Video: Winter Storm on the Salish Sea

Have we discovered a new sea? No not really, seems the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and Washington State’s Board of Geographic Names have recently approved the name change. Not sure what the impact means other than it can now be added to printed maps and such. Looks and feels much like the water I’ve always paddled. Apparently the Salish Sea includes Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Georgia Strait and the connected waters. A rose by any other name…

The old train span over Chambers Creek. Photograph by Steve Weileman

What is for certain is that we’ve been hammered lately by one storm after another coming off the Pacific. Coastal wave heights have been in the upper 20′ range with winds clocked at over 100 MPH out towards our capes. Even here in the protected waters of Puget Sound (now part of the Salish Sea), we’ve had winds in the 50 MPH range.

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I finally was able to make some time and get on the water during one of our latest rounds. Nothing epic but at least a chance to feel the power. I’ve always been enthralled with storms. As a kid I’d take a chair and sit under the cover of our garage to watch the afternoon thunderstorms. Later while a deck hand on commercial fishing boats I’d volunteer for an extra wheel watch. Experiencing a storm for the level of a kayak has something even more primal about it.

The old gravel dock. Photograph by Steve Weileman

Where wind and tide meet off of Chambers Creek. Photograph by Steve Weileman

I used the opportunity to grab some footage while I headed out from Chambers Creek. Again nothing epic. I recently upgraded all my gear and software and used this as a shakedown cruise to get familiar with the new layout. I’ve still got to work on the waterproof case, so when I actually went out to play in the waves the camera’s had to go into hatches. Still I think you’ll get an idea of the power.

Finding a break from the storm. Photograph by Steve Weileman