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Continued from
page
1
More...
For more information on
this trip, see this
CNN
video clip or read
Watertrail:
The Hidden Path Through Puget Sound by Joel W. Rogers.
More
Kayaking Trip Reports
Anacortes to Orcas Island
Anacortes to Orcas Island Trip Photos
Hope Island - Saxon Island
Indian Island
San Juan Island to Stuart Island
San Juan Island to Stuart Island Photos
Surf Kayaking at Crescent Bay
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NOTE: Crossing open water is
risky. As always, make sure you are wearing a USCG approved life vest (PFD)
and are experienced with self-rescue
techniques.. |
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Sea Kayaking Trip Report
Kayaking to Puget Sound's Best Kept Secret
(continued from page 1)
By Brian High
 Boston Harbor offers kayak
rentals just a few miles north of Olympia,
the state capital. Our group of
four rented two single kayaks and a double, leaving the harbor at noon on
Tuesday.
The thin, morning fog lifted to
reveal miles of placid water and few other watercraft.
As the sun came out, so did a
curious harbor seal, cormorants and seagulls. In fact the seal
followed us for most of the 90 minute paddle.
 After getting oriented to our new
mode of transportation, we took the cautious route to Hope Island -- west
across Budd Inlet, north to Cooper Point, northeast across Eld Inlet to
Hunter Point, then north to Hope Island.
Although the direct route north
to Hope Island from Boston Harbor is a fairly straight 3 miles, our route
avoids the open water and tide rips, only adding an extra mile.
As we approached Hope Island, a
large group of children greeted us with enthusiastic singing and cheering.
Since we were looking for a more
relaxing stay, we headed to the far shore on the east side of the island.
Shortly after beaching, we
counted seven canoes as the children left the island for the mainland.
A boardwalk from the beach led past a small pond and became a nicely
maintained trail. Continuing on, we passed a few
campsites, a clean pit toilet, a bridge, interpretive signs, a
reconstructed windmill and caretaker's cabin, and a registration area.
The Washington Water Trails campsite was just north of this area, allowing
for easy access to a small patch of beach for landing.
A short hike around the island's
loop trail led past squirrels, woodpeckers, ancient cedars, and forgotten
orchards. A few boaters had anchored offshore for the night.
We moved to an appropriate site,
pitched our tents and settled in for a Mexican dinner of chicken fajitas
with fresh summer squash, red onions, peppers, and mushrooms.
At sunset, we took a short 45-minute paddle around the island to explore the shore of Steamboat Island,
a very tiny home to a handful of houses perched atop its steep cliffs.
After a nice 10-hour sleep, we
had a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal and returned to the water at noon for
a paddle to the north end of Squaxin Island, through Peale Passage and on
to Boston Harbor.
 The currents were in our favor as
the tide
was highest just as we rounded Salmon Point. The ebb tide and our
own paddling took us along the east shore of Squaxin Island 3.5 miles to
Tucksel Point.
As we faced the crossing to
Boston Harbor, we hesitated. The winds were delivering white-capped
chop from the west. Keeping these waves from hitting us broadside
would be our challenge for the next two miles.
An
hour of fighting salty chestfuls of water brought us back to Boston
harbor. Sure we were tired, but after two days of peaceful
exploration in one of the most ideal kayaking trails imaginable, we could
not help but smile. Of course, we were also pretty excited about the
twelve pound king salmon we picked up at the marina (for a good price).
There is nothing like fresh, grilled salmon steaks to enjoy while
reminiscing over two days well spent.
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