June 27, 2010 - Fossil Bay, Sucia Island (Group Trip)

It is our annual "group boating trip" where we take 3 other families out to the islands and then they camp on the island for the weekend.  This year is a little different.  In the past we have been the only boat, and we load everyone onboard including all the food, camping gear, clothes, etc.  It is a lot of gear, and a lot of people for one boat.  It's always a fun trip, but it can be a bit hectic and stressful with 8 adults and 10 children all under the age of 10 onboard.  This year there were 5 families total and 3 boats going, so the transportation burden was spread out amongst the boats, making it a bit easier for us this year.  One of the kids in particular is VERY interested in boats (and motorcycles, and cars).  Vaughn was on our boat and asked if he could drive the boat there, which he did for most of the trip!  He did a GREAT job too!!!

Vaughn at the helm while Paige (Mom) watches over him.

As soon as we arrive we grab a mooring bouy and start shuttling people and camping gear to shore with our dinghy, and our friend's (Steve and Sue) dinghy.  It takes several boat loads to get everything to shore.  The kids immediately start playing on the beach and the large grass field and the adults start setting up tents.

There are a lot of pictures, so I'm going to limit my text and let the pictures do most of the talking.

Green water thanks to a major algae bloom. Vaughn driving.

Taco salad; yummy yummy.  Will, Vaughn, Kevin, Braden.

Sunset at Fox Cove, Sucia Island.  Steve, Jenn, Sue.

Mark and Vaughn kayaking.

Tess and Grace go kayaking.

Are these kids having fun, or what?!!!

Jamie, Sarah, and Sue

Steve and Sue cooking dinner for everyone.

Smores!!!  Our friend John drops in for a visit (right side).

John claims that he works at the Jet-Puff marshmallow factory.

The kids believed you, but I'm not so sure about that, John....   :-)

The kids enjoying breakfast on the dock.

Kathy teaches the kids about carpooling/kayakpooling.

Kevin hitches a ride with Grace.

Grace doesn't think 52 degree water is TOO cold.

Off on a new adventure.....

Vaughn loves to drive boats. Steve and Braden tag along.

Low tide = steep ramp   They got the cart up though.

Paige and Sue head out.  Why, we don't know...

Paige, Sue, and Jenn

Steve and Jenn; cheer up you two!

Paige, Sue, Jenn, and Kathy take a break from motherhood.

The girls (Grace, Cindy, Tess) learn about sharing.

It was a great trip, as usual.  The kids love spending the weekend together in the islands, and I'm sure they will all remember these trips for the rest of their lives.  The weather was good enough to allow for kayaking, dinghy rides, playing on the beach, and hanging out with friends.  We love hanging out with our friends, especially when it's someplace special like Sucia Island Marine State Park.  The weekend went far too fast;  I wonder if we can extend this by one more day next year?