Last night we took a close look at tides and forecast, which we do every day but this was to set a new plan for today. Based on what we discovered we got up at 0445 and were in the water just before 0600. This turned out to be a really good move. The wind was down for the first half of the morning and the seas were flat.
Even got a little morning color reflected in the western sky.
It was beautiful paddling. We saw whale spouts, lots of sea otters and several bald eagles. Along our path we had several rock gardens to paddle through and had a great time doing that. About three quarters of the way we rounded the point into exposed territory. We were slammed with 20 mph wind gusts, choppy seas and some really strong tide rips to slog through.
Here are the shots from the morning paddle.
Around 1100 after making it past that stuff we worked our way into Koyuktolik Bay for a little shelter. The command decision was made based on more tide rips on the next point and really strong current between Kenai Peninsula and Elizabeth Island that we would camp in this bay for the night. Not so bad as we had already done a little over 15 miles. We got The kayaks up high and I got my tent set up and then we had lunch.
I had one more stake to put in and decided to secure the tent. I walked down and was about to put the stake in when a big gust came blowing through. My hat went flying and the next thing I see is the tent airborne and headed for the water. The mad dash was on and I caught up with it and grabbed an end just as it was taking flight over the water. That was too close for comfort. All buttoned up and staked hard with several extra stakes and ties and lots of rocks.
We are in a great spot for the night. The sun has been coming out enough to charge all our gear and all is well. Angela is taking a nap in her tent. I took a short one on the warm stones so we are crust kicking back for the rest of the day.
Here is Angela with her kitchen out of sight behind a log and the view from the kitchen.
We will get up early tomorrow to make it around the next point and ride the outgoing tides at Elizabeth Island. After passing that we’ll pull in for a long break until the next outgoing tide as there are some challenging spots to pass and the wind is going to be blowing hard again.
Happy Paddling
Scott