There is a problem with jumping in, and buying a kayak in November. And that’s winter. And although the water temperature doesn’t change all that much between summer and winter, the experience is quite different. Fortunately the first piece of gear I purchased was a drysuit. Adding a neoprene baklava and a pair of Glacier Gloves and I was all set.
Throughout my 25 years of living on Lopez Island I’ve always worked a seasonal job. First a couple of food service gigs, 1 year at Vita’s and 5 years at Holly B’s Bakery. And now, as a commercial photographer specializing in Architecture and Interiors. Most of my photography clients would prefer weather that’s more likely to occur during the summer than winter. So yet again, I’m, mostly, a seasonal island worker. And that’s just fine with me. I love our San Juan Island during the “Quiet Time”.
So armed with a new kayak and a passion to explore, I took advantage of the weather windows that came my way during the winter of 2023. Mostly I launch from Odlin Park with frequent visits to Turn Island, Shaw County Park, Blind Island, Griffin Bay State Park and generally just paddling around. It was a fabulous time getting know my new Norse Embla Carbon kayak and exploring my island neighborhood.
