Sea Kayak Trip Schedule for 2001

Sea Kayak Trip Schedule for 2001

Quick Index:

Description of Classroom Portion: This class will teach you the fundamentals of how to intelligently and safely plan your own sea kayak trips, from day trips to long expeditions. In Part 1, we'll focus on the basics: reading nautical charts, predicting tides, predicting currents and using them to your favor, recognizing water hazards, and interpreting the club's "sea-rating" scale. In Part 2, we'll delve deeper, discussing marine weather, marine navigation from a kayak (from basic compass skills to GPS), and kayak safety.

Description of On-water Portion: Participants of the classroom portion will plan a trip to Hammersley Inlet in the South Puget Sound. In the on-water portion, we'll go on the trip they plan. Pretty Hammersley Inlet is the narrowest of all the Puget Sound inlets, swept daily by powerful currents often exceeding 4 knots. Stately mansions line the shores, and in other places, the Inlet is flanked by cliffs and has a distinct feel of wilderness. Wildlife is abundant. We'll put in near Shelton and ride the ebb current out to Hope Island, a state park with quiet forests, hiking trails, meadows, and a resident deer herd. After lunch we'll ride the flood current back for a total paddling distance of 14 miles in very little time with minimal effort. Trip participants will learn by seeing how their predictions and plans match reality. Additional instruction will also be given on the trip, including coverage of basic knots, towing techniques, and use of a VHF radio.

Requirements for Classroom Portion: Participants of the class should have at least some paddling experience, equivalent to going on a few SK-II level trips. Contact Shelly Carpenter or Gary Lai as soon as possible to reserve a spot in the class. You may attend one of the classes and not the other if you like, but for the full experience, we recommend you attend both classes and the trip. Participants should bring a hiking compass or marine compass to Part 2.

Requirements for On-Water Portion: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO GO TO THE CLASSES TO GO ON THE TRIP. However, priority will be given to people that attend the class. Trip participants should have paddled several trips at the SK-II level before, and feel comfortable paddling and maneuvering their kayak for at least 8 miles. Rescue practice in the last 12 months is required, as it is with all club trips off the lake. You must reserve a spot on the trip with Shelly or Gary if you want to go.

Description: Self rescue and buddy rescue are required skills for trips rated at SK-II and above. In other words, if you want to go on any club sea kayak trip off the lake, you must attend one of these sessions. The Self Rescue and Buddy Rescue sessions involve practice on the lake (YOU WILL GET WET!). Bring a bathing suit and some shoes that can get wet plus a warm change of clothes. Also, bring a towel. If you don't like getting water up your nose, bring a nose plug. The WAC also has a sauna room for those so inclined to use it. The session time will vary, but generally it will last 1.5 hours. If you plan to attend, please contact the person running the session to reserve a space as soon as possible.

Description: Henderson Inlet is in the South Sound close to Olympia. We'll launch from Woodward Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, explore Chapman Bay and then paddle as far up Henderson Inlet as the tide permits. The Natural Resources Conservation area promises undeveloped shoreline, wildlife and remnants of a Weyerhauser timber operation. This should be a great trip for beginners.

Trip Requirements: You must have done a rescue practice within the last year. I will be offering one next Wednesday at 5 pm (announcement and details on that soon). This is a beginner trip, but at least some time practicing on the lake is preferable.

Interested: Please reply to me and not the list! Tell me your paddling experience, and whether or not you have a car (if not, say so specifically or I will have to follow up with an additional email), whether it has racks (if so, how many boats can you carry, if not what kind of car?). Unfortunately, priority will go to those with cars and racks, but I'll try to accommodate everyone.

Description: On this trip we'll visit the two pretty islands in the north end of Skagit Bay; Hope and Skagit, and spend the night on one of them. Although fairly easily accessible, Skagit Bay has a remote feel. Both islands are state Marine parks, so are not developed at all. If conditions permit, we may be able to paddle over to near Decpetion Pass, but not go through.

There is a substantial fetch to the south, so some medium size waves are possible. Also, this area has some moderate currents so you should be experienced in moving water, or interested in getting experienced. This trip would be appropriate for someone's first overnight seakayaking trip.

