Coastal Calm: A Weekend Escape to Kayak Point County Park
This weekend, we rolled the RV out to Kayak Point RV Park in Stanwood, Washington, for a couple of nights close to home. It was the perfect chance to practice our setup, fine-tune our routines, and just enjoy being on the road. The campground itself? Let’s just say—it had its highs and lows. Nothing too fancy, but it did give us exactly what we needed: hookups, trees, trails, and a little waterfront magic.
Highlights we loved:
• Easy access to the water for great paddleboarding, kayaking, or a quick dip (not this time of year though, brrrrr)
• A short stroll to the waterfront park (bonus: BIG playgrounds if you’ve got kids)
• Gorgeous forest trails winding through ferns and evergreens
• That wow moment when the sunset lit up the water—plus several seals putting on a show
Quirks worth noting:
• Nearly nothing was level. Our jacks maxed out, and we could’ve used more blocks (note to self: buy even more).
• The curved campsites were tricky—big rigs, beware.
• Dense tree cover = dreamy vibes but zero Starlink and spotty cell service.
• Bathrooms and showers? One look inside the public restroom building and you may decide to forgo the shower for a few days or actually use the one in the RV…
In the end, it wasn’t about the park itself—it was about getting more comfortable in our rig, testing our systems, and soaking up some unexpected adventures with beyond amazing weather for this time of year in the PNW. Every trip is a lesson, and this one gave us a few good ones!
Would we go back? For a quick, close-to-home getaway with water access—yes. For a longer stay or a work-from-the-road week—probably not.
Wine of the Weekend: 2020 Covale Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain WA
In the glass, this Cab is a deep, inky red with great viscosity. Despite its age, there's no sign of browning or dilution. The bouquet is bold and expressive, featuring a mix of dark red and black fruits like black cherry and plum, layered with spicy and savory tones. You'll notice the French oak influence with hints of cedar, baking spices, and a light smoke nuance. Some reviewers even detect a "clean sea breeze" or talc-like minerality. Over time, you'll start to pick up tertiary aromas like graphite, tobacco leaf, and dried herbs.
This is a rich, generous Cabernet with a solid structure. The fruit core is plush, with dark cherry, plum, and blackberry, backed by subtle notes of cocoa nib, espresso, and dark tea. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, present without being harsh. The mid-palate is full-bodied, and the finish is long, carrying through with hints of savory herbs, forest floor, and oak spice. The acidity adds lift and keeps the wine from feeling heavy. In fact, Wine Enthusiast describes it as "big and rich ... that also packs enough acidity to wet your whistle."
One of the most compelling aspects of this wine is how it balances power with nuance. The oak doesn't dominate; instead, it plays a supporting role, allowing the fruit to remain central. The presence of 3% Cabernet Franc acts like a spice accent, adding dimension without detracting from the varietal expression.
Food Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This Cabernet is bold and full-bodied, so pair it with dishes that are punchy on their own:
Grilled or roasted red meats: ribeye, strip steak, lamb chops, venison
Braised beef short ribs
Rich stews
Strong cheeses: aged Cheddar, Comté, Manchego
Dark chocolate desserts or bittersweet chocolate-based desserts
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