Hood Head Dragon Paddle

[tomhenning]

13 of us set off in search of the legendary Hood Head Dragon - and none were
dissapointed. Following the christening of Shirley McBrides new boat (Bob built her a
really nice wooden strip kayak- picture #1) we departed Salsbury Point across Hood Canal
in the lee of the bridge protecting us from high seas to the south. We then headed north
toward Hood Head with a quartering tailwind. As we approached Hood head the sea state
increased making for a little bit of tricky paddling, but everyone succeeded in making it
around the eastern spit of Hood Head for a short break and an up close and personal
meeting with the dragon and his lair. Once north of Hood Head we proceeded west along
the lee of the "island" and the isthmus and then portaged across the isthmus
south into a protected lagoon. We stopped there for lunch (picture #2) while watching a
rookery of about 12 Great Blue Herons play in the strong winds above the tree line.
Coming out of the protected waters of the lagoon we took about 20 knots square in the
face (water over the bows) for about 1 1/2 miles back to the bridge . Everyone decided
to cross Hood Canal at the bridge, still protected from the southern wind, back to
Salsbury Point. Come out and join us for the next paddle!

[JayThompson]

Wow Tom, sounds like you guys had a great time even though it was a little windy and choppy. I will definitely have to try kayaking with you all sometime.