Kayaking with Killers

Tom and Kohler's adventure to the San Juan Islands

Kohler didn't ask for anything for his birthday, so I gave him a trip that was on my bucket list...a kayaking trip around the San Juan Islands.  Tamara was very gracious to let Kohler go on the trip instead of herself (we had originally planned to do it together but just had not found the time to go). Kohler and I flew into Seattle late Thursday evening and drove to Bellingham for the night, eating at Denny's at midnight. Yummy?  The next morning we set out on the ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan.  Our guide met us at the dock and we met the others in our small group.  A short trip to Roche Harbor on the northwestern tip of the island and we packed all our gear into dry sacks.   

Pulling into Friday Harbor

Roche Harbor.  Notice the poop boat sign at the bottom.  Gross! 

We wore spray skirts to keep warm and dry in our kayaks.  The ocean water was 53 degrees.  However, we were never cold throughout the entire weekend.

This was our group.  We had a pediatric resident, a Southwest pilot, a Walmart Pharmacist and our guide.  A fun guy who works as a kayak guide in the summer and a chair lift operator in Steamboat, CO in the winter.

This was what it looked like on the water.  We had all our tents, bags, food etc. in the compartments in the middle and ends of our kayaks.

Our food was over the top unbelievable.  We had fresh wild salmon tacos, fresh guacamole, salsa and chips, chicken and smoked salmon salads,  savory oats with toppings like blackberries, coconut flakes and brown sugar.  We even brought a honeydew melon and watermelon.  I really couldn't believe how well we ate.

This was Kohler and my tent for the trip.  A wonderful view of Reid harbor on Stewart Island.

We saw a lot of wildlife while on the kayak.  Here was a bald eagle.  Each time we would approach a bald eagle they would fly away.

Seals sunning on a small shoal.  

Each day began a little overcast but would clear up by midday.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect for us. 

Yes, even I got into the cooking. 

On Saturday afternoon we hiked a few miles to view the sunset from Turn point.  This is a view during our hike on Stewart Island.

Turn point...everything you see before us is Canada. We were standing at the most northwestern corner of the continental U.S.  

The sunset was so amazing.  I would have been so sad to not be able to share it with someone I loved.  

During the sunset we were privileged to have a second experience at the whales.  This time they were all together in a tight pod.  About 30 whales kept bobbing up and down out of the water.  Our guide said he had never seen anything like it in the 5 years he had led tours.  What incredible timing right in front of us.  At first we were angry with the boat due to its close proximity to the whales (motor boats are to be at least 200 yards from the whales from the side).  We were going to turn them in when we looked closer and found that it was a whale research boat. 

Our last morning's breakfast.  

Setting out on the last day.  We had a long way to paddle to get back to Roche harbor and a good share of it was against the current.  The San Juan Islands have up to a 12 foot exchange between high tide and low tide water so sometimes it's like a quick moving river through the island channels.

Kohler is pointing to Stewart Island.  We set out at about the middle of the island on the other side of it.  About 7 miles or so of paddling.  It was so totally awesome!

What an amazing weekend.  Another bucket list item checked off.  I was so blessed to have shared it with Kohler.  I will not ever forget it. 

"Just Me and My Dad"

 Back in August, Tom and I were wondering what to give Kohler for his 17th Birthday.  He didn't ask for anything material---no shoes, clothes, music, etc.  The only thing he asked for was for a lunch with our good friend who is a very successful real estate broker.  Kohler has a passion for business and wanted to learn all he could from our friend Steve.  So, Tom set up the lunch and off they went. He loved it---but I was concerned that Kohler has his sights so set in the future with his dreams and goals, that he sometimes forgets to have FUN in the now!  That's when the kayak trip came to my mind.  For years now, Tom has been wanting to take me on an ocean kayaking trip through the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State.  It's just been one of those things where we always think about it but never do it.  So, when we got to talking about Kohler's birthday, I said to Tom, "Just do it---take him on that kayaking trip and make some incredible memories with him!"  That was all it took----the next day, Tom had the trip booked and they were SO excited!  

 Yesterday, as they were packing, Tom said, "Hey Kohler, let's bring a Book of Mormon and some Vemma drinks (another business Kohler is involved in) to give away!"  Kohler LOVED that idea!  So, last night they took a flight into Seattle and off they went!

 This is Kohler on the ferry this morning headed out to Friday Harbor.  That is where they will meet the rest of their group (I think there are 10 people total) and they will pack up their gear and get out on the ocean.

 The weather forecast calls for sunshine, mild weather and no rain.  Well, we've lived in the northwest for 7 years and we know better that it can ALWAYS rain---even if it isn't in the forecast.  So Tom packed rain pants and rain jackets, just in case!

Their guide told them to expect to see harbor seals, porpoises, and even killer whales in pods as they kayak around the islands.  How cool is that?  I can just picture a huge whale coming along side Tom and Kohler then swimming under their kayak and freaking them out!  ha ha!

All through our marriage, Tom and I have had strong feelings about taking our kids on "one on one" trips and creating those strong bonds with them.  You get them away from their phones, from their friends, and take time to listen and talk to them.  There is nothing quite like it.  Kelsey and I go on a mommy/daughter trip every December to Utah.  Tom and Kohler have done backpacking through Yosemite and a service trip to Africa.  From the look on Kohler's face this morning, he is excited to have another great adventure with just the two of them . . . "Just Me and My Dad!"