Sea Kayak - Hammersley Inlet

06/10/17 -SAT –SK III—HAMMERSLEY INLET WITH INTRO TO CURRENTS REVIEW.  APPROX 14 NM.

LEADER: LISA A JOHNSON

ASSISTANTS: KAREN HOOK, NELSON HAMRE

PADDLERS: BEN WEINTRAUB, BRIAN PREDMORE, LAURA PREDMORE, MATTHEW PAHS, SANDRA OKELLY

TIDES/CURRENTS: ARCADIA: 12.67F @ 0603, -1.54E @ 1317; LIBBY POINT (EAST END) -3.2 @ 1102, S@1428, +3.1 @ 1710, SKOOKUM PT (WEST END) -2.1@1100, S@1442, +2.2@ 1802.

CONDITIONS: SEA CALM TO 4’ RIPS,  LIGHT AND VARIABLE OCCASIONAL BREEZE,  MOSTLY SUNNY , 50-60S,  VISABILITY EXCELLENT

SIGHTED: SEALS, CORMORANTS,  SCOTERS,  PIGEON GUILLEMOTS, EAGLES, LOONS, GREAT BLUE HERON, PEREGRINE FALCONS, KINGFISHER

 Everybody was ready on time for our 0830 review and overview of how water moves with few questions. We launched on time at 0900 and headed east in the building ebb and stopped for some work on crossing eddy lines, surfing waves and peel outs in the aprox 2 kt current at the point on the south side just prior to the Mill Creek cove. During a brief bio break there some of us saw two Peregrine falcons successfully attack a kingfisher.  After more information on ferrying angles we headed towards the north side with everybody arriving successfully on or before the navigational marker. From there we went straight to Cape Horn to practice and play in the max current for about 20 minutes or so.  Another bio break and practice ferry to the north side and then around the corner to head for Steamboat Island.  It was flat dead calm with only slight rippling at the hole in front of Steamboat Island.  We met up with Tim Burke just as we reached the SW point of Hope Island and he joined us for lunch at the SP about noon.  Other paddlers were already at the picnic tables so we spread out on the stairs and grass to eat.  The sun came out and it got surprisingly warm over the next hour that we were there.  Tim left before us and we shoved off at 1:00.  Since there was no activity at Steamboat we followed Matt’s request to go up the east side of Hope and also saw several busy raccoons harvesting along the waterline. Nelson stopped to do some rolls for committee member Karen just as we reached the mouth of the inlet.  The slight breeze felt good but it didn’t last too long as we headed west in the rising tide and current. We stopped for a bio break on the east side of the Mill Creek cove just as clouds gathered and a few drops began to fall.  They occasionally did so again as we continued to our take out at 1530.  Some of us had brought wheels and there was some nice and greatly appreciated teamwork to get the boats up and off the beach area. We had a post paddle huddle and nobody had any questions or concerns other than to say thank you and that it had been a good day.  Only Karen and Lisa opted for dinner. No capsizes or incidents to report. Special recognition to Laura Predmore who required nothing more than verbal encouragement when paddling successfully with a big smile through class SKIV conditions when a passing motor boat caused higher waves and confused seas at Cape Horn. Also congratulations to Nelson Hamre for qualifying for his rolling badge.  Additional thank you to Karen and Nelson for their help and support. All paddlers performed well with excellent group dynamics.