TRIP DATES: April 1-3
TRIP COORDINATOR: Marianne Banks
CO-COORDINATOR: Richard Farr
NUMBER OF PADDLERS (NOT INCLUDING THE TRIP COORDINATORS)
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 4
NOTE: A waitlist will be in effect
ROUTE: We will launch from and return to Kiwanis Waterfront Park (the beach next to the Guemes Ferry Dock). The second day we will have our choice of hikes and/or paddles to Deep Water Bay, Eagle Harbor and the Cone Islands. The last day we can explore more of the island or paddle prior to our return.
WHY THIS TRIP WILL BE AWESOME: We will camp for two nights on Cypress Head with beautiful views. On the second day we can hike on numerous trails and/or take short paddles to other points of interest around Cypress Island.
DISTANCE: About 5-7 NM there and back depending on route and stops. The second day can include additional paddles as group desires.
TRIP PACE: Moderate (2.5 kts)
SKILL LEVEL RATING: SKIII
REQUIRED GEAR/PAPERWORK: Usual HITW requirements: Dry suit, PFD, (16 ft or more) sea kayak with bulkheads and deck lines and VHF radio recommended. Appropriate shelter and supplies for camping in the San Juan Islands in April.
LOGISTICAL TRIP COSTS: There is a $12 /night camping fee.
FOOD PROTECTION AND POTABLE WATER AVAILABILITY: We will need to hang our food and bring all our water for consumption.
CHALLENGING CONDITIONS:
We will be crossing shipping lanes, possible currents above 2.5 with eddies, possible wind and current with fetch from the SW.
LAUNCH SITE AND ACCESS CONSIDERATIONS: If we get the premiere campsites at Cypress Head, there is a bit of a hike up/down hill. The view is definitely worth it! Otherwise, there are sites on the spit that are pretty level and near the toilet.
LAUNCH SITE ARRIVAL TIME: Allow time to unload boats, park vehicles and pack kayaks. Expect to launch from the beach at Kiwanis Waterfront Park at 3:00 PM. Definite arrival time to be set later.
RETURN TIME: return time on the 3rd will depend on the level of “challenge our group chooses and possible stops along the way."
PARKING AVAILABILITY: There is a pay parking lot next to the ferry terminal, on street parking nearby.
RESTROOM AVAILABILITY: There are public restrooms rooms at the ferry terminal and pit toilets at the campsite.