi Shi. As usual, two days wasn’t nearly enough time to explore everything I wanted to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2c0a59ef-bcb1-4730-8ece-c8d6fe19c009/10+Sea+cave+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Sea cave, Shi Shi. The grandest caves are accessible only to kayakers, and only during high tides, but even the lesser, land-accessible caves are full of mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e36b6f82-5de5-4c5f-ad46-250e3e019a5b/11+Sunset+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Sunset, Shi Shi Beach. Shi Shi and Hobuck are great places for spotting the green flash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/85320799-1093-442a-b4c8-163d3355b8c9/12+Breakers+at+sunset+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Breakers at sunset, Shi Shi Beach. The small beaches immediately south of Point of the Arches are not suitable for landing during swell, as the bays are choked with rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fa371792-e92b-46e4-b4e1-8ce4418b57b6/13+Kayaking+Portage+Head.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking off Portage Head. Fringing reefs and refracting swells make this headland a challenge to paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/12011e8b-774b-4fde-bc2e-fe82106c6591/14+White-winged+scoter+Shi+Shi+Beach.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out White-winged scoter, Makah Bay. This is one of our most handsome species of sea duck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee451d5d-e392-4059-856a-ab3cd93aba8f/15+Ancient+murrelets+Makah+Bay.JPG Shi Shi Beach 28–29 Jan 2023 - Make it stand out Ancient murrelets, Makah Bay. This species is rumored to breed in Washington, but no confirmation has ever been published. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/wingehaven-18-mar-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/33c9ca09-3c71-48d0-ba57-b15a5c4473f9/00+Route+map.jpg Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. The boat ramp adjacent to the Vashon Island ferry terminal is too small for most motorboats but perfect for kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a7f73b04-b7dc-4dac-a55b-08c09ffa3aca/01+Maya+and+Leon+kayaking+at+Vashon+Island+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya launching kayak at Vashon Island ferry terminal. The tide was so high we had to launch from the ramp itself instead of the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fce4af91-418c-4479-8128-c03191b564f8/02+Grandpa+John+kayaking+in+front+of+Vashon+Island+ferry.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking past Vashon Island ferry. This old Folbot Yukon had a slow leak that resulted in several liters of water entering Grandpa John’s kayak over the course of the afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4330114e-ccdc-447e-b47f-4013af0a90c0/Alex+Maya+and+Leon+kayaking+off+Vashon+Island.jpeg Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Alex, Maya, and Leon kayaking off Vashon Island. This Long Haul folding kayak weighs 110 pounds (50 kg) unloaded, but it sure makes for a comfortable ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1aecb25-224d-4af4-a2d1-f8ceb0f1a521/03+Horned+grebe+Fauntleroy+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Horned grebe, Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The water was so clear I could watch this grebe swimming underwater when it dived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c040837-0b1a-4faf-8b5e-7fbe3efebabf/04+Leon+ascending+stairs+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Leon ascending stairs at Wingehaven Park. At age two, Leon had no interest in being assisted up the steep, concrete stairway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5889a376-adbf-459c-a8dc-9940b7e51760/05+Maya+scooping+sand+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Maya scooping beach sand at Wingehaven Park. The kids spent hours inventing new games. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7d0eaaf8-2e97-42d7-950e-3490cc1a4d9e/06+Leon+holding+paddle+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Leon clutching paddle at Wingehaven Park. Leon followed Maya in various rock- and stick-throwing games, but he started his own game of pelting his dad with handfuls of grass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/20209bc5-6e06-4349-99e8-a3b0a2fc4d77/07+Maya+at+Wingehaven+Park.JPG Wingehaven 18 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Maya on beach at Wingehaven Park. Both kids delighted in stealing my hat whenever I lay down to close my eyes for even a minute. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/baby-island-29-mar-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8aefd894-e12c-4ea3-a876-d5d1ba22c083/00+Route+map.jpg Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. I launched from the public beach off the road-end of Wonn Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9c4f2ede-adfe-41b9-887d-812d39c21a50/01+Baby+Island+Jumbo+Mountain+Three+Fingers+Big+Bear+Mountain.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Baby Island with Cascade Mountains in the background. From left to right: Jumbo Mountain, Three Fingers, and Big Bear Mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/751f78a3-01da-4ff0-90c4-6446d712cf2c/02+Mount+Baker+over+Camano+Island.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Mount Baker peeks over the top of Camano Island. Mount Baker is the second-tallest of our state’s five active volcanoes, and one of the prettiest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc553c86-1132-47cd-a764-205a9a8d8073/03+Beach+of+Baby+Island.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out White shell beach on Baby Island. The sunlight reflecting off the shells kept me warm on an otherwise chilly March day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79dcdb14-439f-49eb-ac8f-7d94d7713b87/04+Surfbird+on+Baby+Island.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Surfbird on Baby Island. This individual has nearly completed its transition into breeding plumage and will shortly be departing for its breeding grounds in Alaska. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/53d291d2-992b-4551-bcf3-91768891ae57/05+Black+turnstone+Baby+Island.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Black turnstone, Baby Island. This species often flocks with the surfbird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f7cc90e0-d634-40a2-a7d0-273ae8ed726e/06+Alex+on+Baby+Island.JPG Baby Island 29 Mar 2023 - Make it stand out Alex on Baby Island. The flat top of the bluff is mostly overgrown, but there are a few tent-sized patches of grass. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-sound-5-apr-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ce9492bc-33e3-4fd7-a4fe-5330a53dd5fb/00+Route+map.jpg Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. The previous Saturday, a friend and I had attempted a route northward from Mukilteo, but we were turned back by choppy seas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4136a361-3ab7-40c4-a6ff-99a1b37d9dbb/01+Launch+at+Everett+Marina.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Launch at Everett Marina. This boat ramp can be a bit of a “chit show” during summer, but in the middle of the week in April, there were only a handful of powerboaters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7b1a2bcd-a72d-4cde-be45-04ac82c1ef48/02+Double-crested+cormorant+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant, Jetty Island. This species was by far the most numerous of the cormorants today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22b08afc-8082-447a-b3ef-efbf46963623/03+Canada+goose+Jetty+island.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out “Slow down!” this mother Canada goose warns passing boaters. Canada geese and ospreys nest on the pilings east of Jetty Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/85a3bc1a-709e-4619-98a6-4f48c4aa6df7/04+Black-bellied+plover+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Black-bellied plover, Jetty Island. I checked carefully for golden-plovers, but the only species I saw today was the black-bellied. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8943e9fe-9599-40c9-97ad-f1c7e8c4fa84/05+Kayaking+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking Possession Sound. From left to right: Whidbey Island, Hat Island, Camano Island, and the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/872b01d0-415f-408f-8a4b-a368d485e755/06+Harbor+seal+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Possession Sound. Harbor seals like to sneak up behind kayakers, but I was actually paddling backwards to maintain my position against the current while I waited for the gray whale, so I caught this fellow by surprise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4f653e8c-6874-4b4c-a02a-5839f2205781/07+Gray+whale+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Gray whale, Possession Sound. It is rare for a gray whale to be so difficult to approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/642a7a0f-2b3c-4837-84c4-18442553a450/08+Sunken+barges+Snohomish+River.JPG Possession Sound 5 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Sunken barges, Snohomish River delta. In the 1940s, obsolete wooden barges were sunk to form a breakwater. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/bush-point-19-apr-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5a15562a-69b9-401d-85da-aba78e876c86/00+Route+map.jpg Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. The lighthouse at Bush Point is private property, but there is a public boat ramp on the north side of the point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c38d997-a6c1-4975-9773-47a057fbf71b/01+Choppy+conditions+in+Possession+Sound.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Choppy morning conditions in Possession Sound. If you can’t see the horizon, you can’t see the whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c9d6a5a8-17fa-4060-b909-44aeb4765e66/02+Calm+conditions+off+Bush+Point.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Calm evening conditions in Admiralty Inlet. Across the water are the Quimper Peninsula (left) and Marrowstone Island (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cfe059d0-47d2-4ce9-8660-0f4f2dac7952/03+Distant+orcas+in+Admiralty+Strait.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Killer whales across Admiralty Inlet. Most of today’s pod consisted of females and young whales, with only a handful of adult males. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7687bba3-ed4b-4775-82f6-922895a35034/04+Orca+spout+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Killer whale spouting in Admiralty Inlet. The spouts were visible at about two miles’ distance and audible at about half a mile’s distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4291038b-9cfe-426a-aca7-de1a48132dcf/05a+Orca+passing+in+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Killer whale passing in Admiralty Inlet. The whales were in a hurry and did not remain on the surface more than a couple seconds during each breath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0f8456f9-a063-4d23-a9fa-7ad8cd3f17a9/06+Orca+fin+off+Whidbey+Island.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Dorsal fin of departing killer whale off Whidbey Island. According to shore-based observers, the J-pod orcas exited Puget Sound late in the evening and did not return. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4f88ac08-a2fb-4c42-861f-3fbd1c9e7da2/07+Kayaking+under+old+dock+at+Bush+Point.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking under derelict dock, Bush Point. The beach north of here is one of the few public access points on western Whidbey Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5c67de18-f820-43fd-b266-45e5b1ea540c/08+Kayak+on+beach+at+Bush+Point.JPG Bush Point 19 Apr 2023 - Make it stand out Sunset at Bush Point boat ramp. As is usually the case during springtime trips on challenging waters, I was the only kayaker out today. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sand-island-7-may-2023 daily 0.75 2024-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2214bedb-6788-434d-9b71-cb8392133285/00+Route+map.jpg Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. I originally planned to paddle out on the midnight high tide and stage on Sand Island overnight, but the wind was so strong I lost my nerve and decided to do it on the afternoon tide as a day trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/31e10ea7-5d6f-4dac-8bd4-52b474c29835/01+Shorebird+festival+sign.jpg Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Shorebird festival! This is going to be great! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4a70eb46-c230-4049-bfda-b20a872733c8/02+Fanboat+launch+Quinault+Marina.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Fanboat launch, Quinault Marina. The shallow draft allows the researchers to move about the bay even during lower tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f8941ed8-4eef-4fe7-9e22-2eef8d5e8b62/03+Paddling+to+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Paddling to Sand Island, Grays Harbor. Even in the sheltered bay behind Damon Point, I faced currents up to two knots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94990acf-4a0f-4197-8040-9a17e550d5a9/04+Harbor+seals+off+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seals off Sand Island. The seals were hauled out on a sandbar that reached almost but not quite to the water’s surface, creating the illusion that the seals were sleeping in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/357d70d5-ac58-4a9e-9a81-35ac65c20496/05+View+of+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out View of Sand Island. Much of the island is awash during the highest tides, but there are a few grassy areas that remain above water, except during winter storms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a9d17600-896e-4d60-83fc-4acb35a990e2/06+Western+gull+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Western gull, Sand Island. I suspect western gulls nest on the island, but they do not start their clutches until early June, so I was not at risk of disturbing them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24009a82-f93f-4c85-9536-5cffd560be81/07+Ring-billed+gulls+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Ring-billed gulls, Sand Island. This is one of our most graceful species of gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ef785b66-cc19-4eae-b4ce-b4d1285996b9/08+Alex+birding+on+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Alex birding on Sand Island. I had originally planned to use a tent for a blind, but the birds didn’t mind my sitting out in the open, so long as I didn’t stand up too abruptly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b1c7ec6e-9548-44fc-bf4a-b3a83e1010cf/09+Dunlin+and+western+sandpipers+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Dunlin and western sandpipers, Sand Island. Dunlin with the black bellies, westerns with the white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f9a08911-a440-43b0-a5e7-a5f45193c991/10+Western+sandpipers+and+Dunlin+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Western sandpipers and dunlin, Sand Island. The westerns can run so fast their legs become a blur of motion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/48d179c3-7234-45f1-ac5e-0791d55b1363/11+Greater+yellowlegs+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Greater yellowlegs, Sand Island. This individual is probably a migrant, but some few yellowlegs do remain in Washington year-round. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/12712bd7-d795-4861-a3cc-418dc206efe4/12+Semipalmated+plover+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Semipalmated plover, Sand Island. This is one of the least shy, most approachable shorebird species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ae6e2c25-639d-4bf8-9ea3-832dd0610546/13+Flock+in+flight.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Shorebird flock in flight. Several distinct flocks were present on Sand Island, each several thousand birds strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/947af6ab-fe82-4fd1-893a-652059dca544/14+Marbled+godwit+and+whimbrel+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Marbled godwit and whimbrel, Sand Island. Godwit with the upturned bill, whimbrel with the downcurved bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22e7aac3-fea0-4770-884d-83d2d3edd87b/15+Short-billed+dowitcher+and+black-bellied+plover+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Short-billed dowitcher and black-bellied plover, Sand Island. Only a few dozen dowitchers were present today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a1ddf54d-bc18-429e-ab9f-9385bde8ae0f/16+Ruddy+turnstone+and+black-bellied+plover+and+dunlin+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Ruddy turnstone, black-belled plover, and dunlin, Sand Island. The black mask of the turnstone is one of the handsomest shorebird plumages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e9c404ca-dba2-47e2-abdc-a65cc795197d/17+Red+knots+and+dunlin+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Red knots and dunlin, Sand Island. Some eighty or so red knots were on the island today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c11ff839-c11c-4dc8-a804-c97cbd4f4ed5/18+red+knots+and+dunlin+in+flight.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Red knots, dunlin, and western sandpipers in flight. The different species welcome one another’s company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0be138da-f104-46f9-b45d-ec6245dd59ab/19+Fanboat+hazing+shorebirds+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Fanboat hazing shorebirds, Sand Island. Facing two fanboats and half a dozen chasers on shore, the birds didn’t stand a chance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/20e7e76f-b32e-4b25-8ff4-d54c99b4006d/20+Fanboat+hazing+shorebirds+Sand+Island.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Fanboat pursues dunlin. Thanks to the boats’ shallow draft, the shorebirds had nowhere to hide. “Science, bitch!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/37471da0-35d4-460b-9299-90dc9e744bdc/21+Fanboat+and+hazer+ashore+coordinate+to+haze+shorebirds.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out A fanboat coordinates pursuit with a hazer on shore. Seeing something like this, you wish the net-cannons would shoot them instead of the birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1956aa2-1fd1-483e-b818-f18a42b574fe/22+Paddling+westbound+to+Quinault+Marina.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Paddling toward Damon Point, Grays Harbor. The interplay of swells and currents makes Grays Harbor a challenging place to kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2b4e5b97-ae70-403f-a5bf-4fd6d4007f60/23+Gray+whale+fluke+Grays+Harbor.JPG Sand Island 7 May 2023 - Make it stand out Gray whale fluke, Grays Harbor. The muddy bottom makes a perfect foraging ground for gray whales. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-point-20-21-may-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e13a4d44-e92e-4f06-a35a-63cb588391bf/00+Route+map.jpg Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. An adverse ebb on the outbound leg made for a two-hour crossing, while a favorable ebb on the return leg made for a fifty-minute crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ffb6d6fc-bbc9-4f02-b333-8ff0b8cdd574/01+Launch+beach+at+Picnic+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Launch beach at Picnic Point. The trains rushing beneath the overpass were a great source of delight to Leon, who, at age three, was in the middle of a vehicles-and-machines phase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f41657b7-9c55-4830-87ca-f1453956040b/02+Possession+Point+seen+from+water.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out South Whidbey Island, seen from mainland. A fog bank threatened to envelop the island, but in the end, Saturday remained sunny all day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1dfb2296-69a2-4eb1-a83e-05352279c24c/03+Leon+and+Maya+asleep+in+kayak.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya asleep in kayak. During the crossing, we saw three of the Big Four alcid species: pigeon guillemot, marbled murrelet, and rhinoceros auklet, missing only the common murre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3078fd0d-f885-4caa-954a-5273b17e571d/04+Maya+and+stuffed+animals+at+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and her stuffed dog pack at Possession Point. The dogs have come with us on every kayak-camping trip since Maya’s second one in 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/47cba88e-dfe2-4e68-bb3e-814ab3b8f1fe/05+Leon+at+Possession+Point+campsite.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Leon in the lawn at Possession Point. Both kids gathered vast quantities of sticks, leaves, and clamshells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/564cdcca-f454-4942-b807-53d05bab4b56/07+Maya+using+hat+as+megaphone.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Maya using her sun hat as a megaphone. The kids often wandered far out of sight, only to return on the run to tell me of their latest adventures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/54c1880d-2bf4-449e-9c4e-17725a0b3231/06+Leon+in+Possession+Point+forest.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Leon wearing Alex’s hat in the forest at Possession Point. The hike from the beach to the parking lot is short but steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52bce2cb-3e45-4806-9c8d-296df456e78f/08+Boots+outside+tent.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Large, medium, and small boots outside our tent. We slept without a rainfly and did not receive any condensation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/19a54bc8-4ccc-4e52-94c2-3631f5cc0859/09+Ochre+cave+at+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon inside an ochre cave. The soil is so loose that pebbles embedded in the walls can be plucked by hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa2b52d2-c4a9-47e7-ba2c-ae69832f02a5/10+Ochre+rocks+at+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Ochre-stained pebbles embedded in cave wall. Hematite in the soil has colored these pebbles a reddish color that can persist for centuries, even in the face of exposure to the elements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/020faf28-c89f-4be9-be1e-1daa00843a24/11+Cascade+Mountains+and+train+seen+from+Whidbey+Island.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out BNSF Railway train and Cascade Mountains. Even from a distance of three miles (5 km), the trains’ wheels and whistles sounded loud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/90769df3-fdcb-4ab9-958f-144d2d2aee39/12+Maya+and+Leon+in+tent+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon in tent. We left the rainfly off so we could see stars, but we all fell asleep long before darkness fell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e6df7b19-8857-4833-bc2f-c90d5afac52e/13+Leon+in+tent+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Leon in tent, Possession Point. Behind him is the window through which the song sparrow tried unsuccessfully to escape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/efbd5a84-346e-4f3e-b2c3-27e881f64ce8/14+Maya+in+tent+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Maya in tent, Possession Sound. The kids use our family’s adult-sized sleeping bags, so Maya had enough room in her sleeping bag to stash her entire dog pack, plus a toy kayak, plus a bunch of other stuffed animals, plus some unicorn-mermaid animals called mermicornos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/176f6bcd-92bf-4863-8887-92d4d331c5f5/15+Douglas+squirrel+Possession+Point.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Douglas squirrel on picnic bench, Possession Point. This handsome species of tree squirrel is usually shy of humans, but this individual was not intimidated in the least. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/efad19a3-1862-4560-8763-70c6f8804dfe/16+Leon+and+Maya+help+paddle+kayak.JPG Possession Point 20–21 May 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya help paddle the kayak back to Picnic Point. Sunday dawned cloudy and even a little drizzly, a welcome change from the heat of Saturday. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/kyuquot-sound-29-may-5-june-2023 daily 0.75 2026-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/341ccc0c-17aa-410a-8f01-1db619118966/00+Route+map+labelled.jpg Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. The longest day was from Big Bunsby to the Crabapple Islets by way of Solander Island, some 30 miles (48 km) one way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e283de81-9afa-4236-ae09-d9256eb0fcf9/01+Kayaking+out+of+Kyuquot+Sound.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Paddling out of Kyuquot Sound. I did not time my movements with the tides, so currents sometimes ran against me at moderate speeds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/14811212-389b-4d43-a59b-2e7584670459/02+Kayak+on+beach+Rugged+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayak on beach at Rugged Point. I landed through two-foot surf in fine style, but launching the next morning, a three-foot wave swept away my binoculars, camera, and hat, only the latter two of which I was able to recover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4ff11c82-e431-4a6a-ab36-3ad08298610b/03+Banded+sands+at+Rugged+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Banded sands at Rugged Point. In his guidebook and in magazine articles, author John Kimantas calls this the best beach in British Columbia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7566779-e813-475f-bd3c-98e42e855abf/04+Turquoise+waters+at+Rugged+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Turquoise waters at Rugged Point. Not in many parts of the world can you enjoy such a long, spectacular beach all to yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cf182456-9842-48bd-ac88-ac92c1228d0c/05+Sea+stars+at+Rugged+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Sea stars at Rugged Point. Intertidal life was particularly rich at Rugged Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e656ba26-0f87-45ee-9e38-682bd0b5686b/06+Kayaking+to+Grassy+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking to Grassy Island. Supposedly, there is a small tufted puffin colony on nearby Clark Island, but I did not find any puffins here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bec72658-f52c-4f36-9ea7-e580ab143333/07+View+of+Kyuquot+Sound+from+Grassy+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out View of Kyuquot Sound from Grassy Island. The dense mazes of islands make for excellent kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b4811b35-8a35-4ea0-8454-88b969a4b8d5/08+Stonecrop+on+Grassy+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Oregon stonecrop, Grassy Island. With the exception of inhabited environments such as Fair Harbour, most if not all of the vegetation throughout the Kyuquot Sound area is native. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d07d6b95-cf57-4165-bf59-af8d91a99583/09+Sea+arch+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Sea arch, Spring Island. At low tide, I was not able to paddle through this arch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e50524ab-00e7-42b1-b59f-6f8194234ca5/10+Kayaking+to+Thornton+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking to Thornton Island. The Leach’s storm-petrel nests here, but I did not see any this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52e996ff-58b9-4586-a051-438406227b22/11+Gray+wolf+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Gray wolf, Spring Island. The wolves here sometimes approach campers quite closely, but this wolf was leery of me even though I was offshore in a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8b3ae69e-5643-4833-8176-381acd13a120/12+Sea+otter+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Bunsby Islands. The otters here were notably less shy than those I have encountered in other parts of BC or Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9cab275b-1185-4d81-8e54-b4e8f44c5b81/13+Sea+otter+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Bunsby Islands. It is rare for sea otters to lift their tails out of the water. Usually, only river otters display their tails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/93b680b0-8ea7-4adf-80b2-f0e18a0da56c/14+Sea+otters+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Sea otters, Bunsby Islands. The largest rafts I encountered numbered some sixty individuals, but there were many smaller rafts throughout the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cd9a3e53-d23d-44ed-a2a2-478e741992bd/15+Steller+sea+lions+Solander+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Steller sea lions on rocks off Solander Island. For haul-out purposes, the sea lions preferred the offshore rocks to Solander itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d4f1c8f7-d981-49ee-9c8a-7d9d45b93ee8/16+Eurasian+collared+dove+Fair+Harbour.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Eurasian collared dove, Fair Harbour. This introduced species has spread throughout North America in recent decades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/200672c2-52db-44a1-b592-1650445d3706/17+Common+loons+Kyuquot+Sound.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Common loons, Kyuquot Sound. Breeding plumage on the left, winter plumage on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/623d5400-cbfb-4fa8-acce-ce6b909c09d2/18+Rhinoceros+auklet+Checleset+Bay.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Checleset Bay. This species was the most numerous alcid of the trip, the others being the pigeon guillemot, common murre, marbled murrelet, Cassin’s auklet, tufted puffin, and horned puffin, for a total of seven alcid species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94cb47d0-9eed-4857-9cec-b1ce5ed299d1/19+Tufted+puffin+Clerke+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Tufted puffin, Clerke Point. The puffins I saw were all within seven miles (11 km) of Solander Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e09e3373-62a3-4d5d-8850-40a2bcf11723/20+Marbled+murrelets+Checleset+Bay.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets, Checleset Bay. This is one of the most challenging species of alcid to photograph on the water, as it does not like kayaks to approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4b1351b8-d447-4b01-af2e-731c13f86e35/21+Semipalmated+plover+Crabapple+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Semipalmated plover, Crabapple Islands. I always think of this species as a “miniature killdeer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e8c90a37-7f9f-4f10-a862-4d50945c5903/22+Whimbrel+Crabapple+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Whimbrel, Crabapple Islands. This individual paced up and down the beach for hours, all alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8ff26f0b-8cf6-43fa-9316-74816396b23c/23+Orange-crowned+warbler+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Orange-crowned warbler, Spring Island. Wilson’s and yellow warblers were also present in fair numbers, but no other warbler species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e20f72d-2358-4250-bfb1-fb9f46b0c5b8/30+Kayaking+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking Bunsby Islands. This small, dense water maze is one of the most attractive on the coast, and totally sheltered from wind and swells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1f5db59b-c689-4f12-a333-2bb5ade8a224/31+Narrow+passage+in+Bunsby+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Narrow passage, Bunsby Islands. At low tide, I often had to go around island clusters rather than cut through the middle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cfb1717f-fbf5-4abe-87ee-c80528917873/32+View+of+Solander+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out View of Solander Island. 3,000 pairs of tufted puffins; 2,000 pairs of Leach’s storm-petrels; 100,000 pairs of Cassin’s auklets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4a47646c-0469-4b72-a662-2f3fe6eec703/33+Beach+at+Crabapple+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Beach at Crabapple Islands. You do not camp on the islands themselves, you camp on one of the five or six beaches adjacent to the islands, selecting the particular beach on the basis of wind and wave conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3b864f30-9b39-4060-a786-410395975630/34+Campsite+at+Crabapple+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Campsite at Crabapple Islands. A low-pressure system brought strong winds and a little drizzle, leading me to stay an extra night at this beautiful spot before rounding the Brooks a second time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bdb10388-db5e-4633-91f6-c855025b5799/35+Alex+at+Crabapple+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Alex at Crabapple Islands. I was careful to select a beach that afforded protection from southeast winds. Not all of them do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa47c41b-0560-4e79-8e21-87111226ef65/36+Ceramic+flask+jetsam.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Ceramic flask jetsam, Crabapple Islands. The lid of this flask was covered in barnacles of a species I did not recognize. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9e88c0ba-9d16-479b-b4bc-80b8668b79e5/37+Bear+prints+south+of+Jackobson+Point.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Bear prints west of Jackobson Point. This was the only beach where bear prints outnumbered wolf prints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9af1a001-4a1f-4a89-8567-3e7f331f8754/38+Geoduck+shell+Spring+Island.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Pacific geoduck shell, Spring Island. This is the largest species of burrowing clam in the world. An individual’s lifespan can exceed 170 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/823fd731-7af4-48a2-bcdf-feb45e6a4111/39+Kayaking+southeast+face+of+Brooks+Peninsula.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking along southeast face of the Brooks Peninsula. Cumulus clouds herald the departure of low pressure and the arrival of high pressure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/61813b5f-8271-4e27-85fe-515f7506052e/40+Foamy+water+between+Barrier+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Foamy waters near the Barrier Islands. Sea foam far from shore is a sign of nearby boomers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7de250e2-5eb9-4efb-b670-d0597fc51112/41+View+of+Mission+Islands.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out View of the Mission Islands from south end of Spring Island. This is some of the most ideal kayaking country on the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d81ca68a-cee5-4233-a4b0-0cba6eeda187/42+West+entrance+to+Kyuquot+Sound.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out West entrance to Kyuquot Sound. From the outside, it’s hard to discern that a large, sheltered sound lies just beyond the first line of trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cd681d43-a5ee-4df4-82f6-bda8e5ec52a6/43+Kayaking+up+Kyuquout+Sound.JPG Kyuquot Sound 29 May–5 June 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking up Kyuquot Sound. I had hoped the northwest gale over the outer waters would create a tailwind on the inside waters, but no such phenomenon occurred. https://alexsidles.com/categories/camping-with-kids daily 0.75 2025-08-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8ea7c61c-80a2-4890-90dc-61eeeba7fcc5/Leon+sneaking+up+on+Grandpa+John+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4960bc8c-29a7-406d-a83a-9860ec102172/Rachel+and+Alex+kayaking+Skagit+River+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/36d1401b-2616-494a-ae3b-10cd20a8e05c/eggs+of+black+oystercatcher+Strawberry+Island+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79ef5f50-f71c-4129-917c-1de7594c7c0f/Maya+in+camp+cover+photo.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0d909987-3500-401a-9f46-54e79ede3326/Fawn+and+doe+eating+apple+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b81d5305-af6d-412d-994e-ffeff7dbdb82/Leon+and+the+spooky+hands+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0a8f4c8a-d608-4150-9b49-68df64553356/Rachel+and+Leon+cover+close.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a8666442-7cd2-44e5-9dca-d63156d2ea8f/Posey+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2a2eeec9-3428-49c5-a5dc-48a665e5be50/Rachel+and+kids+Turn+Island.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0c797345-1249-40ee-9cab-423b90fa7f2d/Maya+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b612e8ba-b546-4663-8d6d-044da60b1c27/Blind+Island+chess+tournament+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e3d4cf7a-a001-41d9-8eb9-351267af4d3c/Alex+Maya+and+Leon+together+on+Hope+Island+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2b053500-ab93-46c9-845c-81057abc2622/Skagit+River+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/afe869d0-bbdc-4fce-90e6-500b28e6e46b/Leon+and+Maya+in+kayak+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/00756022-7b45-45eb-ab1c-33fb32a3a526/Boots+cover+image.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e64b8821-7e6b-4b8d-bda3-f3dd898cf6a1/Cypress+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ecea8315-1fe1-4fdc-b499-81eac005c1b7/Family+on+Anderson+Island.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5761095a-2493-4052-9381-94b719de73e6/Leon+kayaking+Blake+Island.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1660197220504-UAS5BQ84TIV7G2RJ3ICR/Maya+James+Island.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/940e01e8-8c59-402e-909b-968761c04a93/Sucia+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ad48aef7-289a-402f-8617-6eeb37f44d42/Leon+and+Maya+exploring+Jones+Island.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2ba12a64-7b06-4080-9482-f06e8d987af4/Leon+and+Maya+roughhouse.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4eb8d6b0-3a64-46b8-a8d3-70e672efc21e/Alex+Maya+and+Grandpa+John+loading+for+Kinney+Point.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f796059b-6e5d-439a-b53a-0bf89661c370/Cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b81e09c3-cf92-4ed3-b3d0-70bfe10a3cd9/Sucia+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/85e090d2-0d22-48eb-9231-8a1466336e76/James+Chelsea+and+Mt+Rainier+cover.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ba687da9-c4d2-44ed-b69f-957a3b441e6e/cover+pic.JPG Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3054d4af-cc61-409f-a19b-2602fdd67889/Chelsea+and+Maya+eating+sandwiches+in+tent+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/73837a12-31ef-4d3c-b953-0e5877004f8f/Rope+swing+on+Saddlebag+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/92b71c26-8613-4c14-8101-176855740520/James+and+Chelsea+exploring+Hope+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1ddf6178-f675-4ace-8aa0-6126892f4dde/Loading+up+kayak+Blake+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/92cea9da-9269-4487-a3c6-5ec7374d0b86/Hiking+in+lagoon+estuiary+Carlson+Bay+Anderson+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5b07b7fb-49fb-4501-8f4b-6358efbed828/Alex+and+Maya+in+tent+on+Sucia+Island+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5401ac87-8abb-417c-8d05-866096eb180d/Maya+on+beach+cover.jpg Camping with kids - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2ef7fcd1-a88d-42f0-9026-35f5e63e4e4a/Maya+in+tent+cover.jpg Camping with kids https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/middle-point-17-18-june-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2a67cea7-a2d8-4538-89e5-63d402732269/00+Route+map.jpg Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. There are signs at Pomeroy Park that say no overnight parking, but there is an electronic kiosk that sells overnight parking passes for $10 a night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/baf0e28b-2d96-4080-ba5d-8ad7ba9eb4ad/01+Leon+at+Pomeroy+Park+boat+ramp.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon at launch beach, Pomeroy Park. Even in late June, we had to dress warmly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4e35810c-4c8e-468a-916f-f8d38a8a4d01/02+Alex+Maya+and+Leon+paddling+past+Orchard+Point.jpg Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Alex, Maya, and Leon paddling past Orchard Point. Grandpa John’s enormous Long Haul folding kayak easily accommodated all three of us plus food, water, clothes, and camping equipment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/159a531c-eb44-4578-928e-f53f3f38bfd6/03+James+and+Chelsea+paddling+Puget+Sound.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea paddling on Puget Sound. In the background, the Seattle skyline looms out of the mist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/032c3881-c9b2-4573-bb6a-78172a08e8b7/04+Leon+and+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon nad Maya in kayak. Usually, the kids fall asleep in the boat, but today they stayed awake to make mischief. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/618f3180-f134-454f-bf01-eb9cb1bc6f18/04a+Chelsea+in+kayak.jpg Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Chelsea in kayak. At age nine, Chelsea is almost ready for her own boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fea16cb0-35e5-4319-96db-918dfb4f56eb/05+Pigeon+guillemot+in+pipe+at+Orchard+Point.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemot inside fender, Manchester Fuel Department. I can’t imagine they would nest here, but they did seem to enjoy roosting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4ebd6976-f82c-4c9c-8953-ba25a281e900/06+Climbing+the+mines+outside+the+mine+storage+building.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Climbing the mines at Middle Point. The brick building is the old torpedo storehouse, “torpedo” being the nineteenth-century name for any underwater explosive device, including tethered mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3e824bff-f49a-48b0-b847-3b2ab80e79b1/07+Maya+on+a+mine.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya clambering up a mine. Maya, age six, was careful to ask whether the mines could still explode before she jumped on them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/07690d4b-1421-4d38-b1b2-d80d95a9154e/08+Chelsea+climbing+onto+road.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Chelsea clambering onto road. The old road between the mine casement and the quick-firing gun battery is starting to wash away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0797404f-3459-4c22-8595-7f40042a51e6/09+James+and+Chelsea+on+Battery+Mitchell.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out James and Chelsea atop Battery Mitchell, Middle Point. Battery Mitchell was intended to house a pair of three-inch, quick-firing guns, but the guns were never actually emplaced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/299af443-7b32-4dc0-874f-c8fb2e681d53/10+Maya+in+Battery+Mitchell.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya exploring Battery Mitchell. The fort consists of two stories below grade, plus the “roof” of the fort at grade, so it is a maze of stairways and passages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52c72c58-5bc9-4902-8fc1-1b04d29bc21f/11+Exploring+Battery+Mitchell.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya descending to a magazine. Ammunition for the guns was stored in chambers beneath the guns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/848943f7-bf0c-4267-8b67-7f7abe788457/12a+Leon+in+Battery+Mitchell.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon exploring Battery Mitchell. Leon chased after the older girls as best he could. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2bd61668-2d10-4dcb-8295-0ccff0752c2c/13+Maya+dancing+in+Battery+Mitchell.