mc micken in july
Date: July 9, 2021
Time Start: 1:15 p.m.
Time Finish: 3:20 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: McMicken Island Marine State Park
Engine Hours Start: 1281
Engine Hours Finish: 1283
Weather/sea conditions: Summer! 80's!
With the exception of a short day cruise to Squaxin Island in June, NORTH STAR has been sitting on the dock in Olympia. Why? The first mate has been in recovery following hand surgery. Healing is still underway, and so are we, looking forward to overnight stays aboard on some beautiful summer days. The captain is jotting down our log notes and taking over all of the tasks the first mate normally does. What a good guy!
Time Start: 1:15 p.m.
Time Finish: 3:20 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: McMicken Island Marine State Park
Engine Hours Start: 1281
Engine Hours Finish: 1283
Weather/sea conditions: Summer! 80's!
With the exception of a short day cruise to Squaxin Island in June, NORTH STAR has been sitting on the dock in Olympia. Why? The first mate has been in recovery following hand surgery. Healing is still underway, and so are we, looking forward to overnight stays aboard on some beautiful summer days. The captain is jotting down our log notes and taking over all of the tasks the first mate normally does. What a good guy!
It's good to be cruising! An opposing tide slows us in Dana Passage, but the captain finds eddies along the south margin of the passage where the current flow is reversed, at least for short distances. Then it is a slow slog across Dana Passage and into Case Inlet. We are surprised to find only a few boats at McMicken, and we drop anchor between the island and Harstine where we have a good view of Mt. Rainier.
The kayak gets inflated for the first time this year, and the dinghy is launched. We are ready for water and shore adventures. The captain will be the one rowing and paddling while my hand rests, but I do get ferried ashore in the dinghy. The beaches of McMicken, the tombolo that connects it to Harstine Island, and the beaches that continue on Harstine, are always fun for walking and exploring.
The kayak gets inflated for the first time this year, and the dinghy is launched. We are ready for water and shore adventures. The captain will be the one rowing and paddling while my hand rests, but I do get ferried ashore in the dinghy. The beaches of McMicken, the tombolo that connects it to Harstine Island, and the beaches that continue on Harstine, are always fun for walking and exploring.
The captain cooks! Hot dogs, potato salad, fruit. It isn't gourmet, but it is good boat food. He is rewarded with the chance for an evening row.
The kayak and dinghy are left in the water for the night. We drift off for a good night's sleep. Suddenly we are awakened by loud thumps and splashing around the boat. An adult seal and a teenage sized pup begin what turns into a long play session of jumping on and off and resting on the kayak, dinghy, and swim step. We manage to get a couple of photos of our invaders. A memory of a seal boarding us at McMicken in the past comes to mind. How does the saying go? Once fooled, twice . . . ! Maybe we shouldn't leave our playthings out at night!
Date: July 10, 2021
McMicken layover day
Weather: Perfect summer day, 80 degrees, breeze from south all day
The dinghy and kayak survived the attack of the seals, but there are several gallons of water in each as well as a strong odor of fish. Both will get a good cleaning! Fortunately, the oars stayed attached to the dinghy.
Blueberry pancakes, one of our traditional boat breakfasts, fill us before we head to shore for beach time. Dan gets his own paddling time, too. The bluest of skies, the bluest of water . . . nice!
McMicken layover day
Weather: Perfect summer day, 80 degrees, breeze from south all day
The dinghy and kayak survived the attack of the seals, but there are several gallons of water in each as well as a strong odor of fish. Both will get a good cleaning! Fortunately, the oars stayed attached to the dinghy.
Blueberry pancakes, one of our traditional boat breakfasts, fill us before we head to shore for beach time. Dan gets his own paddling time, too. The bluest of skies, the bluest of water . . . nice!
The menu is upgraded today! Grilled salmon, a chopped salad! The captain is promoted to chef! He and this day get great ratings!
Date: July 11, 2021
Time Start: 3:10 p.m.
Time Finish: 5:20 p.m.
Cruise From: McMicken Island
Cruise To: Swantown Marina
Engine Hours Start: 1283
Engine Hours Finish: 1286
Weather/sea conditions: 80 and perfect! S. breeze
We made it through the night without a visit from our friendly seals (dinghy was raised on davits and kayak stored across swim step). Today we head for home, but first we linger to enjoy most of the day at McMicken. A big thanks to the captain for getting us back to one of our favorite South Sound gunkholes, and for doing everything imaginable to help this first mate heal!
Date: July 11, 2021
Time Start: 3:10 p.m.
Time Finish: 5:20 p.m.
Cruise From: McMicken Island
Cruise To: Swantown Marina
Engine Hours Start: 1283
Engine Hours Finish: 1286
Weather/sea conditions: 80 and perfect! S. breeze
We made it through the night without a visit from our friendly seals (dinghy was raised on davits and kayak stored across swim step). Today we head for home, but first we linger to enjoy most of the day at McMicken. A big thanks to the captain for getting us back to one of our favorite South Sound gunkholes, and for doing everything imaginable to help this first mate heal!