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Sea Kayaking the Hamersley Inlet, Shelton, WA (Saturday, 4-7-2012) --- Roundtrip to Hope Island (16.2 miles, Class I and II(tidal rips))

Weather was probably the best Saturday this year so far.  Blue skies with high 50s. It was indeed a very nice day for paddling.  I heard of the place, "Hope Island" where it could be accessed only by the boaters, and my family drove through the Shelton when we had the driving trip to San Jose two years ago.  I was eager to drive down and see the area in more detail.

The trip was a PWC event which was planned and coordinated by Bob McBride.  Like any other paddling trips, conditions for weather and tides are significant.  Luckily, wind was minimal at around 10 kts at some places.  There were a few spots of tidal waves which were little choppy.  We left the Walker County Park around 1000 and arrived at the Island just before noon with as much as 4kts of current assistance.  For our return trip, we waited 2 hours to take advantage of the tide change.

At the Hope Island, we had more than 32 boats with a couple of tandem boats.  It appeared that 3 groups (PWCers, South Sound Kayers, and Olympia Kayers) participated the event.  Many people sat around, talked stores, and shared their food.  One lady I could not forget was about her donuts.  She had a box of dozen donuts and offered people to eat at the Country Park and at the Hope Island.  She still had about half left and took them back.  It was such a nice day for everybody.  Some of us toured the Island.  I solo-hiked the trail loop which was about 1.5 miles.  

I felt strong all day despite having a little sore right shoulder: paddled a bit more than the others, practiced rolls at two places, hiked around the Island, etc.  However, after dinner at home, I was tired and went to bed early.  For the first time, I skipped posting a few pictures on the Facebook on the same trip.   Am I getting too old already ?

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