Waiting for Barry....

ABCNews has a video about the kayakers in McCovey Cove. View it here.

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.

Generic Paddle

I wanted to get some miles under my hull before Saturday's paddle around Coronado (Jane, where do we launch from again...). So I decided to meet up with then GNNs. For those who do know, GNN stands for Generic No Name. Just a bunch of paddlers who meet up at 5:30 at Bahia Point on thursdays and paddle. Nothing fast or insanely long. Food and conversation to follow.

We slid into the waters and began headinout out the channel. I forgot to unhock my rudder, so I had to practice my steering strokes against the breeze we had. The channel was fairly calm and I had looked at the surf report and expected to find some calm seas. After enjoying a brief surf ride from a boat generated by one of the big fishing boats, we approached the end of the channel, the seas began to get a bit more choppy. The mouth of the channel is always a bit of a mess.

We paddled through the usual rough patch, expecting to find calmer waters near the bouy. But this was not to be. The six of us, did a quick turn around bouy and headed back into the bay. I had to toss in a few low braces as the water bounced me around. I decided to cut across the channel to get some protection from the wind on the north side. There was no boat traffic, so I scooted across the mouth. I was able to grab a few swells to push me along.

After regrouping, we headed back to the Bahia, as we neared the entrance to Mariner's Cove. Just in front of us was the group from Aqua Adventures. There must have been 30+ paddlers.

On the way back, I decided to work on a variety of strokes: draw on the move, bow rudder, stern rudder, low brace turns. I used the No Wake bouys near the Bahia as a course.

After landing, Pat served up some wonderful chicken burritos. The brownies and cake were also yummy. I chatted a bit, and thanked the GNNs for a wonderful paddle. Now, where are we launching from again...