A Whale of a story...

Although Kathy wrote up a fine trip report and Dennis has posted a nice set of photos, I thought I would write up my own account of the adventure.

I was glad I had loaded most of my gear the night before, as I reliezed the paddle was at 8:00am not 8:30. Traffic was light as I headed up the 5 toward Dana Point, hoping not to be late. As I pulled into the parking lot, Jon Brindle was just walking by with some gear. I guess I found the launching point. He helped carry my boat down to the water, and I found parking close by. Dennis Hyndman was also there. Kathy came walking over across the beach to greet me. I was unsure of the proper protocol in greeting a CKF board member... Bow? Kiss her ring? We had a bit of a chuckle over it. I quickly finished unloading, and soon joined them on the water. In addition to Kathy, her husband Henry was there, as was a fellow OC'er David Coons. With the report of blue whales being sighted a few days earlier, we opted to change our destination and go out in search of whales. I'm sure I can convince them to escort me up to Three Arch Bay another day...

Under grey skies and calm waters, we enjoyed a nice steady pace, chatting about all sorts of things. This was a wonderful way to spend the morning. It took me a little bit to get into a groove, but after about 20 minutes, I found my sweet spot.



We headed south for about 3 miles, Dennis' GPS unit had a way-point saved entitled "Blue Whales". We sat on the calm waters, keeping our ears open. There was almost no boat traffic. But nothing.



We headed a bit further out and then turn back toward the coast. After about another 30 minutes of paddling, we stopped for another quick break. Dennis and Henry were in front, Kathy and I were a bit behind, Jon and David were to the left of me.



Then came a sound heard so often on the Discovery Channel, as Kathy and I spoted the back of whale to our left. It seemed as whale then turned and headed straight in front of us. This incredible animal came within about 15-20 feet of Dennis. Henry was backing up. Dennis said he could see it swim right under him. We were in amazement of what just happened.

Mark Sanders came paddling up, having just missed it. But, just then the sound of another whale was heard behind us. We spun quickly around, and watched another slightly larger whale pass by. (See, that why a strong sweep stroke is useful!) We estimate that this one was about 80-85 feet.



We all were completely amazed at the size and how close we were. King Neptune must have been honoring Kathy's new role ;)
The whales soon disappeared from view. Mark decided to stay out and see if he might have anymore luck.



We then turn back toward Dana Point. As we approached the break water, my elbow began to feel a little sore. I eased up a bit, keeping an eye on the boats and jet skis. The water picked up a touch of texture, but it was nice to feel comfortable in your skills and your paddling partners, as we rounded the breakwater.



Upon landing, folks were amazed at our encounter. All but Jon headed to Charos for lunch. (what's a CKF trip without food, right?). For just a little more time on the freeway, this was by far one of most memorable paddle. Thanks to Kathy and Henry for hosting. Hope to see them in July for the trip around Coranado. Thanks to Dennis and Mark for the photos!

June's SDKC Meeting

Sitting at Aqua Adventures listening to the Jen, Thom and Jake recount their trip to Scotland. Dennis and Mark are in the row in front of me. Jane, Diane, and Bob are on the other side of the shop. Its a great turnout. I would say there are about 40 folks here.



The presentation is really well done. The photos are incredible. The tales are better in person than what was written on their blog. The secret word was 'cave'. All along their exploration of the Scottish coast, they exploring these incredible sea caves. Maybe if I get to go over to England for work, maybe I can sneak off and explore some of the British coast.

More Bay to Bay Race Photos

Jay Murdock's friend, Dominick Lemarie took some nice photos of some of the participants of this year's Bay to Bay Race. Here are two of myself and Bob cruising past some tandems.

Bay to Bay Race Results

Well the annual Bay to Bay race was today. The race started at Shelter Island and runs along the north side of San Diego Bay, cross over near the Coranado Bay Bridge. The mens field had several familar faces, Jay Murdock, Bob Pekarek, Teresa Boli. (Jane had some excuse about just hiking in the Andes...)

This was to be one of my first tests of my elbow. The pace was pretty good. Jay had a nice start, while Bob and I traded positions for second and third. I had some trouble with my water pack, but kept my a nice steady pace.

After the turn at the end of Harbor Island, Bob was able to slip past me. We kept passing the tandem sit-on tops that launched 15 minutes before us. I tried to make a sprint to catch Bob, he had about 30 seconds on me at the last bouy, but I didn't want to hurt my elbow.



Jay took this of me crossing the finish line (Congrats to him is winning, all that paddling is paying off). All told I placed third. I wanted to break an hour, but the tides and my not paddling for a couple weeks, prevented that. I think my unoffical time was 1:03.

Teresa won the women's division, several other Night Herons did quite well. All and all it was a fun time. Until next year's race.

Cool Graphic

While voting for my Padres, I noticed this header graphic on the page and had to grab it. I love how kayaking for home run balls in McCovey Cove is now becoming part of the lore of baseball....

Grounded...

Well, no paddling for me for bit. My 11 year old car has just about seen it's last days. I was driving home with my daughter after picking up dinner, and watch the temperature gauge rise. Ugh. We have been talking that it was abou time for a new car. Still looking, the Subaru Outback looks like it might be a good choice with my kayak and family.

The current problem is I have not way to get to next weekend's Bay to Bay Race. I'll sent an email out to the SDKC for a ride...