[Paddlewise] Kayak Christmas Rockin' Eve

With the memories of the good times at San O from Christmas eve last year, it was
a bit of a let down at first to find the gates locked today due to the
rain. But Duane picked a great replacement spot that may have us
wondering where to go next year!

We ended up at San Clemente State Park where the tables overlooking the
cliffs above the ocean was a great spot for the massive breakfast fare.
Muffins, pancakes, mocha lattes, it was a feast that would have been
hard to pull off on the sand of San O. And when everyone was full, we
moved the caravan down to Calafia Beach to hit the very murky water.

I think we all knew we shouldn't be paddling in the dirty water, but the lure of even the
small waves was too great. We found what fun we could riding the small
shore break, with the only carnage coming as we landed on the a last
set. Duane had made a clean landing while I was riding one in. I got
broached, but instead of taking me straight in, the wave pushed me along
so that my bow came raking across Duane's stern and into his back. No
harm so no foul, but it must have looked nasty from the beach.

Next we brought out the guitars and retired to a small bluff to have
some fun. Steve's music brought a crowd around, including a couple park
rangers who stayed an made requests, a few of which Steve was able to
accommodate. Richard, Barb and I also added so tunes and it made for a
great morning.

Even with the last minute switcheroo, I think all will agree the morn
was a great success and the continuation of a nice tradition.

AND
Some may complain that as I was giving the privilege to edit Ken's Xeve
video that I only used a clip of ME! But I truly think this is the best
example of Ken's combined narration and new helmet-cam skills!



http://www.sandmarks.net/video/Xeve.wmv



Merry Christmas


Mark
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