The second group of two, an "older" couple beautiful perception touring boats took off after them but at a much slower pace reaching smugglers cove where they beached and enjoyed a bit of sun and rest. The "older" designation is not meant to demean their skills or ability as that was not, is not, an issue--only that they belong to my "over 60" group classification of paddlers.

Two of us immediately headed for the rock gardens. The tide was out and the surf wasn't very high so a lot of stuff was just not doable. We did go in and out of some pools, backed into depressions in the bluff to play in the reflux. As we headed up the coast the swells picked up in places to bring us over some rock shelves but then we had to wait for another large swell to come in and reflect out for us to get out. Occasionally we would be hit by a wave from nowhere. Both of paddling Looksha Sports were very happy that these boats turn so well and so quickly--it almost made the gardens boring!!! Almost--almost is not quite. Without the local "garden club" to lead us into places we didn't know very well we were slow and cautious in our approach.

It took us about 2 hours to make it to Abalone Cove. All the other group were long since out of sight.

We landed for a bit of rest and some energy replacement.

I led the way in. It looked like a good place to land until I got almost to the shore and found a solid rock wall hidden by the surf just before the beach. I was already pretty much committed and I was coming in between the larger sets so I back paddled a bit until the beginning of next set and took the sell right over reef and onto the steep beach.

My partner, on the other hand, seeing the reef at the same time I did was able to redirect his boat to a break in the reef. As he came in one of the larger waves of the set brought him to a beautiful side surf-broach and sideways up onto the beach.

After a short rest we launched through the hole in the reef without incident between sets. We paddled back to Cabrillo. By this time the tide was in and the rock gardens were very much under water, besides, we were getting a little tired. The wind was beginning to pick up and that last 1/2 mile seemed very long.

We landed on Cabrillo between sets of children without incident and waited for the next 2 groups, about 30 and 45 minutes later. We sat down and enjoyed fresh salsa, fresh veggies, bread and cheese. Another great day on the water.

Directions: From the 405 Freeway, go south towards San Pedro on the 110 Freeway, which will end and becomes Gaffey, go left on 22nd Street, go right on Pacific Avenue, go left on 36th/ Stephen White Street, go left into Cabrillo Park, and the beach we will be launching from is on the right.

    Mike Brown