This past weekend I was able to get out on the water and overnight at a marine state park!
Did I forget to take pictures at the campsite? YES! Regardless, y'all get a trip report!
We launched from Boston Harbor in Olympia, WA and paddled to Hope Island State Park.
The sun was shining, the weather was great, and we had our choice of campsites. We did arrive at low tide, which made hauling kayaks up the beach a bit of an effort.
I tested a new stove which worked well, and used my 15 year old REI Chrysalis solo tent for the first time in a while. It continues to hold up!
We launched the next day a bit after high tide, paddled around the Sound a bit, then headed back to our launch point. We did have to fight the current a bit, but the mountain was out, we were visited by seals, and a good time was had by all.
Sounds like a fun trip!
A lot of our camping gear is seriously old. A Coleman fuel stove and lantern from the 70s, which still works although TBH propane is somewhat appealing.
Our tent is the same tent I used as a kid - a "3 person" dome from Eastern Mountain Sports, which was basically a smaller scale REI store. The tent must be pushing 30 and is still going pretty strong. It's held up really well to some pretty serious wind and rain on a few occasions too - much better than the newer tents of some of my friends. I low key dread having to eventually replace it.
Our kids are old enough to start camping with us soon, so it's about to see it's third generation.
That's a great lifespan! I fondly remember the hand me down tent I used as a kid....it was REI from the 70s I think, the old school fiberglass pole kind, splinters and all....