While Port Madison is close to Seattle, it feels like a world away when your tucked into Inner Harbor which provides good shelter and shallow anchoring depths. The most striking part is how loud the birds seem. I say seem, because if I marvel at it too closely, I can hear in the distance the traffic on Agate Pass Bridge and the train going up the mainland coast, and the not so distant sound of landscaping and construction. Still, it is impressive that I have traveled only 7.76 NM from my slip and it is difficult to tell an urban center such as Seattle is so close.
Thanks to Google Earth and Garmin, you have the answer. I have only given out small bits of information so far. If you are local to Seattle, come to my Sailing Presentation for a more personal account. I think I am better in person.
I circumnavigated Effingham Island while anchored in Effingham Bay. The back side of the island was the weather side with rock formations and a sea arch that I paddled the kayak through. In the photo, you can see the swell pushing through, so it took a bit of timing. There is also a beach, an old native village site, with a plethora of tide pools and cool marine life.
Leaving Hot Springs Cove and sailing on the outside of Flores Island was my farthest offshore passage. I was about 6.5 NM off at my furthest. There was just enough following wind to fill the sails and overcome the rolling of the boat from the ocean swells.
To the east – beautiful and rugged Vancouver Island.
To the west – I think I see Hawaii! Or is that Japan?
Hot Springs Cove was my farthest point north and my turn around goal. It was pretty sweet. I stayed there 2 days and made 2 trips to the springs. It is a 2 KM hike each way along a boardwalk to get there and it is best to go there very early in the morning or in the evening as the tour boats and float planes parade in hordes of people from Tofino during “business hours.” The springs can only accommodate about 8 people at a time so I suspect it is very crowded at that time.
On my way to Hot Springs Cove, heading down Sydney Inlet, I came across a group of Sea Otters. They seemed curious but kept their distance. If I got too close, they would roll and dive.
This is while anchored in Joe’s Bay in the Broken Group in Barkley Sound. As soon as I entered I was swarmed by hummingbirds. I’ve never seen anything like it. They were unafraid. They would fly inside the boat. They would try to feed from my jacket. Below the are trying to feed from the red cap on my solar shower. Even though they were ever-present(they did disappear at sundown, but reappeared in the morning), they dart so fast that they are difficult to photograph.
SUNRISE WITH THE PORPOISE
Harbour Porpoise escorts 2 days in a row? Incredible. Both by Port Angeles. Was it the same pod? What does it mean?
A pod of Harbour porpoises escorted me out of Port Angeles. It was pretty incredible. There were maybe 15 or so. While I have read about it, this is the first time I have this sort of thing happen. Awesome.
Though I am in Port Angeles, this picture is not from Port Angeles. This picture is outgoing from the Ballard Locks. I liked the juxtaposition of the the tiny boat in the huge lock. I like the seagull too, it’s almost as big as the boat!
sailingwithjosh
Sailing With Josh 