[Paddlewise] Marshall Islands

Hi ya'll,
	I just returned from a visit to my father's residence in Kwajalein atoll in
the Marshall's and i figured I'd try to cheer up everyones winter with a warm
weather trip recap.  Although my main goal out there was to do some serious
fishing, I stumbled upon an SOT kayak with paddle on a tiny island in the
atoll called Roi Namur.  The yak was sitting outside of a bar with a sign that
read something like "Parrotheads Paradise: This facility dedicated to the
island lifestyle and is part of an international campaign to raise awareness
of the relaxed attitude.  Please make full use of the facility and all of its
contents."  After reading the sign, I decided to take them up on it.  I
paddled out into the lagoon in the warm crystal clear water for a little
adventure, and found some pretty quick.  I saw a school of baitfish being
ripped to shreds by a school of Papillo (jack family) and crept over until i
was nearly on top of them.  I watched as the fish cruised around the school of
bait, herding them into a tight ball before making their attack.  I also
spotted a baby 2 ft grey reef shark cruising the reef looking for a snack.  I
paddled alongside a giant manta ray for a while, until it decided to shake me
and head out to deeper waters.  I also saw a couple of green sea turtles.
Then i played in the smaller surf for a while before returning the kayak to
the bar and to catch a plane back to my dad's island.  I had about two hours
of simply beautiful paddling in air temps about 85 and water temp around
82(?).  The fishing was also incredible (as well as the diving) but i guess
those stories would be better suited for another list.  I was out there for 2
weeks, when i left the states temps were in the 70's and i returned to find
them in the 20's.  Since i had on shorts and a tee shirt you can imagine the
curious looks i recieved in the airport.  If I can come across a scanner i may
list some pictures on the web for anyone who is curious.  I guess the place
has remained so beautiful only because tourism is forbidden, so dont bother
calling your travel agent.
happy new year,
Robin Lovelock
too cold in Mobile Alabama.
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