It has been a week since we left the islands and made the long drive home. I am still holding on to the good memories and island vibe...for as long as I can. We paddled, hiked, and biked through rain, fog, sun, wind, cold, colder, wet, sun peaking out, then full sun. Each weather change created a new and exciting adventure. We explored in BIG ocean and smaller bays. We rested on beaches and searched the water for whales...we did not see any. We saw eagles, osprey, herons and harbor seals. Mainly we experienced a different life style. We travelled along rolling green hills and two lane roads. We traversed lush hiking trails that ended at a mountain top or a gentle beach...all with stunning views. We rode the ferry from island to island and spent our time running from side to side and back to front looking at all the different views, till we were forced inside to escape the cold. But the views from inside were just as fine..JPG)
The only down side to cold weather paddling is the layers of clothing needed. I must have got it right because I was toasty warm on these outings with my thermals, base layers, wet suit, hydroskins and gloves. Taking it all off after you have been sweating in them for several hours is a chore. If I do much more ocean paddling I would definitely consider a dry suit.
The Hands of God sculpture in "Sculpture Park", near Roche Harbor.
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