In our latest family adventure, my dad and I paddled my kids, Maya and Leon, out to James Island for the weekend.
Route map.The fee for overnight parking at Washington Park has increased to nine dollars per night, cash only.
The route from the mainland to James Island requires a lateral crossing of Rosario Strait. Rosario Strait can be a dangerous place when it’s windy, but it's nothing to worry about when the weather is calm, even with a five-year-old and two-year-old in tow.
Currents are strong in Rosario Strait, especially during spring tide. Turbulent water is the norm during peak flow. To minimize the hazard, and to prevent ourselves being swept too far north or south, we launched an hour or two prior to the turn to flood. We encountered small tide rips in the vicinity of Green Point and James Island, but nothing we couldn’t simply power past.
Alex and Maya kayaking to James Island. There were a ton of powerboaters on the water but only a handful of kayakers.
Grandpa John and Leon kayaking past Cypress Island. As usual, Leon napped almost the entire crossing.
Maya on approach to James Island. We camped in the southern half of the eastern cove.
Maya playing on the beach, James Island. Maya prefers to be the one chasing rather than the one being chased.
Grandpa John and Leon, James Island. Leon loved all the crabs and waves on the beach.
Leon and Maya playing in the tent. We put down plenty of sleeping pads so the kids would have enough room to roughhouse.
For the return crossing, we once again launched shortly before the afternoon flood. While waiting for the tide to change, we hiked around the island and played on the beach. The eastern side of the island was substantially cooler than the western side, so we passed a pleasant morning in the shade.
During the return paddle, Grandpa John spotted a Fata Morgana mirage, a stack of illusory islands suspended in the air above Whidbey Island. The phenomenon occurs when layers of air of different temperatures bend the light between an object and the viewer.
Maya and Leon playing on the beach. With Maya to watch over him, no harm could ever come to Leon.
Grandpa John kayaking across Rosario Strait. We timed the currents perfectly to carry us back to Washington Park.
Mount Baker over Guemes Island. Leon became a big fan of Mount Baker and would point out the volcano whenever it appeared.
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.
Maya’s dog pack, arriving at Washington Park. On such a calm day, the dogs did not have to remain inside their dry bag.
We were lucky with the weather, skillful with the tides, and happy with the island. It was an altogether perfect San Juans weekend.
—Alex Sidles