WhaleQuest

This morning, Jane Hardy rallied 11 SD paddlers at the La Jolla Shores Boat Launch in hopes of viewing Grey Whales on their southern migration. Those in attendance were Jane, Teresa, Mike B, John and Lori, Curt, Jim A, John O, John B, Steve H, and me. Recently, Greys have been spotted from both boats and the cliffs of Point Loma.

The normally docile launching area at the foot of Avenida De La Playa was complicated today because of a pushing 7'4" high tide that had shut off vehicle access, flooded the area, and piled up a ton of slippery seaweed and other nasty stuffl. Boats were staged on the promenade and had to be lifted over the seawall to whatever uncovered areas could be found. Although the surf was relatively small, the high tide could quickly turn you sideways as you launch.

The paddle itself was uneventful. We went out a couple miles, headed north, peeled our eyes, and paddled back. No greys were spotted but we almost saw some. We did see a lot of dolphins and some chose to buzz us as we headed back. By the time we returned, the tide had receded and there was more than enough beach to land on. Rather than the normal process of leaving boats at the launch and walking back to retrieve cars from the LJS parking, most chose to gang carry a long line of kayaks past a number of amused tourists and park users. A debriefing was held at Squires Coffee Shop in La Jolla. 

Photos courtesy of John B.

Happy New Year! Paddle #1

One of my goals this year is to paddle my age. So, to start things off right I join several members of the San Diego Kayak Club at La Jolla Shores for an easy paddle along the coast. A total of seven paddlers launched into the cool and foggy Pacific Ocean. We estimated that we had about 50 feet of visibility. We successfully found the Scripps Pier and continued northward, guided by our compasses. After about an hour, my elbow was feeling a bit a tight, and there was not a lot of sight seeing to be had, so we turned back toward La Jolla. Mike and Pete opted to continue northward for a bit. As we turned southward, the fog slow started to lift.

We landed without incident. In fact some took the opportunity to play in the surf. I caught a nice wave into the shore. I had to head home to get ready to take the family up to Disneyland to celebrate the twins 8th birthday.

We learned later that Dom Lemarie had taped our launch. Here is the video on YouTube. I'm the first one launching.

Forty paddles to go....