Ike Kinswa State Park, Washington State

[NatureCalls]

Went camping for a few days at Ike Kinswa State Park on Mayfield Lake in Washington State. We were supposed to be there all week, but the water was low, the fish weren't hungry, and we were lookin' to see a lot of rain.
We go there a couple times a year and never had a trip like this one. The lake was lowered to repair a bulkhead elsewhere and that's okay. I was still able to get the boat wet. Could not, for the life of me, figure out how to use my anchor buddy, but that's okay, too. What was not okay was the treatment we got when we tried to go launch the boat at 7am the day after we arrived. The entry gate to the park was closed and appeared locked. Didn't recall this happening on previous visits, so backed up and apparently woke up the camp host in the wrong way. Instead of simply stating how to open the gate, he told my wife he'd tell her "if she'd drop the attitude", which generally gives a woman an attitude that wasn't there before. Of course, he couldn't just leave it at that. He also had to say that the gate to the boat launch was probably locked, as well, and had no answers as to why. Okay, no biggie, life goes on and so does the wife for awhile
Come to find out, the gate to the boat launch "appears" to be locked to deter vandalism and can be opened by folks staying in the park. Would the camp host know this or was he just upset at us? Don't know and won't fuss over it, either. Lesson learned.
Regardless of one trip's adventures, it's different every time. Even in the same place.
Going back in another week, weather permitting.

[pdq_bc]

thanks nature - appreciate learning about a 'new to us' state parks
Washington sure does have some great parks!
regards, pdq

[Miw1971]

Good to know. Thanks Nature calls. My family and I will be heading there on the 23rd for a few days. I heard its a great place. Can't wait. This weekend coming up we're going to Cape Disappointment.

[NatureCalls]

Stayed at Cape Disappointment for a couple days last year and loved it! Our reservations just happened to coincide with clamming season and we wanted to try that, so SCORE! Our first morning was beautiful and perfect (for the coast). 7am, no wind, no clouds, low tide, and about 65-70 degrees. The next day, though, was solid rain. By the third day, we were tired of the wind and rain and headed home. Nice sites there, but watch your awning in some spots. Ours never came out due to the wind.