Kayaking for the novice

I have quite the "To Do" List for summer, and something that has been at the top is Kayaking, so with the weather last weekend in record highs, I finally got my husband on board and we took a little family paddle in the South Sound.

We started our adventure at Adventures Unlimited on McChord. You have to have a kayak "license" which consists of a 40 minutes video on kayaking and a test. All answers are found in the video and I thought the video was pretty interesting. They have some new gear, and when you rent you get all the equipment you need (kayak, paddles, Life vest/PFD and kayak necessities bag with pump,sponge and whistle).

We were able to reserve two tandems, and the very knowledgeable staff helped secure the kayaks when my husband picked them up.
**NOTE** It's wise to call ahead to make sure they have what you need. During the summer, the kayaks are popular!

We launched from Solo Point between Steilacoom and DuPont and headed out into the water towards Ketron Island. We had originally planned on paddling out passed the western side of the island, then head north towards Chambers Bay, but here's the thing: Kayaking is strenuous. We had our two younger kiddos with us, and we had to take many breaks but sometimes changed plans end up being the most fun!!

When we first entered the water, Ruby and I had to get down the basics of paddling as a team, and I lamented not properly adjusting my seat and foot pegs prior to our wiggle launch, but it only took a few minutes to get comfortable. I think about three minutes in we saw our first jellyfish! They were plentiful and the kids got a kick out of seeing them "float" by. As we paddled up to Ketron,the waters just beyond the shore of the southern point of the little island were filled with huge starfish, sea-stars and crabs. We kinda parked there for a bit and just explored the waters beneath us. It's so beautiful, and I'm assuming the wildlife is in abundance there because it's pretty much deserted in that area. Not a lot of activity in the waters, we didn't see any boats in that area the entire day. I suggest just paddling around that area and waiting for the water to stop rippling. You will be amazed at what you see so close up.
After that break, we paddled over to the western side, and stopped to have a little snack. The water was super glassy and it was such a beautiful day to be out on the water. My husband felt the call of nature and paddled into shore to...er... find a bush, and just before he beached, out of nowhere an eagle coasted along the shoreline and landed on an uprooted tree. Ruby and I decided to continue down the shore line and we discovered a crane in the water, just at the shoreline. Just a we got to the northern point of the island, the girls asked if we could go to shore so they could take a dip in the water, but they both chickened out once they got ankle deep. They settled for soaking their hats instead. Even when it's 94 degrees out, the Sound is still pretty chilly.
Back in the kayaks and paddling past the north side, we regrouped and decided to try for Sunnyside beach before heading back, but only got as far as Salter Point. WE stopped by the beach there and had another snack before deciding to head back. The kids were tired and we still had quite the paddle back to Solo point, plus there was a stopped train and we all wanted to investigate. As we cleared Saltars my husband discovered something in the water... a sea lion!! I never got a good picture, and he was definitely being elusive but it was an awesome sight for sure. All in all, a fantastic family adventure! We will for sure be heading back into the sound again soon!

Things to consider:
Plan on getting wet. Just simple paddling will leave you wet, but water does get in. If it's a hot day, wear wicking attire (running/hiking nylon shorts are good).

Remember sun protections: Even when it's cool, the sun is still on you. bring sunscreen and a hat. The hats worked well to keep us cool in the heat.

Bring plenty of water and a snack. This is hard work. Stay hydrated.

Bring towels for the ride home, and possible a change of clothes.


There are several places to kayak around the south sound. If you're military, I do suggest Adventures Unlimited on McChord. The selection is good and the price is awesome. $20 per tandem per 24 hour period. Niiiice.
Make sure to tell them if you're bringing kiddos so you get s correct sized PFD.

LINKS
http://www.kayakonline.com/washington.html

http://www.mcchordafb.us/adv_ctr.html

Free trails about town

With the weather warming up (finally), and the South Sound starting to hit record temperatures, a great way to get out and enjoy the day without melting is to pick from one of the many many trails we have around the Sound.
I have a few favorites that I am going to share with you, and all are super kid freindly!

