55+ Paddlers	White Rock	Avila	Shell Beach	Dinosaur Cave
Going In	Inside Dinosaur	Coming Out	Dinosaur Cave	Avila Caves
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Almost immediately we came upon caves and beautiful rock gardens. Almost everyone paddled in or around these spectacular rock formations that were weathered by years of ocean surf pounding against them. Harbor seals, Sea Otter and dolphins were all spotted all along our paddle route. We paddled further south past Pirates Cove which is a clothing optional beach nestled into a very pretty cove. There was a large private tall old sailing ship anchored there and made for a surprising sight. We paddled a couple miles further and a few of the intermediate paddler fell off and paddled back to Olde Port in Avila. We hit Shell Beach and quite a few of our paddlers made a beach landing there to take a break. The rest of us paddled around the point and found a small protected cove to land in and take a water and snack break. We launched and paddled the next mile to the Dinosaur Caves. These are very large caves that have three entries and exits. Even though there are rocks submerged in the shallow waters inside the cave, I paddled my 18'10" glass Current Design inside. I had paddled this cave a couple times before and felt I remembered the route I needed to paddle so as not to scrap my baby up. I have pictures that I've taken from the outside of the cave but not any taken from the inside. I definitely wanted to get a couple of shots from inside this time. I was kind of proud of myself when I emerged from the cave and hadn't scraped one rock.

We paddled back to our launch site in several small groups. With all paddlers back on shore and safe, I joined quite a few that had gathered at the Avila Inn on the end of the pier in Olde Port. Bloody Marys and laughs were shared by all as we discussed the days paddle. Later that night, more laughs and drinks where shared along with a huge pot luck dinner at the three camp sites.

Sundays Friendship Paddle:

I had about half as many paddlers on Sunday as I did on Sat. However, I also picked up quite a few more paddlers to build the total number of paddlers taking part in the Friendship paddle to 75. This paddle was quite a bit more lose than the Sat. paddle plan. I knew the waters on the outside and around the point to the North were quite rough. Six of the more advanced paddlers wanted to paddle north and play in the chop, white caps and high swells. The remainder of us played and explored the rest of the harbor and a few paddled back down to Pirates Cove to play in the first group of caves and rock gardens. Duane Strosaker led the group on the outside to the north and was assisted by Anneli. Both are very strong and skilled paddlers and I had no worries about them. One paddler was rolled and did a wet exit. Anneli was right there and rafted up to stabilize his boat while he climbed back in. Several of the other paddlers then came over and they all assisted him pumping out his boat. Anneli informed me that the whole assisted rescue went very fast and smoothly. Anneli called me on the VHF to inform me that all were back in and safe. Paddlers sort of broke off to head for home at different times.

Was the largest paddle in Ca. history? I sort of doubt it to be honest, however, it certainly one of the largest I'm sure.

I would like to thank all the paddlers that drove such great distances to attend and make this year long dream of mine come true. My life has been truly enriched by meeting and paddling with all of you. Each and every one of us were able to develop new friendships with people from all over the state. Email addresses and phone numbers were being traded all over the place.

I would also like to thank all the paddlers that broke off from the long distance 12 mile paddle yesterday for assessing your own skill levels honestly. You guys really made my job and concerns much easier for being honest about not feeling up to 12 miles. I honestly thank all of you for that as that helped make the entire paddle much safer for all involved.

Mark Brodeur, President of CKF, thank you for attending and supporting this paddle. Your help in rallying your troops really made the Friendship Paddle a huge success.

Rob Mohle, President of SBKA, thank you for attending the Friendship Paddle and informing all the local San Luis Obispo folks about the paddle. I'd also like to thank you for autographing your book for everyone. It was great seeing and paddling with you again buddy.

Gordon Snap...What can I say my friend...Man the camp site, motel and local things to do, research you did was fantastic and shared with all the clubs in CA. Thank you so much for helping me put together the paddle plans Gordon. It was great seeing you and paddling together again too. Everybody had positive feedback about the entire weekend. Thanks so much Gordon as you played a huge part in making this paddle so successful.

I would also like to inform all the clubs that not one paddler veered off course to chase, harass, molest or bother any of the marine life we saw along the route. We didn't even see any nesting birds or foul of any type to disturb. Thank you for your concerns and I hope you'll feel comfortable joining in the paddle next year when CKF sponsors it.

To all of the 75 paddlers that took part in the Friendship Paddle, we did it and it was awesome folks. Thank you so much, I love each and every one of you.

    Gregg Remer