{"id":9407,"date":"2019-09-03T00:12:10","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T07:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=9407"},"modified":"2021-10-06T06:13:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-06T13:13:21","slug":"kayaking-the-southern-puget-sound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=9407","title":{"rendered":"Kayaking the southern Puget Sound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At the southern end of the Puget Sound<\/strong>, just outside Olympia, Washington, is the Boston Harbor Marina<\/a>. It is a quiet place where the local residents can enjoy the serenity of the water from their coastal homes, as well as a place for fisherman and outdoor lovers. I fall into the third category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I rent a kayak for the day <\/strong>with the adventurous plan to go out and explore as much of the area by water that I can in eight hours. The gent gives me a general idea of some places to go, but forewarns me of the tidal flow that will be happening that could make my day a little more strenuous than I may have thought. I take his words into serious consideration as I squeeze myself into the streamlined kayak. It is much more wobbly and seemingly unstable than I remember a kayak to be. I take a moment to relax, get my bearings, and then slowly start to paddle out of the marina, becoming more confident in my abilities with each stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Perhaps it is my age<\/strong> or the pull of the tidal currents, but it takes everything I have to move through the waters of the Puget Sound. I am not complaining though, as I like to test my body physically as well as mentally. Slowly I make it out of the marina and into more open waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The light reflecting off the ocean<\/strong> is seemingly playing tricks with my mind. I think something is in the water following me. My focus though is to not tip over, and so for a bit I ignore the feeling of being watched. I come to a secluded beach to rest for a spell and feed my body with food and drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I am soon back out on the water though<\/strong>, and the feeling of not being alone becomes stronger than ever. The dark shapes that are quickly popping up around me are leaving ripples in the smooth water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Curious seals. Once I realize that I have these creatures around me, I calm down and enjoy their company out here. I try and commune with them, become symbiotic with Mother Nature, and feel that I am successful as more creatures start to appear…..jellyfish, eagles, dolphins and I swear a baby orca makes an appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I come to a confluence<\/strong> where bigger ocean liners are crossing with the congested traffic of smaller fishing boats and people out sailing. I could try to cross to the island across the way, but I judge the soreness in my arms with the tidal pull and the larger ocean waves and think better of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I see the afternoon<\/strong> is fading quickly into evening, and so I start to head back to the marina. I arrive safe and unscathed, sore yet refreshed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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