Kayaking Mowich Lake

Today we threw the kayaks on the Subaru and headed for Mt. Rainier. There was no one at home to watch Reggie, so we forced him to come along and have some fun. Here we are upon our arrival at Mowich Lake.


Doesn't this look inviting? The water is so clear and blue.


Here is Reggie in mom's lap. You ever tried to paddle a kayak with a crying Yorkie in your lap? Not a lot of fun. So I pawned him off on his dad.


Dad paddled off with the dog, and I was free to take some pictures.


This is one of the waterfalls that comes down the far side of the lake. You can only see them by boat.


Look how crystal clear the water is. I was hoping to spy one of the crustaceans who inhabit the lake....


but all I found was this. I've never happened upon a live one, but see bits and pieces, so I know they exist.


And one last photo of the mountain as we bid good-bye to the lake. A good time was had by all, even Reggie. Who was quiet all the way home.

Kayaking On The Duwamish

I finally did it. I went kayaking on a river. And it wasn't as scary as I feared. The Duwamish is a very slow moving river. The most difficult part was putting in. We were able to find an access, near a parking lot, that wasn't too bad. I forgot my camera but don't worry. You didn't miss much. It's not that picturesque. The above photo, from the linked web site, shows what the prettiest areas looked like. In other spots the river is flanked by Boeing plants and freeways. But the kayaking was free, the river was easy to paddle, and there were no other boats out on it, other than 2 that were moored outside their owners' homes. Yes, there are even some homes along the Duwamish. I think we were out there for a good 2 hours. A lovely way to start the day. After we finished we stopped by Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato and smoked a Padron 2000. Then we stopped at Subway for some lunch because we'd both worked up an appetite.
Not much else happening around here, today. I'm taking it easy and trying to catch my breath after the week long sale at the yarn shop. You wouldn't think selling yarn could be so exhausting.

First Paddle of the Season

We haven't been kayaking in over a year. I don't know why. Too lazy, I guess. But we are re inspired to get healthy and stay in shape. I am one of those who gets bored out of my mind going to a gym. I'd rather get my exercise the old fashioned way. By working hard, and playing hard. Today it was time to play. We drug the kayaks out of the garage and were dismayed to find that rats had been using them to sleep (and do other things) in. Dirty rats! That meant I would have to give the kayaks a bath before we got to play. Here are the freshly scrubbed boats being strapped to the roof of my hubby's car. This SWIFTY is mine. I call it Baby Beluga. Its a fat little booger but I love it because its so stable.


And here is my husband's boat. I don't think his has a name.


And here we are at Spanaway Lake. It takes about an hour to paddle all the way around. Definitely a nice workout. Off to the right is the boathouse with our boats on the dock, waiting for us to get up enough nerve to attempt to get in. Getting in (and out) of a kayak can be tricky. Especially when its been a while since you did it. I had visions of those old guys on the dock having a good laugh at my expense. At the center top of the picture is Enchanted Island, which is filled with lovely (and expensive) homes. We usually start by paddling around the island and come out on the far side (top left in the picture)....


....then we continue around (top of next picture) and head down to the far end (you can't see that far) and come back up along the opposite bank until we arrive back at the boat launch. Our reward for making it all the way around was to go get lattes from our favorite baristas. Mmmmm...that was damn good coffee.