But first there was the obligatory stop at the local yak shop, Monterey Bay Kayak. We have been in their store many times and have always been happy with their more than helpful approach to anything from gear to free advice regarding local conditions. Today was no exception. Since Barb did not own any cold water wear and was uncomfortable in paddling in 53 degree water should an unexpected swim occur, it was shopping time! After trying on half of the inventory, or so it seemed, she finally decided on the combination of NRS Hydroskin pants and an NRS Hydroskin short sleeved top. Richard bought a inflatable seat cushion for his Eclipse. We are now ready to paddle.
MBK is very generous to all paddlers, and make their facilities (sand wheeled kayak dollies, showers, boat washing racks, etc.) available to them. The beach in front of the shop offers an easy low surf entry. Waves break a little bigger on parts of the beach for those wishing to practice surf play.
Not wanting to put the new gear to the ultimate wet test, we pick our time between the small sets of waves and manage to enter the bay without incident. The pier that is on the immediate left as you paddle towards Fisherman's Wharf and the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a gathering place for sea lions. They have taken over the support beams and their loud ark-ark-arking is almost deafening. As we came to the end of the pier and rounded the corner, a fishing boat was just finishing offloading its catch and had tossed scraps into the water. The pelican feeding frenzy that followed was almost comical as we watched one bird quite literally steal a long piece of skin right out of the beak of one poor pelican before he had a chance to swallow it.
Next we headed toward the jetty where hundreds of sea lions were quite comfortably established. The noise was only excedded by the assault of their distinct habitat on our noses. We breathed a lot easier once pulling away from their area. The sea was relatively calm with gentle swells and a light headwind. We were nearing El Torito Restaurant on Cannery Row, where we've spent many happy hours (hic) when we looked ahead and saw a fog bank coming in. Not wanting to do a Helen Keller paddle, we reluctantly headed back.
We returned to the
harbor to view some boats and then paddled by the sea lions again, spending
more time to watch. Now came the test! Would we time the small surf right
and land on the beach without incident? I am happy to report that neither one
of us has earned the coveted Kelp Award yet. :)
Richard and Barbara Tieskoetter