Tacoma Narrows

11/08/14 -SAT –III—TITLOW BEACH TO GIG HARBOR AND RETURN. APPROX 12 NM.
LEADER: LISA A JOHNSON
PADDLERS: JIM WILSON, PAT CARNEY, TIM CARNEY
TIDES/CURRENTS: NARROWS CURRENTS: -3.26 @ 0954, s @ 1246, +3.43 @ 1517
CONDITIONS: SEA CALM TO RIPPLED, LITTLE OR NO BREEZE, MOSTLY SUNNY , TEMPS 50S, VISABILITY GOOD
SIGHTED: SEALS, SEA LIONS, CORMORANTS, SCOTERS, BUFFLEHEADS, KINGFISHERS, EAGLE, LOONS, MERGANSERS

We started our huddle slightly late and launched late about 1045. We headed west straight across the channel before turning north and passed halfway along underneath the bridge. We continued up the west side of the channel, taking advantage of the currents to reach the dock with no breaks at The Tides in Gig Harbor at noon. We packed up and left there about 1400 but once out of the harbor had to return to look for my missing towbelt. It was unsuccessful and we then headed out across the channel towards Point Defiance. We went about halfway along Salmon Beach against the back eddy before heading back out to the middle to catch the current back. We passed under the bridge just to the right of the east bulkhead. Nothing much to play in and so we continued on back to the launch point with no breaks, arriving at 1600 with a beautiful sunset in progress. We packed up and nobody opted to go to Steamers afterwards. A lovely and surprisingly balmy day for November with still lingering fall colors. All paddlers performed well with excellent group dynamics.