If you're interested, contact me at john.ross2@pss.boeing.com. If I don't know you, please let me know a little about your paddling experience. Also, most important, tell me whether you have a car with racks and will drive.

Description: Verne Huser writes, "The Black River southwest of Olympia is unique: a southern river placed in the Pacific Northwest, a placid fairyland stream, full of beautiful butterflies and bird life during the summer months, fantastic colors in autumn, and wildflowers in spring and summer. Even in winter this black water river suggests The Hobbit or Willow in its scenic beauty. Curling around the southeastern base of the Black Hills below Capitol Forest, it has excellent access, yet remains one of the most remote rivers in the state."

Logistics: We'll see whether or not Huser is right in his accolades. This trip will involve a one-way car shuttle of about 10 miles (so we don't have to paddle upstream). The drive to the take-out is about one and a half hours. We will meet at the WAC at 8:00 am on Sunday to load boats. Bring lunch, water, sunglasses, and a hat. We will probably be back at around 7:00 pm.

Requirements: The Black River is Class-I river with very few hazards, so this trip is appropriate for novices. However, given the distance of the paddle (even with current assistance) you should be ready to spend at least 4 hours in your boat, meriting the SK-II rating. Sea kayak rescue skills are still required. If you have not taken a rescue class, I will be teaching one tomorrow (Thursday, 4/19) night - see the Announcements page on the UKC web site for more details. If interested, please e-mail me to reserve a space, and tell me if you have a car with racks and you're willing to drive. Priority will be given to drivers. I will try to keep the group fairly small (2-3 cars).

Description: "Tired of all these peaceful and serene wilderness getaway trips, long drives and intrusive wild animals? Do you feel out of touch with the true nature of civilization and progress? Experience the raw power of an industrial nation with a paddle on the Duwamish Waterway, just south of Elliot Bay. See the West Seattle Freeway from a new perspective! Discover the ancient treasure of the Emerald Mines! Explore the post-apocalyptic wilderness of Kellogg Island, where the forces of nature strive to regain what they once lost to the horrors of humanity!" quotes James Girton... Ship and barge traffic is moderately heavy, but the waterway is protected from weather and the overall hazard level should be low. Perfect for the novice and perhaps interesting enough for the not-so-novice...The distance paddled will depend on the level of the group, but will likely be around 8 miles. Contact me ASAP to reserve your spot!!

Cost: Gas (for non-drivers), ferry, and camp site fees. A wild guess is $75, less if you drive.

Description: The Gulf Islands are across Haro Strait from the San Juans, and in many people's opinion, superior, being less crowded. On this 4 day trip we plan to explore some of the islands in the middle of the group. The basic itinerary is;

Day 1: drive to Twassen, then ferry to Schwartz Bay. We'll launch somewhere near Sidney, meaning little driving once we get over to Vancouver Island.Then in the afternoon a fairly short (~5-6 nm) paddle out to Portland Island, which is a large BC Marine Park.

Day 2: Get an early start and do the crossing to Saltspring Island, then around to Ruckle Park on its east side. After lunch we'll cross over to Prevost Island, and on to the new Marine Park there. The northern third of Prevost was recently purchased by the Provincial government as a Pacific Marine Legacy site. There are plans to combine it with other nearby islands into a new National Park sometime in the future.

Day 3: Is an optional paddling day, as we'll stay at the same camp. People could paddle around Prevost, over to Galiano or Mayne Islands to look at the currents in Active Pass, or just lay around on one's butt all day. There is a very low tide in the afternoon, so that might be a chance to do some oyster hunting or clam digging. Day 4 we basically paddle straight back to Sidney, and drive home. We'll probably be back rather late Monday.

To participate you must:
1. Be a "River/Sea" member of the club.
2. Be familar with self and assisted open water re-entry techniques. (Rescue session).
3. Have done several SK-II level trips, and know that you can do the speed and distance listed at the top.
4. Like Nancy's burritos.

If interested contact me at john.ross2@pss.boeing.com.
If I've never paddled with you please tell me something about your experience and skill level, and whether you have racks and can drive.

bye, bye
John Ross

Description: Experience the beauty and pleasure of paddling in the San Juans without the agony of waiting in ferry lines! On this trip, we'll paddle around Cypress Island, a mountainous and largely undeveloped wilderness in 2 days. We will leave from Anacortes and cross the Bellingham Channel, proceeding around Cypress in a counterclockwise direction. We will plan to camp on Strawberry Island, on the west side of Cypress, a wonderful little wooded crag swept by powerful currents with campsites over a bluff affording spectacular views.

