Outdoor Education Takes Its Annual Mystery Trip

Outdoor Education Director Kent Renno shares his story of this weekend's annual Mystery Trip.

Students really “Explored the Unknown”.  They had no clue what they would be doing when they signed up for this trip. 

We ended up starting the day on Mount Erie, near Anacortes, rappelling down the large rock faces. We warmed up with a more mellow rappel and then finished with a rappel down a 28 meter (90 feet) vertical face! 

We then transitioned to Bowman Bay for some Stand Up Paddleboarding.  Yes, in the Sound and the crazy currents in Deception Pass, and in November.  It was awesome and the weather was perfect.  I was learning right along with the students and was pushed out of my comfort zone while on the board (picture a scared giraffe on ice – just ask Joey). 

After working on paddle strokes and getting comfortable on the board, we did one of the cooler routes I have done in the Northwest, and I like to think I have done one or two cool routes.  We paddled out of Bowman Bay, around Reservation Head, around Lighthouse Point, and into Lottie Bay, all on a flood tide.  This means in places it was like being on a river with currents, eddies, and standing waves.  There were plenty of pocket beaches to paddle into as well and great view of Deception Pass bridge. 

At the end of Lottie Bay, we did a very short portage back into Bowman Bay, completing the circumnavigation of this point.  Round trips are always better than out and backs.

Click here to a photo gallery of this year's Mystery Trip.