NSSKA

Location: Deception Pass SP WA Weather conditions: strong winds, 5 and 6 ft westerly wind waves, gusting winds in the 25 kt range, overcast skies, temps in the mid 40s. Due to weather conditions the Guemes paddle was cancelled and the group moved to Bowman Bay SP to practice launching and landing in conditions, paddling is significant wind waves, clapotis and swell. The group got underway at 9:40 AM and we got off the water at 12:30 after a robust fun filled morning on the water. Everyone's skills and confidence greatly improved over the course of the morning. Thanks Julia, Mark and Steve for an awesome day on the water. Bill Porter

  Five paddlers took advantage of the mid-day high tide to explore the Stillaguamish River’s delta and surrounding estuary. They rode the flood tide north from Kayak Point, taking time to appreciate the diverse wildlife including abundant eagles, white swans, seals, kingfishers and more in this section of the amazing Pacific Flyway.   The currents allowed a trip up the main river channel (Hat Slough) to the bridge  on Marine Drive. There we stopped for lunch and enjoyed a brief bit of sunshine. Once underway we enjoyed a brisk 1.5 kt push back down the river taking the more scenic but slightly longer westerly route back in to Port Susan where we were met with a favorable wind and current that made an easy paddle back to Kayak Point. Thanks to Kevin A and Doug M for the great pictures .

Date: November 11th, 2018 Conditions: Light Breeze, Temps in Mid 40s, Sunny Skies Distance: Approx 11 3/4 Miles Ten NSSKA paddlers launched from Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo at 10:30 am. We crossed Possession Sound over to the south side of Whidbey Island and made our way west to Possession Point. The Washington Water Trails site was pointed out which is located near Possession Point. We took a nice long lunch break under bright sunny skies before crossing back to our launch site at Mukilteo. The trip over to Possession Point took about one hour as we had the wind and current in our favor, the trip back took over 2 hours as we had the wind and current opposing us leading to a return time of 3:00 pm. Unfortunately the grey whale that had been hanging out in the area this past week was not to be seen by our group today. Thanks to my paddle partners Karen, Bonnie-Lynn, Dorothy, Jon, Doug, John, Kevin, Steve and Tim for a fun day on the beautiful Salish Sea.

Conditions: bright sunny day, temperature 60, winds SW 5-10K The group of 7 NSSKA paddlers got underway at 9:30 am for a paddle to Hope Island. First going around the west end of both Ben Urie and Strawberry Islands before taking advantage of the flooding current for our trip to Hope Island. We circumnavigated Hope Island stopping at the state park for a lunch and bio break. Following a great lunch we paddled up to Skagit Island and did a quick recon of the facilities available, the thinking is this is where the club will hold a "camping/training" class next year. The group then returned to our launch site at Cornet Bay under beautiful blue fall skies. Thanks to Steve, Bonnie-Lynn, Julia, Doug, Karen, Jon for a wonderful day on the water.  

Conditions: Sunny day, some forest fire smoke, winds SW 5-10 Five NSSKA paddlers launched at Bowman Bay SP and paddled out to Deception Island to check out this rugged chuck of rock. Leaving the kelp beds surrounding Deception Island we crossed over to West Point and followed the expansive sandy beach eastward towards the bridge. Under the bridge we had the opportunity to experience the effects of the "Room of Doom" on our boats. Paddling on eastward we stopped in Cornet Bay for a break and to wait for the flood to end and ebb to begin. Continuing around Ben Ure Island then to Strawberry Island on our way to Canoe Pass and for a lunch break. Following lunch, we played in the standing waves and did some eddy line crossing receiving a standing ovation from the multitude of tourist high above us on the Deception Pass bridge. Today's paddle was approximately 7 miles. Thanks Dorothy, Bonnie-Lynn, Karen and Jon for a great day on the water! More pics o

Conditions: bright sunny day, winds SW 5-10  The group of 7 NSSKA paddlers met at 7:30 am at Washington Park, unloaded boats then moved a couple of our vehicles over to the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Anacortes parking lot. We took WSF free ride on our return.  Once back at Washington Park we reviewed the trip plan for our journey to Friday Harbor. We got on the water at 8:30 am, called Seattle Vessel Traffic to get a status of shipping traffic and to let them know we were crossing Rosario Strait. We took advantage of a 3-knot ebb at times our speed hit 7 knots.  Once safely across the shipping channel we again called Seattle Vessel Traffic as they requested to let them we had crossed over to Lopez Island. Stopped at Pt Colville on Lopez for a quick 5-minute bio, stretch and electrolyte break. Next stop was at Iceberg Point for lunch. This is the jump off point for our journey thru the challenging waters of Cattle Pass.   Cattle Pass at a max flood current of 4.7 kno