camping

2351 readers

24 users here now

All things back-country camping! Gear discussions, destination talks and everything else within that realm

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

Just_A_Human@sh.itjust.works

116

Kayak Camping on the Puget Sound (geostationary.orbiting.observer)

submitted 3 days ago by emuspawn@geostationary.orbiting.observer to c/camping@sh.itjust.works

12 comments fedilink hide all child comments

This past weekend I was able to get out on the water and overnight at a marine state park!
Did I forget to take pictures at the campsite? YES! Regardless, y'all get a trip report!
We launched from Boston Harbor in Olympia, WA and paddled to Hope Island State Park.
The sun was shining, the weather was great, and we had our choice of campsites. We did arrive at low tide, which made hauling kayaks up the beach a bit of an effort.

I tested a new stove which worked well, and used my 15 year old REI Chrysalis solo tent for the first time in a while. It continues to hold up!

We launched the next day a bit after high tide, paddled around the Sound a bit, then headed back to our launch point. We did have to fight the current a bit, but the mountain was out, we were visited by seals, and a good time was had by all.

all 13 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] ZombiFrancis@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago

I used to work out of that marina in Boston Harbor. Neat little area. Hope Island is nice because it's boat-in only. But that crossing from Boston Harbor to the Island is much more challenging than it appears. It's the confluence of multiple inlets so that section can just churn. It's much easier to skirt the mouth of each inlet and island and make shorter crossings.

[–] Resonosity@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 days ago

Beautiful. I went to visit Seattle for the first time last summer. The Sound is calling me back

[–] klemptor@startrek.website 5 points 3 days ago

I like to call it yakpacking ;)

Sounds like you had a great time!

[–] kersploosh@sh.itjust.works 8 points 3 days ago

That sounds like an awesome trip!

[–] FrostyTrichs@crazypeople.online 5 points 3 days ago

Beautiful scenery and a cool story. Sounds like you had a great time.

[–] IMALlama@lemmy.world 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Sounds like a fun trip!

and used my 15 year old REI Chrysalis solo tent for the first time in a while. It continues to hold up

A lot of our camping gear is seriously old. A Coleman fuel stove and lantern from the 70s, which still works although TBH propane is somewhat appealing.

Our tent is the same tent I used as a kid - a "3 person" dome from Eastern Mountain Sports, which was basically a smaller scale REI store. The tent must be pushing 30 and is still going pretty strong. It's held up really well to some pretty serious wind and rain on a few occasions too - much better than the newer tents of some of my friends. I low key dread having to eventually replace it.

Our kids are old enough to start camping with us soon, so it's about to see it's third generation.

[–] emuspawn@geostationary.orbiting.observer 2 points 2 days ago

That's a great lifespan! I fondly remember the hand me down tent I used as a kid....it was REI from the 70s I think, the old school fiberglass pole kind, splinters and all....

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

OK, can we talk about that compass?! Never occurred to me to look for such a thing. Don't really have an excuse to buy one as it's basically impossible to get lost on the local waterways, but damn that is sweet!

Anyone finding that they need a compass might consider the Casio SGW100 series. Pretty cheap on eBay, has a few color options. Just got the army green version and it's a hoot. OTOH, not going into a possible survival situation without an analog compass. Made a couple of wrist compasses from Suuntos, but damn, just checked and the prices have spiked.

[–] emuspawn@geostationary.orbiting.observer 2 points 2 days ago

Thanks, I love the compass SOOO MUCH. My favorite part of any vessel is a BIG FREAKING COMPASS. It just screams 'Adventure!'. Cool watch. I also carry a regular set of orienteering stuff with a basic compass in my essentials, and my fancy schmancy Garmin watch has a digital one too.

[–] Drusas@fedia.io 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

*Puget Sound

Or "the sound".

It's not the Puget Sound.

Sorry. Pet peeve, like people calling Pike Place Market Pike's Place.

[–] emuspawn@geostationary.orbiting.observer 1 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Gets off the I-5 and puts down his avocado toast. I have no regrets.

[–] Drusas@fedia.io 1 points 2 days ago

I don't see what avocado toast has to do with naming conventions.