Around we go....
Last Saturday morning, 19 paddlers showed up along the sands of Coronado, some from as far away as Claremont. We all found parking at our launch point, but there was a triathalon being held out of the boat ramp, so we would have to shuttle the cars later.
The surf was fairly small, most everyone was able to launch without trouble. We had one paddler go swiming. Jane and I quickly emptyed his boat and got him through the waves. We then turned our bows toward Point Loma, and began our journey. The seas were very calm. Not as flat as last years' paddle, but almost.
As the water skimmed under our boats, we traded tales of recent adventures (such as my recent whale sightings off Dana Point). Off in the distance, the conning tower of a submarine leaving the sub base could be seen. So we approached the jetty protecting San Diego Bay. The tide was high, so we easily slipped over it.
We took a moment to rest, before turning eastward along North Island. As we cruised along, I decided to paddle with Dennis, who was our designated point man. As we passed the mooring piers, a Naval Security boat came toward us, lights flashing. We really didn't want to have to paddle further in the channel. But they actually were just headed over to talk to some a fishing boat that was a little too close to shore. The boat traffic on the bay was surprisingly light. The only ship of note, was an Aegis cruiser on a family cruise.
We passed the USS Ronald Reagan, and landed at Coronado Ferry Landing, for a bathroom break and a coffee. The sun had come out by now, and we were reminded of how great it is to paddle and live here.
Slipping under the ferry landing pier, we paddled the last stretch of water. Passing under the Coronado-Bay bridge. The wind as starting to pick up, reminding us why we start in the morning.... We landed along the beach next to the boat ramp. The eariler event was now gone, and there was some parking available. The paddle was a wonderful journey. For me the best part was my elbows survived. (I did stop at the Vons before had a grabbed a bottle of Advil). Thanks to Jane for hosting, Dennis for guiding and Jay for this batch of photos.
The surf was fairly small, most everyone was able to launch without trouble. We had one paddler go swiming. Jane and I quickly emptyed his boat and got him through the waves. We then turned our bows toward Point Loma, and began our journey. The seas were very calm. Not as flat as last years' paddle, but almost.
As the water skimmed under our boats, we traded tales of recent adventures (such as my recent whale sightings off Dana Point). Off in the distance, the conning tower of a submarine leaving the sub base could be seen. So we approached the jetty protecting San Diego Bay. The tide was high, so we easily slipped over it.
We took a moment to rest, before turning eastward along North Island. As we cruised along, I decided to paddle with Dennis, who was our designated point man. As we passed the mooring piers, a Naval Security boat came toward us, lights flashing. We really didn't want to have to paddle further in the channel. But they actually were just headed over to talk to some a fishing boat that was a little too close to shore. The boat traffic on the bay was surprisingly light. The only ship of note, was an Aegis cruiser on a family cruise.
We passed the USS Ronald Reagan, and landed at Coronado Ferry Landing, for a bathroom break and a coffee. The sun had come out by now, and we were reminded of how great it is to paddle and live here.
Slipping under the ferry landing pier, we paddled the last stretch of water. Passing under the Coronado-Bay bridge. The wind as starting to pick up, reminding us why we start in the morning.... We landed along the beach next to the boat ramp. The eariler event was now gone, and there was some parking available. The paddle was a wonderful journey. For me the best part was my elbows survived. (I did stop at the Vons before had a grabbed a bottle of Advil). Thanks to Jane for hosting, Dennis for guiding and Jay for this batch of photos.
Labels: Coronado Circumnavigation
posted by Chris Griffith at
8:06 AM
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