Saddlebag Island

We launched at 10:00 am from Seafarers Park in Anacortes under sunny skies and approximately 65 degrees. There were 10 paddlers in our group: five students and five experienced paddlers including 4 leaders. The trip included crossings from NE Anacortes to SE Point Guemes and return, from SE Point Guemes to the west side of Huckleberry Island, and from the west side of Hat Island to SE Point Guemes. We circumnavigated portions of Huckleberry, Saddlebag and Hat Islands. We stopped on the south beach of Saddlebag Island for lunch followed by self and assisted rescues on the east side of the island. The wind did pick up in the afternoon from the N/NW; however, these were moderate at less than 7 knots. We were treated to a beautiful day on the water with sightings of eagles, harbor seals and other wildlife. The total distance for the paddle was 8.5 nm and the total time was 6.25 hours. We had a short debrief at the launch site followed by a get together with Melinda Moiree's group at Esteban's Mexican Restaurant.