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya dancing on Battery Mitchell. The fort is in amazingly good condition considering its age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/86ff1161-6ace-4512-b7e3-0d7e7b32f366/14+Eastern+cottontail+Middle+Point.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Eastern cottontail, Middle Point. Most of the rabbits, including this individual, appeared to be immature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4a46628a-aab4-409d-8337-e2442b988684/15+Townsends+chipmunk+MIddle+Point.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Townsend’s chipmunk, Middle Point. Chipmunk species can be difficult to distinguish in the field, but the Townsend’s is the only species in Puget Sound, so identification here is easy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a7145742-23f2-4d63-8a5f-f54f9fcae1fa/16+Maya+and+Leon+looking+at+Townsends+chipmunk.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon watching Townsend’s chipmunk. We were close enough to see it stuffing individual pieces of grass into its mouth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5246119a-cf4b-471b-a004-65d0a4d95e9f/17+Maya+in+mine+casement.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya in mine casement with frisbee. The kids clambered in and out of the windows of the mine casement, taunting me to follow them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0992d2ae-7aba-4c78-9397-2997edecc921/18+Leon+in+tent.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon preparing for bed in the tent. Our giant, six-person tent barely fit in the kayak-campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6ecac635-3dbb-4bd5-a349-e8c60ad3f5dc/19+Leon+and+Maya+asleep+in+kayak.JPG Middle Point 17–18 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya asleep in kayak. Leon, a true rain baby, did not even notice the drizzle falling on his face. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/skagit-river-22-25-june-2023 daily 0.75 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/47dc50ee-ac32-49d3-913a-86a8f927e1f7/00+Route+map.jpg Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Forty-three miles (69 km) in four days, a new speed record for the Skagit River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c8f7c328-9f4c-4374-b949-1b506d04a25f/01+Family+launching+kayaks+at+Rockport.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Family launching kayaks at Rockport. This was Maya and Leon’s first time on a river trip, and Rachel’s first time since a long-ago trip down the lower Columbia River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/07d4f0d0-77a1-476b-9e84-665566c11987/02+Maya+waving+in+kayak+on+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya kayaking Skagit River. One of the advantages of large, open-cockpit folders is that there’s plenty of room in the boat for kids to play with their toys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0c2f133d-4120-4241-b1e5-09a755fc341b/03+Rachel+and+Leon+kayaking+on+riffle+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and Leon kayaking Skagit River. Whenever we hit bumps in the water, Leon would repeat, “Too scary! Too scary!” but he also said he loved to go fast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fd206010-2efc-41ac-b449-2323f061c083/04+Skagit+River+scenery.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Skagit Valley scenery. In the afternoons, a brisk anabatic wind would blow upstream, slowing our progress but alleviating the summer heat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0b65cae4-9246-431e-a37f-d8a82a5e49a7/05+Rachel+kayaking+Skagit+River+beneath+Mount+Baker.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel kayaking beneath Mount Baker. The volcano’s last explosive eruption occurred in 1843, but it is still active and will one day erupt again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a8755b9e-8066-4907-8d22-e24bb1fdcda2/06+Leon+and+Rachel+loading+kayak.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Rachel loading kayak outside Van Halen. The ownership of riverside sandbars can sometimes be ambiguous, but in general, they are owned by the state and managed by DNR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b9d4f706-8d95-4102-ad78-6cb1a2c9647e/07+Maya+loading+kayak.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya loading kayak outside Van Halen. Maya always rode in the large green boat, Leon in the smaller black boat, and Rachel and I took turns paddling each boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/23a80530-4a10-4bb8-859b-0dc51b0f6ebd/08+Leon+in+kayak+with+sticks.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon playing with sticks in kayak. Each kid amassed an increasingly impressive collection of sticks and rocks throughout the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c0472e51-3231-4a28-85c7-20c1ce7be6f5/09+Maya+on+banks+of+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya on banks of Skagit River. We took off the water every hour or two to give the kids an opportunity to stretch their legs and play ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1f648a70-b57e-43b4-9771-a245d4e11cb6/10+Leon+exiting+tent.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon exiting the tent. Our six-person tent was large enough to serve not only as a shelter but also as a playground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e51f5ce5-cef7-4e20-bdd5-dec5f9e0ce88/11+Rachel+and+Maya+laughing+on+logs.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya share a laugh. When the wind picked up, it would cool down enough that the kids wanted their coats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/64c5a650-5896-461b-9cb6-59eb710f3d87/12+Rachel+peeking+out+from+bushes.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel peering through logjam. The number and size of driftwood logs increased farther downstream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7946b5ce-54af-4e29-89ac-8e3b0eecef51/13+Family+on+beach.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Family having dinner on beach. Near the end of the trip, our fuel and water supplies ran low, but a friendly homeowner let us refill our water jugs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c19f8f89-ba25-4399-a183-f3981bcd473c/14+Leon+in+tent.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon in tent. It would have been nice to leave off the rainfly, but repeated overnight drizzle made that impossible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/55128e1e-ae4a-489f-b76a-4fcb380484e9/15+Leon+fishing+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon “fishing” the Skagit River. There were many actual fishermen on the river in motorboats, taking advantage of the recently opened sockeye season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc43e189-55e8-448a-a589-f55fb7d43747/16+Leon+playing+with+toy+monster+trucks.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and his toy monster trucks. The one truck is the “good guy,” the other truck is the “bad guy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2298950a-749e-4db5-8aa1-2128b36edbf8/17+Maya+carrying+stuffed+dog+Sedda.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya carrying her stuffed dog, Sedda. Sedda is one the principal members of Maya’s dog pack, who come with us on every overnight trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/66e605b3-20bc-4362-adf9-55615ee7d0c7/18+Common+merganser+with+amalgamated+brood.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Common merganser with amalgamated brood. The mama could never feed this many chicks herself, but luckily for her, they feed themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/58ab7add-70f8-4a45-b6ff-30de6f29af2a/19+Spotted+sandpiper+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Spotted sandpiper, Skagit River. This species bobs its tail up and down as it forages, lending it a jaunty air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/07e92df6-38bc-4152-bce9-7ab55e46a264/20+Cedar+waxwing.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Cedar waxwing. Whole flocks of this species lined the river, fly-catching for insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ed105a0e-d3be-4b27-adce-1e08c6428592/21+Northern+rough-winged+swallows+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Northern rough-winged swallows on branch. On this trip, we saw every swallow species in Washington except the purple martin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/de4c1ac6-2cc5-41e8-8510-02b48c67524b/22+Bank+and+northern+rough-winged+swallow+burrows+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Northern rough-winged swallow burrows, banks of the Skagit River outside Minkler. There were also bank swallows in the immediate vicinity, so it is exciting to imagine that both species might be nesting here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7228c4e3-586b-48e5-84b8-6071c2f26a92/23+Elk+tracks+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Elk tracks, banks of the Skagit River. The elk tracks were more numerous than the deer tracks, but we only saw deer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/383f0ebc-16d0-47e4-ad8c-22887b931095/24+Mule+deer+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Mule deer outside Minkler. When I first spotted this individual, all I could see above the grass was its ears, twitching this way and that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6a9ca61b-1709-413a-929e-a2f3a2c40fb0/25+Western+toad+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Western toad, Skagit River. This was our first-ever encounter with this species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c2f9a4d8-f8fb-4677-9dac-449fd5337931/26a+Western+tanager.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Western tanager. Most of the individuals we saw were males, with their flaming red heads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6190a7f6-464d-4352-b799-ec1b3b41fe12/27+Black-headed+grosbeak.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Black-headed grosbeak. This male stands proudly in his distinctive orange and black plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e0b281f4-2efc-48e9-b3c4-24c24664c164/28+Willow+flycatcher.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Willow flycatcher. This was the only species of flycatcher I saw on the trip, although I did hear a few western wood-peewees calling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7595b0e2-b08e-42be-ae6e-a8b93fb387f0/29+Rachel+and+Maya+at+Dalles+Bridge.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya beneath Dalles Bridge outside Concrete. Rachel is celebrating our successful passage of the only class II water of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7912dd34-8c92-467b-a8c2-d73b07c12ff7/30+Rachel+and+Maya+kayaking+riffle+on+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya kayaking Skagit River. Small riffles like this one were present throughout the length of the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4ddba5fa-3792-4e9f-b146-9d7802e3f4a2/31+Maya+on+sandy+beach.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya on a sandy beach, Skagit River. Each campsite was more beautiful and more fun than the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/90f04bb8-58fd-4989-8de3-74fcda68449a/32+Leon+playing+with+pump.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Leon playing with boat pump. He pumped until it completely clogged with mud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9e2f902e-2574-461f-8bce-c82e9689987d/33+Maya+and+Leon+playing+in+sand.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon playing in sand. Immediately upon landing, the kids would throw themselves into games on the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/be7e5632-69de-4dd6-b691-e1815c5dd0a6/33+Alex+and+Leon+in+kayak.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Alex and Leon kayaking Skagit River. I was grateful for a hat on these sunny days, but Leon refused to wear one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/03e2b12a-a962-4874-8202-8dc19d4cd78d/34+Rachel+paddling+down+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 22–25 June 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel paddling downriver. Maya sprawled out with her feet on deck for a nap. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hein-and-salmon-banks-8-10-july-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d8a837f0-fcdf-42ad-a0a2-9a3b951752bb/00+Route+map+labelled.jpg Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. This route crosses the Strait of Juan de Fuca at its widest part. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cd1cb2fe-08fd-420a-a63b-a230a0459a79/01+Kayaking+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking Dungeness Spit. The inside of the spit is a national wildlife refuge closed to access, while the outside is a hiking trail from the mainland to the old lighthouse, five and a half miles (9 km) each way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2bade33e-bf18-4bda-999d-e1ad2015cfb4/02+Dungeness+Spit+lighthouse.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out New Dungeness Light Station, est. 1857. The lighthouse was originally much taller but had to be shortened in 1927 due to crumbling materials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/283beae5-f181-4371-9317-3d757e17a0f3/03+LIghthouse+keepers+house+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Lighthouse keeper’s residence, Dungeness Spit. The acronym above the door stands for United States Lighthouse Establishment, the original agency in charge of light stations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e31575de-27c5-4091-ae06-3e61f8616228/04+Harlequin+ducks+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Harlequin ducks, Dungeness Spit. These slightly bedraggled individuals may already have begun their fall molt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b4974e75-6870-4102-b8a2-8ee55b48588c/05+Harbor+seal+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Dungeness Spit. The seals in Dungeness Bay were the only pinnipeds I saw this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1b65560d-90a4-4fc0-9cde-b58c36b82fe0/06+Crossing+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca+northbound.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Crossing Strait of Juan de Fuca northbound. The bluffs of San Juan Island make for an easy navigational mark, but it’s still helpful to have a GPS to account for currents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d141831e-9a2a-4126-aabe-1320e7836a1b/07+Common+murres+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Common murres, Strait of Juan de Fuca. The presence of this species in large numbers in the inland waters is another sign of approaching fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb0fbf91-c139-483e-bb03-a42a9cdaaadd/08+Rhinoceros+auklets+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklets, Strait of Juan de Fuca. One of this species’ main breeding grounds is the nearby Protection Island, so it is no surprise to encounter lots of them here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24389822-851e-4e30-a13f-55be9efa30d2/09+Humpback+whale+Hein+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Humpback whale, Hein Bank. The arch of its back is so sharp it is almost Gothic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7cf79c7b-89ae-46a8-b25f-20fedb1309bc/10+Humpback+whale+tail+Hein+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Humpback whale tail, Hein Bank. Water pours off the whale’s flukes when it makes its deep dive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d05eb3a4-d725-4443-a11c-a422bc451331/11+Approaching+San+Juan+Island+by+kayak.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Approaching San Juan Islands by kayak. The swirling currents had me changing my heading across a sixty-degree arc just to maintain a consistent course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/31714dff-bfc0-4c2e-9972-046014ec50e1/12+Salmon+Bank+buoy.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorants atop Salmon Bank buoy. The buoys were almost the only places I saw cormorants this trip—very unusual for the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4d767764-753e-4c19-9e29-c7dfd928d11e/13+Feeding+frenzy+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Feeding frenzy, Salmon Bank. The birds are remarkably cooperative, seemingly confident that there will, in the end, be enough baitfish for everybody. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2b8babb7-55a6-43e4-ba93-5a18dfa506ec/14+Heermanns+gull+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Heermann’s gull, Salmon Bank. This handsome species (my favorite gull) migrates “in reverse.” This individual is actually “wintering” here in July. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/836de7e0-d492-4db9-a4a7-c501bf8116b4/15+Rhinoceros+auklet+Salmon+Bank.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Salmon Bank. Although auklets can’t reach the baitballs as fast as gulls can, auklets have the advantage of being able to dive underwater to pursue baitfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/16058c4e-ecb4-4221-a645-ef05fd297515/16+Cattle+Point+lighthouse+seen+from+kayak.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Cattle Point lighthouse, est. 1935. Owing to its elevation, this smaller lighthouse is actually easier to see from a distance than the larger lighthouse at Dungeness Spit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22363f63-8350-445d-ac88-1c0d1a30f654/17+Campsite+at+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Campsite at Griffin Bay. This is DNR land, not a state park, so there is no fee to camp here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c324c338-aaae-4796-ab2b-971fc634f534/18+Black+hawthorne+at+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Black hawthorne at Griffin Bay. The branches of this native shrub are studded with long thorns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0c5519a9-533a-45b3-b381-abc16597e952/19+Spiderweb+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Spiderweb, Griffin Bay. Fortunately for me but unfortunately for the spiders, Griffin Bay was not very buggy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/13ef4c77-5e82-472e-ab5c-65ecabd42003/20+Haystacks+San+Juan+Island.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Haystacks, Cattle Point, San Juan Island. The farms here seem somehow more peaceful than those on the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1fbe6185-ee8d-4ad0-9765-74b27d977f1d/21+Old+farm+equipment+San+Juan+Island.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Old farm equipment, Cattle Point, San Juan Island. It would violate the farmers’ code to throw anything away that might someday (someday!) be repaired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8474a0cc-d4c4-4072-9334-e9583a4a7fb3/22+Chestnut-backed+chickadee+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Chestnut-backed chickadee, Griffin Bay. This juvenile bird may be only a few weeks old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/771c9577-75ef-4891-905c-207961f6ae75/23+Bewicks+wren+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Bewick’s wren, Griffin Bay. This juvenile wren was flocking with juvenile chickadees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a06ab4fc-a2b3-4a5a-8b13-cac158ba80c5/24+House+wren+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out House wren, Griffin Bay. This drabbest of wrens is a real treat for a Seattle-based birder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5509f872-cd99-4a53-b639-7317b39838ad/25+American+goldfinch+Griffin+Bay.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out American goldfinch. Washington’s official state bird is the “willow goldfinch,” a subspecies of the American goldfinch, but I am not convinced the American goldfinches in our state actually belong to that subspecies. I suspect our birds may actually be the “northwestern goldfinch.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d84b60b6-14f7-4b67-9e1f-859f4cf90a82/26+Kayaking+southbound+across+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking southbound across Strait of Juan de Fuca. The distance seems demoralizing at first, but it passes in only a few hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8adc32d6-683d-4159-ab9a-c7b9203b39e7/27+Dungeness+Spit+in+fifteen-knot+wind.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Dungeness Spit lighthouse in fifteen knots of wind. As the wind climbed higher, so did the waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2735a7fe-015f-456c-92b2-4bc970e1cd7f/28+Alex+sitting+on+Dungeness+Spit.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Alex sitting on Dungeness Spit. There are worse places on Earth to play castaway for an evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1646a2b5-6f1e-4a64-9837-3772b4d9e856/29a+Dungeness+lighthouse+at+sunset.JPG Hein and Salmon Banks 8–10 July 2023 - Make it stand out Dungeness Spit lighthouse at sunset. The guest keepers told me they had given forty tours to hikers over the course of their eight-hour “work day,” a rate of one tour every twelve minutes! https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/salmon-bank-july-and-august-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/77b49197-0533-40c0-b32a-f585bdd9511c/00+Route+map.jpg Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Salmon Bank is close enough to San Juan Island that whale-watchers can sometimes spot minke whales from shore, if the whales are on the very northernmost part of the bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8ed41c60-9d00-47a7-87e6-8e2a0400661a/01+Fogbow+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Fogbow, Salmon Bank. Rampaging powerboats emerged from the fog with only seconds’ warning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/45e3f067-a0be-46b6-8094-bbd0eb036faa/02+Approaching+gulls+in+fog.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Approaching gulls and auklets in fog. Seabirds are not normally this approachable, but they become more tolerant of humans and other large animals when there is a baitball present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1ae201ba-1cfe-4662-8b89-14012c167ebc/03+Gulls+feeding+in+fog.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Gulls feeding in the fog. Gulls are not great divers, but they stuck their heads as far underwater as they could in pursuit of baitfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/077d1983-85f5-4abb-9568-693426495ca8/04+Hein+Bank+buoy.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Hein Bank buoy. This is a long way to paddle not to find a minke whale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8ee683e9-16d3-4bb3-9ea4-7999107395f7/05+Feeding+frenzy+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Feeding frenzy on Salmon Bank. Minke whales can often be found circling feeding flocks like this one, but no luck on this occasion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/338769ac-99b5-49ce-9a27-bdd58120230a/06+Rhinoceros+auklet+and+common+murre+Hein+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet and common murre, Hein Bank. These two species were the most numerous of the Big Four alcids that inhabit Washington’s inland waters year-round. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0d464a65-f652-4415-9a95-f8eff700cec0/07+San+Juan+Island+in+fog.jpg Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out San Juan Island in fog. The fog was often patchy, thick in some places and non-existent immediately adjacent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6d304ea0-3cb9-4569-881a-c7245e5cec12/08+Baby+glaucous-winged+gull+eating+fish.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Glaucous-winged gull chick eating fish. Its parents’ frenzied efforts on the banks have paid off for this youngster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4bc6dafe-c001-47c0-8b9c-dfeed57a4b36/09+Kayaking+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking down San Juan Channel. The launch beach at Odlin County Park is one of the nicest in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/224b9af6-f62f-4081-991b-e46c07fb5e69/10+Kayaking+on+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking on Salmon Bank. In the distance, the Olympic Mountains beckon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/17119331-adfc-481f-aa50-3f9c78bd2269/11+Cattle+Point+seen+from+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Cattle Point seen from Salmon Bank. The long gravel beach here is seldom trafficked, the perfect place for a kayaker to haul out for a break. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ef5e08b6-99ec-42c2-ad8a-4ea3575cc3b6/12+Cattle+Point+lighthouse+seen+from+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Cattle Point lighthouse, seen from Salmon Bank. In the afternoon, the fog lifted just in time for a wedding party at the lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/75012a26-8b73-4124-bcf1-78f08440e879/13+California+gull+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out California gull, Salmon Bank. The four gull species species I spotted on the banks were California, glaucous-winged, Heermann’s, and short-billed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94c51643-e798-4caa-b11f-a7ef5d7a42ce/14+Steller+sea+lion+on+Salmon+Bank+buoy.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Steller sea lion and pelagic cormorants atop Salmon Bank buoy. Most of the sea lions were hauled out on Whale Rocks, some three miles (5 km) to the northeast, but this lone individual preferred the buoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fcae2d75-3053-4e74-bc26-32c5511c4efc/15+Minke+whale+Salmon+Bank.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Minke whale on Salmon Bank. Of the four species of whales regularly found in the inland waters, this is by far the most challenging to photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5adeb4e9-d9ef-4645-b5cd-74fd9e352dca/16+Reading+on+Cattle+Point+beach.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Reading on Cattle Point beach. This is the longest beach in the San Juans, but the bluffs make it so inaccessible that only one other person hiked past during the three hours I spent here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a4333dbb-d6fe-4af9-9705-f2c923a04b65/17+Cormorants+nesting+on+Goose+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Cormorants nesting on Goose Island, San Juan Channel. The odor of this island is detectable at a distance of hundreds of yards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c10c9bdd-54ab-451d-95a4-caa703cc95fe/18+Country+road+Shaw+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Country road, Shaw Island. Shaw Island is a backwater, and that’s the way the locals like it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a1ced536-bef9-4d47-b956-77629d15ea9a/19+Grand+fir+Shaw+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Grand fir, Shaw Island. One of the best parts of visiting the San Juans is the chance to see dry-habitat tree species, including grand fir, Pacific madrone, and seaside juniper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11c59133-5c63-497f-b840-17e86fbe8019/20+Bigleaf+maple+Shaw+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Bigleaf maple, Shaw Island. Already by the first week of August, the fall colors were beginning to emerge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/777e537a-f191-48db-b2d7-5abb4378bb44/21+Brown+creeper+Shaw+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Brown creeper, Shaw Island. This is one of my favorite species of forest bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ac065e51-4b21-417f-ab72-62447e6be6b8/22+Turkey+vulture+Lopez+Island.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Turkey vulture, Lopez Island. This was the only species of raptor I saw the whole trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d4dfc91b-c87d-4d0a-ab1c-8c763a33a3ab/23+Kayaking+landing+beach+Odlin+County+Park.JPG Salmon Bank July & August 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking to the landing beach at Odlin County Park. A public, sandy beach is a rarity in the San Juans. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hope-island-22-23-july-2023 daily 0.75 2025-06-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa990a35-3abf-4f99-ba62-ca7ccb743882/00+Route+map.jpg Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. On an ebbing tide, currents from Arcadia to the island were slightly adverse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c64f3d73-c22e-4b74-8571-ed6bd9377c1c/01+Leon+and+Maya+in+kayak.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya in kayak off Arcadia. The boat ramp at Arcadia is wide enough to accommodate two vehicles at once, so it is less hectic than most ramps in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/59f38284-37c6-4578-baa5-6a127eef51a2/02+Raccoon+on+hind+legs+at+shoreline.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Raccoon foraging along shore, Hope Island. Many of the raccoons were content to eat their natural foods, but many others preferred to try to steal ours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/21af9ebd-f757-43dd-8178-c36a32f1d48c/03+Maya+and+Leon+roughhouse+in+tent.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon roughhouse in tent, Hope Island. Often in their games, the two kids would gang up on me, but sometimes they would also attack one another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0cbdd5b9-3815-4bab-be48-647cc261c9a8/04+Maya+with+camera.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya with camera. Three-year-old Leon also wanted to try the camera, but he kept sticking his finger in front of the lens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3523eaf5-220f-4117-8608-10d92cef19cc/05+Maya%27s+list+of+tasks.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya’s list of tasks. She crossed off tasks as she completed them, except two tasks that she scribbled out because she didn’t like the thought of them: “Person frowning” and “Wet dog.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5b600281-760d-45b3-b469-6a708d3b72b7/06+Chips+being+bad.jpg Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out “Chips being bad.” In this photograph, composed by Maya, Chips is the little brown dog sticking his butt out at the camera when he is supposed to be posing with the rest of the dog pack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d4933116-29ed-461b-84cb-81180be76d95/07+Chips+in+a+bush.jpg Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Chips in a bush. Two years ago, on Strawberry Island, Maya invented the “Chips Game,” in which Chips hides somewhere on the island and everyone has to look for him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ff28e97f-b374-47c0-8c46-2a3eaf8d59c8/08+Vanilla+leaf+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Vanilla-leaf. Just one of many inconspicuous Pacific Northwest plants that are more amazing the more you learn about them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9715a116-a7ce-4a23-bde9-14008530b567/09+Apples+in+tree.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Apples, Hope Island. There are dozens of trees in the orchard, each with hundreds of apples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2e306dd1-3c73-4f76-9e5b-c2de62273be1/10+Hope+Island+caretakers+cabin.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Caretaker’s cabin, Hope Island. This is the only residence on the island, and the entire island is a state park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f813854c-0348-4189-9046-c296480ff3a4/11+Sapsucker+holes+in+apple+tree.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Rows of sapsucker holes in bole of apple tree. Sapsuckers, a genus of North American woodpeckers, drink sap from the holes they bore and use the sap to bait insects, which they eat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f5c98a19-9ad3-4404-b6ec-d83c18c97fdf/12+Lewis+moon+snail+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Lewis’s moon snail, Hope Island. This species is the largest sea snail in Washington State. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bdf02833-8c11-4229-a54f-0d4ab9d60238/13+Alex+Maya+and+Leon+together+on+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Alex, Maya, and Leon, Hope Island. Raccoons shadowed us wherever we went. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e38f76da-ec87-4cee-884e-845c852b8d96/14+Maya+and+Leon+hug.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon hug. Maya would set the agenda for both kids, but Leon often had his own ideas about what they should be doing instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d2acb8b1-abe6-477b-9673-efd220bd432d/15+Leon+in+grassy+field.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Leon in grassy field. One of the kids’ favorite parts of the orchard was the fringe of long, unmowed grass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb1b2910-5c67-4263-beb3-1ac44f98e9a6/16+Leon+and+Maya+walking+in+orchard.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya walking through the orchard. They raced ahead so quickly I often lost sight of them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/13568775-1079-4702-b856-177007b07401/17+Leon+laughing.jpg Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Leon laughing while I pelt him with Douglas-fir cones. This photo was not one of Maya’s “tasks,” but she liked to photograph Leon even without any particular goal in mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/75d67346-17d2-452a-a57c-978d8f7b4a80/18+Maya+sitting+by+water.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya sitting by the water, Hope Island. Maya kept track of the times of high and low tides, the better to advise me on what time we should depart the island on Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8b3d76ea-cd66-445c-a29e-47dd5facbdaa/20+Maya+and+deer+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and deer, Hope Island. The deer were smart enough to recognize the sound of an apple hitting the ground but not always smart enough to figure out where the apple was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/518da54e-de25-45b9-a199-dfee0f19185e/19+Mule+deer+fawn+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Deer fawn, Hope Island. None of the deer were at all shy, even this fawn and its mother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8373428f-f9e1-4765-91b7-ef986b9b0443/21+Maya+picking+apple.jpg Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Maya picking apples for the deer. She soon exhausted the supply of apples she could reach from the ground, so she climbed onto a picnic bench to reach more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/45f364b7-74ad-4430-b3c3-5bd3e760c295/22+Mule+deer+eating+apple+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Young deer eating apple, Hope Island. Even the smallest apples were difficult for the deer to chew, but whenever they got a good bite, apple juice would spray out of their mouths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d0e74849-fed0-4e62-9a14-92a63032ea8a/23+Leon+and+Maya+kayaking+to+Arcadia+boat+ramp.JPG Hope Island 22–23 July 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya kayaking back to Arcadia boat ramp. On the return paddle, the ebb gave us a little boost. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blind-island-12-13-aug-2023 daily 0.75 2024-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fa770446-68d8-4600-bfad-a72ad68bb6bf/00+Route+map.jpg Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Shaw County Park is the closest point that offers both overnight parking and a public launch beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/01cf8b80-5717-4fa6-a9b1-d0542bcda31a/01+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+off+Shaw+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking off Shaw Island. I ran aground exiting Indian Cove, just off Picnic Point, but I was able to scooch my boat off the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7a0811dd-9049-45ba-95d7-6fb30a62312a/02+Nathan+kayaking+off+Shaw+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Nathan kayaking off Shaw Island. This was Nathan and my first time kayaking together since our trip to Cabbage Island in 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f8869a0b-9577-41db-adfc-2f9b491729ce/03+Nathan+kayaking+among+sailboats+Upright+Channel.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Nathan kayaking with sailboats in Upright Channel. There was a sailing regatta in progress, but when the wind died later in the afternoon, we kayakers were able to overtake some of the sailboats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3eaab4aa-7a6d-4ab0-b04e-4d51fee291f2/04+Leon+Maya+and+Nathan+kayaking+Upright+Channel.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Leon, Maya, and Nathan kayaking Upright Channel. We saw harbor seals and a river otter, but unusually for the San Juans, we did not see any harbor porpoises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ef6dea20-acdc-4824-8f5d-31a7c175be9a/05+Arriving+by+kayak+to+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Arriving to Blind Island. The landing beaches are easier at higher tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7def8406-b9ae-4239-81c4-5e1457f7d2f0/06+Maya+hiking+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Maya hiking Blind Island. Maya would use her sun hat as a megaphone to taunt the grown-ups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4ef7fe36-47c1-4418-b6c6-589982e1c20a/07+Leon+hiking+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Leon hiking Blind Island. Three-year-old Leon would sometimes get a little turned around on the island, but he always found his way back to the trail and back to the camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/82629e3d-8670-4d1d-9612-9bf47240ad9c/08+Nathan+and+Leon+hiking+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Uncle Nathan on highest point of Blind Island. The island is only 150 yards across at its widest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/093cd99b-50ae-41ce-8dee-ca78a00246b8/09+Orcas+Landing+seen+from+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Orcas Landing seen from Blind Island. While we were waiting on Shaw Island for the ferry to take us home, Nathan hopped on an inter-island sailing as a foot passenger to bring us back hamburgers and fries from the hotel at Orcas Landing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/907b0bbb-b9fb-4403-aa4d-8e4066719a47/10+Maya+sitting+on+Blind+Island+rocks.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Maya sitting on rock, Blind Island. At high tide, the beach on Blind Island all but disappears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c32e1b2b-36fe-4e1b-907a-a567df880a56/11+Leon+playing+chess+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Grandmaster Leon crushing the board. Another of Leon’s most irrefutable tactics was to recover his own captured pieces by taking one or more of the opponent’s pieces, similar to reviving a teammate in dodgeball by catching a ball thrown by the opposing side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e9513ddc-b99b-43a4-8d30-613106132f25/12+Blind+Island+chess+tournament.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Blind Island chess tournament. Uncle Nathan dashes himself to pieces attempting to crack Leon’s iron wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/89f1b8e5-8ff8-41ad-a10c-c490e9d1359b/13+Maya+and+Uncle+Nathan+evening+walk.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Uncle Nathan and Maya taking an evening stroll. The kids were always summoning the grown-ups to witness one amazing discovery or another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/83abe3bf-caaf-4d2e-a87c-0c5f2bf722ef/14+Blind+Island+sunset.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Blind Island sunset. I had forgotten to pack any sleeping pads, but the night was so warm and the grass so soft we did not miss them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f427a56f-6067-4116-afc5-205107f9a9d3/15+White-crowned+sparrow+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out White-crowned sparrow, Blind Island. This youngster’s crown shows not the faintest trace of white. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a33a740e-d65d-46af-9528-e433091ed3fd/16+Midges+on+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Midges on Blind Island. There were no mosquitos on the island, so we slept with the tent unzipped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ce5a3c17-5254-4784-ae22-53888ecb25aa/17+Leon+climbing+rocks+Blind+Island.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Leon clambering on rocks. A ten-knot wind in the morning made us think about taking out on the beach in Blind Bay, but by the early afternoon the wind died down, so we paddled all the way around back to the county park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/12294307-d568-42dc-a574-526764e84cf4/18+View+of+Mount+Baker.JPG Blind Island 12–13 Aug 2023 - Make it stand out Foster Point and Mount Baker, seen from Harney Channel. Even the mighty Mount Baker loses much of its snow cover during August. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cypress-head-2-4-sept-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc99477e-89fc-4531-b42c-22f3cfe66982/00+Route+map.jpg Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. The overnight parking fee at Washington Park has increased to 12 dollars per night, cash only, notwithstanding the Parks Department’s website, which says, in various places, 9 dollars or 10 dollars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ab26e28f-9352-40df-98b8-e2d8bd95a267/01+View+of+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out View of Cypress Island from Guemes Channel. The island consists of 480 acres (190 ha) of private property and no less than 5,100 acres (2,060 ha) of state-owned natural habitat managed with the primary aim “to preserve, restore, and enhance ecological systems, scenic landscapes, and habitat for sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/114e1583-9e77-4197-960c-75f4522a58ce/02+Alex+and+kids+in+kayak.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Alex, Maya, and Leon kayaking in Guemes Channel. Two readers of the website very kindly recognized us on the launch beach—thank you, Mike and Jane! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/41077c7b-af79-4d93-8da9-816aa6140170/03+Grandpa+John+kayaking+Guemes+Channel.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking in Guemes Channel. Somewhat overestimating his own paddling speed, Grandpa John wondered whether we need to stop to let the ferry pass in front of us. It crossed our bows at over half a mile’s (800 m) distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7672f0b6-2377-43e3-8966-bca23acdd09c/04+Marbled+murrelet+Bellingham+Channel.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelet, Bellingham Channel. Cypress Island’s forests are still recovering from the extensive logging of the 1920s, but the trees are now growing large enough to host the nests of this threatened alcid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a3b0ee1d-db75-41ec-9225-682f314d3bd7/05+Belted+kingfisher+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Belted kingfisher perched on Pacific madrone, Cypress Head. The male of the species, shown here, has only a single blue breastband, whereas as the more colorful female has two bands, one blue and the other red—an unusual example of”reverse” sexual dimorphism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22248939-8c26-49aa-a281-33643fad8465/06+Harbor+porpoises+Bellingham+Channel.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoises, Bellingham Channel. The total population of this species in the inland waters of Washington State is estimated to be over 11,000, making it by far our most abundant cetacean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/19f32342-610b-4db6-8961-c77a29014c03/07+Harbor+seal+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Cypress Head. The seals in the San Juan Islands have become habituated to human proximity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/86271709-33f2-43f4-8852-2cb2f2f9ecc1/08+Underwater+harbor+seal.