Final Solo Outing of the Year?

Last Thursday was possibly the last "warm" day of the year; the forecast called for sunny skies and a high of 48 degrees. Funny how 48 with sun feels warm after a few months of grey skies!  I decided it might be my last chance to take the kayak out this year and promptly texted the rest of the Fantastic Four to see if they could join me.  Two used their babies as an excuse and the third had to clean her house for company that was coming.  Where are their priorities?  I felt like quite a loner, but couldn't waste the beautiful day.

I started from the bridge and headed north first to see if I could find the porpoises, but no luck.  Then I turned around and went under the bridge towards the Suquamish side.

This is the Suquamish Resort, which is behind the big Casino by the bridge. 

I paddled around here for a while and watched four seals playing.  They kept diving down and coming up closer and closer to me.  It got a little creepy after a while, not knowing where they would surface.  This guy was very curious and came quite close.  I backed off, afraid they would gang up and try to knock me out of my boat.  I'm not sure they actually could, but I didn't want to risk it!  I made sure I was close enough to shore that I could swim if I had to!

Farther from shore, the water was really calm,so beautiful and peaceful!

This contraption is a little south of the Resort.  Before I got close, there were about 30 large sea-birds sitting on the rails, but they flew off as I approached.  I think this is some kind of feeding pen for a fishery, but there were no fish in it.

When I finally decided to head back, this tug boat was coming under the bridge.  I paddled hard and raced it across the passage.  I don't think we would have had an encounter, but once again, I didn't want to risk it!

The trees under the bridge are all changing color and dropping their leaves.  I'm glad I took the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful day!