We were met by a pod of 6-8 dolphin heading the other way who seem totally oblivious to our presence. The shoreline disappeared as we continued on our way. We used our GPS' to direct ourselves in the proper direction. We met another pod of feeding dolphin who also ignored us, coming as close as 3' to one of the boats as if it wasn't there.

We arrived at Westward Beach, the west side of Point Dume in 1 hour and 20 minutes, a distance of 4.4 nautical miles on basically flat seas. As we passed the western end of Paradise Cove, we headed closer to shore thinking that maybe being a little closer to the surf zone would liven things up. We paddled through the swells having some fun sliding down the back sides after parallel riding of the crests. As the legend goes, out of nowhere appeared this huge swell which appeared to be going to break at our position. Almost in unison we turned into the swell and paddled like hell all of us punching through with but moments to spare with our bows crashing down on the down side just to be met with another, even larger swell threatening to break even further out. We all paddled hard to punch through that swell and the even larger one behind it with George becoming fully airborne as he came through the cresting/breaking wave. A little fun in the day's event, at least fun afterward.

After a non beaching snack break at Westward Beach we headed back. The fog has basically cleared but we still maintained our GPS routes, just for practice. None of us realized how much the current had slowed us down on the upside. Seemingly to paddle at about the same pace we were back at Dan Blocker at 1420. Less than an hour to make the 4.4 kn. return. Not bad!

It was a great day on the water--a seemingly easy paddle with a little excitement. Calm seas with easy surf launches and landings; great company with good conversation.

Below are pictures taken by Steve Holtzman as people were heading out on the paddle:

Click on picture to see larger image
Mike Brown	Why we launch here	Launch	Len launching	Ready to go

    Mike Brown