Season Coming To an End
Wednesday - September 3rd, 2008by Steve Weileman
Kim paddling to Ketron Island. Photo by Steve Weileman
It’s hard to believe that another season of guiding and instruction is coming to an end. Where did the summer go? Not only are the majority of trips behind us, but the weather has taken a distinctive turn toward the cooler side along with storms already coming in off the Pacific.
Over the weekend we led a couple on an evening tour of Ketron Island which is virtually in our backyard. The weather was unstable with large cumulus clouds on the horizon. Some of the leaves have started to turn colors and with the sharp smell of someone’s fireplace it had the feel of late autumn rather then summer.
But what a peaceful paddle. Despite the clouds, there wasn’t a breath of wind on the water and with the exception of the ferries depositing their passengers between Anderson and McNeil Islands, there was an obvious lack of boat traffic. An interesting side note; both of these islands where named by Lt. Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition. Look for my review of Sea of Glory which chronicles both the expedition and the life of Lt. Charles Wilkes.
Kim wearing a smile in front of the Steilacoom ferry dock. Photo by Steve Weileman
A short break on the west side of the island for a snack afforded us a beautiful view of the setting sun and it was somewhat reluctantly that we packed up to return to our put-in, but our guests where on a hard dead line.
Twilight came as we made our way back across Cormorant Passage and it was like someone pulling a blanket over us; silent, warm, and rich in colors. Gold to satin blue. Mid-way through the passage the lights over Steilacoom started to add their own glow to the scene.
Twilight catches up to Kim and Doug as we make our way back across Comorant Passage. Photo by Theresa Weileman
I think this ranks as one of the most pleasurable paddles of the season, but it still begs the question, “Where did our summer go?”
Tags: Ketron Island, Puget Sound
