Beautiful

I was so convinced this was a screenshot from Red Dead 2 for a split second.

Curious how cold it is for you. It came up in convo recently with a friend about how soon would be comfortable to go kayaking again. I'm a noob, but he says it would be better to wait til spring or the end of it.

It’s been pretty consistently in the low 40’s at night and low 50’s by day, which is pretty typical. I had on a light jacket and a 3ml wetsuit (more in case I tip into the 45 degree water than for the air). When the suns out it’s spectacular. Of course that’s the hard part…getting sun!

Ha! Yeah some pretty surreal lighting this morning.

Thanks! I moved here about 1.5 years ago and it's been a joy exploring the state. Kayaking here was such a cool experience, seeing Lion's Mane jellies and seals aplenty, various anemone and tubeworms. Can you recommend any places to go to see aquatic life?

I like to pick routes from https://kitsappeninsulawatertrails.com/, mainly because I’m on the peninsula myself. If you stay close to shore you can see all kinds of life below (crabs, anemones, fish, occasional octopus) and above (seals, otters). Paddling in the harbor let’s you get under and around the docks which seem to hold some neat critters.

Are the seals anything to worry about? I saw a platform with about 40 of them, and several came off and started following us. It was interesting at first, but it started freaking me out. I hear they can be curious creatures though. Thanks a bunch for the info

Indeed

Beautiful. I was enjoying a campfire over at Penrose on the Key Peninsula today. It was a glorious morning.

are you wearing a dry suit?

The seals aren’t an issue in my experience. They like watching and usually will be the first to get out of the way. When pups are concerned it’s a bit different. I think the rules are to stay at least 100 yards from pups…might have been a few nearby when you came upon them? I hope you do get out soon, it’s so rewarding when the good days strike

Yes, we stayed clear of them, only close enough to get a peek. I believe there was a sign nearby stating keep 100 yards distance. Circled back shortly ahead, and when we passed by a handful started coming after us. They didn't seem particularly aggressive, but it was unnerving to see the heads pop out closer and closer

Just a wetsuit today as I was right in the harbor and never more than 50 yards from shore…although it was tempting to venture further today. I’d be pretty sketched doing anything more adventurous without a dry suit…but I’m chicken that way

good to know. I really want to yak during winter but have not suit

Yikes I think I could see that being a bit unnerving :)

Love my town