Tacoma Narrows

01/24/16 -SAT –III—TITLOW BEACH TO GIG HARBOR AND RETURN. APPROX 14 NM.
LEADER: LISA A JOHNSON
PADDLERS: BOB BURRESON, JOHN GREEN, TERRY JARET, TERESA WITTMAN
TIDES/CURRENTS: NARROWS CURRENTS: -3.04 @ 0940, s @ 1218, +3.06 @ 1448
CONDITIONS: SEA CALM TO RIPPLED, LITTLE OR NO BREEZE, SUNNY , TEMPS 40-50S, VISABILITY EXCELLENT
SIGHTED: SEALS, CORMORANTS, SCOTERS, EAGLES, LOONS, MERGANSERS

After a brief huddle we launched on time about 1000. 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 in beautiful sunshine, taking advantage of the currents to reach the dock with no breaks at The Tides in Gig Harbor at 1130. We had a nice long lunch, leaving the restaurant at 1:15. We paddled around the west side of the harbor before heading out. Just at the entrance we found a large floating rubber container which we pushed over to the shoreline. Two of the party wanted to see the waterside community so we crossed over to the east side to paddle along the houses and say hello to the mermaid. We then headed to the glittering mid channel to pick up the quickening current to pass under the midspan of the bridge. We all arrived together with the water level a little higher than where we left it which made it an easy takeout at 1530. A post paddle huddle yielded happy results with no complaints. John and Teresa opted out so it was Bob, Terry and I that went to the local tavern for a post paddle drink before heading home. A delightful trip on a rare sunny, cool and clear January day! All paddlers were fully equipped and performed well with excellent group dynamics.