Nisqually Reach Kayak

Seals. Lots and lots of seals.

Three of us launched from Luhr's Landing on the north side of Olympia, just a bit before high tide, so we easily paddled over areas that in a few hours would be mudflats again as the tide went out. We headed over to the main channel of the Nisqually River as it threads through the islands of the river delta. It was very calm, with a nice overcast to mute the sun's glare. We saw a few scattered seals and some shorebirds, but everybody was having a pretty chill Sunday morning. And just then, we rounded the corner from the little connecting channel to Red Salmon Creek, and we happened upon a huge gathering of seals, easily a hundred of them. And speaking of counting, did you know there are at least a dozen collective nouns for a group of seals? I didn't either, but the internet says so, and some of my favorites are a bob, a crash, a flock (?), a plump (apt), a pod, and a spring. Anyway, a few dozen of them waddled and splashed into the water to check us out as we paddled away so as not to disturb their peace any further.

After a snack and leg-stretching break on the beach, we headed back reversing our path, but staying far to the opposite shore to minimize disruption of the seals.

Many, many birds seen as well, including eagles and herons and cormorants and of course lots of gulls. As we headed back to the landing the tide was retreating pretty quickly, exposing fresh mudflats like a buffet for all those birds.

In summary, a really great paddle, peaceful and full of wildlife. Log into the OV website to check out a few photos.


Link: http://mms.outventures.org/photo_album/gallery_view.php?org_id=OTVN&pv_id=6795221

Submitted: 09/10/24
Article By: Bojko, Richard