Due to the crossings of moderate length, exposure to Rosario Straight's wind and waves, long distance on day 1, and currents in excess of 2 knots, this is most definitely not a trip suitable for beginners. Participants must have skill in assisted and self rescue, be comfortable handling their boats in moderately rough water, be able to paddle at 2.5 knots or faster for extended periods, and feel comfortable paddling 12 miles. If you have paddled several SK-II trips with the club (or equivalent) and felt like you were capable of much more of a physical challenge, then this may be the trip for you.

Please contact me ASAP to reserve a space if you are definitely interested. Due to the small campsites on Strawberry, I intend to keep the group size small (about 8 or less). Please tell me about your paddling experience if I don't know you, and tell me if you have a car with racks and you're willing to drive. The one-way drive to the put-in is 90 miles.

Trip Coordinator: Jim Cecil (jim.cecil@boeing.com)
Description: Indian Arm is a long narrow fjord like inlet Northeast of downtown Vancouver. The South end of the inlet is somewhat developed but the North end promises solitude, waterfalls and mountain views.

Logistics: We will meet at the WAC early Sunday morning, drive to the put-in at Deep Cove (~ 2.5 hours, no ferries!) attempting to be on the water by mid-day. The camp site near the base of Granite Falls is about 9nm. Monday morning, we will explore the North end of the inlet and return to Deep Cove (about 11 nm). Back to the WAC Monday evening.

Although some of the descriptions of Indian Arm consider it ideal for beginners & families, any long narrow mountain inlet has the potential to funnel strong winds. Given the changes in weather which can occur on multiday trips, you must be comfortable paddling the expected distance (11 nm) in what could be windy conditions. While this trip would not be a suitable "first trip off the lake" it would be ok as a first overnight trip. Let me know if you have any questions on what is needed an overnight trip.

If interested, please e-mail me to reserve a space, and tell me if you have a car with racks and are willing to drive. Priority will be given to drivers. The group size will be fairly small (2-3 cars). If I have never paddled with you please tell me something about your experience and skill level (other club trips, etc.). A rescue session will be offered next Wednesday, June 6 for those who need it.

Description: If there is enough interest I will lead a trip to Chuckanut Bay this Saturday June 23. Chuckanut Bay is a beautiful area just South of Bellingham. The main attraction is fossilized palm trees in a cove. We would be meeting early morning and return late afternoon. Lunch will be on Chuckanut Island. The trip is rated SKII+ due to the possibility of wind & chop. The total paddling distance is about 8 miles. To participate you need to be a river/sea member, have done a rescue session this season and have been on at least one SKII trip. If you need to do a rescue session there is one this Thursday [June 21st, 2001] at 6:00 PM.

If you are interested please e-mail me: golard@nwbio.org. In your e-mail please explain your paddling experience, and tell me if you have a car (with racks).

Trip Coordinator: Bill Comegys (bcomegys@u.washington.edu) and Amanda Babson (babsona@ocean.washington.edu)
Description: The Snohomish river estuary is located between Everett and Marysville has oodles of wildlife and scenery. We will launch by SR529 and paddle along North Spencer Island then we will paddle around Otter Island which is undeveloped since it is a wetland and looks like the estuary did of years ago. Lots of wildlife; I have even seen a deer here. Then we break for lunch at Spencer Island. After lunch we paddle Union Slough on
the west side of Spencer Island to the Busey Cut which joins Union and Steamboat Slough. This is a fresh water marsh. In the Snohomish River
Estuary Recreation Guide it says "Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, Wood Ducks, Deer Muskrats and Beaver" are seen here. This will take us back to
Steamboat slough, a portion we have not seen since we bypassed it paddling around Otter Island. We will then paddle back to our launch point.

Meet at the WAC at 9 am sharp to load. We'll be back at the WAC before 6 pm.

Interested?

