[Paddlewise] Day #11, Sunset at Doheny

2/07/08

Another slow start to the new month, but at least I picked a nice spot for
my first paddle of this February. My friend Steve Wilson and his wife Alice
were nice enough to share their campground right on the sand at Doheny
Beach, the only beachfront camping around. Duane Strosaker and Dave O'Connor
came as well and the four of us hit the water some time after 1pm.

There was no surf to speak of, but it was a beautiful warm day. We decided
our goal for the day would be San Clemente Pier, which was a bit difficult
to see in the haze down the coast. Steve had donned his jacket before
heading out and thinking that he must know what he's doing, I put on my wet
suit top as well. We both realized quickly we were over dressed for the heat
and stopped so Steve could take off his jacket. My top a little harder to
remove, I decided to just use Duane's bow to lean over and cool off. Duane
wasn't happy with my effort and scolded me into inverting completely, but
when I came up, I noticed my glasses making their way to the sea floor.  As
it is much more satisfying to blame Duane than to accept my own stupidity,
that is what I'll be doing for the next month!

We passed along all the houses that line the coast with a small rear
quartering sea as the only real excitement. We 'shot the pier' which seemed
deserted of any fisherman, although the scent of fish and chips seemed to
waft down to us in our boats. Steve and I had never been down south this far
in kayaks, so it was all new to us. We took a short break and decided to
head back to camp.

On the paddle home we had a light wind and the spray from the head sea to
cool us down. We all agreed there's not much more fun than plowing head long
through the sea. The wind made the trip home a bit longer and Steve and I
were glad to see the life guard stand that told us we were back. I got to
side surf a small wave to shore and we all headed for the camp fire.

Back at camp, we were glad to be joined by friends Ken and Barb--Ken making
his first ginger appearance after his bicycle accident. We plopped him down
in a chair and tried not to make him laugh to save him from the pain, a
difficult assignment with this group!!! Steve had a bit of trouble getting
the fire started and decided the best way would be to douse Dave with
lighter fluid. Luckily, Dave had no immediate source of ignition and we were
able to corral the fire in the general area of the fire pit. We fried big
fat weenies and ate pistachios and chocolate cake and enjoyed an unfettered
view of the sunset. Just another great day of kayaking and fun on a SoCal
winter's day.

Mark
www.sandmarks
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