Tolmie State Park - this is a family favorite! We go a few time a month, and while it's fantastic year round, summer is especially nice. When the tide is out, you can walk quite a ways out. Have the kids bring buckets and hunt for sand dollars and crab or hunt along the shore line for shells. There are two hikes to choose from, both fairly easy, and the forest is tranquil and lush. Also, very pet freindly! The forest hike will keep you cool, and a dip in the water on expecially hot days for the kids is a bonus! Bring lunch and picnic on the sand, or one of several tables available. My favorite ammenity: RESTROOMS

http://www.stateparks.com/tolmie.html


Ferrel Marsh - I'm partial to this trail for two reasons; 1) It's in my neighborhood and 2) it has so many trais to explore you feel like you're in the wilderness, with the safety of always being near civilization! The marsh area itself is is cool and offers nice scenerey, but if you get off the beaten path, you'll discovered wide dirt paths and quite a few directions to take. Very eaasy kid freindly trails that travel up the Steilacoom- DuPont Hwy, to the North Ft. Lewis back gate, or out towards Lakewood, depending on which way you go at the fork. If you're not familiar with the area, take a gps, compass or phone just incase. My dad and I got "lost" for an hour on one of the back trails. Luckliy, the trail backed up to houses and a nice woman practicing Tai Chi helped us find our way back.

http://washington.hometownlocator.com/maps/feature-map,ftc,2,fid,1510644,n,farrell%20marsh%20park.cfm

Chambers Bay Loop - WOW!! If you want to work up a sweat and have a fantastic view, Chambers Bay is the place. With a breathtaking view of the Sound, and the beautiful Chambers Bay Links Golf Course, this is one awesome paved trail. The trail has several places to start from, both a higher and lower parking area, and two very steep hills to trek up. I have enjoyed this as an evening walk with the family as well my cardio excercise with friends, but feel free to bring your bikes, too. Restrooms and water fountains for you and your pooch! If you're lucky, you may see one of the resident Eagles who have nested and made Chambers Bay their home. There is a dog park on site, and a fantastic grassy area for kite flying, book reading and just relaxing by the Sound! I do suspect that after just one visit, you'll make this a favorite, too.

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/trails.htm

High Rock Lookout

Ok, so i have to admit that in my almost 4 years of living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I have never traversed the volcanic mountain known as Rainier. Well, until now. And technically, i didn't actually traverse Mt. Rainier, but i did haul my fat caboose up the steepest trail I have ever been on, all the way up to the sheerest mountain lookout ever. It was amazing. now this trail isn't for the weak, and the lookout isn't for the faint-of-heart, but if you're looking for a view that would humble Gandhi, and a full-day family adventure, this hike is for you!

High rock lookout is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just outside Mt. Rainier park, and there is a great reason for this; the lookout offers a fantastic up-close-and-personal view of the majestic Rainier. The trick, though, is to head up on a clear day, which we all now is hard to come by around these parts, but we do get a handful of near spotless skies each year, an these are the perfect days to head on up. On most clear days, you are not only awarded an amazing view of Rainier, but you may be able to see Mt.Baker, Mt.St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. Truly an awesome sight.
KEEP IN MIND - the last few yards up to the observation area is steep craggy rock, and you are climbing up to a shear drop. Use extreme caution and keep the kiddos within reach!

now, a few words of wisdom:
Plan accordingly - if the weather is crappy here, it's most likely crappier there. Plan for a clear warm day, and you'll be rewarded for your hard work!

This is a STEEP hike. If you have hiking poles, or a walking stick, bring 'em. Take breaks if you need to, and if you bring the kids, don't let them run ahead, the trail can get very narrow with forest drop offs. If snow is still on the trail, it can get slick, and you will most likely encounter mud.

Dress appropriately! I wore cotton capri pants, a tee shirt and northside trail sandals( knockoff Keenes), the kids wore Bermudas, tee shirts and hiker trail shoes. We all worked up a sweat, and even this late in the season we encountered A LOT of snow, so my trail sandals might not have been the best idea, but my feet never got sore!

Bring water and a snack. This isn't a nature trail, this is a moderate to hard hike. We all went through our water on the way up and we were starving 1/2 way back down. Plan ahead and you'll be comfortable! A water bottle for all and at least a granola bar or jerky to tide you over.

Other things to consider: binoculars are a great idea, definitely a camera, and quite possibly a change of clothes. I slid on my butt down a melting snow bank in the first three minutes of the descent. Wet cold butt isn't fun. It was really warm, so I wasn't too uncomfortable, but I ended up slipping about 5 more times, as did true kids and grandma. It would have been nice to have some pants to change into for the ride home.
Also, bug spray might not be a bad idea. Sweaty, huffing human attract swarms of buzzing insects.

We brought a picnic lunch, but there are several places to grab a snack outside the National Forest on your way out. Stop at the diner off Route 706 that has 24 flavors of soft serve for a well deserved treat!

LINKS!
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/trails/locations/cvd-0266-high-rock.shtml

http://www.visitrainier.com/pg/hike/13/High%20Rock%20Lookout