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| Gooseberry Point Boat Launch |
We launched from Gooseberry Point, on the Lummi First Nation land, adjacent to the Lummi Island ferry. We arrived to find that the beach was a beehive of activity as fishermen tested their skill against the elusive salmon. Numerous onlookers were being encouraged to throw rocks at the seals as the fishermen tried to pull in their nets. The seals seemed undeterred at all efforts to divert their attention as they appeared to be appreciating the salmon smorgasbord being provided.
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| Hale Passage |
To begin the paddle we crossed Hale Passage toward the east side of Lummi Island. The passage is notorious for wind, waves and funky currents so we were grateful to have a smooth and uneventful crossing.
We paddled along the eastern shores and enjoyed peeking at the numerous ocean front cottages. They are all unique, character homes....you know they have stories to tell about endless summers spent on the beach. We stopped for lunch at Inati Bay, home of the Bellingham Yacht Club. Several sail boats were anchored in the cove and their crews were enjoying picnics and campfires on the beach. The gang welcomed us to join the yacht club and encouraged us to attend the Friday evening potlucks!
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| Inati Bay |
After lunch and visit with the folk at Inati Bay we continued on to the Department of Natural Resources marine campsite on the southern end of Lummi Island at Real Bay. This site is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. We were absolutely thrilled with the campsite.....gentle beach landings, primitive campsites complete with fire rings and picnic tables and a skookum outhouse (toilet paper included). Life is good! We set up camp and settled in for dinner and a glass or two of wine on the beach. As we watched the campfire burn down we chatted about the day and pondered what tomorrow would hold.
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| Lummi Island Marine Campsite |
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| Bare feet, Barefoot Wine and a room with a view....a perfect combination. |
On a side note, we must give credit to WAKE - the Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts. We learned that DNR no longer maintained the campsite, and in order to avoid closure WAKE volunteers stepped up and now steward the area. Thank you ...and great work!
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| We weren't alone as we prepared to launch at low tide |
Giggle of the day:
We had a very disorganized start to the morning! We crossed the border and were merrily travelling along Highway I-5 when I asked Rob if he had packed the tent. He went white....a sure sign that he had NOT packed the tent. I tried to remain calm, and suggested that maybe we could make due with the tarp. He then asked me if I had packed the life jackets and spray skirts. I turned white....a sure sign that I had NOT packed the life jackets and spray skirts. We grudgingly turned around, went back to the border crossing convinced the border guards that we were not smugglers - just scatter brains and did a redo!
Day Two - WAKE campsite to Gooseberry Point
The marine weather forecast for the day was not good...heavy winds, rain and a potential thunder storm were in the works. We definitely did not want to be crossing Hale Passage in those kinds of conditions so we decided to get an early start and attempt to beat the incoming weather. We were on the water by 7:30am. What a spooky morning. The water was like glass, but the fog was so thick that we could barely see 30 feet in front of us. There was a stillness and quiet that at first was unsettling, but we soon came to enjoy. Steep, heavily forested cliffs make up the south end of the island...ideal for another day of great critter viewing. As we made our way around the southern tip of the island we crossed an eddy line and were bounced around as the ocean played with our boats.
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| Heavy fog as we depart from the campsite |
We continued along the west side of the island and enjoyed the view of the rocky headlands. Unfortunately, the fog still had not lifted so we were unable to see the islands to the west. About mid way up the island the geography changes quite dramatically and we travelled along sandy beaches and again had terrific views of the ocean front homes.
We were intrigued to see two parallel rows of huge fishing boats side by side, Each boat had a man standing high on the mast, almost appearing to be at watch. We joked about a pending pirate battle and were waiting to hear battle cries.
As we approached the north end of the island the wind picked up...we were also going against the current, so needless to say we were working hard and not going very far. We rounded the bend and then fought our way to Lane Spit. We decided to cross the passage at Lane Spit and attempt to angle our way back to Gooseberry Point. It was quite a paddle, and as with all Weiss vacations we also encountered rain. We finally completed the crossing wet, exhausted and happy to be on solid ground.
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| The rain picks up as we continue across Hale Passage |
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| Back on dry land |
Giggle of the day:
As you know there are many hazards to be faced when playing in the great outdoors. During this trip we had to face boomers and bombers and debated the dangers of both. Let us explain:
Boomer: a boomer is a large rock that lies in wait just below the water line. If not careful, you can hit the boomer before you notice it is even there. Sometimes they can cause considerable damage to your kayak.
Bomber: likely note a technical term, but a term we use when referring to those naughty seabirds who appear to communicate and fly in formation over us....dropping their bombs!
We encountered both on this trip.....we will leave it to your imagination as to which one of us was boomed and which one of us was bombed!
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| A bomber lines up his target......and begins the approach! |
Map and Route Tips:
DNR campsite, maintained by WAKE - GPS N 48 39.525 W 122 36.852
Nautical chart: NOAA Chart 18424
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