[Paddlewise] Day #37, CKF Fest, Alamitos Bay, Belmont Shores

4/27/08

Had a great time at the CKF Fest on a very warm Sunday. I think it's safe to
say I had the guest who came farthest to visit, as Craig Jungers came with
me after heading down from Moses Lake Washington on Friday night! Things
started off well with the chance to see DeeAnn  Hess' home made Pygmy Tern.
And we got to celebrate her beautiful work with champagne. Sadly, I had to
go back for several refills with quite a few morning teetotalers refusing
France's Breakfast of Champions. Later it was especially nice to see the
folks helping out Bev as she tried out her new sit inside kayak. I'm glad to
report success on her first wet exit!

Craig and I got on the water and took a tour of the Naples canals. I got to
paddle his Mariner Coaster and he was in his Express. We passed several
stand up board paddlers, which I guess are still a rarity in the Moses Lake
neighborhood. After we made it back to the beach, Craig went off to mingle
and I got Peter O'Sullivan to stand by with a bow so I could try to roll the
Coaster. At a bit wider than my QCC, I was worried I'd have a bit of
trouble, but popped up real easy. Even went to a non-extended roll with no
trouble. Peter gave me a couple tips, but actually said my roll didn't look
horrible! Heady praise indeed! I was happy with my success and the chance
for some relief from the sun in the cool water. The Coaster was nimble and
fun to paddle and once getting past the narrow cockpit rim, I seemed to fit
fine!

We adjourned to the shade of my canopy for the rest of the festivities and
enjoyed the breeze that came through to cool us down as best it could. Of
course we were disappointed by the obviously rigged raffle that sent a poor
dejected Ken Fry home empty handed while most other folk tired of the
constant rising to collect their next prize!! After a while, I think the
collected UV exposure finally took its toll on the group and things folks
started to head off. Craig and I figured why not fit one more paddle in and
were joined by Bob McMurray and Dennis Hyndman for a nice leisurely stroll
around the harbor. It was a great time and Craig was impressed with all the
nice folk we have to share in our kayaking adventures.

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net

#
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