Email <bcomegys@u.washington.edu>, NOT THE LIST with your experience and whether or not you have a car with racks and how many boats your racks can carry. Those participants who have a car with racks and can drive will have priority. We will only take as many people as we can carry boats for.

Trip Requirements:

You must be a river/sea member and have attended a rescue session to go on this trip. With proper persuasion, one may be offered the Sunday before the trip. Otherwise, it's a beginner trip, and I'll offer a paddling instruction to anyone interested.

Trip Coordinator: Jim Cecil (jim.cecil@boeing.com)
Description: Contact Jim Cecil for more information.

Trip Coordinator: Shelly Carpenter (seashell@u.washington.edu)
Description: Limited trip size - trip full from start.

Rating: SK-III
Paddling Distance: 5-10 miles Friday, 5-8 miles Saturday
Paddling Speed: Medium

Trip Coordinator: Mike Wagenbach (wagen@u.washington.edu)
Description: Note the unusual schedule! This trip will leave Friday morning and return Saturday afternoon/evening. If you are short on camping equipment, it can easily be rented or maybe borrowed. (I have a couple of extra tents.)

James Island is directly across Rosario Strait from Anacortes. One of the smaller San Juan Islands, it is entirely owned by WA state as a public park, and is accessible only by boat.

For a few days in mid-July, unusually mild tidal currents make crossing Rosario Strait (in typical summer weather conditions) reasonable for sea kayakers with some basic skills and self-confidence. Rewards for the long crossing should include sightings of seals and porpoises, a scenic campsite, and some serious bio-luminescence after sunset.

Participants should have been on at least one, and preferably several, SK-II level trips with the club, or be able to convince me that you have enough previous boating experience. The crossing may take up to 1.5 hours, so it is important that everyone is comfortable paddling at a steady pace for 2 hours (allowing brief breaks for water and pointing out seals and seabirds). If you are not sure about your qualifications, please email me privately to discuss the trip.

After claiming a campsite on James and eating lunch, we will probably continue along the SE shore of Decatur Island to check out the rocky shore and kelp beds, possibly going as far as Lopez Pass. Anyone interested in trying to catch a fish would find this to be a good opportunity. Of course, remaining in camp is an option for those who have had enough paddling for the day. After a fabulous dinner and hopefully equal sunset, we can hop back in the boats for a quick trip around the island, with glowing green dinoflagellates illuminating every paddle stroke! (Bring a waterproof flashlight.)

The return crossing will be made after breakfast Saturday, with a possible detour around Burrows Island to look for a peregrine falcon, if no one is too eager to get out of their boat. As with any club trip, previous attendance at a sea kayak rescue session is required! If you have not done this yet, you must attend Gary's session Monday night, or make another arrangement with me. If you cannot go Monday, let me know ASAP or I may not be able to schedule another time.

Jetty Island
Date: Sunday, July 15, 2001
Rating: SK-II
Paddling Distance: ~ 7 miles
Paddling Speed: Slow
Trip Coordinator: Gary Lai (GaryLai@aol.com)
Description: Jetty Island is a surprisingly quiet, serene, and uninhabited man-made island just offshore from Everett. The west side of this two-mile long, 200-yard wide island is a long, shallow sandy beach. The island is composed mostly of marshland and is home to 45 species of birds. A colony of sea lions is also in residence (although July is a bit late for them). Old wooden barges have been beached in many places around the island, and make for interesting exploration. The island is also at the entrance of the Snohomish River estuary, another interesting place to explore. This is a short trip, close to Seattle. We'll meet at the WAC at 9:00 am to load boats, and we'll be back before 5 pm.

Requirements: This trip is appropriate for novice sea kayakers.. Sea kayak rescue skills are still required, however. If you are interested but have not taken a sea kayak rescue class, please contact me and we'll see if a class can be scheduled before this trip. If interested, please e-mail me to reserve a space, and tell me if you have a car with racks and you're willing to drive. Priority will be given to drivers.

Rating: SK-III+
Paddling Distance: 10 miles Saturday, 15 miles Sunday
Paddling Speed: Medium to Fast

Trip Coordinator: Gary Lai (garylai@aol.com)
Description: Limited trip size - trip full from start.

