Blake Island Kayaking with the Herrons - 8/29-30/06

With a less then ideal forecast for late August, Verna and Tom Herron joined me for what looked to be a wet 2 day trip to Blake Island. After loading boats we pushed off the beach and paddled east along the Key Peninsula north shore towards Manchester. After 30 minutes or so we turned north and set our sites on Blake's west spit. Half way threw setting up camp I realized I forgot the tent poles and would paddling a little more than expected. After a short walk we enjoyed a quick lunch then Verna and Tom were off for hike. I on the other hand was off for the tent poles back at Southworth. Strong winds blew all afternoon and slowed my return to camp as white-caps crashed on the beach. Back in camp I fixed dinner which we all enjoyed as the last light feel behind the clouds surrounding the Olympic Mt. Range. Darkness brought out the raccoons and a real nice buck that I followed up the trail to the water fountain. Tom enjoyed a run while breakfast was prepared the following morning. Afterwards we packed boats then paddle north around the island returning to Southworth around 1 pm. So much for the forecast a rain as we only saw a few drops overnight. Well it is August after all.

For more info on Blake Island Kayaking visit Anew Outdoors.

Blake Island Kayaking - 8/27/06

Cheryl, Shelly, Wendy, Karyn, and Kim joined me for a day of kayaking around Blake Island. Everyone enjoyed the calm water as we paddled from Southworth to the west spit of Blake Island. We stopped walked the nearly perfect sand beach, looked for beach glass and paused for a few photos. A quick paddle and we arrived at Tillicum Village where we picnicked under the shade of a large tree. After lunch we toured village art and then walked a quick nature trail near by. Boat traffic and building winds made for a short but exciting exit to the harbor as we started for home. All in all, another great Blake Island kayak day trip. Thanks ladies.

For more info on Blake Island visit Anew Outdoors - Blake Island Kayaking

Huckleberry Picking 8/26/06

Huckleberry season is here. Dennis, Lonnie, and I spent about 3 hours picking huckleberries today. At about 4,000 feet the bushes were as full as any of us have ever seen . By the time we had to go we had rounded up over 2 gallons of some of the largest sweetest berries Washington has to offer. If you're into berries, the time is now!

Little Si Rock Climbing 8/23/06

Marine air and a light mist welcomed me as I arrive in North Bend for a day of climbing with Mike and Emily at Washington's Little Si. We warmed up top roping at the British Aisles center stone moved over to Black Stone and climbed Human Foot rated 5.8 as the sun began to show itself. We ended our day climbing what I feel is one of the best 5.9 routes in the state under clear blue skies. What a great day!

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.

Skykomish Fly Fishing 8/11/06

I fished the upper Sky last night and hooked into a few nice trout. Unfortunately I didn't hook any Steelhead but I did see one pushing up. I also found some really nice water with public access but I'm not telling where...

Ned Fest - Methow and Twisp Rivers 8/4-6/06

My friend Ned is getting married this August so our friend Troy put on a bachler party for him up in the Methow. We fished the Twisp on Friday night and caught a few dinks then had dinner and a drink at the Twisp River pub while listening to live music. Saturday we floated the Methow and picked up a few more fish on the surface. Sunday we again fished the Twisp and this time 3 of us landed nice 12"+ fish out of this small creek. Quite a hoot!

Skykomish River Steelhead 8/2-3/06

I met up with Mike and fished the Sky Wednesday night and Thursday. Mike hooked and landed a small steelie on Wed. night skating a muddler and I hooked one on Thursday morning doing the same. There is definitely quite a few fish in the river this year.