Puget Sound Canoe Trip

 

We wouldn’t have knowingly planned to carry three canoes down a mile of slippery switchbacks and steep terrain. But in retrospect, yeah, maybe we’d do it again.

You are probably well aware that this past winter in the PNW was a brutal one. Day after day, rain after rain (and some snow thrown in there). The urge to get on the water wasn’t dampened by the melancholy greys looming overhead. And lucky for us, we have some rad friends that were willing to tag along.

After meeting over hot toddies, combining hours of research and the back and forth of deciding on a location, we chose to chase those beloved Coastal Cutthroats thriving in the Puget Sound.

 
 
 
 

The weekend arrived; we rendezvoused with our new pals Boone and Nathan, and headed north. Switching from headlights to headlamps, we found the rest of the gang (Ryan and David) and pitched camp for the night.

 
 
 
 

A soggy early morning led us to discover that the put-in location was a bit further along the trail than anticipated. We were grateful to be in good company and made the most of backpacking those heavy ass canoes (we think it could be the next fitness fad—canoe weight training—it leads to gaining a six-pack in your shoulders, ask David).

 
 

 


The shore came into sight and we immediately saw fish jumping.

Oh, the sweet satisfaction.

 
 

Navigating tidal waters can be a bit tricky. Lucky for us, the water must have known we already worked hard to get to its edge, so she made it easy on us. We glided around the calming South Sound, celebrated each other’s catches, and found ourselves enjoying some much deserved grub on a beautiful island lined with pearly white oyster shells. Talk about breathtaking.

 
 
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As if we didn’t already have it made, our pal, Boone brought his bounty of photography equipment and we sat back while he entertained us with his drone skills.

 
 

The following day was a little easier on our backs. We located a boat ramp and quickly unloaded the vessels.

 
 
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Another calm day on the water allowed us to goof off and create canoe stars (see below), all while navigating the perimeter of lush lands catching coho and coastal cutties.

 
 
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Submersing ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us not only restores our connection to nature, but also allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. There is a lot that can be said for flowing with the highs and lows of the water’s surface, all while looking beside you and knowing that that person is also experiencing the magic. And for that we are thankful.

-xox The Roving Dears & Friends

 
 
 
 

Amazing photographs shared with us by our friend Boone Rodriguez. And look: he even brought the bourbon.

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