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal swimming underwater. This individual kept inverting onto its back and plunging beneath the surface, for what purpose I cannot say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0928b539-d892-48b1-b979-0c3b30da5cbb/09+Grandpa+John+camping+on+Cypress+Head.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Grandpa John sleeping out on Cypress Head. There is not much shelter from a north wind on Cypress Head, but fortunately for us, the wind speed never rose above ten knots, and even that only briefly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/99579ddd-c095-478b-8302-21a54040eac2/10+Leon+outside+tent.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Leon outside the large tent. Only about three-quarters of the campsites were occupied at any one time over the whole Labor Day weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e02f5ae-6045-4301-b3a2-4efb7c178cfa/11+Maya+and+Leon+playing+in+tent.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon playing in the large tent. This giant tent, marketed as a six-person tent, barely fit onto one of the tent pads at Cypress Head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee21cbaa-aa29-4b87-829f-65ac849c69c6/13+Maya+hiking+in+forest.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Maya hiking in forest, Cypress Head. One of Maya’s favorite activities was peeling the layers of colorful bark from the Pacific madrones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/af32d94d-1ccd-4465-bcb7-a82229119020/12+Leon+hikling+in+forest.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Leon hiking in forest, Cypress Head. Cypress Head is only a quarter mile (400 m) end-to-end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3ec8dccf-b731-4327-a624-307225734e2d/14+Maya+sitting+under+tree.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Maya sitting under tree, Cypress Head. From this natural throne, Maya could survey the lands and waters of her realm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4e0b17c0-ca87-473f-9d0a-8dfd0fb09972/15+Sunset+at+Cypress+Island.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sunset at Cypress Head, looking north up Bellingham Channel. From left to right: unnamed points on Cypress Island, Lawrence Point on Orcas Island, the Cone Islands, and Sinclair Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3829f44d-1781-4e5d-85af-515c297ee801/16+Kayaking+westbound+down+Guemes+Channel.JPG Cypress Head 2–4 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out At the confluence of Bellingham and Guemes Channels, looking west down Guemes Channel. The water was smooth as glass, with a one-knot favorable current to boot. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/tillamook-rock-10-sept-2023 daily 0.75 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/05ca2aa4-c7b4-4af9-9e77-ec252835df2f/00+Route+map.jpg TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Parking at the Indian Beach Day Use Area is $5 USD per day, credit cards accepted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c3e80a52-42a9-4ec6-82a4-72798d221e0a/01+Crescent+Beach+seen+from+Ecola+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Crescent Beach seen from Ecola Point. Surfing and horseback riding, more than sea kayaking, are the outdoor activities of choice here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d33ec119-515f-4f1b-a021-e23409a0fc0e/02+Tillamook+Rock+seen+from+Ecola+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock seen from Ecola Point. This lonely lighthouse exerts a strong psychological pull on all who lay eyes upon it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d2c1fd9e-3f9f-498d-a5ad-6c692f573d59/03+Cormorants+and+pelicans+south+of+Ecola+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Cormorants, pelicans, and gulls off Ecola Point. Not for the first time, I was impressed at the abundance of Oregon’s seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c6c104d6-9ee8-403f-abc0-d84ce084664c/04+Rocks+off+Tillamook+Head.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Head Rocks. Like most of the offshore rocks along the north coast, these are prime habitat for nesting seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5b23e5ba-9cf1-4c5d-85fb-42e028571043/05+Sea+Lion+Rock+at+Indian+Beach.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea Lion Rock off Indian Beach. Ecola State Park looks so quintessentially “coastal” that it is a popular location for filming movies, including Point Break, Free Willy, Twilight, Kindergarten Cop, and The Goonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/879c1d50-f604-47d9-bcc1-836eb7c816d0/06+Tillamook+Rock+seen+from+Indian+Beach.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock, seen from Indian Beach. Tidal currents at sea were merely moderate, and I did not detect any riptides near the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7a27fe8d-255e-4f6c-a01c-57941735eff5/07+Pelicans+off+Indian+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Brown pelicans off Indian Point. This species becomes more common the farther south you go along the Pacific coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f824d0d5-1572-42cb-9450-a47a01c8f3a7/08+Pelican+takeoff+at+Indian+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Brown pelican taking off. They are graceful once in the air, but getting up can be a challenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9ee7ac15-e4a5-47a1-a4f6-ede381c6ebfb/09+Kayaking+off+Indian+Point.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking off Indian Point. From only a mile out to sea, human development recedes into the background against the forests, rocks, and mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/42e54235-8fe7-4a72-8aa2-54ea76fba21a/10+Fog+blowing+over+Tillamook+Head.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Fog blowing over Tillamook Head. Hikers to the top of this peak can gaze out to sea and contemplate the awesome isolation of the lighthouse … or they can peer blindly into the featureless gray cloud of a fog bank, depending on the hour they are there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/82f984cf-8e79-4a76-9fb0-b2a529a0379c/11+Tillamook+Rock+lighthouse+seen+from+kayak.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, eastern facade. Whenever the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, the gleam of the lighthouse can be seen for miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1dd39942-2d41-4075-9de6-f4ef53d1ce18/12+Tillamook+Rock+lighthouse+south+face.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, southeastern facade. The east facade of the building was repainted in spring 2023 by volunteers working for Eternity at Sea, but the other facades have remained unretouched since the real estate developer’s last cleanup effort in 1980. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/82c0c0e5-35ae-4cfe-a886-3c747700df8b/13+Sea+lions+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lions on Tillamook Rock. More than ninety-five percent of the sea lions present today were Steller, with the remaining few being California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1098df6d-e801-4af3-89f1-cacbe542e1f3/14+Sea+lions+bickering+on+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lions bickering on Tillamook Rock. Much like the customers for funerary urns, the sea lions compete for the most desirable niches on the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dff7ca17-c13d-4343-9440-4d1679685285/15+Sea+lion+descending+stairs+Tillamook+Rock+light.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lion descending the lighthouse stairs. I was hoping to see one belly-slide its way down, but sea lions are responsible, safety-conscious tenants who always watch their step. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a1ab29f1-e43d-4032-8439-443db0cb8970/16+Sea+lions+descend+to+the+water.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lions on the rocky shoreline shelf. This ramp is the sea lions’ primary means of landing and launching on the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f24dabaa-d9f2-4059-9e67-384a181f4775/17+Sea+lions+below+arch.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lions lounging beneath bricked-up windows. The proportion of California sea lions seemed to be somewhat higher in the upper reaches of the rock, while Steller sea lions predominated nearer the shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5bfce402-b1c0-457d-b6da-44d07645eb7b/18+Sea+lions+on+every+surface.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sea lions on every surface. There is nowhere you can go where they can’t get you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9a55c98d-1e87-4a6b-a85d-43d04cf3fab6/24+Tillamook+Rock+lighthouse+north+face.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, northern facade. One visitor in 1937 described the station as a “feudal castle-like shelter.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/546f34c7-5c64-43bc-8918-7c5645906183/19+Tillymook+Rock+lighthouse+southwest+face.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, southwestern facade. The twin fixtures protruding from the roof of the nearest wing are exhaust vents for the boiler room, which was later repurposed as the fog signal room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c8bc31f3-1df4-443c-bd04-1ff928a72dd6/20+Tillamook+Rock+lighthouse+main+stairs.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, main stairs. The main entrance to the lighthouse is boarded up, but if history is any guide, it’s only a matter of time until the sea lions muscle their way in again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/217d7f41-3648-44fb-906a-03cd33c29397/21+Ruined+lantern+room+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, ruined lantern room. Still visible are the remnants of metal mesh, which the keepers installed around the lantern room in a futile attempt to protect it from boulders, thrown by the sea some 133 feet (40 m) into the air during winter storms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4356af68-37da-46b4-ac9b-c08eedbd4d3b/22+Ruined+derrick+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock, ruined derrick.This device was one component of an elaborate system of cranes and cables for moving people and supplies onto and off of the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94cff507-5030-44f0-baaf-b4d8fb30dd5a/23+Tillamook+Rock+light+west+face.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Tillamook Rock lighthouse, western facade. The stench of sea lions wafting off the rock was overpowering, even from hundreds of yards out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e8ef7a07-82a8-41f1-8295-0920b05d9c23/25+Sooty+shearwaters+off+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sooty shearwaters off Tillamook Rock. Distinguishing this species from the nearly identical short-tailed shearwater is one of the great challenges in west coast birdwatching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52c99901-7dfe-49d4-ade0-e4efbd2f6d70/26+Sooty+shearwater+skimming+water.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sooty shearwater skimming water. This species flies so low and fast it can disappear behind the swells in an instant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/424bef78-49af-403b-a364-3ab39ffbdd48/27+Brown+pelican+skimming+water.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Brown pelican skimming water. I am not the first observer to detect a similarity between pelicans and pterodactyls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9fce1118-c87f-4ad9-a462-830fe23a30e9/28+Common+murres+off+Tillamook+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Common murres off Tillamook Rock. The fathers stay with the chicks at sea to feed them for a few weeks after the chicks have fledged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fe8d7572-a76b-473d-9032-34855e43853b/29+Kayak+bow+riding+through+murres.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking through murres. Common murres are the most abundant breeding seabird in Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4e298a76-9fa2-48b3-87da-16951e5d6c13/30+Pelagic+cormorant+and+two+brown+pelicans.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorant and two brown pelicans, Sea Lion Rock. In Oregon, Brandt’s cormorants are more numerous than pelagic cormorants, unlike in Washington, where the reverse is true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d837d8eb-6754-497e-82a2-a37e2a9aaca6/31+Arch+at+Sea+Lion+Rock.JPG TIllamook Rock 10 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Arch at Sea Lion Rock. Thanks to the low swell, it was no difficulty to shoot the arch. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/turn-island-23-24-sept-2023 daily 0.75 2024-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/485dff9f-f623-4109-9df1-5a69721bfd46/00+Route+map.jpg Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Overnight parking at Jackson Beach is free for boats with boat trailers, but the situation for ordinary cars like ours is ambiguous at best. Luckily, we were not ticketed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/302c8bcd-13ed-4694-ad37-56c6d60f0b61/01+Kids+kayaking+under+dock+Jackson+Beach.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Kids kayaking under dock at Jackson Beach. I had worried the kids would get cold in the rain and wind, but they insisted they liked it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6f7f3c0f-21cd-4720-8fed-a322df3c65bd/02+Rachel+kayaking+North+Bay.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel kayaking North Bay. A slow-moving flood ushered us northward toward Turn Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/365300ef-7fb3-4a9b-91bd-941411e3a41a/03+Rachel+kayaking+off+Pear+Point.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel kayaking off Pear Point. Small tideraces formed in the vicinity of each of the points between Jackson Beach and Turn Island, but they never posed any threat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/389f4f13-37f1-4516-bbf1-3ad53c1045fe/04+Kids+kayaking+up+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Kids in the kayak, headed northward up San Juan Channel. Rachel and I kept our eyes open for whales but did not see any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc2be978-f734-4ad8-8e7d-48c59a3dfc36/05+Heermanns+gulls+Danger+Rocks.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Heermann’s gulls, Danger Rocks. What spectacular red bills! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c5b74b3f-3f1a-498b-a665-5a7392eed524/06+Short-billed+gull+Reef+Point.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Short-billed gull, Reef Point. This species and the glaucous-winged were the most abundant gulls this trip, followed by the Heermann’s and California gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e7e08aa8-4b9d-4d73-b3fc-a5ea1a4bc192/07+Maya+and+Leon+in+driftwood+fort.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon inside driftwood fort. It is surprising we were ever able to lure them out of here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e659a96f-642c-48ad-b5b1-ffaf5bc8d82d/08+Maya+in+driftwood+fort.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Maya inside driftwood fort. Maya was eager to play the “Chips Game,” in which her little brown dog hides somewhere on the island for everyone else to find. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1de36c8b-ff19-4002-ba4b-e7724871bd13/09+Leon+and+driftwood+fort.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and driftwood fort. At age three, Leon was strong enough to make it all the way around the island under his own power. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c3693e2f-f4b0-471d-90aa-2db98f176d35/10+Alex+Leon+and+Maya+on+boulder.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Alex, Leon, and Maya atop granite boulder. This boulder is likely a “glacial erratic,” left behind from the age when ice covered the land to a depth of thousands of feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8db3c718-8d3b-4364-8851-c1da3bffac1b/11+Leon+in+lichen+field.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Leon in lichen field. The dry climate of the San Juans is perfect for lichens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/777d3030-ac85-4231-a249-c4277cfd9cdb/12+Rachel+and+madrone.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and Pacific madrone. The madrones are one of the highlights of the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/97a1b091-b81a-47f3-814b-9d98d74550b1/13+Pacific+madrone+bark.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Bark of Pacific madrone. Maya liked to peel back the bark to reveal the many layers, each a different color and texture than the last. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2e6d9ee5-4e9c-4b52-b0ca-cbee9b676272/14+View+of+Upright+Channel+from+Turn+Island.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out View of Upright Channel from Turn Island. A few other kayakers appeared on day paddles, but no other kayakers spent the night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6d4688b2-51a6-462b-92c0-fc4b9c13c974/15+Rachel+and+kids+overlooking+channel.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel and kids overlooking channel. Maya spotted harbor porpoises, but she was the only one to see them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/133f4186-a792-492d-97c0-2b83f044c4c3/16+Alex+and+Rachel+in+camp.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Alex and Rachel in camp. One of our camp stoves broke, its threads corroded to dust by saltwater, but we had fortuitously brought along a spare. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c9f63d46-ad15-4ea5-aae2-d441778dfc31/17+Sunset+over+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Sunset over San Juan Channel. Watching a sunset in the San Juans more often means admiring the changing colors of the clouds than watching the solar disk dip below the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c4fcb4ea-1c0b-49e0-b23a-b2306109df3f/18+Racoon+Turn+Island.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Raccoon, Turn Island. On a previous visit to Turn Island one summer, the raccoons chewed holes in all my water jugs, forcing me to detour into Friday Harbor to resupply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9fb3603c-c65d-4a72-92d1-08190ff288e5/19+Racoon+tracks+on+kayak+hull.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Wet raccoon footprints on the hull of a kayak. I caught this animal licking the hull of the kayak, for what purpose I cannot imagine unless the purpose was to be disgusting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cbaf542f-f8ee-4f5c-93bf-cdc817f718da/20+Kids+eating+in+kayak.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya eating lunch in the kayak. In North Bay, a back eddy allowed us to make forward progress during our break, even though the main stream of the flood was running against us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0bb1ad79-6c56-4c30-98af-be9387e96fe6/21+Mink+at+Pear+Point.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Mink at Pear Point. This handsome fellow would peek at us from between the driftwood logs, only to dart away whenever he caught us looking back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa1dee68-5641-4237-859e-a5649a126094/22+Great+blue+heron+North+Bay.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Great blue heron, North Bay. Between the herons, eagles, and vultures, the sky always seemed full of large birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6b1c8f06-26ec-47ab-843c-c46dd5e06e38/23+Marbled+murrelets+North+Bay.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets, North Bay. We saw all four of what I call the “Big Four” alcids (marbled murrelet, pigeon guillemot, rhinoceros auklet, common murre), and unusually, this species was the most numerous of the four. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/685b533b-5cb2-4651-b812-2fa2ed27b444/24+Rachel+kayaking+back+to+Jackson+Beach.JPG Turn Island 23–24 Sept 2023 - Make it stand out Rachel kayaking back to Jackson Beach. We made such fast time back to the beach that we caught an earlier ferry than the one we had reserved. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lummi-island-27-oct-10-nov-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/63b1e31b-d53a-462c-a67c-9f495b1a8e28/00+Route+map.jpg Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. In keeping with best practices for discussing archaeological sites, I will not show the precise location of the Lummi Island petroglyph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/775e0aa5-2927-4706-a241-d3348a4dcf00/01+Kayaking+Rosario+Strait.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking in Rosario Strait, looking west. From left to right: Orcas Island, Waldron Island, Vancouver Island, Skipjack Island, Saltspring Island, Pender Island, Sucia Island, Matia Island, Saturna Island, Patos Island, and Galiano Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c412e4ea-1995-4b00-ada9-c6853c92afd5/02+Kayaking+sandstone+bluffs+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking past sandstones bluffs, Lummi Island. A few of the pocket beaches on Lummi Island are public land below the mean high-water mark, but most of the island’s pocket beaches are private property in their entirety, all the way down to either the mean low-water mark or the extreme low-tide mark, depending on the date the tidelands were sold and the subsequent actions of the tidelands’ buyers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/48935955-948b-4195-8b2f-445fe76f6acd/03+Kayaking+west+shore+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking northwest shore of Lummi Island. At high tide, there were so many boulders just beneath the surface I had to paddle slowly to avoid running aground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc3ac657-0b79-4857-97bf-984d33bbb11a/04+Surfbird+and+black+turnstones+off+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Surfbird and black turnstones on Seal Rocks off Lummi Island. The arrival of these shorebirds is a sure sign of fall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/09bf2687-a943-4e82-a47e-b79c727bf562/05+Harlequin+ducks+off+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Harlequin ducks off Lummi Island. The harlequin ducks were unusually tolerant of human approach, perhaps owing to the closure of the harlequin duck hunting season since summer 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d293747f-5521-4ba2-9a66-1ddfb4db620c/06+Harlequin+duck+takeoff.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Harlequin duck taking off. This species nests along fast-moving, montane streams and spends the non-breeding season on saltwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d5f60217-e7bd-439c-a204-2e303e2f3d63/07+Harbor+seal+off+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal off Lummi Island. This was the only species of marine mammal I encountered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/059c00eb-dcdd-4972-a748-16fc81046607/08+Common+loons+off+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Common loons off Lummi Island. All the loons I saw were far along in their transition to winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fdf8c25b-bed4-47bc-adec-7a3cb7e84499/09+Varied+thrush+Lummi+Island.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Varied thrush, Lummi Island shore. The thrushes were dropping onto the beach to pick for insects among piles of seaweed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1eb51532-7e62-4fb6-b17a-2b00ffe46ad8/10+Lummi+Island+face+motif+petroglyph.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Lummi Island face-motif petroglyph. The design consists of two large, round, closely spaced eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2967b4ac-3e45-401f-b743-8872e579b233/12+Touching+petroglyph+glabella+.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Touching the petroglyph between the eyes. The petroglyph is easier to discern from a middle distance, harder to discern from up close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c064e84a-87c8-44bb-9d9a-9a6b8e16e879/13+Alex+sitting+with+Lummi+Island+petroglyph.JPG Lummi Island 27 Oct & 10 Nov 2023 - Make it stand out Alex sitting with Lummi Island petroglyph. On a four-foot tide, only the toe of the petroglyph boulder was lapped by waves. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/birch-bay-9-10-dec-2023 daily 0.75 2024-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a181e1e9-1130-43f2-8b55-9369b139dd9e/00+Route+map.jpg Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Route map. Parking is free off Gulf Road, but limited to twenty-four hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/49552f3e-bcd3-4c84-a58a-f1153e1dca0f/01+Ferndale+Oil+Refinery+seen+from+Gulf+Road.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Ferndale Refinery seen from Gulf Road beach. Established in 1954, this was the first of Washington’s five oil refineries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/583e1fc4-8b0d-4cda-a549-c57cda28b626/02+MV+Alaskan+Explorer+at+Cherry+Point+Oil+Refinery.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out M/V Alaskan Exploder … I mean, Explorer at Cherry Point terminal. This double-hulled tanker hauls Alaskan crude oil down to Washington, 1.3 million barrels at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/46246f04-10d8-45d8-928d-ee9d7a32b738/03+Red-breasted+mergansers+and+harlequin+duck+Whitehorn+Point.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Red-breasted mergansers and harlequin duck. There were hundreds of sea ducks of various species out in the strait, but I did not see any long-tailed ducks or ancient murrelets like I did last time I paddled this area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/27000003-f35c-4ea4-a63d-e99071128492/04+Alex+and+pictograph+boulder+Whitehorn+Porn.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out “Pictograph” boulder south of Whitehorn Point. I hope you are still in love, “R” and “Y” (or possibly “V”), wherever you are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1a6bc562-ff35-4b03-9bef-b17b8bf78f3e/05+Rain+clouds+over+Orcas+Puffin+and+Matia+Islands.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Rain clouds over Orcas, Puffin, and Matia Islands. In a matter of minutes, this gentle drizzle turned into a howling, thirty-knot wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24af8ac0-5ae6-419b-864a-b79958bdad31/06+Snowfall+at+Birch+Bay.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Snowfall at Birch Bay. At the end of a long and frustrating day, an unseasonable snowstorm was the final straw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7feae514-6cce-441e-bd49-18583720046d/07+Harbor+seal+off+Whitehorn+Point.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Harbor seal off Point Whitehorn. A rock concealed just beneath the surface allows this seal to “sleep on water.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5f355d41-653f-417e-b656-212f554185f4/08+Kayaking+around+Whitehorn+Point.JPG Birch Bay 9 & 10 Dec 2023 - Make it stand out Kayaking around Point Whitehorn. The following day, the wind had died down to nothing, and a gentle current ushered me effortlessly along. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/tenasillahe-island-26-28-jan-2024 daily 0.75 2024-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ca926820-6e57-4996-95ce-a9a4f8804f63/00+Route+map+labelled.jpg Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. Parking at the Skamokawa Vista Park boat ramp was $5 per day, cash only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9da21a50-46f1-4fd1-9eed-1bba5a6f7dc4/01+Kayak+launch+on+Skamokawa+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Launching kayak on Skamokawa River. Wakes from large, ocean-going bulk carriers play havoc among the shoals where the Skamokawa flows into the Columbia River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5673135c-036e-4259-821a-76deaf64a546/02+Looking+downriver+from+west+side+of+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Looking downriver from the northwest corner of Tenasillahe Island. There are enough islands, channels, sloughs, and bays along the lower Columbia that it is possible to get disoriented, even on a river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/456d4320-9b4f-438e-b73c-28e0cb03dbcf/03+Kayaking+Lark+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking western shore of Lark Island. The channel between Tenasillahe and Lark Island is a shallow swamp, much beloved of beavers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fd53e3a1-3448-42a1-8242-7827ddc5e389/04+Kayaking+southwest+side+of+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking southwestern shore of Tenasillahe Island, looking downriver. Currents along the west side of the island were notably slower than in the main stem of the river along the east side of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9240ba5c-67a1-4ad9-bc3a-e79751b0e4d2/05+Landing+beach+on+Lark+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Landing beach, Lark Island. The island is so named for the nesting population of streaked horned larks, who appreciate the sparse grasses and weeds that sprout on the flat, sandy top of the plateau. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b60bad2b-8b6d-41ac-a2bf-739750548928/06+Alex+ashore+on+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Alex ashore on Tenasillahe Island. The ring road on the main dike makes a six-and-a-half-mile (10 km) loop around the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3d7310ad-0827-454c-8595-7468a5982335/07+Dike+road+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Dike road, Tenasillahe Island. A century of agriculture has left the island covered in invasive plant species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/48f908cc-51dc-4361-a879-44cd23ef1a96/08+Herd+of+Columbian+white-tailed+deer+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Herd of Columbian white-tailed deer, Tenasillahe Island. The deer on the island seemed less shy than those on the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f86cbf2-3501-451e-be9c-137351912db9/09+White-tailed+deer+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Columbian white-tailed deer, Tenasillahe Island. I had hoped to see a buck with antlers, but none of the deer I saw had any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a2492cc6-ea7c-412f-9a29-e60c3a556914/10+Columbian+white-tailed+deer+fawn.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Young Columbian white-tailed deer. Most of the deer appeared in herds of four to seven, although there were also a few single animals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a99e8f9d-447e-4fe5-a05e-ca7d6275c0f5/11+Deer+showing+off+white+tail.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Deer showing off white tail. The deer seemed to have no difficulty leaping the cattle fences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24fae2ce-8a84-4fe4-ac76-ff96e20854dc/12+Detail+of+Columbian+white-tailed+deer+tail.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Detail of white tail. In coastal mule deer, the fur on the topside of the tail would be black. Here, it is brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0bc2fe33-bfde-4075-bfbc-82d587e83750/13+American+goldfinches+Tenasillahe+Island.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out American goldfinches, Tenasillahe Island. In winter plumage, this species can be difficult to distinguish from the lesser goldfinch, which is also present along the lower Columbia River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/48466e27-acd1-4eab-abbb-6ada3d122417/14+Foggy+eastward+view+across+Columbia+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out View from Tenasillahe Island eastward across the Columbia River. Ocean-going cargo vessels would loom out of the fog on short notice in this narrow channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/228f5b89-b1ee-4bb7-8e73-32e226155aed/15+Foggy+Elochoman+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Elochoman River. I had hoped to complete a loop route via the Elochoman, but the connection I needed to take to return to the Columbia was blocked by floodgates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b45ce5f8-2c7e-4b4b-a591-e94e79f105ca/16+Sitka+spruce+Elochoman+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Sitka spruce on the Elochoman River. The presence of this species in high numbers is yet another reason to call the lower Columbia a coastal environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a5d9e769-b085-4c54-9f2e-16814e4c504f/17+Fog+on+Steamboat+Slough.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Steamboat Slough. In such thick fog, I would have struggled without a GPS to locate the entrances to the various side channels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7a403e1a-6da8-4beb-acb9-11afa84cdd4f/18+Foggy+kayaking+on+lower+Columbia+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking lower Columbia River. The banks of the Columbia are lined with the detritus of failed business ventures, evidence of a time when the river was treated even more rapaciously than it is today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5bcf50ef-69a0-4679-858a-e452d0c32db9/19+Spotted+sandpiper+Skamokawa+River.JPG Tenasillahe Island 26–28 Jan 2024 - Make it stand out Spotted sandpiper, Skamokawa River. The only shorebirds I saw were this individual on the Skamokawa and a pair of killdeer atop the sandy plateau on Lark Island. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/clayoquot-sound-2-8-feb-2024 daily 0.75 2024-09-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/290cefd6-2d5c-480e-92aa-46871de03b20/00+Route+map.jpg Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. I made the drive from Seattle to Tofino in eight and a half hours, a new personal speed record. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c834e440-c97d-4cfb-8f0e-67227a877858/01+Landing+beach+at+Rassier+Point.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Landing beach at Rassier Point. Heavy rain fell on the first day, but after that came a week of nearly unbroken sunshine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2369e3ce-4e17-46cb-ac57-e4ac28f9b3a5/02+Kayaking+Maurus+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Maurus Channel. Tides were strong around Tofino but moderate to light everywhere else, even as the new moon approached. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/803a1e37-2ca3-4154-a9c2-c5b00b35e436/03+Looking+north+up+Clayoquot+Sound+from+Russell+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Looking north up Clayoquot Sound from Russell Channel. It had been such a mild winter that most of the peaks on Vancouver Island were already free of snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ae0bd124-77f0-4034-955b-847ecd5bbf67/04+Clouds+over+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Clouds over Flores Island. Navigation was a breeze, thanks to the many prominent landmarks throughout the sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/294ae891-5072-4ca9-992b-0faf3f17124e/05+Cow+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Westernmost beach of Cow Bay. One of the benefits of winter camping is that the highest high tides occur during daylight hours, so it is safe to camp on the beaches even during a spring tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/222fc92e-8ec5-40cd-b102-66fe42291552/06+Sunrise+at+Cow+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sunrise at Cow Bay. There were about nine and a half hours of daylight each day, plenty of time to maneuver throughout the relatively small space that is Clayoquot Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/697eb54f-5067-4328-943d-8cee8ba38280/07+Mountains+of+Vancouver+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Mountains and spray off Flores Island. Clayoquot Sound presents particularly rich variations on the standard Pacific Northwest vista of trees, rocks, and water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4aab9b4a-f09a-4312-a16e-1d0cde602054/39+Alex+at+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Alex at Whitesand Cove. Toward the end of the trip, as the last high-pressure ridge collapsed, stratus clouds moved back in to resume their rightful reign over the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2a46d0bf-b73e-4e24-844f-c4f0d2b01550/08+Surf+scoter+Hot+Springs+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Surf scoter, Hot Spring Cove. Its wings produce a strong whistling noise in flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b8ca4bdc-296c-4014-972b-3e7acf9d915c/09+Common+goldeneye+Father+Charles+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Common goldeneye, Father Charles Channel. This species is the least approachable of the three Bucephala. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d68e8b42-ea02-4326-a945-8c855d5a7a7e/10+Long-tailed+ducks+Russell+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Long-tailed ducks, Russell Channel. The male of the species, at left, regularly emits a comical, nasally honk, like a duck trying to imitate a goose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/438296c0-f221-454d-a439-306bfbb3d8d0/11+Marbled+murrelet+Millar+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelet, Millar Channel. This old-growth-dependent species was the most abundant of the alcids, a testament to the high quality of Clayoquot Sound’s remaining patches of unlogged forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f51b3c95-2928-4d08-b3e6-b638a987f1e7/12+White-winged+scoters+off+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out White-winged scoters off Flores Island. Compared to the more common surf scoter, this species tends to linger farther offshore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1dc436a3-090b-4f89-960b-bbbc11fac092/13+Common+loon+Hot+Springs+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Common loon, Hot Springs Cove. Common loons were present in large numbers throughout Clayoquot Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52d4ba88-dfdd-4a85-8db3-853a7ff399bc/14+Red-necked+grebe+Father+Charles+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Red-necked grebe, Father Charles Channel. This individual appears to have already begun its transition to breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ab91ac9a-a550-4a23-8789-5c2106be1a73/15+Kayaking+Calmus+Passage.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Calmus Passage. What a pleasure to paddle through such scenery on a sunny day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0147241d-c64f-4657-aeac-c3a7bf5e9082/16+Paddling+through+sea+foam+off+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Paddling through sea foam off Flores Island. The foam had an unpleasant, oily taste, like old seaweed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6aab050f-1851-4bbe-a1df-b7b8371b8a5b/17+Kayaking+narrow+slot+near+Halfmoon+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking a narrow slot near Halfmoon Bay. I propelled myself through the canyon using my hands instead of my paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b5c09d1b-dddc-4297-9695-923fbf709ae0/18+Kayaking+between+islands+off+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking among islets off Flores Island. The west side of Flores offered a perfect balance between wild ocean swells and beaches and protected inside passages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ec94da25-29f4-4db6-aa39-d71e74dcd3bc/19+Sunset+Halfmoon+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sunset at Halfmoon Bay. Halfmoon Bay on the west coast of Flores Island is not named on any charts or maps I saw, but I learned the name after the trip, when I belatedly read John Kimantas’s guidebook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e70e128e-ad49-47b0-ac63-792ae7c03e32/20+Stars+at+Halfmoon+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Stars seen from Halfmoon Bay. The hunter Orion is our quintessential wintertime constellation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/70487248-193d-489e-a998-dc002e2cae79/21+Ramsay+Hot+Springs+seen+from+water.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Steam rising from Ramsay Hot Springs, Hot Springs Cove, seen from kayak. During low swell and at high tide, it would be possible but difficult to land a kayak directly at the hot springs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4576003c-88a5-4204-b1f3-d7776359920f/22+Large+cedars+on+hot+springs+trail.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Large western redcedars on the boardwalk trail to Ramsay Hot Springs. Western redcedars are some of our liveliest-looking conifers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1743c585-6c1e-45e8-8591-2f7e606cbe1e/23+Stairway+to+Ramsay+Hot+Springs.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Stairway to Ramsay Hot Springs. The temperature where the water emerges from the rock is around 122°F (50°C), but the water cools considerably by the time it reaches the waterfalls and soaking pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bad9fc74-35e3-40a5-b67f-247d13147fea/24+Tarp+at+Halfmoon+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Contemplating a life well lived in Halfmoon Bay. On both days I camped here, a powerboat came by to drop off picnickers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a034c6e3-2ff8-4fd7-97de-77b48a92293c/25+Morning+frost+on+kayak.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Morning frost on kayak, Halfmoon Bay. Overnight temperatures dipped below freezing but rapidly warmed during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d0809810-9219-4cef-b492-91d21adf3c5b/26+View+down+Millar+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out View down Millar Channel. I fought a spring-tide ebb most of the way around Flores Island, but the adverse current seldom rose above one knot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/479009b2-d269-483d-8279-1cbc824d9e3f/27+Cormorants+on+rock+off+Sharp+Point.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Cormorants on rock off Sharp Point. All three Pacific Northwest species are present here: double-crested, pelagic, and Brandt’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e1e83a5-85f9-46e1-bad0-6f8be90a3f7c/28+Sea+stars+and+anemones+off+Flores+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sea stars and anemones off Flores Island. Every square centimeter of surface supports life on this coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/663e981b-cfc1-4f75-9f0a-899c9f97e819/29+Sea+otter+Russell+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Russell Channel. The presence of this species is a sure sign that you have come to a special and beautiful place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bb8cbcfa-aec1-4507-97d2-714d63fc4855/30+California+sea+lion+Millar+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out California sea lion, Millar Channel. In the narrow channels, the males’ barking honks could be heard for miles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c4e2a8f1-6254-444a-880a-2e8f4da10d61/31+Killdeer+at+Cow+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Killdeer on frosty morning in Cow Bay. This species and the black turnstone were the only shorebirds I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/963019fd-62cd-43cf-a32b-cc248cb51f2a/32+Chestnut-backed+chickadee+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Chestnut-backed chickadee, Whitesand Cove. This was the most abundant forest bird species, but even so, I saw fewer than thirty throughout the course of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/958050ca-2597-454b-8146-1ae280a8660c/33+Stellers+jay+Halfmoon+Bay.