Re: [Paddlewise] Best place to live in Washington State for paddling?

From: Gordon Snapp <grsnapp_at_charter.net>
Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 19:44:17 -0500
> What are some of the best places in Washington State to live and be within
1
> - 2 days of splendid water?
>
> TIA,
> Ashton & Leska in Cascadia

I'm partial to Bellingham.  It's a great little town.  I went to college
there, at Western (great little university!)  There are big lakes - Lake
Whatcom, Lake Samish - and there's the ocean.  From what I remember, you're
within paddling distance of some of the best islands in the San Juans (I
didn't own a kayak when I lived there, but did have a canoe, so I enjoyed
those lakes.)  Ross Lake is within a day's drive.  There are a series of
beautiful, big lakes across the border in B. C. - Pitt Lake, Stave Lake,
Lake Alouette, Harrison Lake.  You're within a couple of hours of Deception
Pass, Anacortes, the ferry to Port Townsend .

Bellingham itself is a pretty hip little town (visit Fairhaven, Old Town - I
wonder if the Old Town Cafe is still in business?)  There are plenty of
other recreational opportunities nearby - bicycling, camping, backpacking,
skiing, mountain climbing, etc.  Check out the Sea to Ski race.
(http://www.bellingham.com/skitosea/skitoseaguide.html)  Of course, you
might not want to live right in town.  There's Ferndale (home of Ocean
Kayak), Deming (The Deming Logging Show), Glacier, Nooksack, Lummi Island...


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Received on Wed May 21 2003 - 19:43:23 PDT

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