Circumnavigate Bachelor Island -Level 2 - 9/2/21

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip

Narrative: We will circumnavigate Bachelor Island starting in Ridgefield at the end of Division Street launch and head out on the Lake River to the Columbia River. At the Columbia we will take a break before heading upriver for about 3.5 miles, taking advantage of the incoming tide, for our second break at the junction with the Bachelor Slough. The last leg will be to head up the Bachelor Slough and return to our launch point. Total distance is about 10 miles. As of today the weather forecast looks good with a high of 70. Low tide is at 10:12 AM and we will launch about 10:30 AM to give us time to reach the Columbia and take advantage of the incoming tide when we head upriver and then get through to Bachelor Slough without any issue. Weather can change and we will monitor the forecast as we get closer to the launch date.
Usually a good place to see eagles and waterfowl along this route. Total time will be about 4 hours so bring enough food and water to get you through the trip. Parking is free along Division Street and porta-potty was available previously.

Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Launch point at the end of Division Street in Ridgefield
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Steve Blackwood, Dave Smith
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 70
Estimated Water Temperature: 65
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: 2021/09/02 Thu 12:57 AM 2.77 H
2021/09/02 Thu 10:12 AM 0.24 L
2021/09/02 Thu 3:26 PM 1.92 H
Current information: 1 knot
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Wind and water conditions can quickly change so I have this down as a level 2 paddle
Location (Optional): 109 W Division St Ridgefield, WA 98642 45.818873, -122.751231
Photos (optional):