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Steller’s jay, Halfmoon Bay. Sand clings to its bill, a remnant of its diggings to extract amphipods from the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/da68e714-3907-473e-a269-8a791ff12144/34+Hermit+thrush+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Hermit thrust, Whitesand Cove. This species is the most approachable of our thrushes, excepting the ubiquitous and well-urbanized robin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3f650fcd-5aaa-48ba-b18f-895230a94c53/35+Pigeon+guillemot+Father+Charles+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemot, Father Charles Channel. Ninety to ninety-five percent of the guillemots were in their white, winter plumage, shown here, but a handful of individuals had already transitioned to their black, summer plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5ebe66cd-c4ba-4837-87e6-e1a438283e75/36+Bufflehead+Millar+Channel.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Bufflehead, Millar Channel. A handful of the most exuberant males had just begun to perform courtship dances, but most were content to hang out peacefully with their bros. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e6f9f08a-f8c3-4a72-b06d-adc6d1ba12c8/37+Brant+on+Stubbs+Island.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Brant, Stubbs Island. This is the Pacific subspecies, Branta bernicla nigricans, sometimes called the “black brant.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d5632323-5841-4947-adea-faecc76ca9c8/38+Sunrise+at+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sunrise at Whitesand Cove. This time of year, the sunrises and sunsets take nearly an hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5567a13d-7585-41fd-9c00-a3433c89ea7e/40+Sand+dunes+at+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Sand dunes at Whitesand Cove. One of these days, someone is going to find a tropical sea snake slithering down these dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e810b68e-098d-4aa6-b66a-46bb064f70e8/41+Moss+shoots+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out Moss shoots, Whitesand Cove. The structure of the forest replicates itself in miniature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e81543f4-8ef3-4844-be9b-add5b2ed3272/42+View+from+Whitesand+Cove.JPG Clayoquot Sound 2–8 Feb 2024 - Make it stand out View from Whitesand Cove. Cumulus clouds herald the arrival of dense, cold air. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/posey-island-13-14-apr-2024 daily 0.75 2024-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4f24a46e-64cd-43e9-8b12-fbb21f32f9dd/00+Route+map.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. We could have launched at Reuben Tarte for free parking and a longer paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1e859ad9-e650-4e82-923a-99c7b066ca3c/01+Maya+waiting+for+Anacortes+ferry.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya waiting for Anacortes ferry. What joy to be a child on the beach in spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/923896cc-5ca1-41ad-bc37-5d306a0f40e1/02+Leon+waiting+for+Anacortes+ferry.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Leon waiting for Anacortes ferry. Leon clambered over rocks with the agility of a mountain goat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79779e29-6e86-4a5d-a88c-1a2dea80e1b8/03+Alex+and+Maya+launching+kayak+at+Roche+Harbor.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya and Alex launching kayak at Roche Harbor. Our family were the only kayakers on the water all weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4d246a6c-a40a-4862-b3e3-4715f6879f22/04+Leon+and+Rachel+launching+kayak+at+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Leon, Rachel, and Superman launching kayak from Roche Harbor. Leon had long been a fan of monster trucks, but lately, he had realized superheroes are even more powerful than monster trucks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11edcd79-450e-4a9e-8a9b-a1b3603a3ff9/05+Sidles+family+kayaking+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Sidles family kayaking Roche Harbor. As we departed, the Roche Harbor Resort rang a noontime chorus of bells of such extraordinary volume and duration that I began to worry there might be a plague, chevauchée, or Jacquerie, or some other such medieval emergency. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa307dfb-ce1b-4bc8-84ed-75b4696247e4/06+Maya+kayaking+past+Pearl+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya kayaking past Pearl Island. Currents were unpredictable but mild in the convoluted channels around Roche Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0a028828-5b74-463b-97be-315ac214bde0/07+Approaching+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Approaching Posey Island. A pair of eagles were nesting in the leftmost Douglas-fir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/32800c67-81b8-4919-be86-2dca1393494e/08+Rachel+and+kids+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Rachel, Maya, and Leon on Posey Island. This early in the season, we could leave the tent open with no fear of yellowjackets flying in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e1832618-c5cb-4767-8075-d1d9a82534b1/09+Alex+and+Rachel+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Alex and Rachel on Posey Island. Rachel knit Maya a pair of leg-warmers for ballet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c495f824-23fe-476b-b233-0bec49569c82/10+Spieden+Island+seen+from+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Spieden Island seen from Posey Island. Through binoculars, I could just make out the herds of exotic animals imported for sport during the 1970s and 80s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2470bd1d-38a0-42ff-b2d9-a966e52b0883/11+Leon+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Leon on Posey Island. All weekend, Leon showed off his prowess in rock-climbing and running. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/520e1198-b0b1-46ad-a9ac-7e1dbab7eb82/12+Maya+on+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya on Posey Island. The kids teamed up to steal my hat whenever I let down my guard for even an instant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5f93f67e-bb12-48de-85a1-2a56a500fcb5/13+Maya+playing+with+dogs.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya playing with dogs on Posey Island. The dog pack has now grown to eight animals: Ruby and Sam, Biscuit and Chips, Strawberry Dog, and Sedda and Rose and Olivia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b3719197-563b-46e3-b26d-f2a860830cb8/14+Mayas+list+of+tasks.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya’s list of “tasks” for photography. Just like in Maya’s computer game Pupperazzi, a “walking camera” (here with homemade “legs”) is given a list of “tasks” that need to be photographed. Often the tasks involve dogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d5732912-159a-4571-bb56-c8411b5b1f17/15+Great+blue+heron+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Great blue heron, Roche Harbor. This bird is so majestic it can sometimes be mistaken, at a distance, for a bald eagle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b3be52e2-48cd-4f17-9647-ac9b0c9fd437/16+Pelagic+cormorant+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorant, Roche Harbor. This time of year, the pelagic cormorant sports a white rump patch to attract a mate, as one does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/62a53dd6-adca-4872-b010-0dd8b842c773/17+Harlequin+ducks+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Harlequin ducks, Posey Island. This species shared the most desirable, seaweed-covered rocks with oystercatchers and mergansers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/209ec174-2e90-47f0-9fa4-16b2a47eed49/18+Bufflehead+Pearl+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Bufflehead, Pearl Island. There were large flocks of bufflehead still present but only a handful of common goldeneyes and no Barrow’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6ada1737-524c-4867-9097-d0add591482c/19+Yellow-rumped+warbler+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Yellow-rumped warbler in seaside juniper. The white eye ring and yellow chin give it a look of dignified surprise: “Harrumph!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d48cf69b-ea0e-4d30-a9d7-c4a8bc566949/20+Yellow-rumped+warbler+in+flight.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Yellow-rumped warbler, Posey Island. I first photographed a yellow-rumped warbler in flight on this very island seven years earlier. What a delight to capture another one in the same place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/56f33d84-ac20-4cdd-9322-269dce1af22e/21+Hermit+crab+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Rachel holding hermit crab. A hermit crab was not on Maya’s list of photographic tasks, but she was still excited to photograph one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b94cf447-1697-40fe-a963-ada4e81ef59f/22+Harbor+seal+off+Posey+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Harbor seal off Posey Island. This individual tolerated our passage without objection, but when another harbor seal swam past, it began snorting angrily at the intruder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6abb0075-4693-49a0-a9be-d528da5a1b20/22+Splendid+iridescent+seaweed+Pearl+Island.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Splendid iridescent seaweed, Mazzaella splendens, Pearl Island. Once we knew what to look for, we found several other patches of iridescent seaweed nearby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7562564f-3c92-493f-a14f-96b9b25f58f6/23+Maya+in+the+tent.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Maya in the tent. Our winter-weight down sleeping bags were a welcome refuge during the chilly night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e8a79856-7db4-4afc-9b48-358394ba5e1e/24+Leon+in+the+tent.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Leon in the tent. Leon helped Superman crush all bad guys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c09ee26-1b95-4b1c-968c-6a99e7ed2763/25+Alex+sitting+under+seaside+juniper.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Alex sitting beneath seaside juniper. The berries from this species can be used to make the weirdest, snootiest of gins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0710027b-1b43-4949-b81d-21f25c924bda/26+Rachel+making+breakfast.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Rachel making breakfast. As usual when Rachel is along on a trip, we ate like royalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/311c5de3-3026-472a-ac7d-21fc68bd1a52/27+Fairy+slipper+orchid+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Fairy slipper orchid, Roche Harbor. The name comes from the lip dangling below the petals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f8d40bf-c51b-4561-88b1-8d64397342a0/28+Pink+fairy+slipper+orchid+Roche+Harbor.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Drooping, pink fairy slipper. At first, I thought this was a different species of orchid, but it is actually a fairy slipper in decline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/112fc8bb-396f-44ac-b159-8c684a05f594/29+Striped+coralroot+Roche+Harbor.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Striped coralroot. Rachel spotted the only specimen of this orchid along the trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a7f87a5e-51ea-415a-8074-7fb7f801999b/30+Temple+in+the+forest.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Temple in the forest. An object lesson in why architecture should be left to architects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ffa91d89-2a82-4bf0-a74a-6e1154330d52/31+Stone+table+in+the+forest.JPG Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Stone table in the forest. These pseudo-ruins have the unusual artistic quality of looking better in photographs than they do in real life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d81a3566-357c-449f-a7f3-8d3b9f0de075/32+Family+at+the+temple.jpg Posey Island 13–14 Apr 2024 - Make it stand out Sidles family at the forest temple. The best way to appreciate a silly monument is to take a silly picture. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/nakwakto-rapids-1-10-june-2024 daily 0.75 2025-08-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7b32922a-2f5b-4527-92b5-49251296c42f/00+Route+map.jpg Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. The drive from Seattle to Port Hardy took about twelve hours each way, on account of not hitting the ferry crossings very well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/49b10af6-72d4-4df9-925e-cdaca90a8577/01+Kayaking+Gordon+Islands.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Gordon Islands. June gloom was in full effect, with only two days out of ten completely free of rain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ddacf5cb-8ad7-4df3-96f6-4b8ed4808812/02+Midden+at+Bell+Island.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Midden on Bell Island. Little is known about the magnificent Ik’ix’yulis midden, but maybe someday some graduate student in archaeology will get to the bottom of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c1c8280-8906-4421-bb56-f365dcbc08f9/03+Kayaking+Walker+Group.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Walker Group. I tried to round the west side of the Walker Group, but strong currents forced me into Shelter Passage between the Walker Group and the Deserters Group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a999cc50-5893-4b76-ba5f-1a3bdb73fb1c/04+Entering+Skull+Cove.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Entering Skull Cove. The sight of this sunny, sheltered bay came as a relief at the end of a choppy twenty-five-mile (40 km) passage from Port Hardy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5c298c7e-0b30-4658-a0e0-96777b29fd6e/05+Alex+at+Skull+Cove+kitchen.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Alex at outdoor kitchen in Skull Cove. The path from the beach up to this abandoned whale research station was so well hidden I had to search half of Skull Cove before I found it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ce3e7eaf-9fad-4f2c-bd4a-1e6590f0351d/06+Skull+Cove+site+plan.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Skull Cove research station site plan. The stairs have decayed to the point of inaccessibility, but there is still a usable path leading from the “showers” above the beach to the rest of the station upland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/06626b48-2d7d-446b-a032-2510c83796fd/07+Kayak+Bill+Survey+2016+grafitti.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out “Kayak Bill Survey 2016.” Keep the flame alive forever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/43228a0c-32fa-4fc0-9ca2-7ee9f51ef422/08+View+from+Skull+Cove.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out View from Skull Cove. I did not spot any whales from this whale observatory, but there were plenty of humpbacks and orcas elsewhere throughout Queen Charlotte Strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a9814f59-129d-46b5-9337-caa0f6f8311c/09+Waterfall+in+Schooner+Channel.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Waterfall in Schooner Channel. Fresh water was plentiful throughout Queen Charlotte Strait, even on the smallest islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f460ffac-f490-4247-b143-cda0bce6d7b4/10+View+of+Tremble+Island.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out First view of Tremble Island. Up close, the cliffs are not as formidable as they first appear from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7d3dce0-0a23-4a53-9559-a366aaabaf99/11+Boat+signs+on+Tremble+Island.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Boat signs on Tremble Island. There are hundreds of signs scattered about the island, many of which have faded into illegibility with age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1459d812-0b49-4be0-8695-ced303f4c103/12+Mussels+on+Tremble+Island.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Mussels and barnacles on Tremble Island. Cold, fast-flowing currents refresh every six hours to deliver a never-ending banquet to filter-feeders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9cbfc449-4f3a-4c86-8aa1-c1bfb1086ffc/13+Nakwakto+Rapids+during+ebb.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Nakwakto Rapids during ebb. The worst of the turbulence was on the east side of the channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/12c2cd6a-ca0f-48dc-885b-bbb864430c16/14+Green+wave+at+Nakwakto+Rapids.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Green wave at Nakwakto Rapids. The roar of the rapids sounded like a great storm blowing through trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc35e951-cc58-4ede-9186-5404ff74600d/15+Pelagic+cormorant+at+Nakwakto+Rapids.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Pelagic cormorant at Nakwakto Rapids. Seabirds caught in the current would launch themselves into the air at the last minute to avoid being carried into the breaking waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8cff3bb6-13fd-448a-bb06-88488106b47a/16+Alex+at+Nakwakto+Rapids.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Alex at Nakwakto Rapids. Even the most overpowered recreational fishing boats avoided the rapids during maximum flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6bbaaa81-f09a-43e7-9640-71d6df23e21e/17+Pigeon+guillemots+in+Storm+Islands.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots, Storm Islands. This is the least pelagic of our alcids, often found roosting ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b28d9f41-2c11-4b44-bb42-f740b98ad75a/18+Bald+eagles+in+Slingsby+Channel.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Bald eagles, Slingsby Channel. Eagles are usually solitary birds, but they do flock in places where fish are abundant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/108c0569-2898-4101-b45d-09171cd29741/19+Short-billed+gulls+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Short-billed gulls, Burnett Bay. This was the second-most abundant species of gull this trip, after the glaucous-winged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6da28887-c35d-40ea-929d-0d27343b4b75/20+Bonapartes+gull+Hardy+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull, Hardy Bay. Most of the Bonaparte’s were still in their non-breeding plumage, but this one individual was already sporting the black head of its breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/90703b8f-ea5c-48d7-b180-27b8782bdac8/21+Western+sandpiper+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Western sandpiper, Burnett Bay. This lone individual was the only sandpiper I saw the entire trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f905630-5ed5-4987-bb0e-63527f728e4d/22+Black+oystercatcher+Cape+Sutil.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Black oystercatcher, Cape Sutil. A pair of oystercatchers had staked out the beach near my campsite and often protested my presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/86412144-a0ac-40a3-ad9c-1a73c84bedfa/23+Western+kingbird+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Western kingbird, Burnett Bay. Never before had I encountered this species of flycatcher on a beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1f2f2e8-dada-47fb-8738-91518aa6f4f7/24+Squid+eggs+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Squid eggs, Burnett Bay. Capsules of eggs were scattered up and down the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d7823dc9-898b-457f-a0f0-af141f297108/25+Morning+at+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Calm morning at Burnett Bay. The surf moderated the next morning such that landing would have been easy anywhere along the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/efc82534-272d-4a08-a0a8-156b22f85288/26+Long+beach+at+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Burnett Bay beach. A two-mile-long beach and not another soul around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/23e6a26b-9b16-4b79-81f3-5555ae517c05/27+Alex+walking+beach+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Alex hiking Burnett Bay. The sun was warm, but a fifteen-knot northwest wind kept the air chilly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/63fed6db-f33d-43f3-a319-c0a5fd7518e3/28+Stream+at+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Stream at Burnett Bay. I was hoping to find freshwater ducks on this stream, but no such luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e9b24fc8-3f33-4309-ab0c-23efe45ed1e1/29+Burnett+Bay+cabin.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Burnett Bay cabin. I could not get the wood stove to stay lit, possibly because of the poor quality of firewood or possibly because I am terrible at building fires. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6840e9bd-d535-4876-ac63-a8b570bbc4f5/30+Mule+deer+Burnett+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Confrontational deer, Burnett Bay. None of the deer had their full set of antlers yet, so I am about ninety percent confident I could have beaten any one of them in a fight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1d6e584b-27a4-4181-a374-e2aff6f58d99/31+Orcas+at+Nakwakto+Rapids.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Orcas at Nakwakto Rapids. A pod of four transient killer whales swam through the rapids just prior to high slack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fd863cea-dc9f-4f78-9deb-225b017a4e24/32+Humpback+whale+Goletas+Channel.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Humpback whale, Goletas Channel. Humpbacks were present throughout Queen Charlotte Strait in just about every channel, archipelago, and bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d3074dc5-82b1-4fed-b7ef-cb796f375759/33+Sea+otter+Hardy+Bay.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Sea otter, Hardy Bay. Sea otters were more numerous than I’d ever before seen, including just outside the Port Hardy marina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fe77eb8c-c8c1-4eb6-a248-432751d82217/34+Crossing+Queen+Charlotte+Strait+by+kayak.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Crossing Queen Charlotte Strait. Even on a windless morning, a kayaker is well served to keep an eye on the currents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/daeb82db-a708-4a19-9f99-8129c33380cd/35+Secret+beach+Queen+Charlotte+Strait.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Secret beach, Queen Charlotte Strait. There was no Kayak Bill campsite here, but it’s the kind of place he would have loved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a686ab56-f641-435a-81d3-760197ec8e2b/37+Common+murres+Queen+Charlotte+Strait.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Common murres, Queen Charlotte Strait. A few of the murres had not yet fully completed their transitions to breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4cd56326-ec49-4d72-bcd7-02c84237d1df/37+Rhinoceros+auklet+face.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Queen Charlotte Strait. Seen up close, it is easy to tell that this auklet is a member of the puffin family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/671e7ae2-6121-457a-a810-6ad538de0268/38+Beach+at+Cape+Sutil.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Beach at Cape Sutil. Unlike most sandy beaches on the outer coast, this one is protected from surf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/549713c0-2b16-49d7-8dcb-577412f96b2d/39+Anemones+at+Cape+Sutil.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Anemones at Cape Sutil. The tidepooling at Cape Sutil was particularly fruitful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/009c30d2-0239-4959-9a03-469d30c6aacb/40+Raven+perched+on+Cape+Sutil+petroglyphs.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Raven perched atop Cape Sutil petroglyphs. I am not mystically inclined, but if I were, I might interpret this scene as the raven trying to show me something. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/350a8069-670a-40c8-be57-a2929f281297/41+Face+petroglyphs+at+Cape+Sutil.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Face motif petroglyphs at Cape Sutil. The one on the left appears to be wearing a headdress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e9998d64-7dcb-47eb-b350-785fab710ab8/42+Kayaking+past+Jepther+Point.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Jepther Point. I’ve read this is a rubbing beach for orcas, but none were present today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22ffd661-1ad2-4987-966f-452a5769e124/43+Morning+in+the+Gordon+Islands.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out Early morning in the Gordon Islands. Queen Charlotte Strait boasts some of the best kayaking scenery in BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a9bffce2-83be-4902-95af-725f747f11d7/44+Kayaker+Alex+June+2024+on+Tremble+Island.JPG Nakwakto Rapids 1–10 June 2024 - Make it stand out “Kayaker Alex June 2024.” I just couldn’t allow those powerboaters to keep thinking they were the only show in town. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lopez-island-1-3-july-2024 daily 0.75 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f8b56664-2547-42f2-a427-7be9ff158247/00+Route+map.jpg Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. Washington Park has finally entered the twenty-first century and installed a credit card-reading meter in the overnight parking lot, obviating the need to bring cash. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/657ea7ae-93fd-43d5-b599-6048a2d203ba/01+Crossing+Rosario+Strait+at+sunset.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking across Rosario Strait at sunset. In such calm conditions, I did not even bring a drysuit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/97d4ec2e-c7b0-4ca5-a1ee-5c5c9cb5ff05/02+Kayaking+up+Rosario+Strait+from+James+Island.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking up Rosario Strait from James Island. Cool, foggy mornings gave way to clear, hot afternoons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/176a097d-1e46-4e80-85ef-fa397a0f5c28/03+Kayaking+off+Spencer+Spit.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking off Spencer Spit. The spit is a magnet for shorebirds during migration, but none were present here in the first week of July. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ebd3adb1-f557-4801-8ebe-69bf0717e2db/04+Cabin+at+Spencer+Spit.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Cabin at Spencer Spit. Washington State Parks built this replica of one of the early settler cabins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d0f60528-f9f5-4018-84c9-5e66a39fc267/05+Kayaking+under+Lopez+Island+ferry+terminal.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking under Lopez Island ferry terminal. Unfortunately, Washington State Ferries does not allow kayakers to launch from this otherwise excellent location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9a32d31b-09f6-43e6-93c6-a83c2e68ec8d/06+House+wren+James+Island.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out House wren, James Island. This species seems to be increasing its numbers in the San Juans, but it remains rare in most of the rest of western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/003e5823-0ae9-412b-977d-84507d767ebd/07+Bewicks+wren+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Bewick’s wren, Griffin Bay. This species is the familiar backyard wren in most of western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9c159ed8-feac-4a66-aae5-7e3367b602c4/08+Spotted+towhee+Odlin+County+Park.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Spotted towhee, Odlin County Park. This individual was perched high in an alder, unusual for a bird that generally prefers low shrubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e3389c33-5856-442a-b21b-9f61519a8a3d/09+Hairy+woodpecker+Odlin+County+Park.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Hairy woodpecker, Odlin County Park. Odlin offers one of the best forest walks in the San Juans, with interpretive signage to explain some of the lesser-known species such as the Douglas maple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a3e4a8ae-b819-4e1f-8bee-978cc5f18993/10+White-crowned+sparrow+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out White-crowned sparrow, Griffin Bay. This was the most abundant sparrow species of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c89f32ee-9c5a-470a-b697-f43eda68b498/11+California+quail+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out California quail, Griffin Bay. Quail are most easily found shortly after dawn, but they are so wary they are difficult to approach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/46b043be-31b8-4e72-8fd4-6ef9f04341a4/12+Brown-headed+cowbirds+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Brown-headed cowbirds, Griffin Bay. I’ve always admired the handsome plumage of the cowbird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/10df2a9b-7eaa-4e79-9464-436b2ffae838/13+Alex+at+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Alex at Griffin Bay. The wireless coverage in the San Juans is good enough that I was able to work remotely from anywhere on Lopez Island and San Juan Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c34e74c2-a0d0-4e62-a66a-e52c85177541/14+Cooking+at+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Cooking dinner at Griffin Bay. I don’t like to build fires, but I ran out of stove fuel so I had no choice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a6b3c4f8-526e-4ad8-bb1c-3cd1d4fc4742/15+Oceanspray+at+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Oceanspray at Griffin Bay. This is one of the classic understory shrubs west of the Rockies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c7868f5c-da59-4e62-bacc-ea986a1a99af/16+Northward+view+of+San+Juan+Channel.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Northward view of San Juan Channel. This channel is usually protected from the wind, but it experiences strong tidal currents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3102c2d5-15d0-4c8a-9308-556db4456eac/17+Salmon+Bank+buoy.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Salmon Bank buoy. The carillon of bells in the lower portion of the buoy can be heard from a distance of several miles on a quiet morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/028a93bc-15b3-4448-a31b-c381fdad21a6/18+Bonapartes+gull+Griffin+Bay.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull, Griffin Bay. This species is our only regularly occurring black-headed gull, although we do occasionally get stray Franklin’s gulls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/371f54bc-5dab-49e0-a636-d9f6da288b07/19+Heermanns+gull+Salmon+Bank.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Heermann’s gull, Salmon Bank. Salmon Bank is one of the most reliable places in the state for this handsome species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bb217a63-40f4-4811-8317-fc7da5806fbf/20+Red+fox+at+Cattle+Point.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Red fox, Cattle Point. The southeastern end of San Juan Island is famous for its foxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e024fad-bc46-4768-8cc3-6f03db3e65a8/21+Red+foxes+Cattle+Point.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Red foxes, San Juan Island. Soon, there will be a fresh litter of fox kits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/331586cc-64b5-4a71-8012-59d89dbaef51/22+Steller+sea+lion+Iceberg+Point.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Steller sea lion, Iceberg Point. This species, the harbor seal, mule deer, raccoon, and red fox were the only mammal species I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/134865d9-fe8b-42fe-a1c7-04ec25e7d7c9/23+Cattle+Point+lighthouse.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Cattle Point lighthouse, seen from Salmon Bank. The grassy slopes of San Juan Island are almost as distinct a landmark as its lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9a9797c6-06a4-410d-8055-41489a009146/24+Iceberg+Point+monument.JPG Lopez Island 1–3 July 2024 - Make it stand out Iceberg Point monument. Hiking the San Juans is nice, but kayaking it is even nicer. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/wingehaven-13-14-july-2024 daily 0.75 2024-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/eab0b4ae-5a04-4248-b848-93c9976ca6c8/00+Route+map.jpg Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. The ferry terminal offers free overnight parking uphill of the dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/470b0919-d4de-4845-9a2a-3940ac4c9757/01+Rachel+and+Leon+kayaking+at+Vashon+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Rachel and Leon kayaking off Vashon Island ferry terminal. There was only one ferry in service during our crossing to Vashon, which made for a long wait in West Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8465cda8-0b5f-4bd4-a4df-92a78de5e6d3/02+Alex+and+Maya+kayaking+at+Vashon+ferry+terminal.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Alex and Maya kayaking off Vashon Island ferry terminal. The water was so shallow Rachel spotted a clump of splendid iridescent seaweed well offshore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/39238d74-cf1b-43de-a1a2-90021bf2d48e/03+Leon+kayaking+off+Point+Vashon.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Leon kayaking off Point Vashon. Currents were negligible at all times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/44625604-48bb-4561-9a3b-4f02a48fab70/04+Rachel+kayaking+past+Mount+Rainier.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Rachel kayaking past Mount Rainier. From the water, we could see Mount Baker to the north and Mount Rainier to the south, a two-volcano day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0d0c93fa-c434-4c38-905e-43c508a5cb4c/05+Leon+on+steps+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Leon on stairs at Wingehaven. At the highest tides, the water reaches all the way to the base of the steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bf45f164-2c4c-49f7-b219-5e224bdffeaa/06+Maya+resting+in+grass.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Maya resting in grass. We might have slept out under the stars, but the arrival of a handful of mosquitos drove us into the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3bcab59b-aaa3-44a5-957c-737040082c8c/07+Bench+at+Wingehaven+Park.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Bench at Wingehaven Park. The bench is not one of the original fixtures of the estate but rather a more recent addition to the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b98c9750-b9a1-4092-974a-5acb7f37c172/08+Ballustrade+at+Wingehaven+Park.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Ballustrade at Wingehaven. Leon, age four, wondered whether these were intended to be chess pieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/99a8d6e6-60db-4627-8e0b-f4573abd2379/09+Forest+at+Wingehaven+Park.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Forest at Wingehaven. The flora is a mixture of native and invasive species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e3045a53-bea6-4610-a7fb-b6641edb8daf/10+Chestbut-backed+chickadee+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Chestnut-backed chickadee, Wingehaven. Both species of lowland chickadee were present in Wingehaven this weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/769cd2e3-0853-4537-a05a-d250f318e5b8/11+Annas+hummingbird+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Anna’s hummingbird, Wingehaven. The hummingbirds put on a display of aerobatics for one another’s benefit, with us humans as appreciative onlookers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0cf6ee36-4803-4317-99eb-e227360fb244/12+Canada+goose+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Canada goose, Wingehaven. This species is more commonly seen on freshwater, but it has no qualms about foraging for seagrass on saltwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a3cdbd91-c0ec-4ddd-893e-0c368e7ce6e5/13+Orcas+in+East+Passage.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Transient killer whales, East Passage. The individual with the tall, pointy fin is an adult male, T49C (“Nielson”), born in 1998. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4f67a040-6251-4b3a-b7f0-5c598910dc1d/14+Maya+playing+at+Wingehaven.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Maya playing in the grass. Maya dispatched me and Leon to the forest to fetch sticks for the construction of a doghouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/16d9a5a9-2658-4a06-b2a4-e3964c020d42/15+Leon+playing+on+beach.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Leon throwing rocks on the beach. Leon was interested in the shore crabs hiding under the rocks, but he declined to pick up any crabs on the grounds that they were “too pinchy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f8bf24c4-6540-4c4b-bd22-d4c531e0467c/16+Maya+and+Leon+overlooking+water.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon overlooking water. Even the rambunctious kids were grateful to sit in the shade during the hottest part of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a589c458-8f1b-4066-b238-808976d7cb2c/17+Sidles+family+having+dinner.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Sidles family having dinner at Wingehaven. This was the kids’ third time at Wingehaven, and we have yet to encounter any other kayakers here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/65fb3e97-f648-469b-a186-e1ae0cd659ae/18+Leon+asleep+in+kayak.JPG Wingehaven 13–14 July 2024 - Make it stand out Leon asleep on the boat ramp. The combination of rocking waves and his mama’s sweet lullabies would have put anyone to sleep. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cape-kiwanda-cape-lookout-cape-falcon-31-july-2-aug-2024 daily 0.75 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b2233a42-4cf9-4198-8e11-dec933069560/00+Route+map+Cape+Kiwanda.jpg Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Route map for Cape Kiwanda. Parking near the beach access was full, so I parked in a public lot several blocks south and wheeled my kayak through town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0799fcdc-b8fb-483b-b5cd-31f31982b8ae/01+View+from+top+of+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out View of Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock from atop dunes. The Oregon coast is justly famous for its scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fa25261e-e6f9-49ee-be3d-c2ce74039874/02+Rock+shelf+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Rock shelf, Cape Kiwanda. As is the case with most headlands, the sea caves are most accessible to kayakers during the highest tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/db14ea6f-da3b-4a44-8de6-2ed0e6a43a3c/03+Sea+cave+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Sea cave, Cape Kiwanda. A dense field of boomers repulsed my attempts to enter this cave, but on a day of low swell it would be accessible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b49f7189-80e1-4092-a275-a5a42ec98e8c/04+Kayaking+bluffs+at+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking bluffs at Cape Kiwanda. Although the terrain and vegetation look almost Mediterranean, the climate is classic Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/84a9ee10-5b5f-4776-b732-56ee4cd65157/05+Haystack+Rock+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Haystack Rock, Cape Kiwanda. Landing is prohibited, because the rock is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b642f119-4f79-4496-bd2b-c5dad78ccad6/06+Common+murre+colony+atop+Haystack+Rock.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Common murre colony atop Haystack Rock, Cape Kiwanda. It is rare in Washington to encounter such a large colony of common murres, but there are many such colonies in Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fb204626-cc5d-4a97-b6c0-f5a6e1dc6764/07+People+ascending+Great+Dune+at+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Hikers Chilkooting their way up Great Dune, Cape Kiwanda. I did not try sandboarding down the dune, but I couldn’t resist climbing to the top to make a downhill sprint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2c970a42-c9c1-41b1-b04c-c00eca778d5a/08+Dory+surf+launch+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Dory launching through surf, Cape Kiwanda. Powerboaters and kayakers often find reasons to disdain one another, but even a kayaker has to respect what these dorymen do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c32d200b-0bf6-479d-b550-c4a0900dbe4d/00+Route+map+Cape+Lookout.jpg Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Route map, Cape Lookout. Surf was lower in front of the park’s day use area than in front of the park’s camping area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/165876fb-bd14-4bf9-9af3-2fa168f265db/09+Cape+Lookout+seen+from+Cape+Kiwanda.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Cape Lookout seen from Cape Kiwanda. The surf may appear intimidating, but Oregon is a lee shore, so even a capsized, swimming kayaker will eventually be washed ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f4c68734-2289-43dc-b02c-910467f9ba8f/10+Cape+Lookout+seen+from+north.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Cape Lookout seen from north. Most of the campsites at Cape Lookout State Park are “dry” sites, meaning no hookups for RVs, so the park is mercifully quieter than most car-campgrounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9eafa781-000b-47df-ab2d-6d80b5a66f43/11+Northeastern+section+of+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Northeastern section of Cape Lookout. The swell impacting the cliffs throws up a scrim of mist that persists even during hot days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/07714ea5-d48f-4be6-b5ad-4794e87cb0d2/12+Large+cave+at+tip+of+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Large cave at tip of Cape Lookout. This is the most obvious of the half dozen or so large caves found on both the north and south sides of the cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22b30c59-3b04-4c75-b028-6910358e55eb/13+Kayaking+through+tunnel+at+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking through a tunnel, Cape Lookout. The caves on the leeward side were much easier to access than those on the windward side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2293937b-80fe-478c-9a0f-c8f5b3c016aa/14+Kayaking+south+side+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking south side of Cape Lookout. By tucking in close to the cape, it was possible to avoid both wind waves and swell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/637591b8-6595-478e-a6a3-c8cbc5fc228a/15+Common+murres+off+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Common murres off Cape Lookout. The murres assembled into rafts, dozens strong, to enjoy the protected waters south of the cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/38117474-f892-4f62-9309-658ca6d30767/16+Common+murres+on+mainland+cliffs+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Murre colony, Cape Lookout. The cliffs at Cape Lookout are steep enough that murres can safely come to the mainland instead of remaining on offshore islands as they usually do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/75fc1938-c833-43f9-8631-6a9bf7eaf79f/17+Common+murres+in+cave+Cape+Lookout.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Common murres in sea cave, Cape Lookout. How strange to think of birds living deep underground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/318d6abf-f3a1-4ee4-b8a4-433dad8848ea/18+California+ground+squirrel+Cape+Lookout+State+Park.