Kiddee Beach
We met at Kiddee Beach in Channel Islands Harbor this morning.
13 paddlers
and 12 boats that wouldn't be dissuaded by a little rain and chilly weather.
Essentially these 13 paddler came from all over Southern California to gather and
enjoy a morning on the water together.
- Tim from Sunland
- Mike Brown from Van Nuys
- Anneli from LA
- Pamela from LA
- Barbara from LA
- John from Thousand Oaks
- James from Thousand Oaks
- Dianne from Ventura
- Pete from Oxnard
- Ralph from Ventura
- Mike Cory from Camarillo
- Gregg from Ventura
- One paddler that would rather not be identified
As we unloaded our gear it was pouring down rain. Pamela had called me at
7:00 from LA confirming that she would make the drive and attend the paddle.
She was late in arriving so Tim and I figured that anyone that would drive up
from LA in the pouring rain was worth waiting for. The rest of the group
launched and went ahead. We had decided against paddling to Gina today and I
knew the group was heading south towards Port Hueneme Harbor. Pamela arrived
and Tim and I helped her unload her gear and we were off to catch up with the
remaining 10 paddlers ahead of us.
The waters were really fairly flat with a slight wind blowing from the South.
We spotted the 10 bobbing heads about a mile and a half ahead of us out at
the 1 mile buoy by Port Hueneme Harbor. We could see them turning towards
Hueneme Pier and we finally caught up with them. As we past the 1 mile buoy,
there were perhaps 45 to 50 sea lions playing in the water. For some reason
I have yet to figure out, these sea lions were leaping and leaping in the air
like dolphins normally do. Pete and I have been there before and it's always
the same. Many sea lions all leaping and playing. Very curious and swim
right up to your boat.
Pete and John started practicing rolling while we were all grouped taking a
break at Hueneme Pier. John hasn't really been ocean paddling that long and
he has to be what I consider one of the most improved paddlers I've ever
seen. Pete actually practiced a wet exit and then an underwater wet reentry.
He then completed it with a roll with his boat full of water. Way to go
Pete, well done!
There are two tall sailing ships visiting Channel Islands Harbor this
weekend. As we were talking and taking our break at Hueneme Pier, we saw
them sail out of the harbor. They do this taking tourist on a boat ride and
then engage in a mock sea battle firing their cannons at one another. It was
great entertainment to watch these two old sailing ships fire their cannons
while broad side of one another. We would see the poufs of smoke and a few
seconds later hear the loud Kaboom of the cannons.
As we paddled back north, the rain started again. It rained on and off the
entire way back. It was a gorgeous way to paddle and we were all dressed for
the weather. My ears were getting a little cold though but that was about it.
We paddled back to the mouth of Channel Islands Harbor and locked our boats
together just riding the swells and enjoying the view of the Tall Ships still
doing their sea battle. Finally we decided that we were all hungry and
headed back into the harbor to our launch point. We loaded our gear and
headed to Bid Daddy O's for major food.
I had talked before with Anneli, Barbara, and Pamela via email. These were
three new ladies to our group. I have to admit that all three really paddle
very well and handled they're boats like pros. Anneli is even interested in
making one of my crossings with me this summer. Your more than welcomed to
go along Anneli as your a paddler lady.
Steve, we're sorry you had the cough cough, sneeze sneeze...Get well soon
buddy. Tracee, even though you were gone before I arrived, thank you very
much for leaving the plant for me. That was a very kind gesture and I
appreciate your thoughts.
Let's keep our paddles wet guys...
Gregg Remer
Submitted on February 18, 2001