Trip Coordinator: Bill Comegys (bcomegys@u.washington.edu) and Shelly Carpenter
Description: Launch under Highway 202 at the 145 street crossing and paddle up to the spillway. We will paddle up stream first. Break for dinner at Marymoor park. We will then paddle up to the spillway then paddle down stream. This area on Samammish River is just full of wild life. I have seen at least ten muskrats on both paddles I have gone on here and the paddle I went on in the evening I saw six beavers and even a bunny.

This is a fairly narrow channel with a current of half a knot in most places. There are two points where the current is a little fast at these points the water is shallow and you can you can portage your ride along the river bank if you choose not to paddle through it.

Meet at the WAC at 12:45 PM sharp to load. We'll be back at the WAC before 9:30 pm. Interested? Email , NOT THE LIST with your experience and whether or not you have a car with racks and how many boats your racks can carry. Those participants who have a car with racks and can drive will have priority. We will only take as many people as we can carry boats for.

Trip Requirements: You must be a river/sea member and have attended a rescue session to go on this trip. With proper persuasion, one may be offered the Sunday before the trip. Otherwise, it's a beginner trip, and I'll offer a paddling instruction to anyone interested.

Rating: SK-III
Paddling Distance: About 10 miles/day, a little less on day 1, a little more on day 3
Paddling Speed: Moderate to Fast

Trip Coordinator: Andre Golard (golard@nwbio.org)
Description: We will paddle the West side of Galiano, camp at Dionisio State Park on the North East corner of the same island, explore the area on Saturday and return via Wallace Island on Sunday. This trip involves going through Porlier pass 4 times. Good timing is essential. You should have an idea of your paddling speed. To make sure we are on the ferry we want we need to make reservations. If you are interested let me know as soon as possible.

On Friday around 10:00 am, we will meet at the WAC and drive up to Tsawassen. The ferry crossing is only 1 hour. We will shuttle cars between Montague harbor and Retreat cove or North Galiano, depending on wind. We will go through Porlier Pass near slack (20:10). Plan on a light dinner on the go.

On Saturday we will head West through Porlier pass at slack (09:15), explore Reid Island, Rose Islets (a bird sanctuary), have lunch on Thetis or Kuper, return via Norway & Hall Islands, back through Porlier pass at slack (14:45). Given that we will be back to camp early we can plan a 5 course dinner.

On Sunday we will again go through Porlier Pass at slack (10:30) and, wind permitting, head back South via Wallace Island and Ballingall Islets to Montague Harbour. A 17:10 ferry will bring us back in Tsawassen at 18:05. We will stop for dinner on the way back.

Trip Requirements: This trip has several crossings. Even though we plan to go through Porlier Pass at slack, you should be ready for some rough water. You must be comfortable paddling in at least 10+ knot winds with moderate chop. It would be best that you have some SKIII paddling experience and be able to maintain a strong paddling pace for a full day of paddling. Let me know what trips you have been on.

If interested, please respond to golard@nwbio.com and not the list! The group will be limited in size based on the experience of those who express interest, for ease of staying together and because camping may be limited. Please include information on your previous sea kayaking experience, and whether or not you have a car with racks.

Trip Coordinator: Phil Shekleton (philross@u.washington.edu) and Gary Lai
Description: Golden Gardens park is one of the most enjoyable places to spend a Seattle summer evening, especially when you don't have to paddle back to the WAC when you're done enjoying the sunset and a barbecue. This trip will take us on a leisurely paddle through the Ship Canal and the Ballard Locks and return via car shuttle. We'll meet at the WAC at 3:30 and try to be in the water by 4:00. From there, it should take us roughly 3 hours to reach Golden Gardens. We'll there enjoy an informal barbecue, to which non-paddling friends, significant others, and family are more than welcome. Gary has already reserved a picnic table, but additional people coming might consider bringing chairs and/or blankets as seating space might be limited.

There will be a small fee per person for the picnic site reservation. The fee will depend on the number of participants, but should not exceed $2-$3.
The BBQ is bring-your-own (including drinks, condiments, utensils, etc.),but we will have a grill on hand for people to use.

Note that this trip may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Paddling to Golden Gardens is no fun if the weather is stormy.

