Spencer Spit to James Island R.T. (Lopez Island L2, 9-19-21)

• This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.
  

Full Name:Chris Mayou

Activity Title: Spencer Spit to James Island R.T. (Lopez Island L2, 9-19-21)
Date of Activity: 9/19/2021
Narrative: Our destination is James Island, a Washington State Park accessible only by boat. This small island has 1.5 miles of hiking trails. West Cove has a composting toilet. We’ll plan on a leisurely lunch so that our return takes advantage of favorable currents through Thatcher Pass. Our trip will circumnavigate James Island for a total of 11-12 miles.

Launch at 10:00 a.m. from Spencer Spit. Go through Thatcher Pass about 11 a.m., close to slack but with some current to our advantage. We should arrive on James Island by noon, giving us time to relax or take a hike. We’ll leave about 2:00 p.m., circumnavigating James Island and returning via Thatcher Pass, going through it with about a 0.7 knot flow going east to west in the direction of our travel at 3:30 p.m. Our longest crossing is one mile.

Only 1-2 cars can drive down the hill to the launch point at Spencer Spit State Park at a time. Trip may be limited to the number of paddlers who can unload boats at one time, probably 6-8.  A second pod could launch 30 minutes later, and currents would be fine. NOAA chart 18429.  You will need to pay a day use fee if you do not have a Discover Pass.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Spencer Spit State Park
Take out: Spencer Spit State Park
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s):
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 55-60
Estimated Water Temperature: 55-60
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6-7 hours

Tide times & heights:   Armitage Island tides

2021/09/19        Sun        09:56 AM            0.04       L

2021/09/19        Sun        5:39 PM              7.58       H

2021/09/19        Sun        10:54 PM            3.94       L

Current information: Thatcher Pass currents
2021-09-19 08:30 AM ebb -2.27
2021-09-19 12:30 PM slack -
2021-09-19 04:42 PM flood 0.79

Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: The ferry route goes through Thatcher Pass, but we will not cross its path.
Location (Optional): 48.535197221552174, -122.85780049072622