Sea Kayak - Washington Park to Cornet Bay

Meet 0730 at Bowman Bay, where we will organize the vehicle/boat shuttling.  Then move to Washington Park for launch by 0900

An excellent some-of-everything tour through some of the best close-in coastline accessible as a single day trip!  The plan is to meet 0730 at Bowman Bay, where we will organize the vehicle/boat shuttling.  After dropping one or more vehicles at Cornet, we will get all the paddlers and boats up to Washington Park in Anacortes, targeting a launch by 0900.  We will ride the ebb around Fidalgo Head and cross over to Burrows Island, rounding counter clockwise.  After a brief stop at the Burrows lighthouse to make any necessary adjustments to boat trim, we will cross Burrows-Allan Passage, rounding Allan clockwise.  If winds are at all favorable, we will cross from south side Allan to Williamson Rocks, where we can admire the local seabirds before crossing back toward Telegraph Bight on the Fidalgo shoreline.  Then a lunch stop on an wonderful secluded paddle-in beach before wandering down the marvelous coastline of rock outcroppings and caves toward Bowman Bay.  In Bowman, we will have a brief bracing clinic, focusing primarily on high brace (participation is optional if you would rather watch from the beach).  Then that signature Northwest ride on the flood through Deception Pass to Cornet Bay.

 In addition to the outstanding shoreline scenery and local wildlife, this trip has three small crossings plus one larger more exposed crossing back to Fidalgo.  And a chance to work your boat handling in some wind (probably), boat handling along the crenellated shoreline (certainly), and then the turbulent moving flood through Deception Pass (almost certainly).  If you are up for the ride, this is more than worth the logistical hassle of shuttling vehicles between launch and landing sites.

 Immersion clothing and rescue gear absolutely required.  Also, bring lunch and extra clothes/shoes to change into during vehicle shuttle.  Bringing a roll is optional, but definitely bring your brace, and -- most important -- your composure.

 Alternative route in case of wind is to launch from Bowman, out and back to Telegraph Bight along Fidalgo shoreline and finish through the Pass at Cornet.  Weather decision regarding launch site to be made late Friday or early Saturday.  Please make sure trip leader has your phone info to adjust launch sites as needed.  We will meet at Bowman Bay, regardless.  Note that both Bowman and Cornet require Discover Pass for vehicle parking.

 Contact the trip leader if you have any questions regarding the trip plan, the currents, or any questions or concerns about your readiness for this trip.  Current info available from relevant stations.