Jan 3 - Colvos Passage Paddle

[tomhenning]

Found no corpses post - Olalla Polar Bear Plunge, but did find a nice pair of sunglasses floating around the bridge that some beer-laden plunger forgot to take off his forehead before he went it.
Great paddle day with Paul, Lee, Jane and .... (God help me, I'm over 50 and with a mild post-paddle brew buzz going on), Sean and Cameron, Bruce, and Tom taking on Colvos Passage. Temp In the 40's with very little wind - overcast, but we actually did see some sun breaks on the water. 9-10 miles over 4 hours up and down the east and west sides of the passage. Sea state 0 to 1-. Water very clear. Main current definitely to the north the whole time - as advertised
Lots of bird activity with double creasted cormorants owning most of the scene. Good - I like them alot. Some scoters, but several eagle pairs and very healthy blue herons as well. Lots of harbour seals and, surprisingly, two very large Cal sea lions playing (courting) near a dock. Currents and eddies during passage crossing very interesting, but not nearly enough to make it dicey and too challenging - just interesting to ponder the sources/effects. Saw some pretty neat homes along the coast, as well as remnants of the mosquitoe fleet. Nice lunch at Lisabuela Park on Vashon Island - complete with porta-potty (Very POSH), pinic tables, and Paul's Butternut Squash Soup.
If you are interested in joining us next time but are concerned about your kayaking skills, endurance, ability, or don't have a boat - talk to one of the regular paddlers about bringing a double kayak along so that you can join us for the day.

Tom Henning