Day 3 – June 29, 2009

We woke up to the alarm ready for our day of adventure. We got dressed for our day outdoors, and we ate a quick breakfast with our goodies from Wal-Mart. We headed towards Port Angeles to meet up with our guides at Adventures through Kayaking Outfitters. Billy opted for the kayaking and mountain biking tour and I happily followed along.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Don. We were outfitted with all of the clothing (wetsuit, booties, windbreaker) we needed for kayaking. You will want to bring a bathing suit to put on under all of their gear and definitely use the restroom prior to putting the wetsuit on. After our entire group (it was a mom & daughter joining us for the morning kayaking) was suited up, we head out to the Freshwater Bay with Mark, our kayaking guide. Because I’m a big chicken, I wanted to be in a tandem kayak with Billy. The water was so smooth in the bay. After practicing a few of the basic maneuvers we ventured out into some different cove areas. While we were out and about, we saw different wildlife and vegetation: bald eagles, starfish, various types of seaweed, river otters, ducks, and other types of birds. The water started to get a little too choppy so Mark decided it would be best to head back to Freshwater Bay and play around in there. I was pleased with his executive decision; did I mention that I am a chicken? Once we were back in the bay, we kayaked around some rocks and took the obligatory pictures. The Olympics provided a beautiful backdrop. Our morning of kayaking was awesome – very knowledgeable and friendly guide, great views, perfect weather and lots of opportunities to see wildlife.

Billy kayaking in Freshwater Bay

Billy & I kayaking

When we got back to the shop, we changed out of clothes to get ready for mountain biking. We were greeted by Chris, our mountain biking guide. He was eager to get us on the bikes and out on the trail, but we had to eat lunch (it was provided with the package). After lunch, Don dropped us off at the bike trail. We poked around on the bikes at the drop off area to get comfortable then we headed out on the trail. This is where the adventure begins. Not a quarter mile into the trip and I fell off of my bike. Yes, Billy it was my fault. J I took my feet off of the pedals and it did make me wobble as I hit a grassy patch to the right of the trail. Man, this did not put a good taste in my mouth for mountain biking. I am proud of myself though because I never cried even though I really wanted to. Hey, I was the only girl there so I had to hold my own. After walking for a few minutes, I got back on the bike. I had Chris lower my seat because it was bothering me that it was so high.

One of my scrapes after falling from my mountain bike

Billy & me on the mountain biking trail

We eventually finished our biking/walking adventure probably twice as long as it should have taken us. I have to say that Chris was the perfect guide for a scaredy cat like me. He is very encouraging and is willing to give you as much time as you need to get comfortable. For anybody that is interested in doing this tour, I think you should realize that the trail is probably not meant for beginners who not very adventurous due to the fact there are quite a few switchbacks as you decline. Billy did great because he does not have the same sense of fear that I do. I’m not ruling out mountain biking, but I would like to try an easier trail.

Don picked us up at the end of the trail, and we head back to the store. After saying our goodbyes and invitations to comeback and see the Flaming Lips, we proceeded back to Lake Crescent for some relaxation.

Relaxing at Lake Crescent - what I do best

For dinner, we ate at Sabai Thai in Port Angeles. We had to wait for about 20 minutes for a table. Many of the restaurants are closed on Mondays. The wait was well worth it. I had some delicious Pad Thai, and Billy noshed on Thai Barbeque Chicken that was cold. We went back to the lodge to relax and retire for the evening after a stop at Safeway for some cookies.

Daily Reviews

Adventures Through Kayaking – 5 stars
Pros: amazing staff that was knowledgeable and friendly (Thanks Don, Mark & Chris!), small tour group, provided with everything we needed, lunch, great activities that allowed us to experience more of NW Washington.
Cons: Would liked to have gone on an easier trail for mountain biking

Sabai Thai – 4 stars
Pros: delicious food, prompt service
Cons: Thai BBQ Chicken was cold, 20 minute wait