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out California ground squirrel, Cape Lookout. Although it looks like the familiar tree squirrels found in urban areas, and although it can readily climb trees, it is a true ground squirrel; it nests underground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b811c3fc-42c2-40c8-bcbc-e6ccd32424d9/19+Cedar+waxwings+Cape+Lookout+State+Park.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Cedar waxwings, Cape Lookout. This handsome species is found year-round in Washington and Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/54bdefcb-3d05-408d-8868-ec964fa66118/20+Barn+swallow+Cape+Lookout+State+Park.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Barn swallow, Cape Lookout State Park. True to its name, this species prefers manmade structures when it comes to nest-building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0eb7bf60-2560-4bc3-9b21-4648d6a6f17a/21+Brown+pelicans+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Brown pelicans, Cape Falcon. No other species than the brown pelican makes birds’ descent from dinosaurs more obvious to the casual observer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79af2392-1c7d-4ad5-9c90-85d2e0c12d4f/00+Route+map+Cape+Falcon.jpg Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Route map, Cape Falcon. Caves begin at the first headland and continue most of the way around Cape Falcon proper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cf8d7473-0cd7-4f75-ae8e-8ed8ca7f4313/22+View+of+Cape+Falcon+from+Manzanita.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out View of Cape Falcon from Manzanita. Another potential launch point I investigated is at Arch Cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c647c83f-c96d-495a-b7eb-3c96f6305c33/23+Kayaking+toward+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking toward Cape Falcon. As at Cape Lookout, the cliffs here are steep enough to support mainland colonies of guillemots and murres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e0f79e4b-857b-448e-8815-93482e7cbca9/24+Sea+caves+at+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Sea caves at Cape Falcon. From a distance it is impossible to tell which caves are too shallow to be worth entering and which extend far back beneath the headland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d50de096-b522-4851-8e25-43c774c4ebe0/25+Entering+sea+cave+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Nosing into sea cave, Cape Falcon. Unlike at Cape Lookout, most of the caves at Cape Falcon were not home to seabirds, so I felt less inhibited about entering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c55e6d2-cc67-4eb4-9284-2c8bcb275e1c/26+Kayaking+Smuggler+Cove+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking Smuggler Cove, Cape Falcon. The surfers can keep their sandy beaches; here is a far more interesting environment to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/81c4945c-083f-481f-90d8-3d5fb1fc3d0e/27+Blowhole+Smuggler+Cove+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Blowhole, Smuggler Cove, Cape Falcon. This was the only blowhole I encountered that was not inside a cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/62cdfc81-2558-44e3-a810-f2aa7ebfec5e/28+Sea+caves+in+Smuggler+Cove+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Sea caves, Smuggler Cove. Although Smuggler Cove is home to the famous surfing beach of Short Sands, the cove itself is so sheltered it is a welcome refuge from the bumpier waters elsewhere along the cape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c2e8c3b5-5077-4672-a2d2-a9a5b75cca8d/29+Tunnel+beneath+Cape+Falcon.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Tunnel beneath Cape Falcon. At high tide, this tunnel was an easy traverse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c9fa93d7-18ba-43c3-965a-c16a675b2720/30+Cape+Falcon+seen+from+offshore.JPG Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, & Cape Falcon 31 July–2 Aug 2024 - Make it stand out Cape Falcon seen from offshore. On this coast, the trees, rocks, and clouds strike a perfect balance. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/wolfe-property-31-aug-1-sept-2024 daily 0.75 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b8ab4083-cea0-4ebd-bf23-3b0f97bb3343/00+Route+map.jpg Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. Jefferson County maintains a free overnight parking lot at the road-end of Seven Sisters, where residents of Hood Head store their boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bb41581e-ef1d-475d-b2f7-c578b955fedd/01+Maya+Leon+and+Alex+in+kayak+off+Hood+Head.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Maya, Leon, and Alex kayaking off Hood Head. Several other kayakers paddled past north of Hood Head over the weekend, but none landed on our private beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c4cbc2a-2813-4e26-beee-456f465cbd1f/02+Maya+and+Leon+in+kayak+off+Hood+Head.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon, Maya, and Grandpa John kayaking off Hood Head. At high tide, it would have been possible to head straight up Bywater Bay, but even going the long way around Hood Head, the paddle was only about three miles (5 km). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8ceda957-0825-48fa-abf3-5fa1e8c88592/03+Grandpa+John+kayaking+off+Hood+Head.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Grandpa John kayaking off Hood Head. Maya, age seven, took this photograph with her waterproof camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3627323b-3d32-4ab7-8e8f-19a593f10c17/03+View+of+Wolfe+Property.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out View of Hood Head from Wolfe Property, Shine Tidelands State Park. The landing beach to the north (left) is usable at all tide levels, but the beach on the other side dries to a large mudflat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/10842097-6d1a-49d0-aa9f-02a778c47eba/04+Maya+and+Leon+roughhouse+in+tent.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon roughhouse in the tent. They interrupted their battles only to gang up on me whenever the opportunity arose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c5c510b-d867-48d9-8abd-a096c1c69329/06+Grandpa+John+on+sandspit.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Grandpa John on sandspit. During the darkest part of the night, Grandpa John used a sky-quality meter to measure the brightness of the sky at 20.5 magnitudes per square arcsecond, dark enough that a very sharp-eyed person could pick out sixth-magnitude stars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8da8aa43-b778-4e52-97e6-e5338e104cce/07+Leon+and+spooky+hands.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon and the “spooky hands.” The spooky hands were not the heralds of the zombie apocalypse but rather the markers for a footbridge across the salt marsh adjacent to the sandspit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9f417f6d-a129-495b-9274-3f573fc90d6a/08+Leon+gathering+shells.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon gathering shells. As usual on these trips, we acquired enough shells, sticks, and interesting rocks to open a small museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b9050b94-b149-428a-87d7-70f792d973a1/09+Maya+playing+with+dogs.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Maya playing with dogs. The dogs’ adventures grow more sophisticated each year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/28bdf264-17c4-4b69-91e1-addb41de390d/06+Family+on+beach.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Grandpa John, Alex, Leon, and Maya on the beach. The beach was so much nicer than the forest campground that we all brought our chairs down to the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5b1574e6-aef0-4091-b2b0-0aaa8479f08f/11+Double-crested+cormorants+at+Blue+Dot+Sea+Farm.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorants roosting at Blue Dot Sea Farm. Like the seaweed, the cormorants have been diligently contributing their own constituents to the farm’s water chemistry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2091fd7b-2c35-4141-b7fa-4577f179e18a/12+Annas+hummingbird+Wolfe+Property.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Anna’s hummingbird, Wolfe Property. Hummingbirds, nuthatches, and owls were the most common species in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a5b93c16-3960-4f8f-bd88-4e91a0bf8924/13+Least+sandpiper+on+beach.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Least sandpiper on sand. Its yellow legs make it instantly distinguishable from the other species of peeps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e521953-71ac-41f1-af4a-7d425cd2f137/14+Least+sandpipers+on+cobbles.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Least sandpipers on cobbles. I’m unsure why the shorebirds were so much more interested in the sandy, rocky side than the muddy side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b9f4b879-e326-4866-b634-5b67c414d495/15+Cloud+shadows.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Shadows of clouds at sunset. Monday brought the first rain in weeks, so it was just as well we spent only Saturday and Sunday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7b2444d9-2c17-4949-b595-9f89245e1da5/16+Point+Hannon+driftwood+dragon.JPG Wolfe Property 31 Aug–1 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Point Hannon driftwood dragon sculpture. What a cheerful thought to imagine the locals trooping out to the point each spring to freshen up the dragon. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hope-island-7-8-sept-2024 daily 0.75 2024-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b13295a1-f0fc-418c-93ad-affc177bae8e/00+Route+map.jpg Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. It certainly would be possible to visit Anderson Island from Boston Harbor if the currents were flowing in the right direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e5ef2dab-fa13-4c42-b8df-c975a3a26d21/01+Leon+on+Boston+Harbor+boat+ramp.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon on Boston Harbor boat ramp. This is one of the easiest launches in south Puget Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4a451645-8896-48ac-a54e-1ed4282aadab/02+Leon+riding+kayak+up+Squaxin+Passage.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon riding kayak up Squaxin Passage. The air was so hot and humid, still and smoky that I took off my life preserver to avoid stifling during the paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d17b0c6e-3597-4f92-a125-85169e2b2b8d/03+Leon+on+Hope+Island+beach.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon on beach, Hope Island. We found plenty of clamshells but no crabs, at least not any live ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cf314a17-92c6-4a7b-96e1-c46e5865ecaf/04+Leon+opening+food+box.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon opening food cache, Hope Island. Leon insisted that he always be the one to open the box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7fde93cb-c3fe-4300-9062-2c04a7442c07/05+Big+Leon.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon donned my hat and boots to create a villainous character he named “Big Leon,” complete with roaring voice, stomping footsteps, and third-person self-references. I offered Big Leon a camp chair so he could change back into his own shoes, but he replied that “Big Leon only smashes chairs,” which he then proceeded to do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/45c33e0c-d279-4a19-b965-8ad9b88e45e8/06+Leon+walking+past+farmhouse.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon walking past farmhouse, Hope Island. The caretaker at the farmhouse spent hours each day clearing brush in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79d5596e-28cd-4de0-ba2a-118dd85cbe5f/07+Leon+scratching+in+clay.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon scratching in clay, Hope Island. Part of the beach was made of clay soft enough that a barnacle-covered rock could be used to draw in it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2ecb3c42-a477-4230-9d37-92585691e48f/08+Fawn+reaching+for+apple.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Fawn reaching for apple held by doe. The fawns struggled to bite into the roundness of a new-fallen apple and would often rely on their mothers to take the first bite for them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/82690727-62a7-4a49-8015-ae975a21d708/09+Doe+and+fawn+eating+apple.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Doe and fawn eating apple. The mothers generally tolerated the presence of the young deer, but I witnessed one incident in which a mother kicked at her own fawn who horned in too aggressively on mama’s apples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1ebe74e7-ab78-4e93-8690-e91818be16c4/10+Leon+feeding+apples+to+deer.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Leon feeding apples to deer. By morning, every apple had disappeared from the lawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7039330-d45a-495c-80f5-d9dd81245e9c/11+Female+Douglas+squirrel+Hope+Island.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Douglas squirrel, Hope Island. Leon was able to recognize this as a female squirrel, thanks to the knowledge he’d gained from Mark Rober’s “Squirrel Obstacle Course” videos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7a88f256-a63b-4f05-83e6-954d976ffb34/12+Sapsucker+holes+in+apple+tree.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Sapsucker holes in bole of apple tree. Although sapsucker holes were everywhere, we did not see a single sapsucker or any other species of woodpecker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3e542b4f-c09f-4b6f-a4e3-62493117cdb2/13+Seals+on+raft+at+Boston+Harbor.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Harbor seals and glaucous-winged gulls, Boston Harbor. The seals here were some of the largest and least-concerned specimens ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a962248a-b28d-42b7-8ae0-96d2c9bc4f08/14+Departing+Hope+Island+by+kayak.JPG Hope Island 7–8 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Departing Hope Island by kayak. Currents were mild enough that I made no effort to coordinate our movements with the tides. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/hood-canal-10-12-sept-2024 daily 0.75 2025-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8004c994-4e7c-451b-adec-d13cfe639102/00+Route+map.jpg Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. Campgrounds along Hood Canal are spaced either too closely or too distant to be useful, so I camped the second night on a beach beneath a bluff on the Toandos Peninsula. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/65d8cba0-83d4-4a32-acbe-7ec9cb076564/01+Launch+beach+at+Belfair+State+Park.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Launch beach at Belfair State Park. Grandpa John generously drove me all the way down to the south end of Hood Canal and picked me up two days later at the north end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee170ba9-3247-42c4-8674-499442b05ef0/02+Morning+at+Potlach+State+Park.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Morning at Potlatch State Park. Most of Hood Canal lies in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains, but the cloud cover denied me a view of anything except foothills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6bc0c22a-bb2d-43ec-a7f0-f6a325cd836a/03+Cushman+Powerhouse+No.+2.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Cushman Powerhouse No. 2, est. 1930. According to the dam’s July 15, 2010 re-licensing order from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, “Historically, the Cushman Project has diverted nearly all of the flow of the North Fork Skokomish River from Lake Kokanee out of the river basin through a 2.5-mile-long tunnel to [this] powerhouse with a capacity of 81 MW located on the shoreline of Hood Canal, which adjoins Puget Sound.” 132 FERC ¶ 61,037. The pipes from the tunnel enter the powerhouse from the upper right of the photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4d558cf4-2f9a-4ab9-b206-3aa244edce35/04+View+of+Toandos+Peninsula+from+south.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking north up Hood Canal. Olympic Peninsula to the left, Toandos Peninsula dead ahead, Kitsap Peninsula to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aab6af93-ec7e-4541-89c2-8c4525a63a47/05+Clouds+pouring+down+Duckabush+River+valley.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Clouds pouring down Duckabush River valley. The clouds seemed to cling to the walls of the fiord, shrouding the hills in rain and mist while I stayed dry out on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a5bb9526-7183-49d7-866d-35120bf0cdd5/06+Sunset+Toandos+Peninsula.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Sunset, Toandos Peninsula. The Toandos is the least developed and therefore most appealing stretch of Hood Canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/461c16d2-772e-4ca6-a1c8-277f25dd8b06/07+Harbor+porpoises+off+Tala+Point.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Harbor porpoises off Tala Point. The porpoises travelled in pods some two to six strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/da563508-f54e-445c-98cf-216f4d0ca66a/08+Red+crossbill+Potlatch+State+Park.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Red crossbill, Potlatch State Park. In some individuals, such as this one, the upper mandible crosses to the left over the lower mandible, while in others, the cross is to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d7ea9870-d513-43dd-8122-b0fe8c545c57/09+Killdeer+Potlatch+State+Park.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Killdeer, Potlatch State Park. This and the dunlin were the only shorebird species I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/167849d7-ec8d-43da-a9de-4f64276376bc/10+Pigeon+guillemot+off+South+Point.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Pigeon Guillemot off South Point. All of the guillemots were in their non-breeding plumage, but only about a third of the loons were in their non-breeding plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/690794f2-262a-42a8-85f2-579c9f02816d/11+Western+grebes+off+Hood+Point.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Western grebes off Hood Point. Unusually, this species was more abundant than the horned grebe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a88ae51b-7123-49aa-ac4b-51a8916ff94d/12+California+gull+at+Blue+Dot+Sea+Farm.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out California gull at Blue Dot Sea Farm off Hood Head. Besides this species, the other gulls were the glaucous-winged, short-billed, and Bonaparte’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5424d199-f646-4c57-8125-4eec07a0f93b/13+Brown+pelican+at+Tekiu+Point.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Brown pelican off Tekiu Point. I still struggle to accept the argument that birds are not merely the descendants of dinosaurs but should still actually be called dinosaurs…until I see a face like this one, which leaves no room for doubt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/587b8946-382d-4d62-aa0f-987993a1ec4d/14+Use+of+force+sign+Naval+Base+Kitsap.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out “Use of force authorized.” The sign on the bluff is not a bluff. Pursuant to OPNAVINST 3120.32 § 4.7, the navy is allowed to shoot you as a last resort if doing so is the only way to preserve the integrity of the assets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/13baec26-a81b-48e8-a354-490ace41cb02/15+Explosives+handling+wharf+Bangor.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Explosives Handling Wharf No. 1, Bangor. The ballistic missiles are loaded into the submarines separately from the thermonuclear warheads, so that any handling mishap involving one does not also engulf the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2843240d-9ee6-47a9-a73e-c475c4dd0ac6/16+Ohio-class+nucelar+submarine+at+Delta+Dock.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Sail of an Ohio-class nuclear submarine. Each Ohio-class boomer can carry up to twenty Trident II ballistic missiles, and each missile can deliver up to fourteen independently targetable thermonuclear warheads, for a maximum possible armament of 280 warheads per vessel—although the typical operational load-out under New START is usually only about a third of this maximum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7f5feb94-8526-4f1c-8f77-3f255fd62adf/17+Metal+Shark+patrol+boat+at+Bangor.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Metal Shark Force Protection Boat—Medium with M240B medium machine gun. The sailors were professional and courteous—at least, as courteous as it is possible to be while bristling with weaponry and dogging my every move. I assume such competent mariners were not members of the crew who crashed their patrol boat into the anti-boat barrier and sank themselves the previous year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/eaedb33e-e1a1-4fe1-807d-153e2fb8aa47/18+Approaching+Hood+Canal+Bridge.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Approaching Hood Canal Bridge, west truss. In the background, Hood Head to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/87eab60d-335a-435b-a45e-a4a4c7163884/19+Kayaking+under+Hood+Canal+bridge.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking beneath Hood Canal Bridge. Vehicle traffic over the bridge generated a ceaseless roar that could be heard for miles across the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5023cbec-34f4-4c43-b4c3-b32dd1a50751/20+Sea+monster+sculpture+at+Hood+Head.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Driftwood dragon, Hanson Point, Hood Head. I don’t normally approve of driftwood sculptures on the beach, but even I must admire this spectacular dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/62b31b32-0d4c-49b5-aa73-e412c2c392cb/21+North+entrance+of+Hood+Canal.JPG Hood Canal 10–12 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Mouth of Hood Canal. Tala Point to the left, Foulweather Bluff to the right, Marrowstone Island and Admiralty Inlet ahead. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/chuckanut-bay-27-sept-2024 daily 0.75 2025-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/505f4209-4582-46d0-8a52-5db9e07757cf/00+Route+map.jpg Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. The launch at Wildcove Cove south of Chuckanut Bay affords better viewings of sandstone formations than do the launches north of Chuckanut Bay in Bellingham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/660ddf3b-6116-4576-9796-d62a42f9dc22/01+Kayaking+off+Wildcat+Cove.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking off Wildcat Cove. Saltwater weathering of permeable sandstone can create a honeycomb pattern known as tafoni. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5fcdd096-d30e-45c2-89f7-707bb55d2c2b/02+Sandstone+formations+near+Whiskey+Rock.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Tafoni sculpture north of Wildcat Cove. Patterns like this remind me of a giant, alien brain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/191f48ad-589e-4182-ab40-7a662dbe2642/03+Sandstone+bluff+south+of+Governors+Point.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Sandstone bluff south of Governors Point. High tide is the prettiest time to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/40acf698-5413-4260-80ff-21a087a07214/04+Kayaking+to+Chuckanut+Island.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking to Chuckanut Island. At high tide, there is only a narrow pocket of shell-midden beach available to land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c1026f4a-9835-4010-a57a-25068f605cd0/05+Pine+siskin+Governors+Point.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Pine siskin, Governors Point. This close relative of the goldfinch was drinking freshwater seeping from the rocks above the tideline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/61874870-be12-4cca-84f9-acb83c74709a/06+Northern+flicker+Governors+Point.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Male northern flicker, Governors Point. Washington State lies squarely within the intergrade zone between the red-shafted and yellow-shafted northern flicker, but the majority of the flickers one encounters in Washington are decidedly red-shafted, like this individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c8ca29b4-6d20-42a2-9b33-6b41cf8530c9/07+Three+common+loons+off+Chuckanut+Island.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Common loons off Chuckanut Island. By late September, most of the loons were deep into their winter plumages, although some traces of breeding plumage could be detected on some individuals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f05733ff-1cbe-4f47-b4d5-4128c553c061/08+All+three+cormorant+species+Chuckanut+Rock.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Cormorants on Chuckanut Rock. All three Pacific Northwest species appear in this photograph: Brandt’s, pelagic, and double-crested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c3f0d7c-99e0-4a7f-85d9-3e7b27249931/09+Harbor+seals+Chuckanut+Rock.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Harbor seals, Chuckanut Rock. The seals in Chuckanut Bay are all but inured to the passage of sea kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e2c16dfc-965c-493a-91a4-48babdc2c18e/10+American+mink+outside+Wildcat+Cove.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out American mink outside Wildcat Cove. In classic mink fashion, this individual was foraging both on the rocks and in the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/257b3ee7-6261-41a2-bb7c-233da223d96b/12+Pseudofossil+at+Clarks+Point.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Pseudofossil at Clarks Point, Chuckanut Bay. It may look like the vertebra of some prehistoric animal, but it is only a rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/74d999d3-7e4c-4b76-940d-c72af88da1e0/11+Pseudofossil+at+Clarks+Point.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Pseudofossil at Clarks Point, Chuckanut Bay. It may look like the trunk of some long-extinct species of palm tree, but it is only a rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/665c0bae-c186-49fe-8070-228f7ef2a371/13+Kayaking+under+BNSF+causeway+Chuckanut+Bay.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking beneath railroad trestle, northern end of Chuckanut Bay. Two boys in a motorskiff were diving for clams in the silted-up shallows of Mud Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79f9d868-30e4-4522-b72e-630e9d55c626/14+General+Electric+ES44C4+locomotive+at+Chuckanut+Bay.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway 4,400-horsepower diesel locomotive, General Electric model ES44C4. This northbound train was on its way back to Canada to pick up a fresh cargo of crude oil and wood products. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aee04d08-1f4d-481e-8113-089da7166e91/15+Rail+tunnel+west+end+of+Chuckanut+Bay+causeway.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Rail tunnel at western end of Chuckanut Bay causeway. The decrepit, gaping mouth of the tunnel projected a vaguely authoritarian presence, as if something frightful might await on the tunnel’s far side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/08dc1454-37f4-45e7-b66f-05d07a5fb9d4/16+Sandstone+boulders+in+northern+Chuckanut+Bay.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Sandstone boulders, northern Chuckanut Bay. Somewhere in the shallow northern pocket of the bay is a petroglyph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dba1a63a-0236-4667-97e9-aa17359e794f/17+Licorice+ferns+northern+Chuckanut+Bay.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Licorice ferns, northern Chuckanut Bay. Ferns and moss covered the shady north faces of the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b910138f-cd18-422f-a45d-b8679522c059/18+Chuckanut+Bay+petroglyph.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Chuckanut Bay petroglyph. On an eight-foot tide, the petroglyph itself was above water, but about a foot and a half of water lapped around the base of the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5ee87a6f-75c9-4021-ab15-c88aac76686f/19+Petroglyph+peace+sign+and+tail.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Petroglyph peace sign and intertwining tail. The bottom half of the peace sign has been eroded by tidal action, obliterating some of the art students’ intricate handiwork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/905449ae-8c11-459a-a706-40f6a83fe34c/20+Petroglyph+lizard.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Petroglyph lizard. None of the lizard species native to western Washington have a tail as proportionately long as the petroglyph lizard’s, so it’s possible these hippie art students may have been using their imaginations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1003be82-cc5c-4444-976e-c2bb3cc238d2/21+Kayaking+across+Chuckanut+Bay.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking across Chuckanut Bay. From left to right: Governors Point, Samish Island, Guemes Island, Vendovi Island, Cypress Island, Eliza Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7070bfb1-3106-487f-a633-8e4d0b46e653/22+Kayaking+southbound+toward+Wildcat+Cove.JPG Chuckanut Bay 27 Sept 2024 - Make it stand out Hugging the shore toward Wildcat Cove. Migrating geese flew overhead, southbound like me. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/point-wilson-15-nov-2024 daily 0.75 2025-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/83584604-1746-4dd4-8ecd-b01f94f8ce04/00+Route+map.jpg Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. I launched from a protected beach a thousand yards (900 m) south of the Point Wilson lighthouse to avoid the notoriously powerful tide races that form off the point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7eafe517-fcac-49f5-8b70-34f1ec1de8de/01+View+of+Pt+Wilson+lighthouse+from+south.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out View of Point Wilson lighthouse, est. 1914. Shore-based whale-watchers were already lined up on the point when I launched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c6e27fa3-7c58-48f6-81b5-7a2dfd36b4d5/02+Looking+north+up+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Looking north up Admiralty Inlet toward Point Partridge. The dry, brown bluffs of Whidbey Island can be seen for miles, making for easy visual navigation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1e130b2-c1c1-4595-b87b-b288d2100c5b/03+Oil+tanker+Florida+transiting+Admiralty+Inlet+from+LA+to+Tacoma.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Jones Act oil tanker M/T Florida transits Admiralty Inlet. This vessel hauls petroleum products to and from the US Oil and Refining Company dock in Tacoma, south Puget Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/144f1e3d-c75f-4917-bb49-ea0989e4fdb8/04+Pigeon+guillemots+off+Point+Wilson.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots off Point Wilson. All the seabirds I observed had fully transitioned to their non-breeding plumages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aef40bd4-d5de-4373-a2f6-2b4ef5e78618/05+Ancient+murrelets+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Ancient murrelets, Admiralty Inlet. These wintertime visitors to Washington are often difficult to see from shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/30a6fb37-4e41-4543-b794-9a1d5e85cee5/06+Adult+male+and+juvenile+orcas+approaching.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Pod of orcas approaching from Marrowstone Point. The whales would take five or six dives at short intervals and then disappear for a longer dive lasting around four minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0ef8ae6c-f5a3-463f-b426-81505d7dd286/07+Huge+orca+breath.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Spray from an orca spout. When whale spouts are backlit, they sparkle in the sun like showers of glass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2ec9f1fb-e468-4952-bead-0f93c49f3956/08+Orca+fin+passing+Port+Townsend+Paper+Corporation+brown+kraft+paper+mill.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Dorsal fin passing Port Townsend Paper Corporation’s kraft brown-paper mill. The emissions from the orca are more wholesome by far than those from the paper mill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fea76616-38f3-48c4-b63e-6729c7e6e5be/09+Orcas+passing+Point+Wilson.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Southern resident killer whales passing Point Wilson. Whale-watchers on shore may not have to fight adverse currents for three hours, but they’ll never get a view like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c09cab94-6d78-4686-8bf7-2da3409545b4/10+Small+orca+fin+off+Ebeys+Landing.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Small fin off Ebey’s Landing. Experienced whale-watchers can identify individuals by the color and shape of the saddle patch and the length, curvature, and scarification of the dorsal fin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7da7b8af-4a8c-416d-bfeb-02862c0e9bbf/11+Medium+orca+fin+off+Ebeys+Landing.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Medium fin off Ebey’s Landing. Adult males have longer, straighter fins than females do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/63208479-125a-4bbb-963c-2b2099e3d744/12+Large+orca+fin+off+Ebeys+Landing.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Tall fin off Ebey’s Landing. Whether as a message, a joke, an investigation, or a coincidence, this individual swam under my boat, diving on one side of me and surfacing on the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1d7916bf-a817-4ce0-bd4e-58b66ccb4266/13+Orca+eyepatch+visible+off+Ebeys+Landing.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Orca with visible eye patch off Ebey’s Landing. Like the panda, the orca’s bold, elegant coloration is part of its charm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c7c29e22-efba-4c7f-9c1e-9cd10993d23a/14+Orcas+departing+Admiralty+Inlet+toward+Point+Patridge.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Orcas departing Admiralty Inlet toward Point Partridge. Come again soon, friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/83ef9c3f-561b-4f66-b06c-2a3be67e80a1/15+Kayaking+to+Marine+Science+Center.JPG Point Wilson 15 Nov 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking to Port Townsend Marine Science Center. The pilings provided a welcome break against the six-inch surf on the beach. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/anderson-island-3-4-dec-2024 daily 0.75 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9578188d-77a1-417f-a529-a625e10c3002/00+Route+map.jpg Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. At high tide, only a sliver of beach remained above the waterline next to the boat ramp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2378e596-4bd9-4314-8414-7abecef38c25/01+Kayaking+through+submerged+willows+Nisqually+delta.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking past submerged willows in Nisqually River delta. At high tide, the seemingly boundless wetland lures the kayaker in, only to strand him when the tide abruptly drops to reveal the mudflats submerged beneath a couple feet of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5df28d22-17a2-400e-95ea-5d28ca5c9169/02+Nisqually+delta+overlook.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Overlook, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Access to the overlook is closed during hunting season to avoid making things too easy for the hunters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bbd2c31c-f3b8-43d0-b5b6-626f6ae74bc5/03+Dunlin+flock+at+Nisqually+delta.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Dunlin flock, Nisqually delta. Even more oppressive than the peregrine falcon in the air is the peregrine falcon in the mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/68a72a68-0db2-4df3-a2a9-651404556547/04+View+of+Carlson+Bay+from+kayak.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out View of Carlson Bay, Anderson Island from kayak. The bay is in the small, dark notch between the bluffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3eff67f7-96fd-4538-a4e5-4b6c28106386/05+Carlson+Bay+footbridge.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Carlson Bay gravel spit. A floating wooden footbridge gives access to the upland areas of Anderson Island, including Andy’s Marine Park and Andy’s Wildlife Park, two of the main hiking routes on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/95137741-a6d8-4326-b499-abe01a1c3bb7/06+View+of+Carlson+Bay+campsite.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Carlson Bay camping area. Winds can be strong on the exposed spit, but luckily my weather window held for both days I was here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c73ba5e7-cf26-4e51-a745-864cc92edb86/07+Female+hooded+mergansers+Carlson+Bay%27.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Female and first-winter hooded mergansers, Carlson Bay. All three merganser species were present in the vicinity of Carlson Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3839a780-1497-4067-9bc5-e635e7819974/08+Male+hooded+merganser+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Male hooded merganser, Carlson Bay. This species can raise and lower its hood at will, which creates an especially striking display when performed by an adult male. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d98a6654-6166-4125-a2a5-1e94d09ae6de/09+Mallards+in+Andys+Wildlife+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Mallards in Andys Wildlife Park. Not far from this flock, I startled a Wilson’s snipe into flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7fb76193-a020-4491-8bb1-6b1779254d0c/10+Pacific+wren+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pacific wren, Andy’s Marine Park. This species has the strongest personality of our wrens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9797fb3e-548b-4080-a70f-5b2025920db4/11+Ruby-crowned+kinglet+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Ruby-crowned kinglet, Carlson Bay. This species breeds in the mountains but descends to the lowlands in winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/066beeed-9311-433c-915d-764c44baff7f/12+Golden-crowned+kinglet+Andys+Marine+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Golden-crowned kinglet, Andy’s Wildlife Park. Only about a quarter of the kinglets I saw were golden-crowned; the rest were ruby-crowned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/eb9dce63-2bb2-4a88-beda-959c686d4e2a/13+Brown+creeper+Andys+Marine+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Brown creeper, Andy’s Wildlife Park. Treecreepers are mostly an Old World family, but the brown creeper is the sole North American member. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2983eb94-4804-48a6-b743-d33e45057735/14+Chestnut-backed+chickadee+Andys+Wildlife+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Chestnut-backed chickadee, Andy’s Marine Park. It is often the calls of this gregarious species that herald the approach of a wintertime mixed feeding flock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/39f76807-0c02-48b4-96fc-47f9f80dd274/15+Pine+siskin+flock+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pine siskin flock, Carlson Bay. It can be hard to identify wintertime finches in flight, but siskins are more distinctive than most. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1c4eb034-968d-45e8-b1da-2bb5b1483909/16+Douglas-fir+roots+growing+down+cliff.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Douglas-fir roots growing down sandy cliff, Carlson Bay. Swallows and guillemots have excavated nesting burrows up and down the cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/777bf31d-a75e-43ad-be61-64bf771023aa/17+Orange+ochre+rocks.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Orange ochre-bearing pebbly soils, Carlson Bay. Despite the abundance of ochre in Puget Sound, pictographs are all but unknown on Washington’s inland shores. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2da670c4-276c-47cc-8279-c9e194f79822/18+Pacific+madrone+berries+on+gravel+beach.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pacific madrone berries on gravel beach, Carlson Bay. Robins and thrushes love these berries, but they don’t taste very nice to most people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/23b2b715-ca7e-4993-b1f4-9d8492712d99/19+Pacific+madrone+berries+on+branch.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pacific madrone berry cluster on branch. The bark, leaves, and berries of this tree are all lovely in their colors and textures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0e6a5f4d-ab68-4757-b075-83cd56e8c6b0/20+Alex+at+sunset+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Alex at sunset, Carlson Bay. I thought about sleeping out under the stars, but a chilly five-knot breeze persuaded me I’d be better off inside the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e0ee24a6-20d8-4589-9d22-62029bf14074/21+Foggy+morning+at+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Foggy morning, Carlson Bay. Despite all the moisture in the air, there was no condensation on my tent or gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/40dc1045-e298-4fd4-8ab6-e5c26394c3db/22+Alex+reading+at+Carlson+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Alex reading at Carlson Bay. Only seven other people came down to the beach during the two days I spent here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/56617acc-4fef-42f1-8a7a-7f3d0f06e0e5/23+Russula+mushrooms+Andys+Wildlife+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Russula mushrooms, Andy’s Wildlife Park. Twenty or more species of mushroom peeked through the moss and ferns on the forest floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/df19a5d8-fead-4098-bcc5-7aa8b903b8e2/24+Turkey+tail+mushrooms+Andys+Wildlife+Park.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Turkey tail mushrooms, Andy’s Wildlife Park. The alternative-medicine community has embraced this mushroom as a cure for cancer and any number of other ailments, but the data are ambiguous and contradictory as to whether there is any real effect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8097ae5f-b8fe-43da-a77f-a55f31b15e41/25+Licorice+ferns+growing+on+old+chimney.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Licorice ferns and moss growing on chimney of Jacobs family cabin. The elder Jacobs farmed here periodically for decades, in between jobs on the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6ad5ede9-b7b0-4704-9822-639d18167a3e/26+Brick+midden+at+East+Oro+Bay.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Broken and discarded bricks from Anderson Island brickworks, ca. mid-1890s. Twigs and pebbles embedded in many of the bricks are evidence of perhaps less than meticulous workmanship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d01a555c-352c-49e8-8d98-b2860cf18dee/27+MH-47G+Chinook+flying+over+Anderson+Island.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out MH-47G Chinook helicopter from 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment flies over Anderson Island. The long, skinny protuberance from the starboard nose (left in this photo) is a mid-air refueling probe, while the short, fat protuberance from the port nose (right in this photo) is a terrain-following radar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e1fb8fe1-580d-4498-836b-b57c24c211d0/28+Sea+lion+Nisqually+Reach.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Steller sea lion, Nisqually Reach. The same record-breaking chum salmon run that attracted killer whales in November was still running in December, and dozens of sea lions were out in the south sound to take advantage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/65bbabc2-0b8f-44c5-b2f7-4655cc8e6cb3/29+Kayaking+Anderson+Island+to+Nisqually.JPG Anderson Island 3-4 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking from Anderson Island to Nisqually. I pulled into the boat ramp a few minutes after sunset. