Thursday morning Sarah and West wanted us up early so we could get the campsite all taken down, the kayaks hauled to the water and loaded and on the water for the trip back.
Everybody was busy getting the tents emptied, taken down, and packed up while breakfast was being prepared.
Aunt Judy wanted to take all the poles down.
Once again it was amazing how quickly everything was done and we were back on the water.
This time it was Mom and I in a kayak
and I thought it would be easier for her to be in the back steering while I was in the front.
We quickly discovered that was not working for her and we needed to switch places. West guided us to a beach where we could change places before Mom got too crabby.
And we were off again, heading straight for that 3 mile channel crossing. Mom and I were struggling; I could not get the rudder working right and we were getting further from the group but West never left our side or said anything. After crossing the channel we took a break on Posey Island where Sarah and West put out peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches and fruit. While I ate a snack I was worried how we were going to make it the next 3 ½ hours. When they said the break was over and we were heading out I said they had to get us on the water first so we could get a head start before they caught up to us and passed us by. But that did not happen, that little break and snack fueled us right up and we were moving. Sarah had to work to catch up with us. Sarah being the best guide ever worked with each person beautifully and figured out how to best support them. She knew my Mom was a goal oriented person so she set little goals for us. She would say Ginger we are going to go to that point and off we were heading to each goal and then when it was reached Sarah would tell us what a great job we did with that goal and the next goal would be set. The paddle back was not the same weather conditions what we had started this trip; on the way back we were battling current and very strong wind. If we both stopped paddling we did not just stay in one spot we drifted backwards quickly so only one paddler could take a break at a time. The last 45 minutes to an hour were tough, we were tired! But we made it!!
Back to Small Pox Bay and the County Park; where the kayaks were unloaded, all the gear hauled up to the van and trailer, and loaded. We unpacked our dry bags while lunch was being prepared.
After lunch we all loaded back in to the van for the drive back to Friday Harbor. We were dropped off just as the ferry was arriving. We had an easy ferry ride back to Anacortes. We stopped and had dinner at Randy’s Pier 61 again, not looking near as fresh as the first time we were there and then back to hotel to line up for a shower. We were all happy to have a bed and a pillow and slept good.
Kayaking Trip Final Thoughts...
WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! That is pretty much all I can say about this trip!! Would I do it again? Yes but my only fear would be that I would be disappointed. This trip was perfect I would not change a thing. We had a great time Monday exploring Roche Harbor and stayed at a beautiful hotel. The guides were amazing; thank you Sarah and West!! The weather was perfect. I had the best time with Susan, Mom, and Aunt Judy. The group that was with us was great. I got to see Orca whales, seals, bald eagles, deer, and so much more. And the night paddle seeing bioluminescent plankton was amazing. Would I recommend it? YES. Outdoor Odyssey’s did an incredible job; you can check out their website at: http://outdoorodysseys.com/. I cannot wait to see what these ladies plan for next year. Thank you Mom for making this possible for me! Thank you Susan for letting us tag along with you! Thank you Aunt Judy for being so adventurous to want to do this at your young age of almost 70! Thank you again for letting me be a part of an incredible adventure!!
Back to the real world.
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