(Posted earlier today on NYCkayaker.) B When I had inquired last year about paddling on the Delaware shore, I received a reply about b dumpers.b B The surf then was indeed rough, so I abstained. B This year, I found a sanctioned kayak launch just north of the townbs center (N 38 deg, 32.6 min & W 75 deg, 3.6 min), and last Friday (8/20/10), the waves were one to two feet-high, which was relatively calm when compared to earlier in the week.B I paddled easily through the surf, and headed south, towards the high-rise towers of the Sea Colony resort.B As the sunrise burned off the morning fog, I paddled farther from the shore, hoping to sight one or two dolphins from the cockpit of my kayak in the deeper waters. B Instead, some of my relatives, who were vacationing with me, spotted me as they walked on the beach, and they waved their arms.B I returned their greetings, slightly disappointed that I could do no better than spot a few humans whom I could otherwise see -- at home, upon demand.B But at least I witnessed a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic. B After a half hour, I stopped for a drink of water.B Then I heard what sounded like a bit of a splash from behind me.B I turned and saw a slight swirl of water, as the kind you might see near the submerged rocks in the shallow parts of the Long Island Soundb&but there were no rocks here!B Then, about 30 feet to my right and front, a dorsal fin and arched back briefly emerged from the water, followed by another.B Thrilled to have achieved my modest goal, I raised both arms and cheered before heading in that direction.B B Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by a pod of bottlenose dolphins.B Most of them came from behind as I paddled, announced by the loud puffs of air they exhaled while emerging from the ocean.B I witnessed four breaching the waters in synch, followed immediately by another four.B Individually, dolphins emerged from both sides of my kayak, near the stern, almost within the range of my extended paddle.B Each time they emerged, I could see their large, dark eyes focusing on me, checking me out as it were.B I was thrilled. B When I paddled backwards to get a better look, they figured out my plan and dispersed, as if they knew my face.B I turned around to paddle normally, and found a curious exception, who headed towards me from about ten to 15 feet away.B Maybe he thought I was still paddling backwards. B Wasnbt I scared?B These massive creatures could have easily knocked me over.B But they were amazingly beautiful with their shiny, grey skin, and they maneuvered through the water gracefully. Their large eyes and slight smiles gave a friendly appearance.B And they demonstrated a playful nature:B one jumped out and slapped the water with his tail, then repeated himself.B Another jumped straight up, completely out of the water, and landed in a huge splash.B I felt like I was in the middle of a dolphin show at the aquarium, but these performers were happily at home.B A few came close enough that I could see scratch marks on their skin, or a small tear at the back of a dorsal fin.B And when they emerged from the water for air, their movement seemed to take place in slow motion. B This must have lasted for about another half hour or so before I decided it was time to head back.B (No surf landings were allowed after 10:00am, and I hadB other obligations.)B Sorry, no photos.B I donbt have a water-resistant camera, and I find it hard enough to keep track of safety gear for paddling solo in the ocean. B Happy kayaking, B Emile *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Emile Zen <emilezen_at_yahoo.com> wrote: > (Posted earlier today on NYCkayaker.) > Sounds like a wonderful trip. No surf landings after 10am??? Interesting rule. Glad you had fun. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.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/ ***************************************************************************
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