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/darcy-island-20-23-dec-2024 daily 0.75 2025-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/52b10c10-11a8-457f-93f9-d09a8416cebd/00+route+map.jpg D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Route map. A twenty-mile (32 km) day from Posey Island to D’Arcy Island and a seven-mile (11 km) day from D’Arcy Island to Roche Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24e790eb-f66d-4ea6-85a9-73bed9822383/01+Kayaking+south+down+Haro+Strait.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking south down Haro Strait. This time of year, the sun rises closer to the southeast than it does to the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/04365a96-3d06-4eca-99c4-5d3d0803d68a/03+Lime+Kiln+Point+lighthouse.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Lime Kiln Point lighthouse, est. 1919. Although electrified and automated today, this lighthouse was still using incandescent oil vapor as an illuminant as recently as 1951. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/963d27de-c88f-4766-8421-cdef992e5b16/03+Lime+kiln+tailings.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Lime kiln tailings. Lime production here ended during the Great Depression, but burnt lime residue remains visible nearly a century later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7ae515c9-f10a-4410-9260-249fd0bbb2bb/04+Historic+lime+kiln.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Historic lime kiln. Facilities such as this were ubiquitous throughout the San Juans during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but mercifully they are only relics today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dbbaafee-81de-47ea-9e16-05b8e0b52192/05+Rebel+77+graffiti.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out “REBEL 77” graffiti and pictograph, Lime Kiln Point. Graffiti is not widespread in the San Juans, so there is little doubt that the placement of this writing represents a deliberate effort to deface the pictograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f64e6590-675e-4a3d-82e7-a121e85dbb41/06+Multi-masted+ship+pictograph+detail.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Color-boosted detail of multi-masted ship pictograph, Lime Kiln Point. It is a testament to the craftsmanship of the artist that a piece painted in the age of tall ships and left exposed to the elements can remain so legible to this day, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/755d2a15-953d-44d5-b130-449423508ca3/07+Rear+of+ship+pictograph+detail.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Color-boosted detail of so-called “bow or stern view of the sailing vessel” pictograph, Lime Kiln Point. One of the many mysteries surrounding pictographs is whether their meaning was subjective to the artist and to each individual viewer or whether there was an objective, perhaps even canonical, meaning to the works that all viewers in their time would have understood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/18882dca-e5df-4eb3-81bc-a8edb4fe7fa8/08+Arriving+by+kayak+at+Posey+Island.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Arriving by kayak to Posey Island. Posey Island is the most easily accessible of any of the kayak-campgrounds in the San Juans, suitable for paddlers of any ability, including families with children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f299763-ddd2-483b-aa55-16f66acca7e5/09+Alex+on+Posey+Island.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Alex on Posey Island. Posey Island could not have been better laid out for kayakers if we had designed it ourselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/24daa135-301f-486e-bccf-4e33ff5ab591/10+Kayaking+Haro+Strait+south+of+Gulf+Islands.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Haro Strait south of the Gulf Islands. These are some of the prettiest kayaking waters anywhere in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0cd875a4-0adc-4824-9e5a-df488aed81bc/11+Kayaking+Sidney+Channel+southbound.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking southward down Sidney Channel. This channel was full of alcids, cormorants, grebes, loons, and sea ducks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d96e1858-64b3-481f-b676-3e055cca8fb8/12+Pair+of+orcas+Haro+Strait.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pair of orcas, Haro Strait. I mistook the first spout for a possible humpback whale, but then a series of spouts and dorsal fins confirmed the presence of orcas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9ee1825d-4610-4456-b769-a8dc7e928b6c/13+Pod+of+orcas+Haro+Strait.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Pod of orcas, Haro Strait. I watched the whales until they disappeared northward in the direction of Turn Point on Stuart Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3d6097de-2c17-4f3c-9c6f-9e01592de160/14+Rhinoceros+auklet+near+Mandarte+Island.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet near Mandarte Island. The dark eye color identifies this as an immature bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f701a16e-7834-4289-99f7-6c3b315610c4/15+Ancient+murrelet+near+Mandarte+Island.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Ancient murrelet near Mandarte Island. South of Haida Gwaii, this species is only present in the inland waters during the winter season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee943406-affa-4184-8375-f3a3484034bd/16+Ancient+murrelet+diving.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Ancient murrelet diving. Like all alcids, but unlike other diving birds such as loons, grebes, and cormorants, the ancient murrelet flaps its wings for propulsion underwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/54c404ce-eb19-4a1c-88e9-18daadf2d456/17+Black+oystercatcher+on+D%27Arcy+Island.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Black oystercatcher, D’Arcy Island. Pairs of oystercatchers were present throughout the San Juan and Gulf Islands, including even on the dock at Roche Harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c8ce172c-6059-4c9a-a85b-d8db350c7baa/18+Red-breasted+mergansers+in+Sidney+Channel.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Red-breasted mergansers, Sidney Channel. This species was the most abundant of the sea ducks, present in rafts of ten to fifty throughout the islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8355deec-7e89-4bfb-8b05-1b9f2bbfb223/19+Common+mergansers+Roche+Harbor.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Common mergansers, Roche Harbor. The mergansers in the harbor were used to boats, so they tolerated my approach more closely than they normally would have. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/39289c78-f91c-41d2-a491-e16fcd58de4b/20+Hooded+merganser+Roche+Harbor.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Hooded merganser, Roche Harbor. It’s always a good day when you see all three merganser species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e93114e4-3ce2-4659-91aa-bcb97d855656/21+Kayaking+at+dawn+across+Haro+Strait.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking at dawn eastbound across Haro Strait. Living as I do on the west coast, I am always a little bit disoriented whenever I paddle toward a sunrise instead of a sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/33b641a1-8bb1-4cea-a294-cd9c24ffc73a/22+Looking+north+up+Haro+Strait+after+dawn.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking northbound up Haro Strait. A chain of islands stretching beyond the horizon cries out for further exploration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/35261cd5-821b-43df-ae51-7758da3a71b9/23+Cloudy+morning+over+Haro+Strait.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Clouds glowing in morning light over Haro Strait. Stratocumulus is the quintessential Pacific Northwest genus of cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/29858324-04a8-4ce6-ad32-2e5570e296df/24+Kayaking+northbound+up+Mosquito+Pass.JPG D'Arcy Island 20–23 Dec 2024 - Make it stand out Kayaking northbound up Mosquito Pass. Unfamiliar with this corner of the San Juans, and knowing that I generally had to keep right to reach Roche Harbor, I mistook the mouth of Wescott Bay to the right for Mosquito Pass dead ahead and had to backtrack out of the bay once I recognized my error. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/quilcene-bay-5-jan-2025 daily 0.75 2025-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e4a53344-8405-4fe6-98f0-689c1b1e10e6/00+Route+map.jpg Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Parking at the Herb Beck Marina is $15 USD per day, cash or check only, no change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e587704-449b-4a58-a1cc-dba00ac70d8c/01+Grandpa+John+at+Quilcene+boat+ramp.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Grandpa John launching kayak at Quilcene boat ramp. This was Grandpa John’s first-ever search for a petroglyph, although like most Washingtonians he was familiar with the famous petroglyphs at Ozette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a07681c4-9aec-45c9-99ba-918a3da8d033/02+Launch+kayak+at+Quilcene+boat+ramp.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out View across Quilcene Bay from boat ramp. Quilcene Bay may look small on the map, but it is a demoralizingly large area to search for a petroglyph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1ffe1454-d9bd-4c55-89b5-a75574720e14/03+View+of+Fishermans+Point.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out View of Fisherman’s Point. This point marks the mouth of Quilcene Bay, so if you find yourself south of Fisherman’s Point, you have gone past the petroglyph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/05a1d7ff-607b-4e7d-bc4d-a407b52263ff/04+Pine+siskin+flock+over+Quilcene+Bay.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Pine siskin flock, Quilcene Bay. It was an unusually good winter for pine siskins here in the inland waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8f5df3c9-b987-48b2-abc8-85feccbd7975/05+Common+merganser+Quilcene+Bay.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Common merganser, Quilcene Bay. Of the three North American merganser species, the common merganser is the most likely to be caught roosting ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/23077cca-13d9-4b88-87c0-4e4ed57e87c5/06+Quilcene+Bay+petroglyph.JPG Quilcene Bay 5 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Quilcene petroglyph. To my untrained eye, the depth and sharpness of the petroglyph’s lines suggest incision by metallic chisel rather than rock, which, if true, would set an upper bound on the petroglyph’s possible age. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/gambier-island-18-20-jan-2025 daily 0.75 2025-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4dc7002d-4d79-4648-9a21-b023c05279f1/00+Route+map.jpg Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. I planned to camp at Porteau Cove Friday night after work, but all the sites were already taken—in January! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c49712ca-6f9e-4e0c-8bfe-e90ab9f746d6/01+Looking+south+down+Howe+Sound.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Looking south down Howe Sound at dawn. The same high-pressure ridge that generated the outflow winds also brought clear skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/03498704-44b8-4899-a125-2bc8a0769756/02+Looking+north+up+Howe+Sound.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Looking north up Howe Sound. Although a few residential and industrial developments are visible everywhere in Howe Sound, forests and mountains predominate the vista. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8b4d3599-6cdd-49ae-87b4-8629da8e4a82/03+Downwinding+past+Anvil+Island.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Downwinding past Anvil Island. As is the case in most fiords, beaches are small and few in Howe Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/284238a1-acd6-483d-9888-538bbc92cb35/04+Kayaking+behind+Halkett+Point.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking south of Halkett Point, Gambier Island. The wind died to nothing behind the shelter of the islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cdb45046-3b12-4b70-b54c-f6cb784f0cb0/05+Kayaking+Howe+Sound+between+Gambier+and+Bowen+Island.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking Howe Sound between Gambier Island and Bowen Island. This is the most scenic and peaceful section of the sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/69d5e06b-01c0-45e1-8549-267bcbde1883/06+Alex+on+Little+Flower+Island.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Peak-bagging Little Flower Island, elevation 8,000 mm. Landing on the island was difficult on uneven, mussel-encrusted rock shelves, but there was enough flat area to accommodate three or four tents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d15d9141-432b-4507-8724-90a59cf246e0/07+Mount+Wrottesley+over+Gambier+Island.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Mount Wrottesley over Gambier Island. Air temperatures dropped below freezing at night but warmed slightly during the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/650d6f9a-72d8-45e8-8930-3f5062e0f4f7/08+Panther+Tetrahedron+and+Rainy+Peaks+over+Howe+Sound.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out From left to right: Panther, Tetrahedon, and Rainy Peaks over Howe Sound. None of the kayak-campsites in Howe Sound face west, so the only sunset views are indirect views such as this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1c4f2a5c-a0c7-4462-a9c0-fee3cc6623ba/09+Britannia+Range+over+Howe+Sound.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Britannia Range mountains over Howe Sound. The peaks receive the morning sunlight earlier and retain the evening sunlight later than the low-lying islands in Howe Sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/30f5aa28-e9dc-4ec3-9d53-3b94e27cfe88/13+Barrows+goldeneyes+Little+Flower+Island.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Barrow’s goldeneyes, Little Flower Island. At low tide, a large flock of goldeneyes arrived to harvest blue mussels from the rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/60b7f23d-f5a0-4eb7-b464-ad68696f4a77/14+Marbled+murrelets+Grace+Islands.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets, Grace Islands. Unlike the flocking sea ducks, murrelets generally travel in pairs during winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/78477a90-e043-40db-b66a-7b0fb2d0045b/15+Common+merganser+Grace+Islands.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Common merganser, Grace Islands. This is our largest species of sea duck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/25d6cd61-40e4-4aa2-9269-41649e54ca02/16+Long-tailed+duck+Andys+Bay.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Long-tailed duck, Andy’s Bay. This lone individual was traveling with a raft of Barrow’s goldeneyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c2239827-c865-47f1-a467-d0c33fc7bb4e/17+California+sea+lions+sleeping+on+surface+off+Bain+Creek.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out California sea lions sleeping off Bain Creek. Eared seals, including sea lions, often elevate their flippers when sleeping on the water’s surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9529e943-e8d3-4805-b150-37613d10a699/10+Furry+Creek+pictograph+panel.jpg Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Howe Sound pictograph panel. This panel was first recorded by Harlan Smith of the Jesup North Pacific Expedition (1897–1902), so it is at least 125 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8f2cf759-3787-4a88-ad6d-3615ffc117bd/11+Furry+Creek+sun+pictograph.jpg Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Sun-motif pictograph. Thanks to a fortuitous cleft in the mountains, the midwinter sun strikes this rock face earlier each morning than it does any other point along the east side of Howe Sound, so it may not be coincidence than two of the pictograph designs consist of geometric sun figures with rays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a6f851aa-94c9-4985-9d65-bcfd6e60f20a/12+Furry+Creek+second+panel+face.jpg Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Face-motif pictograph. This design, isolated from the others, may represent the face of Sinotlkai, the two-headed sea serpent of Squamish mythology. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2107d404-6f73-4731-abaf-f67e0de742a6/18+Kayaking+toward+Pasley+Islands.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking down Collingwood Channel toward Pasley Islands. The Pasleys guard the outlet into the wide Strait of Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/39192826-dd6c-48fd-8e82-e68b8b39b9f5/19+Kayaking+between+Grace+Islands.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking between Grace Islands. At high tide, there was just enough depth to admit a kayak between the islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bf273768-afcc-48dd-9147-b680a54a5367/20+View+eastward+up+Thornbrough+Channel.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out View eastward up Thornbrough Channel. This time of year, the north faces of the islands are shaded almost the entire day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ca97ffaa-8ae2-4e76-8f3e-2b8077b2a767/21+Dawn+breaking+over+Britannia+Range.JPG Gambier Island 18–20 Jan 2025 - Make it stand out Dawn breaking over the mile-high mountains of the Britannia Range. Not far ahead, the protected waters north of Gambier Island give way to the cold, windy waters of Montagu Channel. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/cortes-island-15-17-feb-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/173c39df-5028-457a-bd65-0178ce75e1eb/00+Route+map.jpg Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. A paddling distance of twelve miles (19 km) the first day, thirty-one miles (50 km) the second, and eleven miles (18 km) the third. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e9a2a01-6964-4e71-843d-a5287fc92db2/01+Kayaking+up+Sutil+Channel+toward+Penn+Islands.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Paddling northward up Sutil Channel toward Penn Islands. Thirty-knot southeasterly winds in the Strait of Georgia were unable to penetrate the protected waters around Cortes Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fb5929b6-0e85-4761-a903-f9de15c5da60/02+View+from+Penn+Islands.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out View from northernmost Penn Islands campsite. This is one of the most highly regarded kayak-campsites in the Discovery Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5fabfbf0-07a0-4c38-93df-1667ed06c4d6/03+Cooking+dinner+in+the+rain+on+Penn+Islands.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Cooking dinner in the rain, Penn Islands. Hungry ravens watched me from the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/59ce2614-c852-4278-a616-79efa352db84/04+Icicles+in+Lewis+Channel.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Icicles, Lewis Channel. Daytime temperatures were a few degrees above freezing, but the icicles would regenerate at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7be5393-7929-4674-a67c-e85fbb2aef6d/05+Foggy+entrance+to+Teakerne+Arm.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Fog-shrouded entrance to Teakerne Arm, West Redonda Island. The famous Cassel Lake waterfalls at the head of the arm were out of range for me on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bfcd3176-bfe6-4e7f-8845-e208f4e49cfe/06+Exiting+Lewis+Channel+into+Desolation+Sound.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Exiting Lewis Channel into Desolation Sound. Nothing seemed to move in Desolation Sound this afternoon: not the clouds, not the wind, not any boats or birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8d98fc68-4508-4798-922a-58015fad484d/07+View+of+Desolation+Sound.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out View of Desolation Sound. As the stratus clouds gradually lifted, the appealing face of Desolation Sound became more apparent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/beb8d7c4-5005-48e1-86bb-b882041e2634/08+Barrows+goldeneye+taking+off.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Barrow’s goldeneye taking flight from water, Lewis Channel. This was the most numerous of the Bucephela this trip, even more so than the bufflehead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/decc63c9-5e4b-4e37-9a4c-d3c8c1e3591e/09+Marbled+murrelets+Lewis+Channel.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets, Lewis Channel. I kept my eyes peeled for ancient murrelets but did not see any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a10934d3-deea-4df7-8bdc-99564beae6a2/10+Common+loon+Uganda+Passage.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Common loon, Uganda Passage. The loons and I whistled back and forth to one another. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ba039292-28d7-4383-8943-3e9c85d8a258/11+Harlequin+duck+Heather+Islets.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Harlequin duck, Heather Islets. Large numbers of this species were present all the way around Cortes Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e4efb8f-b0b3-4a1b-aa66-f61d91a58f85/12+Long-tailed+duck+Uganda+Passage.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Long-tailed duck, Uganda Passage. This species is a rare wintertime treat for a lucky paddler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bebc77d3-5fe1-4b26-8a64-12b5cc6d28ed/13+Surf+scoters+off+Shark+Spit.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Surf scoters off Shark Spit. This is the quintessential saltwater duck species of the inland waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2bca6ad5-d20e-4ade-b7d9-04001d8f8a6f/14+Short-billed+and+glaucous-winged+gulls+at+Shark+Spit.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Short-billed and glaucous-winged gulls, Shark Spit. These were the only two species of gull present the entire trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1e5bf795-8b25-48bc-9816-feb91b7e4233/15+Steller+sea+lion+off+Teakerne+Arm.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Steller sea lion off Teakerne Arm. A herd of rambunctious sea lions challenged me as I transited their feeding grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0a890eac-a6cf-4a5d-aca9-25e45ed2cc65/16+California+and+Steller+sea+lions+west+of+Mary+Point.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out California and Steller sea lions at rest west of Mary Point. The smaller, darker California sea lions are nearest the water, while the larger, lighter Steller sea lions are higher up the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7a81b7d7-e5d0-481d-873e-0fbe76d303e6/17+Kayaking+into+the+Gorge.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking into the Gorge. During the early stages of the morning ebb, the outflowing current was running just over one knot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e51f8b2d-4b0b-4b80-ba88-b24166c76302/18+Pictograph+in+the+Gorge.jpg Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Pictograph in the Gorge, Cortes Island. The figure is an anthropomorph with a detailed face and a headdress or rays protruding from its head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/68857509-1f5c-4b90-b21c-0fa95a0842ff/19+Northward+view+up+Sutil+Channel+toward+Gastineau+Range.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out View north up Sutil Channel, Gastineau Range mountains in background. Trees, rocks, and clouds are the elements from which our landscape is made. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/666dad99-828c-4d86-ace6-ec0034b63eb3/20+Kayaking+over+shallow+bottom+off+Shark+Spit.JPG Cortes Island 15–17 Feb 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking over shallow bottom off Shark Spit, Marina Island. The private owner of Marina Island, supposedly none other than Microsoft founder Bill Gates, allows the public to camp for free at Shark Spit on the north end of the island. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/skagit-island-19-20-apr-2025 daily 0.75 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a0f9746b-d762-4db3-8d3a-c7cead979867/00+Route+map.jpg Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Free overnight parking is available at Snee-Oosh Beach on the Swinomish Indian Reservation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e2af7dea-d6a2-4fe7-b1e6-1736a434ed06/01+Rose+riding+in+car.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Rose riding in a kayak, riding in the car. Rose is one of the principal members of Maya’s dog pack, who accompany us on every kayak-camping trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9ca835ca-8f6e-4e36-81a7-28c113befa24/02+Launching+kayaks+on+Skagit+Bay.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Launching kayaks at Snee-Oosh Beach. I had harbored a faint hope of seeing a gray whale during the crossing, but the gray whales’ main foraging grounds are well to the south of here, and we did not see any on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3fd5c662-73ca-4c0c-ae68-8d909f1b9253/03+Leon+riding+in+kayak.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Leon riding in kayak. Although Leon denied that he ever falls asleep in kayaks, he did, in fact, fall asleep in the kayak during the return paddle from Skagit Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/02dbf148-e29e-4d10-bf45-afd03ad4b4f0/04+Rachel+and+Leon+arriving+by+kayak.jpg Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Rachel and Leon arriving to Skagit Island. Conditions were calm during the outbound paddle, but on the return paddle, a five-knot beam wind kicked up enough chop to slop a few waves over our gunwales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/164a442e-de6a-46fd-960a-7d405d137ac7/05+Common+loon+Skagit+Bay.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Common loon, Skagit Bay. One loon, unaware of our presence, surfaced right next to our kayaks, spotted us, and went thrashing away across the water in alarm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/603d3b8f-5602-4273-8e56-3983bc262025/06+Red-breasted+merganser+with+fish.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Red-breasted merganser with fish, off Skagit Island. This was the most abundant seabird species of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/833c04e7-9037-45cd-b8d3-95c77043e187/07+Glaucous-winged+gull+harvesting+cockle.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Glaucous-winged gull with cockle, Skagit Island. The gulls would pick up clams from the beach, carry them into the air, and drop them upon the rocks to shatter them open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2ab63c0f-1b94-4a74-ae5a-a33460ed299c/08+Black+oystercatcher+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Black oystercatcher, Skagit Island. This was the only shorebird species we saw this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/20924489-868f-4499-ab77-d3b065a0860f/09+Rufous+humming+on+nest.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Rufous hummingbird nest, Skagit Island. The females are solely responsible for rearing the young. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d093cb40-f928-41fd-9ed3-13475b56f2e4/10+Fairy+slipper+orchid+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Fairy slipper, Skagit Island. Sharp-eyed Rachel spotted this, the only orchid on the entire island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/916ca248-d3bc-4bce-83c1-e07f5c097064/11+Leon+smelling+madrone+blossoms.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Leon smelling madrone blossoms. The kids enjoyed peeling back the paper-like bark of this tree species, which is encountered only rarely at home in Seattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e9c07eb-631d-449c-87af-9c6b64b6d3e3/12+Maya+in+camp.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Maya in camp. Whenever the rain blew through, the kids would retreat to our giant, six-person tent to listen to audio books and play with their stuffed toys and action figures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/13b43180-1c05-45b3-a86a-754e16b5d096/13+Leon+running.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Leon running toward camp. Newly turned five years old, Leon now possessed speed and agility that made him nearly uncatchable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f2bd26fb-b413-46e9-83a8-3ab9ebdd4e71/14+Maya+climbing+rocks.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Maya climbing rocks near camp. A few slips and falls on the rocks and a big stumble over a tree root in the forest were the only mishaps of the trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5c282b8a-2662-40ac-8dcd-1a62e2c9f836/15+Leon+climbing+rocks.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Leon collecting clamshells on the beach. The north side of the island offers the only easy landing location for kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e5637902-52d9-4aa7-b8a9-0b92ff1995ce/18+Leon+in+sleeping+bag.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Leon in sleeping bag, Skagit Island. Our arctic-weight down sleeping bags kept the kids toasty warm during an otherwise chilly April night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8a9d4d8b-2ae9-4ba2-b282-54eb8956a991/16+Alex+on+Skagit+Island+beach.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Alex on Skagit Island beach. Kiket Island, in the background, is a recent acquisition by Washington State Parks, although the island is managed for day-use only, not camping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb5e013c-78c6-4896-a712-114ef03acdc6/17+Deception+Pass+viewed+from+Skagit+Island.JPG Skagit Island 19–20 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Deception Pass seen from Skagit Island. Powerful tidal currents flow through the pass beneath the two bridges. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/portland-island-25-27-apr-2025 daily 0.75 2025-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1ef3acf7-8643-4267-b90b-45618348e50e/00+Route+map.jpg Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Most of us rolled our kayaks onto the ferry at Tswassen and paddled across from Swartz Bay, but the intrepid Philip Torrens launched from Fulford Harbor, hoping to sail across. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0ae8bdf4-4eb8-4e6e-a4f8-86f8b9fcbdb1/01+Piers+Island+sunset+view+by+kayak.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Piers Island sunset view from kayak. Currents were mild everywhere between Swartz Bay and Portland Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/566dac87-6424-46a5-b70b-3ad2ebded497/02+Sunset+view+up+Satellite+Channel.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Sunset view up Satellite Channel. Pacific Northwest sunsets are often at their prettiest about thirty seconds after the sun has dipped beneath the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b5b91238-33bb-4434-b168-838d57241b19/3+Alex+camp+Arbutus+Point.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Alex’s camp at Arbutus Point. I slept out under the stars the first night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6f97aadc-5d5a-4e9b-9643-03d8378f88b2/4+Campground+on+Arbutus+Point.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Campground at Arbutus Point. This is one of the most pleasant campgrounds in the Gulf Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6caf5776-0acb-4c23-8b58-9bc4e5fa157d/05+View+of+Hwmat%27etsum+from+Portland+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out View of Hwmat’etsum (Mount Maxwell), Salt Spring Island. Jane, a kayaking guide born on Salt Spring, told us the Hul’q’umi’num’ legend of Hwmat’etsum, a mountain that “slumped over” to allow an ancient cultural hero to hurl boulders past its peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0d30780d-6e88-45ef-9e11-b605dc2cb5bd/06+Fox+sparrow+singing+on+Portland+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Fox sparrow singing, Arbutus Point. Unusually, this species was both more numerous and more vocal than the song sparrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6071ad7c-bda5-418a-bc71-4b190ec456bc/07+White-crowned+sparrow+Portland+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out White-crowned sparrow, Arbutus Point. This species is one the principal vocalists of our dawn chorus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d782af2f-dace-48fe-ba48-c7924bbabaaa/08+Chestnut-backed+chickadee+Russell+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Chestnut-backed chickadee, Russell Island. This was the only chickadee species I saw all weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4478ba7c-ce62-4100-b805-a90d426416ba/09+Harlequin+duck+Arbutus+Point.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Harlequin duck, Arbutus Point. Most sea duck species had already departed our waters for their breeding grounds, but the harlequin ducks were still present in large numbers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/70e63579-9eb1-4592-bdd2-5c76a75f0196/11+Daffodils+Portland+Islands.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Daffodils, Portland Island. This little cluster was growing in the middle of an old, feral orchard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/449efb0d-f7bf-4fc0-bfd3-41ca7121791a/12+Common+camas+Portland+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Common camas, Portland Island. The bulb of this plant was once an important food source for the Coast Salish nations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dc8f2a7e-886d-46ca-8922-34498d2f1706/13+Liam+Alana+and+Jane+kayaking+past+Chad+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Liam, Alana, and Jane paddling past Chad Island. Jane grew up here and knew all the little beaches and coves to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9ca10bd5-caf5-4cf8-a53a-78436713cc9b/14+Hawaiian+homestead+Russell+Island.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Hawaiian house and orchard, Russell Island. Today, the entire island is part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/15cd4e73-563a-4a25-84d3-f3be1ab46aa8/15+Alana+and+BC+Ferries.JPG Portland Island 25–27 Apr 2025 - Make it stand out Alana waiting for ferry to pass ahead of her. We encountered a modest adverse current in Colburne Passage but nothing we couldn’t handle. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/possession-sound-9-apr-and-10-may-2025 daily 0.75 2025-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/604b7980-06b0-4996-90c7-29646a17df56/00+Route+map.jpg Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Total paddling distance was around ten miles (16 km). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f4d00cfc-db99-40c1-87c4-80fc82224cf3/01+Launch+at+Everett+Marina.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Launch at Everett Marina. The boat ramp here is large enough that kayakers and powerboaters don’t get in one another’s way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f396137-45f1-4113-8380-84daff2518b0/02+Dunlin+flock+off+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Dunlin flock off Jetty Island. Dunlin were more numerous in April, but there were still a few small flocks as late as May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1bfeceb6-eb2a-411c-a2e1-c3c405101e10/03+Dunlin+on+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Dunlin on Jetty Island. This shorebird overwinters in Washington but departs for the arctic each spring to breed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/197fdbfe-639f-4bd5-a5d9-d182f2dd5c2a/04+American+white+pelcians+Everett+Marina.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out American white pelicans, Everett Marina. This was my first time seeing this species in Everett. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/97c89b0f-6f22-4e74-acb6-dc353e5bed5a/05+Osprey+at+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Osprey, Jetty Island. The Everett waterfront is one of the osprey’s chief nesting grounds in western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6fc977f5-b8b8-409c-8024-7f6d9ab41882/06+Purple+martin+at+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Purple martin, Jetty Island. A small colony of martins had taken up residence in gourds installed atop the old pilings off Jetty Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa24461b-d999-447a-832c-35e21d739a77/07+JT+and+Yoshimi+on+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out JT and Yoshimi, Snohomish River delta. Currents on the inside of Jetty Island were setting southward at about one knot when we launched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6026b71a-9c10-4ccd-96d1-725917ddbbe5/08+Harbor+seal+Jetty+Island.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Harbor seal off Jetty Island. Even by the standards of harbor seals, the seals here were unusually curious about kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/38d3b50c-aaa5-4358-b1a1-2c1e26a48b6f/09+Gray+whale+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Gray whale, Possession Sound. Patches of barnacles are visible to the right of the whale’s dorsal ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9de5ff85-90b1-4750-99d1-fc15b5265c45/10+Gray+whale+spout+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Gray whale spout, Possession Sound. From a distance, the spout is much easier to detect than the body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cdfb5db7-dbb9-4cdd-9cc3-3bc8cc192154/11+Two+gray+whales+Possession+Sound.JPG Possession Sound 9 Apr and 10 May 2025 - Make it stand out Pair of gray whales, Possession Sound. The whale on the left is CRC 531 Gretchen, a female who has been coming to Possession Sound since March of 2000. The whale on the right is CRC 22 Earhart, a female who has been coming to Possession Sound since May of 1990. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/strawberry-island-24-26-may-2025 daily 0.75 2025-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5cd4c51a-e557-4cd9-a031-0fc8385fa77d/00+Route+map.jpg Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Washington Park was only half-full, a surprise given that this was Memorial Day weekend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fbd17039-e7d9-408d-9ba8-8f258ca865bd/01+Maya+and+Leon+riding+kayak+toward+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Maya and Leon riding kayak toward Cypress Island. The route to Strawberry is up the left side of the island, but the flood tries to send the kayaker up the right side of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d9f3256b-4edc-4271-873d-24865db011ae/02+View+of+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out View of Strawberry Island from southwest coast of Cypress Island. Leon decided that Strawberry Island’s name must come from its shape, which he argued is that of a strawberry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/17fab45a-6a42-49e7-9138-1a9e164ee7cf/03+Caves+on+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Caves on southwest coast of Cypress Island. With the exception of a few private inholdings, the bulk of the island is in a state-owned natural resource conservation area or natural area preserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/393312e4-0d2a-4abe-b70f-14b9a0907ef9/04+Osprey+east+of+Reef+Point+Cypress+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Osprey east of Reef Point, Cypress Island. This species is less common than the bald eagle in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/379f68cf-c8c1-4a32-98ce-cdb17a2e3ccf/05+Maya+and+Leon+playing+fall+fight.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya playing “fall fight” in the tent on Strawberry Island. “Fall fight” involves falling and fighting according to a set of arcane and mutable rules legible only to children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c37df15f-efd3-4e9c-852d-9c700535dfad/06+Leon+on+beach+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Leon descending cliff, Strawberry Island. Leon often insisted on taking the most difficult route between two points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/794f73eb-0037-495e-be63-86be9c2faa5b/07+Leon+exploring+beach.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Leon exploring beach, Strawberry Island. Leon discovered that many of the pebbles on the beach would smash to pieces in the most satisfactory manner when hurled against a boulder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ccb7043a-a4f9-4870-9f60-eaa6013951e3/08+Alex+Maya+and+Leon+on+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Alex, Maya, and Leon on Strawberry Island. Saturday and Sunday were clear and warm all day, while Monday morning brought brief periods of drizzle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d1da5176-00ef-4fad-b373-c16061de36b3/09+Eggs+of+black+oystercatcher+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Eggs of black oystercatcher, Strawberry Island. The parents would leave the eggs for periods of up to half an hour at a time, even when no humans or other threats were present on the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/312ab5f6-6fdf-43ff-a7a3-f500f5a6ea82/12+Pigeon+guillemots+Rosario+Strait.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots, Rosario Strait. The guillemots took advantage of the eddies swirling around Strawberry Island to forage by a combination of diving and flying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/563c1735-c0f1-4cda-bdb0-e48455820231/10+Nootka+rose+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Nootka rose, Strawberry Island. This species is our quintessential Pacific Northwest rose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cfceee5e-e58e-47b4-bd3d-ca0ecc806dec/11+Beach+pea+Strawberry+Island.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Beach pea, Strawberry Island. The peas had already produced their seed pods, which are edible in small quantities but poisonous in large quantities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/80064e3d-fdb9-49d6-9c09-ca0ce81537c3/13+Broken+carbon-fiber+kayak+paddle.JPG Strawberry Island 24–26 May 2025 - Make it stand out Leon playing with broken kayak paddle. Not even carbon fiber could survive the ministrations of the stupendous Long Haul. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lake-union-4-july-2025 daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/478658f5-0bff-4b29-b6ed-c18a2de684a9/00+Route+map.jpg Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. There are closer boat launches than 14th Street, but the closer you get to Gas Works Park on Independence Day, the worse the availability of parking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3cc81faf-815e-4427-8f30-8a4dd9456f93/01+14th+Street+boat+ramp.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Launching at Seattle’s 14th Street boat ramp. Though not widely advertised, tiny beachfront access points are dotted throughout the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/18d25187-d93d-4539-8cd8-80b9a6e1b501/02+Ballard+Bridge.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Ballard Bridge. Returning to the launch beach at night, I used the Ballard Bridge—which carries 15th Street—as a landmark to locate the obscure boat ramp one block east on 14th Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/87376002-461e-4103-b247-62a5a23ed9e4/03+Fremont+and+Aurora+Bridges.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Transiting Lake Washington Ship Canal toward Fremont and Aurora Bridges. The Aurora Bridge, the more distant and taller of the two, marks the west end of Lake Union. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/93187f9a-e3e9-4fc3-9aa8-a148e96cee71/04+Pedestrians+on+Fremont+Bridge.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Pedestrians crossing Fremont Bridge. The entire Fremont neighborhood was popping with live music, outdoor parties, and fireworks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ccf3adfd-c965-4d07-91f5-e63a93fd1701/05+Crowd+at+Gas+Works+Park.