Sky Painting

November 11, 2011
This time of year always brings amazing skies.  Storms rolling through always paint the sky with crazy clouds and color.  I will not bore you with my 500 cloud pics…well maybe just a few.
 
 

 
Good news, time change has me doing the 6am walk in light! Whoo hoo… Bad news, it has been in the mid 30’s…yikes…cold weather is definitely here.  
 
Dawn from the back deck

Tahoe Sky

 
So I know it is time to reevaluate my paddling apparel and plans for the colder weather.  This time of year not only means cold, it also means less paddling buds. So if I am going to be out on the colder water, by myself, I need to dress more appropriately and be better prepared for self-rescue.  I have to admit I have been lax in cold water prep.  Years ago I took the class and have done some refreshers, but I have not done much practice.  So next month we have some indoor pool time planned to practice self and assisted rescues.  If I am going to look like a floundering seal in the water at least it will be warm water, inside, and somewhat private.  
 
Seal - (not floundering)

 
Wednesday night California Canoe and Kayak (CCK) had the Kokatet rep in to talk to about layering and all the different options.  It was good info and I think I finally get the difference between wet suits and dry suits.   I realize I need to take a hard look at what kind of paddling I plan to do and then dress appropriately.  I admit it, my preferred attire is bathing suit…or tank and water shorts.  Yeah Sun! But those days are over for a while.  
 
I loved the time we got to spend in the ocean this year.  I plan to get to Monterey Bay, Mendocino and other coast spots as often as possible.  But living several hours away means I will be limited to my coastal adventures.  If I was closer I would invest in classes for Sea Kayaking and be wave surfing in no time…LOL, even I laugh at that one.  But even if I am only in the bays or protected headlands, the water is still Northern California COLD.  So I need to update my cold weather gear.
Mendocino

Some paddling pals did a last of year full moon paddle last night.  I declined as it was unfamiliar territory, in the dark, and getting colder.  Mentally I had finished with night paddles, but seeing the yak on my friend’s car gave me a twinge…I should have gone.  
 
They lucked out with a fairly warm night, beautiful sunset and orange moon.  I saw the sunset as I was leaving work and knew I was missing out.
 

If the rain holds off this weekend I will head out to the lake, test my paddling clothes for warmth and try out the new spray skirt I got for Tessie.  Yeah….winter…

Yosemite


I love this very short tween time, some of the leaves on the same branch have turned...others not.





Paddling On!