[Paddlewise] Day #12, Whale sighting.

02/10/08

I don't know what it is about these warm winter days, they seem to cause
kayakers to sprout like the weeds in my back yard! Took my Euro and GP out
today to join Henry and Kathy for a leisurely paddle to Reef Point. On my
way to the CG station from my secret beach, I ran into Reid, a kayaker who
I've chatted online with, but had never met before. Running late and with
Henry beckoning me from the beach, I didn't have much time to chat, so hope
to run into him again some time.

At the CG beach I was surprised to find 11 kayakers ready to hit the water.
With such a group, you're so busy talking the harbor paddle seems to fly by
and  soon we were out in open water. We hugged the shore, some of us using
the calm conditions to paddle through the rocks and kelp beds. I started off
with my GP even though it's still waiting for its final carve down. I wanted
to get a feel for it around the rocks and took it for a spin through BAR.
Some of our group suggested I was a bit addicted to BAR and maybe it was
time for me to "just say no!" I just said no to them!

We meandered on to Reef Point where we discussed which of the rocks was the
'actual' reef rock. Without fanfare, we turned and headed home, a few out a
way from the shore and a few hardy souls next to shore hoping in vain for
some swells to roll on in. At one point I found myself in front of a pod of
dolphins heading my way and got the camera out for a quick shot. Another
return pass through BAR and soon I was out ahead of everyone and nearing the
jetty. I heard another spout and figured it was another dolphin, but the
brief glimpse I got made me wonder. I told everyone to keep their eyes open,
but they just thought I was on a BAR induced high and ignored me. But to
save my honor, the whale came up and gave us a couple more spouts and a nice
view before it dove again.

In the harbor, I sprinted ahead hoping to try at least one roll with the GP
without holding up the group. I took no time to get ready and my first
attempts to roll with this paddle ended up a bust. I took a nice refreshing
swim, did a reentry roll and continued on my way.

It was another beautiful day on the water improved by good company of the
human and marine variety.

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************