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Crowd gathering in Gas Works Park. The industrial structures in the background are relics of the historic coal gasification plant for which the park is named. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ef7e2021-c838-4610-8d47-b928db939d8a/06+Salish+Explorer+in+Lake+Union.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Argosy Cruises Salish Explorer. Of all the cruise boats on the lake, this one had the most spacious viewing decks and the least offensive dance-music sound system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ac1ad6c4-7c2d-483b-918a-0112a73a5fe8/07+Boats+awaiting+fireworks+show+Lake+Union.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Cruise boats on Lake Union. The cruise boats did not anchor but motored around in circles, tooting their horns at one another whenever collision threatened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/78c5ab1a-e7a2-4b93-bf5a-3a64bddb2bb0/08+Beginning+of+fireworks+show+Lake+Union.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Beginning of fireworks show, Lake Union. From the lake, I could hear the launch of the mortars, followed seconds later by the much louder burst of the shells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9f7d7470-b444-4193-baf3-6c50bb205405/09+Red+peony+shell+Lake+Union.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Bursting red peony shell. The show was set to music which played across the water, though I could not tell where the speakers were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/20a9304e-e9ba-4426-a6e3-fe4018a63702/10+Bursting+fireworks+Lake+Union.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Bursting fireworks, Lake Union. There was enough breeze to clear the smoke but not so much as to interfere with the fireworks themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2a22163a-8c19-4d27-90c6-4e98013bd794/11+Trailing+fireworks.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Falling showers of sparks. As with many things, fireworks are even more delightful when seen from a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0130f555-ac97-4f48-9e2c-241645a666a7/12+Boats+heading+westward+under+Fremont+Bridge.JPG Lake Union 4 July 2025 - Make it stand out Exiting Lake Union toward Fremont Bridge. As if by unspoken agreement, paddlers kept to the left of the channel, powerboaters to the right. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/marrowstone-island-12-13-july-2025 daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aa07916d-b49a-4530-9874-371bb38a9145/00+Route+map.jpg Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. It would be almost the same distance to go around both Marrowstone and Indian Islands together as just Marrowstone Island by itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9168f6fe-4262-48b4-b200-66657945920e/01+Kayaking+north+up+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking north up Admiralty Inlet. Marrowstone Island to the left, Whidbey Island ahead and to the right in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/67aac0d8-9f98-4aa7-91a0-ebd765740cfd/02+Eelgrass+Oak+Bay+Marrowstone+Island.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking over eelgrass bed, Oak Bay, Marrowstone Island. The healthy eelgrass beds help make the west side of Marrowstone Island one of Washington State’s principal spawning grounds for Pacific herring, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/eafa487f-c2bc-4725-89e8-bc9440ed653a/03+Stairway+to+beach+Marrowstone+Island.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Doorway to beachfront stairs, Marrowstone Island. Most of the shoreline is high bluff, so “waterfront” homeowners must resort to ever more outlandish schemes to reach the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/be785722-8982-46df-85c9-0ac16fde2454/04+Marrowstone+Point+lighthouse.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Marrowstone Point lighthouse seen from south. The waters off the point can become choppy when the current is running strongly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9d974791-31b5-4af2-87c4-0c303b12c355/05+View+from+campsite+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out View from Cascadia Marine Trail campsite at Fort Flagler. The kayakers’ campsite here is separated by hundreds of meters of forest from the crowded, sun-baked car-campground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7c5f07af-351b-41ea-8599-cce699b3ab4b/06+Mule+deer+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Mule deer, Fort Flagler. The mammal species I saw this trip were: mule deer, harbor seal, harbor porpoise, river otter, and a couple of fat, short-tailed rodents I suspect may have been mountain beavers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/422232db-d59d-428d-95bf-ec5122ac037b/07+Sunset+from+Fort+Flagler+beach.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Sunset from Fort Flagler beach. A cool breeze blew off Admiralty Inlet, providing welcome relief from the July sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d18100b0-9f98-4e1d-8aa9-c38c3e953ddc/08+Marbled+murrelets+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelets, Admiralty Inlet. This alcid species exhibits strong pair-bonding behavior on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d7a49d74-e5fe-4f79-ba70-dfea34c31c22/09+Pigeon+guillemot+Admiralty+Inlet.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemot, Admirality Inlet. The bright red feet always come as a surprise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b90b31b5-2b68-45ea-b7ee-66df1094c127/10+Song+sparrow+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Song sparrow on the beach at Fort Flagler. Besides this sparrow species, I also saw white-crowned, golden-crowned, fox, house, and savannah sparrows, Oregon junco, and spotted towhee—the standard summertime sparrow smorgasbord in western Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dc4c0974-3be1-41dd-aa97-793a408ccc52/11+Red+crossbills+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Red crossbills, Fort Flagler. The crossbills were drinking from the gutter of the fort’s old powerhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d4cce6a6-4b44-4c6f-913f-b10b66033b8b/12+Inside+base+end+station+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Inside base end station, Fort Flagler. This is not a firing position but an observation post from which spotters would shoot azimuths on approaching ships at fixed time intervals to enable the ships’ positions to be plotted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee4766f9-25a0-4664-b715-9d4b301c379a/13+Overgrown+six-inch+gun+battery.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Overgrown six-inch gun battery, Fort Flagler. Even from the landward side, the fortifications are difficult to spot from a distance. From the seaward side, the fortifications are all but invisible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c9e0e9f-3c53-4bc2-9f3d-835638ccb28e/14+Entrance+to+six-inch+gun+battery+magazine.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Entrance to six-inch gun magazine, Fort Flagler. The shells and powder were stored beneath many feet of concrete and earth, and not within line of sight of the entrances to the magazine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1da71e58-0959-45fd-81d7-a5a48968309a/15+Shot+hoist+and+gallery+Fort+Flagler.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Hoists and shot gallery for ten-inch gun battery, Fort Flagler. A well-trained gun crew could fire 617-pound (280 kg) shells at a rate faster than one shell per minute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3acaaeac-74fa-429c-8545-fd1af054aad2/16+Stairway+to+ten-inch+gun+battery+magazine.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Stairs to ten-inch gun battery magazine, Fort Flagler. Each battery mounted between two and four guns, except the mortar battery, which mounted eight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bedac854-6f1e-480f-b355-584bc0e02a19/17+Northern+channel+between+Marrowstone+and+Indian+Islands.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Northern channel between Marrowstone and Indian Islands. Even in a kayak, I had to be careful not to run aground on the shoals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6277b713-afcd-4505-8266-f844246a5f34/18+Red+rock+crab+in+channel+between+Marrowstone+and+Indian+Islands.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Red rock crab, southern channel between Marrowstone and Indian Islands. There were so many crabs they could simply be scooped off the bottom by hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8b1bb92f-7387-4007-8a06-9e33649c25d7/19+Sea+star+in+channel+between+Marrowstone+and+Indian+Islands.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Ochre sea star in southern channel between Marrowstone and Indian Islands. This was the only sea star I spotted the entire trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e64e9b03-6d31-4c36-b4c5-e03bbd6f14d5/20+Kayaking+bridge+southern+end+Marrowstone+Island.JPG Marrowstone Island 12–13 July 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking toward bridge connecting Marrowstone Island. Water rushed into the channel from opposite ends, meeting a few dozen meters north of the bridge. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/skagit-river-19-21-july-2025 daily 0.75 2025-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/375858ba-c289-4055-9718-6d1e233d6f70/00+Route+map.jpg Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Grandpa John dropped us off in Lyman and picked us up two days later in Mount Vernon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/22cc9afc-ce9b-41ff-8f51-1469d1bb5f0d/01+Rachel+and+Leon+in+rapids+near+Lyman.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Rachel and Leon in rapids near Lyman. None of the rapids exceeded class I, and even conservative kayaker Leon soon learned to enjoy the bouncing, splashing action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2af9b235-4419-49bb-85be-9db15f6928eb/02+Leon+dipping+hands+in+water.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Leon dipping hands in river. In the middle of July, the water was chilly but not icy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9eaccc81-7386-4c78-85e2-443a24ebc38b/03+River+landscape+near+Minkler.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Skagit River landscape near Minkler. We encountered only a handful of motorboats and only one other pair of canoeists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fb0342e0-5002-46b2-ab7e-dc4bb4983020/04+Kayaks+on+beach+outside+Minkler.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaks on beach outside Minkler. Water levels in the Skagit River are controlled by the dams, so we hauled our boats dozens of meters up the beach each evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3658aa75-fdde-4136-8b01-9305061656df/05+Kids+lying+in+sand.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Leon and Maya lying in sand. In some places, the sand was so soft we could have slept on it without sleeping pads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e7cae412-5d88-4838-8cc2-03df67324129/06+Rachel+and+Maya+talking+on+beach.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya talking on the beach. Between playing with the kids, telling stories, looking for birds, and setting up and breaking down camp, we grown-ups had scarcely a moment to relax. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7e68bf54-0c6d-4643-9109-523b7970c291/07+Mining+bee+on+white+campion.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Mining bee on white campion. Much of the vegetation on the islands was non-native. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c730b7ee-aef1-4235-a958-2685bd6f4235/08+Elk+crossing+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Elk crossing Skagit River. Once ashore, the elk disappeared immediately into the brush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7241dbf-08eb-4e22-b4ba-3a3ec368a12d/09+Black+bear+on+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out American black bear outside Lyman. The bear was neither bashful in our presence nor curious about us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4205a032-42b4-4078-b2ce-786176b88abf/10+Cliff+swallow+nests+under+Highway+9+bridge.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Cliff swallow nests beneath Highway 9 bridge over Skagit River. Each nest is painstakingly constructed of mud, one tiny dab at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4e6ae282-7979-4fea-8616-fb673befa322/11+Annas+hummingbird+near+Burlington.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Anna’s hummingbird near Burlington. This individual was the only hummingbird we saw the entire trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/31933300-8ca2-4f04-b77b-ccce8793f93d/12+Spotted+sandpiper+Lyman.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Spotted sandpiper near Lyman. Besides the spotty, the other shorebird species we saw were greater yellowlegs and killdeer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3e5d0166-e793-4b53-9801-274eedb021a4/13+Mourning+dove+Burlington.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Mourning dove near Burlington. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the mourning dove is the most hunted migratory game bird in North America, and sure enough, they do not like to be watched by humans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7cac9e17-e25a-41ab-98ee-9902646866c6/14+Cedar+waxwing+in+cottonwood.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Cedar waxwing near Burlington. Waxwings eat berries and insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/766500ae-4159-4476-8c78-9fac6c548b6c/15+Turkey+vulture+Burlington.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Turkey vulture near Burlington. Vultures are famously expert scavengers, but even a vulture cannot out-scavenge a bald eagle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/46f1ab3d-6729-483e-8b54-ff20821ad1f8/16+Dawn+on+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Dawn on Skagit River. Even in July, condensation formed overnight on our tent and gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d86c0e59-2fbe-464a-ae70-8511183a6d88/17+Leon+playing+with+stick.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Leon playing with stick. No enemy ninja would dare face such a daunting opponent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/71d2e350-b3c3-4099-8b86-7d0dc9f46e26/18+Maya+dipping+sleeves+in+river.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Maya dipping sleeves in river. Maya splashed me with her hands while Leon sprayed me with his water gun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bd6cb25f-d4f7-4cda-a59d-95fb5327610f/19+Rachel+and+Maya+kayaking+down+Skagit+River.JPG Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Rachel and Maya kayaking down Skagit River. These lower reaches are not the federally designated “wild and scenic” portion of the Skagit River, but they were still scenic enough for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/83e7656d-2005-43f4-b33e-23015dc09238/20+Rachel+and+Alex+kayaking+Skagit+River.jpg Skagit River 19–21 July 2025 - Make it stand out Rachel and Alex on the river. The river and the kayaks and the camping and the wildlife are all just excuses for us to be together. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/devils-punchbowl-5-aug-2025 daily 0.75 2025-09-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5da24d61-e0bd-45fb-a557-5cdc7328d3fb/00+Route+map+.jpg Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. There are stairs down to the beach at Otter Rock, but it is a long and steep carry for a kayaker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/aec1d551-b75a-4c1e-a60c-c5e40cdfdf34/01+View+from+Otter+Rock.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Southward view from Otter Rock. By Oregon standards, this is a well protected beach, suitable for children to learn to surf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/409d9ffa-1e55-48bc-990a-3a7ea561e3f9/02+Looking+over+rim+of+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Looking over rim of Devil’s Punchbowl. Main entrance to the left, secondary entrance to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8a8fb762-cb19-4e03-acac-3e3178ac83e4/03+Wave+breaks+in+entrance+to+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Wave surges in entrance to Devil’s Punchbowl. It was difficult to predict which waves would surge and which would simply slosh in gently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d06d4c3e-2dbb-430f-bc24-30d22e701abc/04+Waves+entering+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out View from outside Devil’s Punchbowl, looking toward main entrance. I was not keen to surf one of these breakers into the cave and onto the boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6013c59b-44eb-40c0-8a4d-d41a8f79080c/05+Gray+whale+off+Otter+Rock.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Gray whale off Otter Rock. Gray whales do not migrate past Oregon in August, so this must have been one of Oregon’s 200 or so resident gray whales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2547c84c-dd64-4488-9e28-11312648330e/06+Kayaking+offshore+of+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking offshore of Devil’s Punchbowl. These sandstone bluffs are a landmark visible for miles up and down the coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/213a5b63-c0a2-443f-9fab-50bba786f6e0/07+Outside+of+Devils+Punchbowl+seen+from+ocean+side.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Looking into Devil’s Punchbowl from ocean side. The key is to take the longer route around the right of the mussel-encrusted rock in the right foreground, not the more direct route to the left of the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7f6a6c4d-91ba-411d-974b-811cd12fad96/08+Inside+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Inside Devil’s Punchbowl. Secondary entrance ahead, tertiary entrance to right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e4ada062-a07c-4f5a-83b1-b3bd8ae0a30e/09+Inside+Devils+Punchbowl.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Inside Devil’s Punchbowl. Main entrance center right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/705c70e9-924a-4c69-988f-9ea3adc50fdb/10+Lookinng+out+Devils+Punchbowl+northward.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Looking out Devil’s Punchbowl northward. Even on the northern side, it would need swimming or at least wading to reach the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ad2be005-c16f-49a2-9d70-17521ac9cdab/11+Alex+inside+Devils+Punchbowl.jpg Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Alex inside Devil’s Punchbowl. When I got hot, I moved into the shade, and when I got chilly, I moved into the sunlight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c2191fb-b040-42c4-a4af-3ce271888018/12+Kayaking+Cape+Foulweather.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking Cape Foulweather. More like Cape Propitiousweather, hah, am I right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7c4a6aa4-48cb-4bcc-a004-1d347dbab866/13+Blowhole+at+Cape+Foulweather.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Blowhole at Rocky Creek. In Oregon, these features are known as “spouting horns,” a term I have never heard used in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c65f1e07-e2d0-41ed-9f7d-a35ace8cab8c/14+Pigeon+guillemots+Otter+Rock.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots, Otter Rock. The seabird ashore all appeared to be roosting, not nesting, but they were all still in their breeding plumages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6668d263-8e87-4c65-8f81-ac85be56d063/15+Common+murre+off+Otter+Rock.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Common murre off Otter Rock. One of the things I most enjoy about kayaking in Oregon is the chance to see large numbers of murres, which are more abundant in Oregon and Alaska than they are in Washington and British Columbia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb980c03-72c0-42a2-aeb4-ed79a9915cbd/16+White-crowned+sparrow+feeding+its+chick+at+Otter+Rock.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out White-crowned sparrow feeding its chick at Otter Rock. By early August, the songbird chicks have all fledged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/74a4a229-573d-449a-ae63-8e6b4e8f9bee/17+Beach+at+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Beach at Whale Cove. In a reversal of the usual political dynamic, landowners here actively participated in the preservation of this cove as a national wildlife refuge—although they made sure their own houses remained unaffected by the designation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/908e4491-4a60-47e3-b4dd-72a3ec97786e/18+Sandstone+cliffs+in+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Sandstone cliff in Whale Cove. Such fragile stone cannot stand forever against the lapping waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6fd18327-2495-490f-bb92-95bbdcd558f6/19+Shedding+cliff+in+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Shedding cliff in Whale Cove. Some of the cliffs were coated in a skin-like layer of compacted sand, which would peel off in patches like an animal in molt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/094c53dc-f5da-4454-a1e0-804cc15bd09f/20+View+from+cave+in+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out View from inside cave, Whale Cove. The structure across the water is the very favorably situated Whale Cove Inn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9f965ab0-00de-4f09-ab57-41c3128f45ca/21+Pocket+beach+at+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Pocket beach, Whale Cove. Were it not for the private and federal landowners in the uplands, this beach would be overrun on a beautiful summer’s afternoon like this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a8156f99-a106-45f1-aedf-e8478d1d2d24/22+Gray+whale+fluke+off+Cape+Foulweather.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Gray whale fluke off Cape Foulweather. Gray whales are bottom feeders, scooping up sediment to filter through their baleen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c9e19fbe-cf27-476b-931a-d3e58333f2e0/23+Gray+whale+flank+off+Cape+Foulweather.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Gray whale flank off Cape Foulweather. These largest of marine mammals are also the most gentle toward humans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ae714f96-349d-4ef9-9dc8-832a440a02b5/24+Harbor+seal+Whale+Cove.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Whale Cove. The paler the seal’s hair, the longer the animal has remained out of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f87ca8e9-885e-4fc8-85de-24dccdebaedc/25+Cape+Foulweather+in+fog.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Fog-shrouded Cape Foulweather, seen from north. Darkness and fog are the appropriate weather conditions for the Pacific Northwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9fdafecf-5422-4cb2-9c78-1792f702897b/26+Kayaking+toward+Otter+Rock+from+north.JPG Devil's Punchbowl 5 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Approaching Otter Rock from north. Tourists hoping to watch me enter the Devil’s Punchbowl again, this time at low tide, were disappointed when I simply paddled around the point and returned to the landing beach. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/blake-island-21-22-aug-2025 daily 0.75 2025-09-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11f683de-ceee-4cd3-9af5-f01453e7359a/00+Route+map.jpg Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Blake Island is Seattle’s kayak-camping backyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6f155ce9-854a-441f-b1e7-154a6b98e9e0/01+Leon+and+Grandpa+John+departing+Weather+Watch+Park.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon and Grandpa John departing Weather Watch Park, West Seattle. Even at low tide, the carry down to the waterline was not too long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c483427e-9d49-4fe6-a3c4-da145e5edd42/02+Leon+pointing+out+airplane.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon pointing out airplane. We played a game of “spot the airplane,” but no one else could compete with Leon’s sharp eyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e53618ed-37c4-4c9a-963c-b5d5fb307ea1/03+Alex+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+having+lunch+on+beach.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Grandpa John, Leon, and Alex having lunch on Blake Island. To my mild consternation, Leon consumed no fluids for two straight days other than five eight-ounce (240 ml) cartons of shelf-stable milk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ed609965-08ba-4a94-8f4e-da8b9deaf53d/04+Leon+sneaking+up+on+Grandpa+John.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon sneaking up on Grandpa John to steal his hat. Grandpa John was the only one who thought to bring a folding chair, but Leon and I made sure he never got too comfortable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2f472fdb-171b-44cb-a29d-45de5b2c2dbc/05+Leon+and+Grandpa+John.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon and Grandpa John. With two adults but no sister around, there was always someone available to play with Leon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e296f7d2-1fc1-40aa-b6c5-1bcdd97797a9/06+Leon+and+Grandpa+John+at+sunset.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon and Grandpa John at sunset. Grandpa John slept out under the stars, as he usually does during summertime camping trips, while Leon and I snuggled up in the tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/51c915cd-a452-4791-b6d1-9b0508aeda95/07+Caspian+tern+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Caspian tern off Blake Island. The terns appeared to enjoy the highest success rate of any of the diving birds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/211c392a-e66e-4f0d-84f7-0c621c479f65/08+Osprey+diving.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Osprey diving off Blake Island. We witnessed five strikes by ospreys, only one of which was successful in catching a fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/80c38f40-8260-4932-b99b-bf0fd766ec08/09+Brown-headed+cowbird+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Brown-headed cowbird, Blake Island. This species was the most numerous of the land birds we saw this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f0ebf525-dff4-458b-bc79-e12d1f188067/10+Western+sandpipers+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Western sandpipers, Blake Island. By late August each year, the shorebirds’ fall migration is already underway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/76cb9cab-b959-4bb3-950c-918e0869197d/11+Western+sandpiper+at+sunset.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Western sandpiper at sunset. The shorebirds were most numerous during intermediate tides and mostly absent during high and low tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cb43452e-68ae-4693-8fa7-46dd297cb07d/12+Least+sandpiper+at+sunset.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Least sandpiper at sunset. Eighty percent of the peeps were westerns, the rest leasts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1f63c273-09ab-4192-b7f8-7959db72fd25/13+Leon+with+stick.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon with stick. The wind blew a steady ten to fifteen knots all day and night, cooling the air on what would otherwise have been a hot, sunny summer’s day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3bb79601-76e3-4e9e-b245-2903b6914840/14+Leon+and+Fort+Kid+Blake+Island.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Fort Kid, Blake Island. Leon has a strategist’s eye for the siting of forts, because Blake Island is only a couple miles from the real-life nineteenth-century forts at Middle Point and Beans Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3612cc68-0fb7-42ff-8abd-3fa7581557d4/15+Grandpa+John+packing+boat.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Grandpa John packing kayak, Blake Island. Low tide meant a longer carry but still an easy launch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4c629481-fa8f-42af-aaa7-8ec3c34da305/16+Leon+digging+in+sand+with+paddle.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Leon digging in sand with paddle. I mostly paddle a fiberglass kayak these days, but I still break out the old, gray skin-on-frame folder every couple of years, just for nostalgia’s sake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6dc48a0e-0f63-4662-a12a-113d751578c6/17+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+paddling+past+Bainbridge+Island.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Grandpa John and Leon paddling past Bainbridge Island. Leon soon fell asleep, lulled by the warm sun and the rocking motion of the waves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d6b1657b-d3ba-4419-be67-6302cd42d06d/18+Grandpa+John+and+Leon+kayaking+toward+Space+Needle.JPG Blake Island 21–22 Aug 2025 - Make it stand out Paddling toward Space Needle, Seattle. From across the sound, it was difficult to pick out our landing beach from amid all the residential construction. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/bute-inlet-12-19-sept-2025 daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/250324be-e903-49f7-a45c-c794a006e217/00+Route+map.jpg Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Reaching Elk Bay from Highway 19 normally requires a twenty-minute drive on logging roads, but I turned it into a forty-five-minute drive after I became disoriented by a disagreement between my topographic map and my phone map as to the existence or non-existence of certain of the roads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/afc3af5c-6942-4527-b696-a57c2ac0d6d0/01+Looking+east+up+Okisollo+Channel+from+Elk+Bay.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Looking east up Okisollo Channel from Elk Bay. A week later, I would return to Elk Bay by heading west down this channel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8e1facdd-5767-47a8-ba0e-45607515715d/02+View+north+up+Nodales+Channel.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Looking north up Nodales Channel. In the midst of these twisty passages, it can be hard to distinguish what is an island, what is a bay, what is a channel, and what is part of the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8db855a3-bc14-46f6-bf7f-c52250aa053b/03+Kayaking+toward+Dent+Rapids+in+fog.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking toward Dent Rapids in fog. Hearing the roar of the rapids without being able to see them through the fog made the passage seem even more menacing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4693f58a-94eb-471c-a0cb-85d92c57f8f3/04+View+of+entrance+to+Arran+Rapids+in+fog.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Entrance to Arran Rapids, shrouded in fog. The shortened days of September meant fewer windows each day during which the rapids could be transited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3b32a0f0-ce3a-4475-b5f9-18c517b607a7/05+View+east+down+Pryce+Channel.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out View east down Pryce Channel, Gastineau Range to the left, West Redonda Island to the right. A kayaker could disappear for months into this maze of mountains and water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3009bd36-2c63-481d-b1d9-923068e0be0a/06+View+across+Bute+Inlet+toward+Mount+Doogie+Dowler.JPG.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Looking across Bute Inlet toward Mount Doogie Dowler. Along most of the shoreline of Bute Inlet, the mountains and even the streams plunge steeply into the inlet, leaving no beach on which to land a kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/10f41760-380f-4ce0-a8de-20e9b771078a/07+Superb+Mountain+and+Mount+Sir+Francis+Drake.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Superb Mountain on the left, Mount Sir Francis Drake on the right. I scanned the slopes for mountain goats but did not spot any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/080ce345-6ad8-4c26-ae7a-0a2d4ace93ee/08+CF-188B+flying+up+Bute+Inlet.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188B Hornet from 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron, making a low-altitude run down Bute Inlet. This jet’s stores consist of a CATM-9M Sidewinder captive air training missile, two FPU-12/A 480-gallon external fuel tanks, and a Cubic P4 air combat maneuvering instrumentation pod. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e5a3c3cb-669d-4fe3-82dd-a423356d02ba/09+Cabin+west+of+Moh+Creek.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Cabin on beach west of Moh Creek. The owners of this lovely cabin have kindly placed it at the disposal of the public, where it offers refuge on one of the only good landing beaches anywhere in Bute Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/02bfd65e-76b2-4baa-ad8d-0e57ea2b5617/10+Kayaking+up+Moh+Creek+at+high+tide.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking up Moh Creek. The dippers’ waterfall is at the head of the grotto, as far upstream as a kayaker can paddle at high tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5d7b3f94-7615-4c61-a600-9bc552680622/11+Belted+kingfisher+Discovery+Passage.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Belted kingfisher, Discovery Passage. The female of the species, shown here, has two belts, one gray and the other red, while the male has only the gray belt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/82b98a09-8ac5-476e-be28-146d9c7c1a00/12+Bonapartes+gull+Arran+Rapids.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Bonaparte’s gull, Arran Rapids. All the Bonaparte’s gulls were in their winter plumage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8f290ed7-97fb-4ccd-9777-f4ecd28eae25/13+American+dipper+Moh+Creek.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out American dipper, Moh Creek. Though it lives in water, its feet are clawed and not webbed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/62730113-c5c4-4c76-993e-fea0a459ff1b/14+Turkey+vulture+Raza+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Turkey vulture, Raza Island. There were nearly as many vultures as eagles around the islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/267bed6e-264c-4575-aa9e-2eb086c30df4/15+Western+sandpiper+Surge+Narrows.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Western sandpiper, Surge Narrows. This lone individual and a lone killdeer were the only shorebirds I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/36929632-4a54-4115-aecf-2fdf7bacf421/16+View+from+tent+Orford+Bay.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out View from tent, Orford Bay. This gravel beach stayed dry during neap tides, but it would likely flood during spring tides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/00548574-3501-44e2-afa9-57857cb9137a/17+View+of+Orford+River+delta.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out View of Orford River delta. The Orford originates in the toe of a horseshoe of unnamed, glaciated peaks roughly 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/19381512-bf9d-4ac2-9500-c6f427c59c10/18+Kayaking+past+bear-viewing+platform+Orford+River.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking past bear-observation tower, Orford River. None of the towers or any other manmade features along the riverbank were posted, but their mere existence was enough to make me feel unwelcome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2df07c64-44ca-490b-ae8c-ca06d1ee144d/19+Brown+bear+Orford+River.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Brown bear, Orford River delta. Besides the more obvious and objective field marks, a brown bear also “feels” more powerful than a black bear does. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ab09dd8a-3897-400b-bd20-a776f2d3034f/20+Brown+bear+Orford+River.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Brown bear, Orford River delta. This bear has already put on a ton of weight from eating salmon, but it will continue to add even more all month and into October. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e03c08a0-8d05-48d7-ab87-719b99ca2d26/21+Alpha+Bluff+Bute+Inlet.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Alpha Bluff, Bute Inlet. Despite its prominence, this majestic bluff is masked by headlands to the north and south, making it hard to see until you are practically floating at its base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bede23a6-fe96-49c3-b508-b5384c9bdb42/22+Waterfall+down+face+of+Alpha+Bluff.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Waterfall down face of Alpha Bluff. I paddled over to the base of the waterfall to refill a three-day supply of drinking water, all without leaving the cockpit of my kayak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/574d5f15-691c-4024-92d8-4d09a689274a/23+Kayking+turquoise+waters+of+Bute+Inlet+near+Stuart+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking southbound down Bute Inlet toward Stuart Island. Even many miles from the head of the inlet, the water is still stained turquoise from the silt in the glacial runoff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7f0e4278-b8c4-4d35-bab4-abdaadfb4f5f/24+Pacific+madrones+on+Fawn+Bluff+Bute+Inlet.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Pacific madrones on Fawn Bluff, Bute Inlet. In Canada, this species is most commonly known as the “arbutus,” after its genus name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a3e4ff23-3d36-47a4-891c-98eb060bd618/25+Pictograph+at+Orford+Bay.jpg Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Pictograph, Orford Bay. Pacific Northwest indigenous rock art often depicts mythical creatures, of which this appears to be one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4df57497-b983-4c55-84dd-5e26b7a5c2c3/26+Harbor+seal+Raza+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Raza Island. During my transit up the eastern side of Raza, it seemed every headland I rounded concealed a fresh group of basking harbor seals, all of whom would belly-slide into the water as soon as my kayak hove into view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/527434b2-77ee-46eb-8f0b-47d5ea31f7a6/27+Harbor+seals+at+sunset+Francisco+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Harbor seals at sunset, Francisco Island. This pair of seals was unusually frisky, chasing and splashing one another late into the evening and then again starting at dawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e4271e87-573c-4d02-aa73-edf182d0f2d7/28+Dalls+porpoise+Nodales+Channel.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Dall’s porpoise, Nodales Channel. The Dall’s porpoise can be distinguished from the harbor porpoise by its overall larger size and darker coloration, its faster swimming, the gray coloration of the rear half of its dorsal fin, and the bright-white flanks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b8ab2827-42bf-4d77-b194-4ac85999b8b7/29+Humpback+whale+fluke+Orford+Bay.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Humpback whale fluke, Orford Bay. Offshore of Church House, a humpback surfaced unexpectedly so close in front of me that we nearly collided. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/acb0a0ed-d9a4-4517-8def-1987b23895f7/30+Western+tent+caterpillar+Orford+Bay.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Western tent caterpillar, Orford Bay. Tent caterpillar numbers this year were far down from their peak during the 2023 outbreak, but they were still quite numerous in Bute Inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3ad23cdf-8f7a-4c7f-a7da-dfbf89307606/31+Ochre+sea+stars+South+Rendezvous+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Ochre sea stars, South Rendezvous Island. Not all sea star species have recovered since the great die-off of 2013, but the ochre sea star seems to be on an upward trajectory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2de20ae1-c518-4685-a6d2-4d1af8393888/32+Green+sea+urchins+Raza+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Green sea urchins, Raza Island. This is the smallest and easiest to handle of our three species of sea urchin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5b921961-7555-48ca-99fe-d97d52c66b99/33+Rainclouds+approaching+up+Ramsay+Arm.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Rainclouds approaching up Ramsay Arm. It rained on only two of the eight days I was out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/09a4b239-b2e1-44b5-a81e-4e66b4166f29/34+Alex+reading+on+South+Rendezvous+Island.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Alex reading on South Rendezvous Island. The landing here was rough on barnacle- and seaweed-covered rocks, but the camping was sublime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e2c7c2d4-ece4-49c6-a8c5-640f8561f838/35+Derelict+wooden+boat+Surge+Narrows.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Derelict wooden boat, Surge Narrows Provincial Park. Antonio Point is connected to the rest of the park by way of a hiking trail through second-growth forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fa7aff3c-2e4a-46a4-8b76-66cc2578fe41/36+Kayaking+Octopus+Islands+at+high+tide.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking Octopus Island at high tide. The Octopus Islands are the very soul of the Discovery Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c590748b-12a0-4092-a1f5-10d07011466d/37+Boat+signs+in+cabin+Octopus+Islands.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Hand-painted wooden boat signs in cabin, southernmost large Octopus Island. Over the decades, hundreds if not thousands of yachties have decorated this isolated cabin with driftwood signs bearing the names of their boats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6e732f07-1967-479b-9151-87708bd620b7/38+Granite+Point.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out Granite Point, Quadra Island. Supposedly there are pictographs here, but once again I was unable to find any. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/abf6834b-e276-4158-9940-78f722b3abc0/39+View+of+Kanish+Bay.JPG Bute Inlet 12–19 Sept 2025 - Make it stand out View of Kanish Bay from Discovery Passage. In every direction, at all times of day, beautiful sights stretch as far as the eye can see. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/sucia-island-17-19-oct-2025 daily 0.75 2026-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/077196a4-4c92-486e-a253-4f09e274a826/00+Route+map.jpg Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. I usually camp at Fossil Bay whenever I visit Sucia Island, but this time I camped in the more northerly Echo Bay in hopes that the mass of Sucia Island would serve as a windbreak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e0b8bbf0-9031-4244-acbf-cd3e2de8bd6d/01+Kayaking+off+North+Beach.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Heading west off North Beach, Orcas Island. From left to right: Waldron Island, Moresby Island, Saltspring Island, Bare Island, Skipjack Island, South Pender and North Pender Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8d602d43-216d-462f-b9a3-3b536838ef40/02+View+southeast+toward+Vendovi+Island.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Looking southeast from Parker Reef toward Vendovi Island. From left to right, Lummi Island, Clark Island, Vendovi Island, Sinclair Island, Orcas Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/16357da5-388a-4771-b0ff-6e904439fb95/03+Sandstone+sculpture+South+Finger+Island.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Sandstone sculpture, South Finger Island. Like the nearby Gulf Islands and Bellingham Bay, many of the San Juan Islands’ shores are lined with spectacular sandstone formations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/148db300-803a-4fe3-8209-9834f18496b5/04+View+of+Ewing+Cove+from+Justice+and+Finger+Islands.