Stuart Island 4 Day Kayaking 8/13-16/06

Patty, Kim, Marie, and Rene joined me for a Stuart Island 4 day kayaking trip under blue skies. We meet Sunday morning drank coffee and caught up on current events on the ferry ride to Friday Harbor. A short drive and we arrived at Roche Harbor then packed boats with anxiety to leave the hustle and bustle behind. We crossed Spieden Channel as the ebb currents began to grow then took a quick snack and water break in the lee currents of Sentinel Island. Passing threw John's Passage we admired the kelp beds and glassy blue water on our way to Prevost Harbor and our camp for the next 3 nights.

Monday we enjoyed coffee and zucchini quiche for breakfast as sun rose over Mt. Baker and the distant North Cascades. We then jumped in the kayaks and circumnavigated Stuart Island clockwise passing Reid Harbor on our way to the steep cliffs of southwest Stuart Island. We made good time riding currents to the stunning beauty of Turn Point lighthouse where we faced a short spell of paddling against the current. After arriving back in camp we enjoyed a snack then early dinner before making the 3 mile hike to Turn Point lighthouse to catch sunset.

Tuesday we paddle the north side of John's Island to the Ripple Island National Wildlife Refuge where harbor seals bobbed in the currents. We return to camp early and I enjoyed a quick nap in the shade. After diner we enjoyed the warmth of fire as we scraped clean the dutch oven full of berry cobbler.

Wednesday we broke down camp, packed boats and made our way back threw John's pass as winds blew out of the west. After reaching Spieden Bluff and waiting on the Victoria Clipper the winds began to die. We lazily crossed Spieden Channel and arrived back in Roche Harbor for lunch and good byes. Thanks ladies.