Rating: SKII

Distance: 16NM

Date: June 6, 1998

Leader: Gary Peniston Participants: 7

Launch: 09:00 Return: 3:15

Weather: Excellent. 70F, clear in the afternoon, no wind.

Description: Utilizing the unique topography of the Key Peninsula we were able to leave a shuttle car at Herron and launch from Home. There are lots of bays and coves to explore along this route but they were not included in the trip since it was already 16 NM duration. The route lead south thru Pitt Passage and on to just past Devil’s Head where we stopped for lunch. After lunch we headed north to Herron, landing at the ferry dock. The shuttle car took all over to Home to retrieve the rest of the vehicles.

Tides/Currents: Tides were not especially significant on this trip although we did have an ~1 kt boost in the afternoon.

Charts:

Waterproof Chart #30 – Puget Sound – International Sailing Suppply.

Puget Sound Current Guide – Island Canoe, Inc.

Chart #18448 – Puget Sound – Southern Part.

Notes:

1. Great trip in good weather but could get a little long if the weather went bad.
2. Lots of eagles and seals to be seen along the route.
3. It is illegal to stop on either Pitt or McNeil Islands.

Directions to Launch Site: From I5 @ Hwy 16 it takes about 35 minutes (28.7 miles) to the launch site at Home. From I5 take Hwy 16 for 13.5 miles and turn off on Hwy 302. Then go 6.5 miles and take the Key Peninsula Hwy (302 goes off to the right – don’t take it). Go 8.2 miles to Home and turn left on the street just before the bridge. Drive 0.5 miles to the public launch ramp on the right.

Shuttle: The launch ramp at Home is on Herron Drive. Stay on Herron Drive and go back 3.7 miles to the other side of the peninsula at Herron. When you reach the ferry landing, park on the left.

Facilities:

1. No facilities at the Home launch site but there is a store at the corner 0.5 miles back.
2. The Herron ferry landing has a port-o-let but no other facilities.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Home to Herron (SKII). 16NM. Take advantage of the unique topography of the Key Peninsula to make a one way trip from Home, around the southern terminus of the Key, and on to Herron. We’ll shuttle between Home and the ferry landing at Herron (3.7 miles).

Bailey, Jo, and Carl Nyberg. Gunkholing in South Puget Sound. Seattle: San Juan Enterprises, Inc. 1997. Pp. 213-215, 247-250.

Scott, James W., and Melly A. Reuling. Washington Public Shore Guide. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 1986. pp. 222-225.