Haskell's/El Capitan
Just another awesome day!
I knew my mastery of large group paddle coordinating had begun to blossom when
it all came together and we formed on the shores of Haskell's beach. -Ha!
...
The three of us were looking at the 2' surf on a gloomy Sunday morning but I
was certain the skies wouldn't dictate the mood on the water.
Wanting a lower impact paddle, Laura decided to launch at El Capitan and run the
one way return trip so Cathy and I geared up and headed out over the small wind
chop and swells coming at us.
This was my first visit to this stretch of coastline and I'm sure it's not my
last. The whole area is dotted with kelp beds, curious sealions, seals spying
from the thick kelp and dolphins. I took special note of the massive kelpbed
around the Naples point and as we stopped for a munchies break, I pulled out
my mask and laid across the boat, looking at the ocean floor 20' down. The
water was cloudy and chilly but would have made for a very nice dive.
Another time, another story...
2 hours and 10 minutes later, we arrived at El Capitan to find the surf was
twice as big as our launch site but we managed to land gracefully in the 3'
breakers without taking out any bathers. The chips and salsa came out, along
with the leftover doughnuts for a quick break as Laura joined us on the
beach. (I don't know if it was the salsa or the doughnuts but they didn't seem to go
at all well with each other.)
A quick launch and we were off again. The mild wind had died and the swells
were calm and glassy for the ride back. The kelp stood straight up and at
times you could spot the fish below from atop the boat. We stayed to the
edges of the big kelp beds and found ourselves, at times, 200+ yards off shore
but in only 5' of water. The seagrass was the clue that made me take a depth
measurement with the paddle. From the outside of the kelp, we spotted a group/ton/
about 20 seals on shore and moved in to take a little closer look. They
didn't let us get close at all (200 yards) before they started to mobilize,
heading for the water. We didn't go any closer and they seemed to settle down again.
After we beached back at Haskell's, The coals were started and we changed in
to dry clothes for the BBQ. The fruit salad, drinks and munchies were all
good. The kabobs were okay, but I think a little more practice wouldn't hurt.
Before the boats were off the sand I was already thinking of a more extended
multiday trip along this type of coastline. (Know a good one ?) The natural
tar seepage in the area was at a minimum but we all seemed to have a few spots
to clean up when we got home.
We never did see the sun break through the clouds but it was anything but a
gloomy day and as the last of the cars were packed up, the moon was glowing
through the same clouds.
Ralph Pierson
Submitted on May 28, 2001