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out View toward Ewing Cove through the gap between Justice Island and South Finger Island. Harbor seals clustered in this area by the dozen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1afac974-1ace-4c79-b540-0ae43c0c0131/05+Campsite+42+at+Echo+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Campsite no. 42, Echo Bay. Though it’s often overcrowded during summer, this is one of the nicest parts of the island during the off-season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/082a8933-d12b-4b91-b808-32efd5710c1f/06+Harbor+seal+South+Finger+Island.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, South Finger Island. The seals here are so inured to the passage of kayakers that this one went back to sleep as soon as it figured out what I was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6eff2a0e-70ee-41d3-a4f5-6b6175b165c8/07+Short-billed+gull+Echo+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Short-billed gull, Echo Bay. The gull species I saw this trip were the short-billed, Bonaparte’s, glaucous-winged, California, and Heermann’s gull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a6008445-4fb1-433d-b36f-afc30365a593/08+Glaucous-winged+gull+eating+oche+sea+star+South+Finger+Island.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Glaucous-winged gull eating ochre sea star, South Finger Island. It was a struggle for this gull to fit even a small sea star down its gullet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8708fc87-3957-47c4-9274-94ab30733e0d/09+Downy+woodpecker+Echo+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Downy woodpecker, Echo Bay. This tiny fellow was surprisingly hard to track down, clinging to the underside of a willow branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0fab985c-a706-4289-95b7-d6823e13f208/10+Pileated+woodpecker+Echo+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Pileated woodpecker, Echo Bay. The pileated is one of the most handsome and majestic of birds in our forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/fae97b39-19f7-4075-aa6f-da2492b1b663/11+Pileated+woodpecker+holes+Echo+Bay.jpeg Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Pileated woodpecker holes, Echo Bay. The pileated woodpecker is noted for the large, rectangular holes it carves into trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3f93f09c-e8f3-4bf0-8790-c02d48d97e1c/12+Horned+lark+Echo+Bay.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Horned Lark, Echo Bay. The female, shown here, does not possess the feathered “horns” for which the species is named. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/def14229-6c7d-4701-a23e-32a6c766447f/13+Wild+turkey+Orcas+Island+ferry+terminal.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Wild turkeys, Orcas Island ferry terminal. Though these birds have become quite common on some of the San Juan Islands, I had not seen one here in over twenty years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/97f13994-70cb-4600-b3cb-104add300ca3/14+Picking+apples+Mud+Bay.jpeg Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Eating apples at Mud Bay. Settlers planted fruit trees on Sucia Island beginning in the late 1880s, and some of the trees still produce delicious fruit to this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/837679ac-c9de-419c-9d75-2db9b4c09b8b/15+Fossil+clams+Fossil+Bay.jpeg Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Fossil clams in Fossil Bay. Washington’s first and only dinosaur was discovered on Sucia Island in 2012, but the only fossils I found on this trip were clams. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/77299355-7afd-433f-a2ea-d58164158a01/16+Beach+at+Ewing+Cove.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out Beach at Ewing Cove. Many years ago, Ewing Cove was one of the campsites on Sucia Island, but today the cove is restricted to day-use only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b768e186-e784-4d17-84d5-0b109c30e14f/17+View+of+Matia+Island+from+Ewing+Cove+trail.JPG Sucia Island 17–19 Oct 2025 - Make it stand out View of Matia Island from the trail between Echo Bay and Ewing Cove. Washington State Parks rightly refers to Sucia Island as “a crown jewel among our state marine parks.” https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/freshwater-bay-to-crescent-bay-11-nov-2025 daily 0.75 2025-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9a63cc31-d48f-46be-93af-fcd7da80cfc5/00+Route+map.jpg Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Freshwater Bay is one of the better-protected launch points along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bc161140-35e7-49b9-bb87-572608724a2a/01+View+of+Freshwater+Bay.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out View of Observatory Point with offshore rock. During periods of higher swells or lower tides, the gap between the shore and the rock can be impenetrable to kayaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7955b5f8-a1e7-48a8-bfda-a7470b2a6dc8/02+Kayaking+past+Observatory+Point.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Paddling the shoreline of Observatory Point. Most of the shoreline is vertical cliffs, but there are a few pocket beaches of gravel where it is possible to land, at least when the swell is low. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/612d8c68-7940-4035-b22a-6770828e2fa2/03+Kayaking+through+kelp+off+Tongue+Point.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Paddling through kelp off Tongue Point. The kelp belt offshore is up to fifty yards wide in some places. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1346740f-59ba-4af4-aa47-5d0be083eaf4/04+Kayaking+westbound+up+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Paddling westbound up the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On a clear day, a paddler can see all the way to Cape Flattery and Carmanah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bee93c35-2e18-4884-b81b-0400bae5f107/05+Duck+decoy+in+Freshwater+Bay.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Hunting decoy in Freshwater Bay. Most of the sea ducks were not very approachable, but this one didn’t mind being picked up and held. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/018b5e56-1d85-402b-aa83-4791b0a1bec1/06+Common+murre+off+Observatory+Point.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Common murre off Observatory Point. The dark line extending behind the eye makes this species easy to identify even from a distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/d0442a89-b906-4f8a-9b1b-e73c2ce310e5/07+Pigeon+guillemots+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemots, Strait of Juan de Fuca. Guillemots dip their heads beneath the water to search for fish and only dive if they think they have a chance to catch one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/33a5280b-b28c-43fe-9189-02f81e330b78/08+Marbled+murrelet+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelet, Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is the smallest of the Big Four alcids, although there are other, smaller alcid species that also occur in Washington, including the Cassin’s auklet and parakeet auklet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4f9c2d39-ecea-49ba-8964-ec685fd64657/09+Rhinoceros+auklet+Straiit+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Rhinoceros auklet, Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is our most approachable alcid species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ae058746-4dc1-4dce-9a4b-3911535916c8/10+Surf+scoter+Strait+of+Juan+de+Fuca.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Surf scoter, Strait of Juan de Fuca. As usual during fall and winter, this was the most numerous species of sea duck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/cede4427-13ba-4592-87ad-84ac10009a49/11+Brandts+cormorants+off+Observatory+Point.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Brandt’s cormorants off Observatory Point. This is our largest species of cormorant, although the double-crested cormorant can sometimes subjectively “feel” like a larger bird. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c05eca34-5eb1-4213-8f45-2f3212cf88ab/12+Surfbirds+off+Striped+Peak.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Surfbird off Observatory Point. I usually see more surfbirds than black turnstones, even though black turnstones are supposedly the more numerous of the two here in Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b9fc2b13-4bdc-4f1a-b1a4-eaf202d214d9/13+Island+in+Crescent+Bay.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Island in Crescent Bay. At low tide, this island connects to the sandy beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/70097798-7a2b-4b7d-8454-93d5b084c284/14+Approaching+bridge+over+Salt+Creek.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Approaching road bridge across Salt Creek. There were a few other paddlers in Freshwater Bay and Crescent Bay, but I was the only one on the creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3ade596a-1024-48e4-b3d3-fcf9446fa2ce/15+Kayaking+Salt+Creek.JPG Freshwater Bay to Crescent Bay 11 Nov 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking down Salt Creek. Salt Creek is a natural watercourse, but its channel has been incised in past decades. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/elliott-bay-12-dec-2025 daily 0.75 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/46533938-a5d7-42aa-9b29-c6e7c568863b/00+Route+Map.jpg Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. Usually when I do this trip, I launch from Seacrest Park, which is a slightly longer drive and slightly longer paddle but also a slightly shorter carry down to the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/243acf82-2b17-4a61-8365-e7d53e97e57e/01+Seattle+waterfront.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Seattle waterfront seen from Elliott Bay. Like many Seattleites, I was skeptical of a big, light-up ferris wheel when it was first proposed, but I have since come to love it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f61caa81-c751-4ee6-84c2-3b3dd2e686d7/02+View+of+Seattle+Aquarium.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion. This new extension to the aquarium houses species from the tropical western Pacific. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/844fa023-72c1-4451-a705-b5c09ad085a5/03+Cape+Kortia+off+Harbor+Island.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out M/V Cape Kortia at anchor in Elliott Bay. This 330-meter-long (1,080 feet), 48-meter-wide (156 feet), 11,000-TEU container ship is built to the “New Panamax” specification, meaning it can transit the Panama Canal’s third set of locks which opened in 2016 but not the original two sets of locks which opened in 1914. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/70b2f4cf-1cb9-4d28-8916-feebd4eab0ba/04+Kayaking+under+ocean+barge+Jack+Block+Park.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking under barge. Two ocean-going barges from Hawaii were anchored off Jack Block Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/13ef1c92-3d87-428e-9d68-37d6155b9b26/05+Cleat+on+Pier+70.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Licorice ferns hanging beneath cleat on Pier 70. Even piers currently housing non-water-dependent tenants, such as Pier 70 with its commercial offices and pub, remain equipped to handle vessels someday if needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4a9da239-7527-4be9-aa51-60ad4a96da79/06+Echo+by+Jaume+Plensa+seen+from+water.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Echo, by Jaume Plensa, Olympic Sculpture Park. The forty-six-foot (14 m) sculpture is made of polyester resin on a steel frame, coated with marble dust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c123f200-d0f8-4c1b-9068-bc086cb77c6d/07+United+by+Nature+by+INO+seen+from+water.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out United by Nature, by INO, 1306 Western Ave. Seattle commissioned this and other murals around town in preparation for hosting part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the “Pride Match” set to be played in Seattle on 26 June in honor of our LGBTQ+ community, at which the two teams to take the field will be the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Iran. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/041c21b8-7c72-4aee-b0c6-7a3584f45a92/08+Hub+of+Seattle+Great+Wheel.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Hub of the Seattle Great Wheel. The lights on the wheel are always illuminated, day and night, year upon year, blinking and blinking, round and round and round. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/733e5a2e-8244-41ac-9eef-096439031bb1/09+Short-billed+gull+at+Bell+Harbor+Marina.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Short-billed gull, Bell Harbor Marina. This and the glaucous-winged were the only species of gull I saw today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/598b1492-d08b-41f2-9609-2ddde2bd1d77/10+Barrows+goldeneye+Elliott+Bay.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Barrow’s goldeneye, Elliott Bay. I saw around forty Barrow’s goldeneyes and half a dozen common goldeneyes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e418783e-1eb7-476b-b656-5d2c494d68ec/11+Western+grebe+Elliott+Bay.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Western grebe, Elliott Bay. This species is the largest North American grebe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/328c7c65-5c91-44d3-a43f-2515a30b231a/12+Kayaking+under+Pier+68.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking under Pier 68. A kayak is the only vessel with the versatility to explore all parts of the waterfront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/713e40dc-3db9-47bf-b6d2-f3c60b9ecc81/13+Kayaking+under+Pier+70.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking under Pier 70. The pilings along the waterfront are a mixture of ancient creosote-coated wood and modern concrete and steel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c33c122-5f50-47ba-83ec-0ab3f7f39e73/14+Kayaking+Bell+Street+Pier+Cruise+Terminal.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal. This being December, no cruise ships were in port today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9bfbe694-d3fa-46a8-aa35-165169e3575c/15+Kayaking+under+Seattle+Aquarum.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking under the Seattle Aquarium. The glass prisms overhead are intended to transmit light for the benefit of juvenile salmonids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7f435d4-88e7-4a45-abbf-bc1d0d4397ec/16+Kayaking+under+Jellyfish+Playground.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking under Jellyfish Playground. People walking overhead were visible by the shadows they cast through the glass prisms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a2d817bf-0d39-4db9-8b28-9d7de6fd723b/17+Kayaking+past+Colman+Dock.JPG Elliott Bay 12 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Colman Dock. Vehicular ferries depart from here to Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, and passenger ferries to Bremerton, Kingston, Southworth, Vashon Island, and West Seattle. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/valdes-island-26-28-dec-2025 daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7bc6d7a5-51b2-421f-96de-79a4a738a607/00+Route+map.jpg Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Route map. December currents dictated a counterclockwise course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1fed97b4-a477-49d1-b2fe-e4a004d7bdc8/01+Kayaking+down+Stuart+Channel.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking southward down Stuart Channel. Even with a fair northwest wind blowing, the weather remained cloudy and drizzly much of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/744bf454-805b-4a6b-873c-2e532876e58d/02+Cliffs+of+Valdes+Island.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Cliffs of Valdes Island. Sandstone bluffs are some of the most distinctive features of the northern Gulf Islands, including Valdes and its neighbor, Gabriola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/948ec4b7-c36f-4360-b1a7-aef33036663a/03+Kayak+at+rest+at+Blackberry+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayak on beach at Blackberry Point. Blackberry is not very a prominent point geographically, but its pale gravel beach can be recognized from miles away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/adb1bd93-3a46-433d-8f5b-8ad186b2c136/04+Kayaking+into+Porlier+Pass.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking into Porlier Pass, western entrance. In addition to reducing my forward progress, the ebb also pushed me laterally to the right, sending me clear across the mouth of the pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/73bfe41d-d075-45d7-bcc8-7534d8721831/05+Porlier+Pass+rear+range+light+at+Virago+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Virago Point, Porlier Pass rear range light, est. 1902. Today, such beacons are all but obsolete, even after electrification and automation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/df815d81-7c67-40e1-b4ba-76d5e34ef559/06+Landing+beach+at+Dionisio+Point+Provincial+Park.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out View of landing beach at Dionisio Point. Sandy beaches are few and far between in the Gulf Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/672cc0a3-2f99-4778-93fe-5239d9d3db43/07+Common+loon+Pilades+Channel.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Common loon, Pilades Channel. I saw around forty common loons on this trip, plus a single red-throated loon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/17cac1b5-a1a6-43fb-9cce-818d0cae2fdb/08+Marbled+murrelet+Porlier+Pass.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Marbled murrelet, Porlier Pass. Like most alcids, marbled murrelets generally mate for life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2a7d7298-e073-4d52-8de8-224d740a2b08/09+Horned+grebes+Porlier+Pass.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Horned grebes, Porlier Pass. This and the red-necked were the only two species of grebe I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6fe3b0a9-9c39-482c-91e8-d4684d5c4092/10+White-winged+scoter+off+Detwiller+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out White-winged scoter, Detwiller Point. This species is usually encountered farther from shore than the more familiar surf scoter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ecdc791b-0edb-4586-a4d5-05a71945566c/11+Buffleheads+at+Dionisio+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Buffleheads, Dionisio Point. The ducks had not yet begun to pair off for the breeding season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/084bb18d-9d27-4fd8-9ef4-adeb6f826e25/12+California+sea+lion+sleeping+off+Virago+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out California sea lion sleeping in water, Virago Point. Like many of the eared seals, sea lions often sleep on the water’s surface with their flippers elevated in the air, a behavior that is theorized to assist in regulating body temperature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94f07caa-22a7-4780-b5a6-1372f148da7d/13+California+and+Steller+sea+lions+on+northwestern+tip+of+Galiano+Island.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Steller sea lions and one California sea lion hauled out at front range light, the northwesternmost point in Porlier Pass. Also present are nine Brandt’s cormorants, one double-crested cormorant, and one pelagic cormorant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5de26542-7833-4b48-b874-88e85bb7c894/14+Mount+Baker+at+dawn+seen+from+Dionisio+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Mount Baker at dawn, seen from Dionisio Point. Baker is by far the most prominent volcano along the Strait of Georgia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/2c57508e-23dc-4857-9f34-119167d3882d/15+Sword+ferns+at+Dionisio+Point.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Sword ferns, Dionisio Point. I got so turned around in the maze of unmarked forest trails I ended up wandering out of the park altogether. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/261d6476-591e-41d9-89eb-3a89f70597eb/16+Canoe+Islet+with+hundreds+of+sea+lions.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Canoe Islet with hundreds of Steller sea lions. A ten-knot breeze generated enough noise to drown out the sea lions’ roars until I was downwind of their haulout sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/05812779-72ea-4fba-99c0-88ac83ead76c/17+Approaching+Flat+Top+Islands+from+south.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Approaching Flat Top Islands from south. These islands provide a welcome refuge after the exposed waters of the strait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/3b5ee390-bb7b-405a-850d-0a8332c12e3f/18+View+of+islet+off+Saturnina+Island.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Islet off Saturnina Island. The gravel tombolo visible to the left connects this small, public islet to the larger, private Saturnina Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6f079161-4e75-450a-a16e-509567d88a85/19+Kayaking+hole+in+the+wall+between+Link+and+De+Courcy+Islands.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Kayaking hole in the wall between De Courcy Island to the left and Link Island to the right. Shooting this narrow passage saves several miles of paddling when crossing between Valdes Island and Vancouver Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9907bcb1-4f8e-475f-845c-a55d9738ec2e/20+Morning+view+down+Stuart+Channel.JPG Valdes Island 26–28 Dec 2025 - Make it stand out Morning view southward down Stuart Channel. From left to right: Pylades, Valdes, Galiano, Reid, Salt Spring, Thetis, and Vancouver Islands. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/east-redonda-island-17-19-jan-2026 daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7fb2ff1b-68bb-4214-a877-855794013624/00+Route+map.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Route map. From Seattle, the outbound drive took about twelve hours, the return ten hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/39273239-ff19-49eb-91d8-f333061333ed/01+Launch+through+fog+at+Okeover+Arm+Provincial+Park.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Launch at Okeover Arm Provincial Park. Half a dozen sailboats were anchored in the inlet, their owners perhaps waiting for the fog to lift or perhaps waiting even longer for something else to happen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8c984f59-7b65-4213-b5a1-a2272ddf1b6e/02+Fogbow+Desolation+Sound.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Fogbow, Desolation Sound. The end of the fogbow is only ever a few hundred meters away, but as with the rainbow, it is impossible to reach the end no matter how fast you paddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/395f578f-73ee-4ba2-a1a8-8320133789ca/03+Kayaking+through+thick+fog+Desolation+Sound.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking across foggy Desolation Sound. Conditions like this are a reminder that the ocean and the atmosphere are really just different expressions of the same underlying idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1e63d87-e505-4da6-995c-6737685003a5/04+Arboreal+eclipse+East+Redonda+Island.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Arboreal eclipse, East Redonda Island. Were it not for the passage of these trees’ silhouettes in front of the solar disc, there would be no way to know there was an island anywhere in the vicinity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0d959e8a-ed3a-4858-b0d3-9e07993e2519/05+View+down+Waddington+Channel.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out View down Waddington Channel. This species of fog is radiation fog, formed during clear, still nights when the air temperature drops to the dew point due to the earth’s radiating its stored heat into space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f1bc1422-213e-4d25-a523-a2972aac6e4e/06+Kayaking+past+Marylebone+Point.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Marylebone Point, West Redonda Island. The fog began to lift just as I reached the southeastern tip of West Redonda Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/f9f717e2-5ac9-46c9-bba9-431f7e206edc/07+View+of+Horace+Head+Unwin+Range+in+background.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out View of Horace Head, Unwin Range in background. The fog bank was only a few hundred feet deep in its vertical extent but miles wide in its horizontal extent, so it was easier to see distant objects high in the sky than nearby objects low on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6b9fe6da-da5c-46a2-8f6d-892dfd7eab9d/08+Kayaking+toward+Durham+Point.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking past Durham Point, East Redonda Island. Mine was the only boat in the channel between East and West Redonda Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/298b71b4-cbe6-4747-964f-d07b0cbf16b6/09+Rounding+Walter+Point.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Walter Point, East Redonda Island. The landscape of Desolation Sound strikes nearly a perfect balance in its proportions of waterways and mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9115840f-e699-4639-a331-c2d1ffbadb77/10+Approaching+Walsh+Cove.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Approaching Walsh Cove. Walsh Cove is more welcoming as an anchorage for yachties than a campground for kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b643f94e-7fe6-41e1-b182-9598138c8514/11+View+of+Dean+Point+channel+between+West+and+East+Redonda+Islands.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out View of Dean Point, gap between West Redonda Island (left) and East Redonda Island (right). Even though the gap is narrow, the tidal currents through the gap are always weak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e3e7f5e1-51bd-4c08-8467-761d014b73a8/12+Pictograph+panel+Walsh+Cove.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Pictograph panel, Walsh Cove. The “forked stick” at the top of this panel is a common motif among Coast Salish pictographs, though its meaning is obscure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5f134127-d650-443a-a20a-e77c33a68e4e/13+Walsh+Cove+head+and+shoulders+portrait.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Head-and-shoulders portrait, Walsh Cove. The left half of this pictograph has weathered away to a considerable extent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/73cdcb31-155e-4db6-85d9-b1554e16dbaa/14+Pictograph+panel+at+Walsh+Cove.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Pictograph panel, Walsh Cove. This is one of the most prominent panels but also the hardest to interpret. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/4b5c4b03-126c-475d-aea9-a4f76b9454c4/15+Dolphin+or+fish+pictographs+Walsh+Cove.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Dolphin or fish figures, Walsh Cove. These figures were the most identifiable among a panel of lines, branches, and curves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11c75cc4-8b08-40f4-9822-b1339ef881cc/16+Harbor+seal+Walsh+Cove.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Harbor seal, Walsh Cove. Besides the harbor seal, the other mammal species I saw were the California sea lion, Dall’s porpoise, and harbor porpoise, plus a herd of deer on East Redonda Island and a lone Douglas squirrel at Okeover Arm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c249ec43-9e53-4d10-89c8-d2123b5329af/17+Handrailing+mainland+shore+near+Homfray+Creek.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Handrailing mainland shoreline near Homfray Creek. Small waterfalls ran endlessly down the cliffs to meet the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a7245d0a-b6f6-4a6e-a6eb-de602205646b/18+View+of+Foster+Point+in+fog.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out View of Foster Point in fog. Tidal currents are negligible in most parts of Desolation Sound, so a kayaker is free to travel in any direction at any time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/36a9bd58-afbb-4d14-b948-bf39eeec40d2/19+View+across+Homfray+Channel.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out View across Homfray Channel from East Redonda Island. I’m not convinced this view could have been improved even if the skies had been clearer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/9ef159cd-78df-406b-b51e-edb05cc3978a/20+Horned+grebe+Waddington+Channel.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Horned grebe, Waddington Channel. Bashō again: “How amusing at first / How melancholy it was later / To see a cormorant show / On the darkening river.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ad2bc74c-8146-4cea-8609-d32c719060d6/21+Homfray+north+pictograph+panel.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Northern pictograph panel, unnamed point north of Foster Point, Homfray Channel. The ancient pictograph artists were careful to choose locations protected by overhangs, although a certain amount of mineral-rich runoff is actually desirable to aid in the bonding of the pigment and the rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/92e6cf79-51d1-4d5c-a9ad-60f119ccec87/22+Anthropomorph+Homfray+north+pictograph.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Anthropomorph, northern pictograph panel. This figure’s head and one of its arms have been defaced by gunshots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/34331976-3848-4ab9-84c8-87815b6887bf/23+Two-person+canoe+pictograph.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Canoe with two occupants, northern pictograph panel. It’s always risky to interpret pictographs, but the figure in the bow of the canoe (right) seems to me to be poised to thrust a harpoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/03c421cf-9b8b-4e5a-87a0-d2dd4b329aae/24+Homfray+pictograph+figure.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Geometric figure, Homfray Channel pictograph. This figure, whose shape resembles that of an inverted “copper,” stood apart from either of the two main panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/29427c58-26f5-4375-a3b6-7cde38b047a2/25+Fish+or+cetacean+pictograph+Homfray+south+pictograph.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Pair of fish or cetacean figures, southern pictograph panel, Homfray Channel. These figures are unusually large by the standards of pictographs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6ff90454-cf65-42b6-b97a-0ef71678e628/26+School+of+fish+or+cetaceans+Homfray+south+pictograph.jpg East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out School of five fish or cetacean figures, southern pictograph panel. Schools of aquatic animals appear on several of the panels at Walsh Cove and Homfray Channel, although each school never numbers more than five members. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/512d35b6-52bf-4474-9b4d-96e046faab09/27+Booker+Point.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Booker Point, East Redonda Island. Somewhere among these cliffs is another pictograph site, but I could not find it today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/99fe0125-bee8-4ef3-b1c4-aa7636f9388c/28+Mountains+over+Mary+Islands.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Mountains over Mary Islands. Desolation Sound is one of those places, common along the inland waters, where the best views of the sunset are found by facing away from the setting sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bdca9d29-4d4a-43ba-ac7b-b32231a717b9/29+Mount+Denman+Desolation+Sound.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Mount Denman, Desolation Sound. This 6,500-foot (2,000 m) peak is popular among climbers from Powell River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6b0428f0-ddf8-46dd-b792-618009412939/30+Edith+Island+Okeover+Inlet.JPG East Redonda Island 17–19 Jan 2026 - Make it stand out Edith Island, Okeover Inlet. The morning fog lifted just as I arrived back at the launch beach. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/harstine-island-7-8-feb-2026 daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5c264268-4a50-4f63-a7af-2b91896195e4/00+Route+map.jpg Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Route map. I arrived at Joemma Beach State Park two hours before the park’s opening, but it turned out the gate barring the entrance was unlocked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/dcb1b8ff-b43a-416b-95e5-e553586ce49c/01+View+from+under+Harstine+Island+Bridge.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out View down Pickering Passage from under Harstine Island Bridge. The only time I could use my camera during the steady rain was while passing beneath the bridge connecting Harstine Island to the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/79185967-9063-46b4-835f-c7cd441a71ff/02+Forest+trail+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Forest trail around Hope Island. The undergrowth here is mostly evergreen huckleberry, rather than the salal one finds on islands farther north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/49d299aa-728a-41f7-b5ae-b006c5923ae2/03+Foggy+forest+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Foggy forest, Hope Island. The island was logged and farmed by settlers for many decades, but the forest is now starting to recover its original majesty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7eb4aafc-0218-472c-b3cf-59a25ed0de01/04+Western+redcedar+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Western redcedar, Hope Island. Some of the cedars here are culturally modified trees, but my untrained eye struggled to detect the traces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/94dd5fe3-7247-4ebd-a6a7-dda4ba1bb3d4/05+Western+hemlock+growing+from+nurse+log.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Western hemlock growing from nurse log. The stump that once elevated this tree above its rivals when it was a seedling has now almost completely decayed, leaving the tree standing on tall, skinny legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e2652415-c327-41cd-9c94-4b581acc4296/06+Grape+vine+growing+up+Douglas-fir.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out “Island Belle” grapevine growing up trunk of Douglas-fir. Grapes planted by settlers in the 1890s have gone feral, struggling to hold their own against the encroaching forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/e97b5c4c-a7a1-49aa-987b-6c573cb5a3b5/07+Spiderweb+high+in+trees.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Spiderweb high in trees. Birds and spiders alike were at work in the forest, hunting for newly hatched insects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/abc624b9-084d-42e5-8cbd-c4596eb7605e/08+Pacific+madrone+branch+buried+in+sand.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Branch of Pacific madrone, buried in sand. The bark of this species turns all different shades of green and red, depending on the tree’s age and health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/7c4366bf-3a8f-41b6-b5c8-2232ef2f882c/09+Grand+fir+needles+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Grand fir needles. This species has one of the sweetest smells of all our native firs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b7820b7f-fb67-44ca-b2b3-2d05cc3f10ea/10+Golden+waxy-cap+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Golden waxy-cap. This was the only species of mushroom I saw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/bda166c6-873b-4082-92a1-ed608e1a082b/11+Alex+sitting+on+mud+bank+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Sitting on mud bank, Hope Island. I had forgotten to bring a tarp or waterproof hiking boots, but fortunately the rain subsided over the course of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/5fab067a-9a0b-4198-a224-ac4af3fa4295/12+Brown+creeper+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Brown creeper, Hope Island. The brown creeper is widespread in North America, but it can be hard to spot deep in the forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0ba7ec4c-6df7-4104-8be0-4a33ee343eb8/13+Pacific+wren+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Pacific wren, Hope Island. This individual skulked around in the bushes for a few minutes then flew up onto a low snag and burst into song. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a63ce54f-cf91-43be-ba82-bcb875b131ce/14+Double-crested+cormorant+off+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Double-crested cormorant on mooring buoy off Hope Island. In the absence of yachties, the cormorants made themselves at home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/11844d31-3da7-4b15-9e31-23a27c329efd/15+Cormorants+on+beacon+off+Harstine+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Cormorants on beacon off Harstine Island. Cormorants are among our most sociable seabirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ae571471-cfdc-49ad-81c7-959d314c3402/16+Long-tailed+duck+off+Hope+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Long-tailed duck off Hope Island. This handsome sea duck breeds in the arctic but winters as far south as Washington. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b9950ec7-4138-4786-911c-2dae1317bf7e/17+Pigeon+guillemot+burrow+Harstine+Island.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Pigeon guillemot burrow, Harstine Island. Unbeknownst to the homeowners on top of the bluff, seabirds are hard at work below, tunneling into the cliff face, undermining the foundations, reclaiming Harstine Island inch by inch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ac52ac53-751a-4f6b-af2d-dd3628f1cadd/18+Paddling+up+Case+Inlet+to+Joemma+Beach.JPG Harstine Island 7–8 Feb 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking up Case Inlet toward Joemma Beach. Currents worked against me more often than not, but never faster than about a knot and a half and usually less than that. https://alexsidles.com/trip-reports/lummi-island-21-22-mar-2026 daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/c064bbe0-7562-46a9-9d43-d131f960348b/00+Route+map.jpg Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Route map. Beach access at Gooseberry Point on the Lummi Indian Reservation is closed to the public absent permission, although permission is usually freely given if asked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ca4f6814-b92a-4081-aaa3-f88b12d120be/01+Launch+at+Lummi+Indian+Nation+dock.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Launch at Lummi Indian Nation dock, Lummi Island in distance. The only boat traffic this morning was the crossing back and forth of the Lummi Island ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/6b5e9a07-c495-4a13-9d22-9471d3374ec1/02+Kayaking+north+up+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking northward up Hale Passage. Lummi Island to the left, Point Whitehorn to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/836aa27c-e250-42a7-b4ef-147496bc1f16/03+Rounding+Point+Migley+by+kayak.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Rounding Point Migley, northern tip of Lummi Island. A reef extending northward from the point caused breakers at least a hundred meters offshore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ee15406a-6761-4c92-8afd-ef0674419a3e/04+Approaching+Clark+Island+by+kayak.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking across Rosario Strait toward Clark Island. Orcas Island looms large in the background behind Clark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ac59477f-4d9d-452b-84ed-1028c205503a/05+Arriving+at+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Arriving at Clark Island. Most of the campsites, and all of the most easily accessible ones, are here along the eastern shore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/958356f1-e473-49e3-b4e5-2f9c6594e79f/06+Campsite+on+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Alex in camp, Clark Island. The most convenient campsites are along the eastern shore, but the campsites with the best views are on the south end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/8a15a2aa-2543-4aba-97ca-b296321e42af/07+West+beach+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Western shore, Clark Island. Sandy beaches are a rarity in the San Juans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/a6740318-3baf-4e14-8f7f-8ec47e5454f6/08+View+from+south+campsite+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out View from south campsite, Clark Island. Scenes like this are characteristic of the San Juan Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/89a37cba-3adc-4eef-bc3a-7da004757d4a/09+Lodgepole+pine+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Lodgepole pine, also known as shore pine, south end of Clark Island. This is our most common native pine species at sea level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b82bbaa0-d815-4f3e-a5f7-e7da2c839e3d/10+Red-flowering+currant+blossoms+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Blossoms of red-flowering currant, Clark Island. According to Pojar and MacKinnon’s Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast, the blossoms of this species are “harbingers of spring and hummingbirds.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/74b8d3fb-ee1f-4843-86a3-98a51f766cf3/11+Red-necked+grebe+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Red-necked grebe, Hale Passage. This is the shyest and least approachable of our grebe species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/0c922136-a57f-4ddd-995f-aa9839041ea6/12+Common+loon+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Common loon, Hale Passage. I love the elaborate stripes and checkers on the neck, nape, breast, and back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/b147f2e8-a072-47ee-b942-65eede0c7d57/13+Surf+scoters+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Surf scoters, Hale Passage. Most surf scoters will migrate to the arctic to breed, but a few will remain on our waters year-round. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/1459d995-bff5-4eae-b731-d74d9b375a5e/14+Bufflehead+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Bufflehead, Hale Passage. This species is our classic near-shore sea duck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/ba6fbf47-834a-441c-8330-931f31a47c3d/15+Black+turnstone+Lummi+Rocks.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Black turnstone, Lummi Rocks. Half a dozen turnstones and a lone spotted sandpiper were the only shorebirds I saw, so it appears the spring shorebird migration has not yet begun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/15d0a3e1-57e4-45fa-9831-8b5ece0ea661/16+Song+sparrow+Clark+Island.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Song sparrow, Clark Island. Unusually, the fox sparrows were singing louder and in greater numbers than the song sparrows were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/08b19ca7-1fec-4ff2-951e-ec4c1ba260c7/17+Rounding+Carter+Point+by+kayak.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Rounding Carter Point. On the east side of Lummi Island—to the right in this photo—the water was stained brown by outflow from the Nooksack River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/96843bbf-7b16-415a-806f-f527a4ba1df8/18+Oche+sea+star+Carter+Point.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Ochre sea star, Carter Point. The sea stars were only visible during the lowest part of the tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e90e30db62fd073b5b74a90/513c6dff-ef47-449f-b28f-c361ad5cd1e2/19+Paddling+northward+up+Hale+Passage.JPG Lummi Island 21–22 Mar 2026 - Make it stand out Kayaking north up Hale Passage. From left to right: Lummi Island, Portage Island, Bellingham Bay.