This fall, I started my 50 X 50 list. I started with solo backpacking because I wanted to do it before the weather changed. I planned my trip to be in the same location that WIll and I had backpacked before, so I was already familiar with it. It also has well-marked hike campsites at different distances. The first campsite is around 2-2.5 miles in so I wouldn’t have to walk too far if I didn’t feel up to it. The trail is at Baker Lake and can be found on the Washington Trails Association website here.
I walked into the first campsite and set up my tent. One thing I anticipated being difficult was doing everything on my own. After 23 years together, Will and I have routines of who does what when we travel. But setting everything up and cooking went fine. What was actually hard was just sitting by myself and trying to figure out what to do with my time. I spend time at home alone, but out there I had nothing to take up my time. Not even a cell signal. I realized I should have brought a book.
I also crossed off Kayaking from my 50 X 50 list. Will and I had been talking about kayaking and doing it before it got too cold. Will signed us up for the last sea kayaking lesson of the season at the Community Boasting center. So on a weekend, after learning the ins and outs of a kayak, we headed out into the bay in life jackets and drysuits and practiced everything we had learned. We made a video about it here.
We also attempted to sea Orcas by camping on the west side of San Juan Island, facing the strait. It was the end of the season to see them but we were hopeful. The county campgrounds on the island were easy to book and not crowded at all. They even had spots for bike campers and kayakers who need a site. We took slept in the van but there were very clean bathrooms at the campground if you need facilities. It turned out that the day we came, there had been no whale sightings had happened for the last three days and we didn’t see any whales. But we had amazing views.
The weather is getting colder now in Washington and our outside activities are a little less frequent. This time of year can be harder because of the cold and less daylight. We are trying to stay fit with Will mountain biking and me working out regularly. We have more things to cross off on the list in 2023, along with a little skiing this winter, so we want to stay fit. We’ve been spending a lot of time planning a big 34-day trip to Europe next year. We’ve been attempting to do most of the hotels and all of the flights with miles and points. But we are really excited about the things we have planned.
Wherever you are this winter, I hope you are warm!