Paula photos

On the first day, I flew to Seattle and caught the shuttle to Lake Union, where I met Lynette. We then took the float plane from Lake Union to Friday Harbor. Group members Ned and Gloria were also on the float plane, although we hadn't met them yet. After wandering around town a bit, we met one of our guides (Nikken) the rest of the group at the Whale Museum, had a little orientation, then were driven over towards Smallpox Bay where we met our other guide (Ryan), and camped the night there.

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This was our first day of paddling...we learned how to load up the kayaks, proper paddle technique, and some rescue techniques (which we never needed). We paddled from Smallpox Bay to Stuart Island's Reid Harbor via Mosquito Pass, stopping at Posey Island for lunch on the way.

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We paddled out of Reid Harbor and clockwise around the island, near to the Lighthouse, in an attempt to spot Orcas. Unfortunately, we weren't so lucky, so headed back to camp and hiked up there.

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Another early morning, we got up, paddled by Spieden Island where we saw lots of wildlife, and then crossed over to Jones Island in time for lunch. After setting up camp, we all hiked around the island and relaxed a bit. After dinner and a birthday celebration for Gloria, we went for a moonlight paddle around the island, having fun looking at the bioluminescence.

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On Thursday, the group decided to visit Yellow Island (once a private home, now a nature conservancy), and then have a taste of civilization at Deer Harbor (aka "Beer Harbor") on Orcas Island. We spent the afternoon relaxing, then made s'mores and sang over a roaring campfire thanks to former boy scout Hank.

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On our last day of paddling, we headed back for Friday Harbor, unloaded and transferred all of the gear and luggage, and said our farewells. Five of us (me, Lynette, Rolf, Liz and Janet) spent the night in Friday Harbor, so we got together at a Mediterranean restaurant for dinner.

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Lynette and I took the float plane back from Friday Harbor to Seattle's Lake Union. I got to sit in the co-pilot seat this time! She spent one more night in Seattle, and I headed to Sea-Tac airport and home in time for my birthday the next day.

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