Reflections of Fall

Yesterday I was able to take the afternoon and spend some time paddling in the South Sound. Fall is one of my favorite times to be on the water. Often, and yesterday was a perfect example, the sun is out and gives warmth to the cheeks, but you feel an underlying chill in the air. Something about that just stirs the blood.

I turned my bow towards Ketron Island just off of Steilacoom, and made for the south end of the island. It’s a quick paddle, but seems worlds away from the grind of the ‘real’ world. I brought a few pieces of new gear to test out, and a book to read while relaxing on shore. With the exception of the MV Christen Anderson making her ferry runs to the islands I had the sound to myself, another bonus of getting on the water this time of the year.

I spent the first hour of the afternoon testing the new gear (I’ll save this for another post), and worked on polishing the new rolls I learned during the summer. It was a luxury to warm up between rolls, a luxury that will all too soon be gone. Picking a nice sandy beach, I broke out my lunch, coffee, and book. It wasn't long before I heard a loon’s cry. Through my binoculars I could see the distinctive markings of the Common Loom (Gavia immer), but he never came quite close enough for a photo. However, his ‘laugh’ kept me company all afternoon as he fished off my beach.

It’s been an eventful summer, and as I watched the afternoon sun dip lower in the sky and that particular golden light that seems to be a harbinger of winter, I reflected on the many trips this year to Cape Flattery and the new directions I’m taking my paddling. It seemed fitting to contemplate the exciting new programs planned for next year during this change of seasons.

Stay tuned…