Crazy Kayaking Fun

My dad so kindly let us borrow the kayaks for a few days so we could do some exploring around our area. It was so much fun! All my muscles were sore, but it was totally worth it. The first day we went to the Silverdale Waterfront Park. The water was pretty calm and we had fun going under the bridge and around the docks. We even went to Old Mill Park so we could show Jon where the beach seine was. 

  

Sean loved being able to paddle around on his own. He's too short to sit and the seat and reach the water, so he kneels on a towel. It's quite a workout for him!

I was trying to get a picture of Jon and Matthew and Sean swooped in yelling "Photobomb!" 

The second day, we went to the Brownsville Marina. There is an inlet that you can see from the road and Matthew always refers to it as "his water that everyone can look at." We thought it would be fun to actually go explore said water. It was pretty neat. The water was super calm and Matthew spotted so many herons. There were a couple trees that we could paddle under. One spot made me think of the scene from the Little Mermaid where they sing Kiss the Girl. We also saw a rather large flock of geese. The further in we went, the sludgier the water got (oil and gas from the marina), so we headed back towards the more open water. I didn't bring the camera that trip, so no pictures. Sorry!

The third day, we went across the Hood Canal Bridge to a little park. Jon wanted to kayak across to an island there. We did a little research and found out there is a driftwood dragon on the island too. So off we went.

We brought Maisy on this trip. She's a cute little copilot, isn't she?

We were not prepared for how hard this would be. The wind and the current were against us. Jon ended up towing Sean the whole way. I had Matthew with me and I had to really work hard to make it across. It probably took 45 minutes to get there. 

It sure didn't look too far away

   

These guys took longer to get to the island, but Jon was working twice as hard!

By the time we made it, we were too tired to go to the side of the island with the dragon. I felt bad since I had told the boys about it. Another time. Maybe. If we even get the steam to try again.

According to google maps, it's called Hood Head. I guess it's not a true island, but you can't drive there, so that's what I'm calling it. The little section we were on was fun. There were so many dead crabs and more shells than you would find on a beach that is more easily accessible. 

  

Across there is where we started. Jon said it's about a mile across. 

It's awfully beautiful

Our adventurous family.

The kids wanted to swim. It was too cold for me, but they had a good time.

Even Maisy tested it out. She would only go as deep as her belly though. 

  

The boys found some rocks to climb on and Maisy followed them up there.

Then Jon started throwing big rocks to try to splash the kids.  

We loved this trip, and came home very ready for bed!

The last day we had them, I took the boys out by myself in Silverdale. That was a challenge because I had to carry the kayaks to the dock by myself. I made it, but then I didn't want to stay out too long because I knew I had to carry them back by myself. The water was choppier that day too, which made getting in and out a bit of an adventure, but we made it and still had a fun time. 

I love where we live! It's so, so beautiful here!! And Thank you Dad for letting us borrow your toys!!