[Paddlewise] Pier Pressure

http://www.sandmarks.net/PierPressure.html

Pier Pressure
I did something today that I've never done in a kayak before. It may shock
you. I headed north out of the harbor!!! That's right, all these years. The
north end is just beaches and houses, nothing to compare with the rocky
southern section. But I had a picture in mind
today, and besides it was so beautiful it didn't matter which direction you
headed.

When I hit the mouth of the harbor and started to head north, I felt a
little guilty. I took a glance to the south toward my usual route. The hills
and cliffs were as clear as a bell. Sorry old friend! The ocean today was
closer to what I usually expect for ocean paddling, confused and choppy. The
sky was filled with all manner of clouds. I passed by the ol' sand surfin'
site and kept paddling. The dark clouds that had been way off shore were
soon getting closer and I wondered what kind of weather I might be in for.

The plan was to head for the pier and hang out and wait for sunset. I guess
I didn't realize how early I had started, because when I got there, the sun
was still high in the sky. There wasn't even any real surf hitting the
beach, so I didn't have much to do but wait. No matter how long I stared at
the sun, it just didn't seem to move. Of course, when your bored and cold,
the only real thing to do is eat, so I got out my bag of peanuts and tried
to shell them as an increasing surf came my way.

I don't own a paddling jacket; haven't ever really felt the need to wear one
really, but I learned today that hangin' out for hours without really
paddling on a windy day can get a little chilly! The sun popped out of the
clouds once for a short time to warm me up, but when it left again it sent
more wind in its place. Finally, the sun had had enough started to sneak
away and I started taking some shots in earnest. But the sunset I was hoping
to see never really showed up; darn smog is never there when you need it.

I decided it was time to head home and started paddling gingerly. The wind
and sea had picked up and I had a steepening rear quartering sea to follow
me home. The light was starting to fade and I heard a sound I hadn't been
hearing for quite a while: the sound of cresting swells. I was glad I was at
least warming up as I battled the swells that shook me around a bit. As I
came nearer to the jetty, the swells became even more challenging. If it had
been a warm sunny day out with friends, it would have been a fun challenge,
but seeing as it was cold and Great White feeding time, it was a little
daunting. It felt good to make it to the mouth of the harbor.

Once inside the channel, I had the harbor pretty much to myself. Most of the
wispy sunset had faded and paddling in the dark was a real change with all
the lights that I never usually really notice: red right returning. My boat
seemed to fly through the harbor, as if only my paddle blades were touching
the water. I could see no wake coming from my bow. I had started the day a
little before 3 and hit the beach at 6:45. I didn't get the picture I
wanted; had to settle for these.
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