Time to go to Mexico

I got up the next day and was going over my charts and books, when 2 men came up from a boat and started talking to me. They were helping me plan my route with the tide and curents and it just was not going to work with the time that I had and the charts that were wrong, not to say that my kayaking skills need to be a lot better, and my kayak is coming unglued again! I did not sit myself up to succeed and did not give the sea enuf respect, so after 4 days I am done. I love my life and my family and am not ready to resk loosing any of it. So I have 1 year to plan, if any one wants to go next summer, let me know because I now know that two or more people is much safer, than one.
I had a great time, learned a lot and now am going to Mexico to see my wife. Kelly

Pender Island

Left at 7:30am and went to the south end of Pender Island to check in with customs. I intended to cut straight for it which would have been about 10 miles, but the current thought differently. I set a coarse and was being pushed sideways faster than I was going forward. It wasn't to bad until this small island that was 5 miles away got within 1/4 mile and the whirlpool was crazy! I turned and paddled as hard as I could and after 10 minutes I was in the same spot, so I told my self don't panic, turn go with the current and shoot for the back side of the island. Well I'm writing this so it must of worked, but that was crazy scary. I got in to customs and it was this beautiful place big hotel, swimming poll, café, I stayed for a couple hours and talked to Margarita about it.

I then followed the shore line to the other end of Pender, where I was going to camp, after about 71/2 miles I was getting worried because it should only be around 6. Well I pulled in to this bay and asked this young lady about this place and she said oh! That's back about 2 miles it's really hard to see with the water break. So I turned around and went back, it was right where she said it would be. I went up to the marina and asked about camping, they said we have not had camping in 10 years! But on my chart it said you have camping? They asked what chart do you have? I showed them and they said oh ya that's all wrong, this has happen before he said.
He showed me where I could hide a tent so no one could see, and gave me the code to the wash rooms, so it worked out all right. Until next time, kelly

Sucia Island

So the first day of paddling went well, started out calm and warm at 8:30am. I have a lot more confidence in just 1 day, the seas were pretty calm but with some larger boats there were 3 foot waves, and I Handel them easily. I did 18 miles today, with about 5 hours of paddling. I'm trying to start out slowly and build up after a couple of days.

I'm staying on Sucia Island tonight, it is beautiful here, I did not know it was a such a hot spot with the Washingtons!
So tomorrow I will head over to Pender Island and go threw Canadas customs, the first time you land in Canada you have to go to a port of call.

I then will go to the other end of the island, where there is a camp ground.
All total should be about 16 miles, but Dave a kayaker here told me I should do a safer route and then it will be 18-19 I see what the weather looks like in the morning. After today I will only be able to up date when I have wifi, but will keep doing drafts every day then down load all at the same time.
Until next time, Kelly

Bellingham

Wow, what a good day, started off with the kayak expo in Seattle, got some really good information and instructions from very knowledgable folks. Then went to REI in Seattle this store is a dream to any outdoor enthuses, every think you could want. The building was enormous with natural wood and steal I-beams and animals carved out of wood.
I then drove to Bellingham and went to the Alaska marine ferry terminal, to see if I could find a place to leave my car for 6 weeks. They wanted $30 a week and I thought I'll keep looking. I pulled into the gas station, and as I was filling up, I asked a guy if he knew any place that had long term parking, he had a friend that lives across from the ferry terminal that might be able to help. I gave Brian a call and he said how much is it worth to you? I said how about 75 bucks, he said sounds good to him. So when I get done with my trip and come back on the ferry, I just need to walk across the road to pick up my car.

I then went to a store picked up some ribs and beer, went to a camp ground to eat and do some planning.
As I am writing this the next camp site over is playing live bluegrass music, how good can it get! Well it gets better because my wife just called and now the day is complete! Until next time, Kelly

First day!

Will, at 4 pm today I was ready to get this trip started, so I changed plans. I was waiting for a ride to Seattle that I found on Craigslist and did not want to wait any longer, so I text Jesse the driver and canceled. I loaded my gear and started driving!
I am 20 miles outside of Seattle at a rest stop and this is going to be my first nights camp. I am staying hear because it's cheep, and I want to go to the kayak expo that is in Seattle tomorrow, before I go to Bellingham.
So the plan now is to go to the expo then to Bellingham for the night, and then shove off monday morning.

One of my big worries was I was going to get to hot, in my drysuit. Mondays forecast says 76 degrees so I will find out real fast! Another worrie is my wife Margarita has been in Mexico for a week, and I already miss her like crazy. What's it going to be like for 7 weeks?
Will I'm going to put the back seat down, put earplugs in and see if I can get some sleep. Until next time, Kelly

Getting closer

Well I finalized what I am taking and what I am not taking (I think). All total weight 79lb with 2 weeks worth of food, I add water and there is another 30lb.
I should know where I can get water and will only pack as much as I need, until I get to the next water resource, so the weight will flocculate.
I feel I am taking the kitchen sink! But this is not a hurry up and get up there trip, it is a nice easy enjoyable get there when we get there trip, so I want some luxurious. I'm bringing a two man tent so I can spread out, a tarp so I can cook out of the rain. Books when the weather is bad and I just want to wait it out.

Here are some pictures of all I'm taking. Getting excited and scared all at the same time! Six weeks, to kayak up the inside passage, wow, I am truly blessed! 17 days until departure, start planning your dream! Until next time, Kelly

Practice day

Went out today and practice my rolling and self rescue skills. This is scary and hard! I was on the lake for about 5 hours and by the time I left I was a lot more confident in my skills, I will still need to practice before I leave but I am confident I will get it down. Also got to play with the VHF radio it has a built in GPS and gives me my exact location and how fast I'm going, this way I can see if I'm making progress when the tide changes. 22 days to go, and I'll be ready. So remember to follow your dreams, and live life! Until next time, Kelly