Skagit Delta Kayaking 7/31

Happy Birthday Adrienne! We awoke early to explore Skagit Delta on a high tide. As we reached the put-in the fog cleared and we were treated to breath taking views of eagles, blue heron, and winding channels. There was to much area to take it all in on a 8ft high tide but I'm sure we will be back.

Cutts Island Evening Kayaking 7/29/06

Andrei, Lori and I spend a gorgeous evening out at Cutts island this evening. We started our paddle from Horsehead Bay swung by Kopachuck State Park then continued on to Cutts Island were we stopped for Strawberries, yogurt, and brown sugar, yum! The evening clouds made for striking rays of light as we return to Horsehead Bay. A real nice evening.

Cutts Island Kayaking

Deception Pass Kayaking 7/28/06

Spent the day out at Deception Pass today with Andy and Drew Baker. We had a real nice paddle starting out of Cornet Bay. We headed east to Jones Island, Skagit Island then back west threw Canoe Pass on our way to lunch at Burrows Bay Point where we saw a coyote on the beach. After lunch we paddle around Deception Island then headed for Deception Pass and our return to Cornett Bay. The weather started and ended a bit foggy but the wind was relatively light and currents were mild. Another great Deception Pass kayaking trip.

Deception Pass Kayaking

Gritty Girls Ross Lake Kayaking 7/23-26/06

On Sunday, July 23rd Anew Outdoors set off on Ross Lake with eight adventurous ladies for the annual 4-Day Gritty Girls paddle. Blue skies and warm temps greeted us in the morning as we launched onto Diablo Lake on our way to catch the Ross Dam shuttle. A short ride up and over the dam found us in the warm crystal blue waters of Ross Lake, where we were able to reap the benefits of a little wind by hoisting our tent fly in order to sail into Big Beaver campground. Motivation was high the following morning as people crawled out of their tents to find another beautiful day. We spent the day paddling to places like, Devils Creek Gorge, Rainbow Point, and Big Beaver Creek. Day three was spent relaxing around camp, swimming in the lake, paddling to May Creek and eating our fair share of food. We woke early on the last day to glassy water, making the return paddle to Colonial Creek Campground a breeze. Thanks Ladies for another Gritty year!

Ross Lake Kayaking

Skate Creek Fly Fishing 7/11/06

Fished Skate Creek with Adrienne today. Cant tell you how many fish we caught. Lets just say a lot. Mostly fished the surface but tired of dinks so I started swinging stone fly nymphs. Ended up catching a real nice 12" fish as the sun went behind the trees. Once again this creek producing some wonderful days of fishing, to bad there is so much trash on the banks. Next year I'm hopping to organize a fish and clean weekend.

Mt. Rainier Climb 7/8-10/06

I attempted to climb Mt. Rainier with Adrienne, my uncle David, and cousin Chris this weekend. The weather was quite hot as we climbing the Muir Snow Field and arrived at camp somewhat late. Sunday we spent practicing rope work, crampons, and self arrests. Early Monday morning we awoke to clouds building over the summit and strong winds. We moved relatively fast all the way to the top of Disappointment Cleaver than stopped only to get really realy cold. Once moving we all warmed up and settled in to the track carved by so many before us. Thanks RMI. We once again stopped to take a quick break at 13,000 Ft just before a large crevas crossing where we turned around. We moved slowly back down our track stopping at the top of the cleaver, Ingraham Flats, and Camp Muir on our return to Paradise. This trip was a lot of fun and a great learning experience. Next time.

Independence Paddle 7/4-5/06

Its the Forth of July! We spent this 4th and I'm sure many to come out at Blake Island State Park. The views of fireworks all around was perfect. The sandy spit made for great views of the Seattle fireworks shows along with comfortable seating. I cant think of a better way to safely enjoy the 4th. No driving, no made rush to get to so and so's house, just good food, good people, and great views.

Blake Island Kayaking