My last kayaking post, claiming "We're Back!" was a little premature. That was three months ago! Three months without kayaking was way too long, let me tell you! But today, I'm pretty sure it's for real. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. OK, except for the fact that Mariann had school today and couldn't join us, that wasn't so perfect. The rest of us felt terrible to go without her (honestly, we did!) but just couldn't pass up the clear blue skies, warm sun, total lack of wind, and current running in the right direction.
We started at the Point White dock, and made our way through Rich Passage to Fort Ward. I was a little nervous about this stretch. I'd heard from several people about the strong current, and the Bremerton ferry runs through this narrow passage a few times an hour.
As we approached the tip of Point White, we could see the current swirling. After a few minutes debate on whether we should go through near the shore or try to avoid it by going around the marker, we sent Gretchen through first to test it out. She made it through with no problems, so Brooke and I followed. It really was no big deal and was actually quite fun!
The rest of the way was easy, with only one spot where the paddling felt slow and we had to put some muscle into it. The Bremerton ferry passed us twice, one going to Bremerton and one going to Seattle. At one point we could see Mt. Rainer, the ferry and Blake Island, all framed in a perfect shot (which I tried to capture, but didn't do it justice). And we said over and over again, "WE LIVE HERE!"
The warm sun felt wonderful! I took off my jacket, rolled up my pants, and tried to get some color on my extremely white legs. We finished paddling in about an hour, but couldn't bring ourselves to go to shore, so we drifted for a while. It felt too good to be back on the water, enjoying the peace, the sun, and the friendship. We're definitely back!
Love the last shot. Good for you guys. Marianne is in school? How much have I missed?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you gals are back in the water! I was wondering why the long break, but at least now you can get out and enjoy the weather and hopefully with the summer coming you'll have lots of time to go kayaking. Maybe I'll have to borrow or rent one sometime and go out with you. It looks so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteOh man, it's posts like this one that make me really homesick for Bainbridge!! Next time you see Mt. Rainier, be sure to say hi from me. ;0)
ReplyDeleteI was realizing the other day that living in PA is the first time I've ever lived so far away from a beach. Much as I love smelling chocolate every day, I sure do miss the water and the mountains!!!