Monday, March 19, 2012
Finally Winter...
Picture is courtesy of my bud Ree who got a big dose of snow on Sunday. I got a blast of hail then about 15 mins of snow...just perfect. Spring is tomorrow!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Ocean Respect - March 10, Monterey Bay
Nothing compares with paddling in the ocean. Paddling in Monterey Bay, just you, a plastic boat and a paddle...so empowering, life affirming...freakin amazing!!
Our paddling group of 22 headed over to the coast for a Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough weekend. The weather gods were kind to us with mild 50's weather and peaks of sunshine.
This was only my second time doing a surf entry and exit. What fun. Catch the wave...paddle like hell, get beyond the break. I got wet crashing through the surf but I had the right gear and stayed warm and dry the whole trip. Landing through the surf was even more fun...ride it in...get up and out fast. (need to practice that get up fast part!)
We launched at the municipal beach and headed up the coast with the goal of landing at Lovers Point. As we rounded the point just past the Aquarium big water hit. The sea got angry and the swells got bigger. We knew landing through the rougher surf at Lovers Point would likely toss a few of us in the drink. So we opted to head back out to slightly calmer waters.
I got a big kick out of being the one out in the water looking back at the folks lining the outside walkways at Monterey Bay Aquarium. I remembered the time years ago standing there, eyeing some kayakers and wishing I was out on the water with them...and now I am!...WHOHOOO.
We headed back in around the docks and found a small beach area for lunch. It also afforded a great view of a dock full of seals lazing, playing and swimming.
Sunday we hit Elkhorn Slough. There were about 4 times the number of seals crowding the dock there. These guys gave us a great show jumping and diving all around us. The Slough had otters and pelicans in addition to all the seals....and pretty flat water.
Paddling On....
Our paddling group of 22 headed over to the coast for a Monterey Bay and Elkhorn Slough weekend. The weather gods were kind to us with mild 50's weather and peaks of sunshine.
This was only my second time doing a surf entry and exit. What fun. Catch the wave...paddle like hell, get beyond the break. I got wet crashing through the surf but I had the right gear and stayed warm and dry the whole trip. Landing through the surf was even more fun...ride it in...get up and out fast. (need to practice that get up fast part!)
We launched at the municipal beach and headed up the coast with the goal of landing at Lovers Point. As we rounded the point just past the Aquarium big water hit. The sea got angry and the swells got bigger. We knew landing through the rougher surf at Lovers Point would likely toss a few of us in the drink. So we opted to head back out to slightly calmer waters.
I got a big kick out of being the one out in the water looking back at the folks lining the outside walkways at Monterey Bay Aquarium. I remembered the time years ago standing there, eyeing some kayakers and wishing I was out on the water with them...and now I am!...WHOHOOO.
We headed back in around the docks and found a small beach area for lunch. It also afforded a great view of a dock full of seals lazing, playing and swimming.
Sunday we hit Elkhorn Slough. There were about 4 times the number of seals crowding the dock there. These guys gave us a great show jumping and diving all around us. The Slough had otters and pelicans in addition to all the seals....and pretty flat water.
Paddling On....
Sunday, March 4, 2012
After a grueling week being tied to the computer and phone it was pure joy to get outside today and PLAY! Our group of eight headed out to the lake for some good exercise and fun. Next weekend is Monterey! Whohooo...Ocean, otters, seals, pelicans and maybe....whales.
Our plan was to get some exercise and perhaps test out our cold weather gear...but it was 70 today...glorious, life changing, sunshine. The lake was flat and calm, no current at all.
Last week the wind was kicking up white caps out there. I had some great fun playing in the rough water, but today it was like the middle of summer. This way too dry winter will come back to haunt us in August when we run out of water.
We sure live in a great area. This weekend, friends went skiing on fresh snow, some went snow shoeing, others went hiking and I even saw some water skiers on the big lake...all in March.
Here's hoping the nice weather holds out for our coast trip next weekend.
Paddling on...
Our plan was to get some exercise and perhaps test out our cold weather gear...but it was 70 today...glorious, life changing, sunshine. The lake was flat and calm, no current at all.
Last week the wind was kicking up white caps out there. I had some great fun playing in the rough water, but today it was like the middle of summer. This way too dry winter will come back to haunt us in August when we run out of water.
We sure live in a great area. This weekend, friends went skiing on fresh snow, some went snow shoeing, others went hiking and I even saw some water skiers on the big lake...all in March.
Here's hoping the nice weather holds out for our coast trip next weekend.
Paddling on...
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