Trip Requirements: This is a beginner trip, but because we do go off the lake and paddle through the Montlake Cut, you need to be proficient in sea
kayak rescue (participated in a rescue session). You should also have mastered the basic strokes and be comfortable paddling your boat in a straight line for about 7 miles.

If interested, contact me as soon as possible as Golden Gardens trips fill up fast. Tell me if you have a car with racks (or even just a car). Gary will be organizing the car shuttle (meeting at Golden Gardens at 3:00), but please contact me first so we can keep a single list of participants. As always, DO NOT REPLY TO THE LIST. Thanks.

Description: The Anacortes to Friday Harbor paddle, described by Mike Wagenbach as, "the mother of all day trips," and by John Ross as, "my favorite day trip ever," is a challenging journey riding powerful currents along some of the most beautiful and remote coastlines in the San Juan Islands. In an age of virtual adventure, side-impact airbags, and vicarious experience on soft couches, participants will close their eyes in a pampered old age, recall this trip - the briny air, the soaring gulls, the gyrating whirlpools, the sheer cliffs, the dull throb of fatigue - and into their minds will spring the words of existentialist Jean Paul Satre: "Everything has been figured out except how to live."

Early Sunday morning, we will put-in at Washington Park in Anacortes and paddle across the fickle Rosario Straight, allowing a 3+ knot ebb current to pull us to the south end of Lopez Island. We will then paddle across the south end of Lopez, a largely uninhabited shoreline of tortured cliffs and enigmatic sea stacks with wide open views of the Straight of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Then, the tide will turn and the flood will shoot us like popping champagne corks through Cattle Pass, on a long stream of foam and froth. Finally, we will paddle into genteel Friday Harbor, wheel our boats onto the ferry, and get a free ride back to Anacortes.

Trip Requirements: This trip is for paddlers with advanced sea kayaking skills. You must have paddled an SK-IV trip with the club before (or equivalent, outside of the club). You must be comfortable paddling about 15-20 miles (without current assistance) in the past, and be comfortable spending at least five hours in your boat. You must also be a fairly fast paddler, comfortable maintaining a 3 knot pace for several hours. This trip involves paddling through several strong tide rips, with sharp eddylines and whirlpools. You must be comfortable in these conditions. Whitewater experience is helpful and bracing skills are essential. The ability to roll a sea kayak is helpful, but not required. Fetch during certain portions of the trip is considerable (20 - 100 miles), so swell is a possibility, as are strong winds with wind waves large enough to regularly wash over your deck. The trip may be cancelled due to windy weather.

If you're up to it and interested, please contact me, and if I don't know you, describe in detail your previous kayak experience. Also let me know whether or not you have a car with racks and can drive. The number of participants will be limited, so act fast.

Trip Coordinator: Bill Comegys (bcomegys@u.washington.edu)
Description: Contact Bill Comegys for more information..

Description: The put in for this trip is near the Shell Oil refinery close to Anacortes, but from that point on we will see very little to remind us of civilization. Instead, we'll be treated with views of the San Juan Islands as we approach and circumnavigate several smaller islands of forest and meadow.

Along the way we will pass Hat Island with its steep rocky shores, and Dot Island, a wildlife refuge where kayakers have often seen eagles in the trees. Saddlebag, almost two independent islands connected by a short isthmus, will be our ultimate destination and lunch spot.

Requirements: This trip is appropriate for novice sea kayakers. Sea kayak rescue skills are still required, however. If you are interested but have not taken a sea kayak rescue class, please contact me and we'll see if a class can be scheduled before this trip. If interested, please e-mail me to reserve a space, and tell me whether you have a car with racks and are willing to drive. Priority will be given to drivers.

Description: More of a whitewater trip, since we'll never go beyond spitting distance from the breakers, and whitewater boats are more useful, but...I'm going to Pacific Beach, and hope to organize some club people to meet there. Participants should have a reasonably reliable roll and preferably some significant surf or whitewater experience. Conditions are forecast to be pretty big on Saturday (7-8 foot swell), but a bit more moderate on Sunday. Of course, one can always play in the secondary breaks closer to the beach if the full waves are too much.

Trip Coordinator: Tom Green (green.t@ghc.org) and Amanda Babson
Description: Contact Tom Green for more information..

