We set out from Seattle to follow a little dot on Google Maps. A small island in the southern part of Puget Sound called Hope Island. Most of us had never been to the island, so we were excited to explore the hidden treasures that this small island holds. Upon arrival, we quickly packed and assembled our kayaks and set out on the water. Since this island is so small, the only way to access it is by boat. We paddled through the Sound on glassy waters passing by a few jellyfish floating near the surface, a handful of crabs, and a few seals off in the distance. Paddling a kayak is such an incredible way to fully immerse yourself in the surrounding environment.
Once we arrived on the island after a fairly short paddle, we were ready to explore after setting up camp. Some of us went on a trail run, other continued to kayak and explore every inch of the islands coast line. After a quick snack, we set out to find more hidden treasures of the island. We explored the shoreline in search for hermit crabs, shells, and any other sea creatures. We eventually stumbled upon the islands apple orchard just inland from the shore! We quickly picked our share of apples, while the local deer family watched us and picked some apples of their own. We had plans for a dessert apple crisp and these apples would do the job just fine. After our little exploratory outing, we worked up an appetite. It was dinner time. We made our way back to camp, cooked up some fajitas, passed around the whiskey, and just enjoyed each other’s company with the occasional raccoon who came to see what that strange taco smell was. Shortly after dinner we ventured off to watch the sun drop in the skies and shine through the hundreds of coniferous trees on the island.
Bed time came shortly after our apple crisp dessert and a final pass of the whiskey bottle. We soon crawled into our sleeping bags and retired for the night. The following morning consisted of life-giving coffee and oatmeal before slowly packing up our boats and heading back. A quick trip, but a necessary one. Simply getting out of town and exploring new places with people you love is such an invaluable part of my life. These places and the people you surround yourself with could not be more important. Pick your crew and venture on. It doesn’t matter where you go, just go.