Trip Coordinator: Bill Comegys (bcomegys@u.washington.edu)
Description: Port Susan is situated between the mainland and Camano Island, a short drive from Seattle. It's a place to observe the dramatic effect of tides with a minimum of current. The northern portion of Port Susan dries to extensive mud flats at low tide, filled with birds and basking seals (hopefully).

We'll launch from Kayak Point County Park and paddle north to Port Susan and paddle North along the mudflats. The mudflats will be extra large since there will be a large tidal change for the trip -1.1 to 11.6 feet. On the way back we will paddle through a channel where the mouth of the Stillaguamish river comes out. There is a good lunch spot on an island in the channel if I can find it again. A bit further down there is a spot I have seen a lot of seals both time I have been out here. This will be a mellow paddle in water shallow enough to stand in-a perfect environment for beginning paddlers.

Meet at the WAC at 8:30 AM sharp to load (this may change to a slightly later time). We'll be back at the WAC before 7 PM.

Email me Bill Comegys , NOT THE LIST with your experience and whether or not you have a car with racks and how many boats your racks can carry. Those participants who have a car with racks and can drive will have priority.

Trip Requirements: You must be a river/sea member, have attended a rescue session and paddled an SK2 trip before to go on this trip. With proper persuasion, one may be offered before the trip. I'll offer a paddling instruction to anyone interested.

Food and Water: There are no planned stops for food and water. Bring enough food and water for your lunch and any snacking that you wish to do while we are paddling.

Paddling clothes that you can 1) layer for warming and cooling as weather conditions may be variable and 2) don't mind getting muddy. Sturdy footwear is also a must. Though the water will only be a few feet deep you should be prepared for immersion.

Stay in shape this winter by kayaking the Mercer Slough. The Mercer Slough is located in Mercer Slough Park. Is a very slow stream off Lake Washington it is very scenic, there are turtles, ducks, geese and someone said there were otters there. I did not see them. The Slough is very much like the arboretum just a little bit longer. Just a nice Sunday paddle. Launch point the boat ramp off of Bellevue Way SE. We will see what it looks like this winter. We will meet at the WAC at 12:30 PM ish, I am going to the pool session after that I am going up to the Ave. to eat lunch. Then I am coming back and doing the trip.

Email , NOT THE LIST with your experience and whether or not you have a car with racks and how many boats your racks can carry. Those participants who have a car with racks and can drive will have priority. I will only take up to seven people providing we have that manycars. Trip Requirements: This is considered "On-Lake", the trip is very protected. Priority will be given to river/sea members. If you have not attended a rescue session go to the pool session and we will go through how to get back into a sea kayak. The club has wet suits if you do not. --Bill

Trip Coordinator: Thomas Green (green.t@ghc.org) and Gary Lai (support co-leader)

Description: Burrows Island is located at the north end of Burrows Bay, in the northeast corner of Fidalgo Island (west of Anacortes). If you've taken the San Juan ferry, this island is southwest of the mainland dock, around the corner from Washington Park about 2 miles. The currents are favorable mid-day on the 18th, and we can ride the ebbing current clockwise around Burrows. We'll have lunch on the west bluff of the island at an abandoned lighthouse site, which has a great view of the San Juan Island chain and the Olympic range.

Logistics: We will meet at the WAC early Sunday morning at 8:00am. We'll drive up through Anacortes, and put-in at the Washington Park boat dock about � mile west of the ferry station. Lunch should be around 12:30 - 1:00pm and we'll expect to be back at the WAC around 6:00pm.

This late in the fall, there is substantial possibility to exposure of westerlies, especially on the exposed/fetch west of the Island. Because of this situation, there is a high probability of canceling of this trip due to strong winds, or any mention of a small craft advisory.

If you need to know what to bring, look up the following UKC web site: sea/UKCSea.html#seagear

If interested, please e-mail me to reserve a space, and tell me if you have a car with racks and are willing to drive. Priority will be given to the latter. The group size will be limited to 10 boats. If we have never paddled together, tell me something about your skill level and what previous club trips you've been on. Let's pray for sun and calm! Tom

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

26
7- 9 pm: Part 1 of Trip Planning Clinic - Shelly Carpenter & Gary Lai

28
5 pm: Rescue Session - Robin Datta