Eight boats were loaded on the trailer and our gear stored in the back of the van and we took off for an early dinner meeting our last paddler at the restaurant. Good and relatively inexpensive food and off to the Rose Garden Inn where most of us stayed. Up before dawn to meet the shuttle at Avila beach. We left our vehicles at the top of the ramp and we were driven to the launch site at Spooner Cove.

I might mention that we had been watching the weather forecasts all week. With a forecast for 20-30 kt winds and 5' seas with 2' wind waves we were skeptical about launching. The latest NOAA forecast--the night before--called for 15-25 kt winds and 4' swells and 1-2' wind waves. Upon exiting the van we were met with the first evidence of dawn, absolutely calms seas and not a breath of wind. The gods of wind and sea being with us we loaded and were fully launched by 0730.

As the world lightened we could see the beautiful coastline with rock formations, caves and arches. Five paddlers split off from the outside group to get a closer look at the wonderful rock formations while the rest continued down the coast on the outside. The first 7 miles of coast have no rival in Southern California, it being more like the La Bufadora area of Baja California except there were more caves and the surf less threatening here.

Though we didn't intend to do any true rock gardening we did go through a few passages. At one point we all got washed backwards through a crooked channel. Oh, well, I knew I shouldn't have taken my new Kevlar boat through there and now I have a little gel coat to repair on the bow where the rocks and the bottom of my boat kissed.

We are supposed keep a one mile security zone around the Diablo Nuclear Plant but it sort of snuck up on those of us paddling on the inside. Since there didn't seem to be any security forces or signs we just continued keep a wide path but definitely less than a mile. We were greeted with red light and sirens from the cliff when we were past the main intakes--20 or so minutes after entering the security zone--and loud speakers advising we were in a security zone. We paddled out of the area but were met with the Coast Guard a full mile down the coast who took our names and addresses.

The weather was great--overcast with a hint of sun. a mild breeze to our backs and a nice rolling swell to our right rear quarter. We split into several group of 2-4 kayakers. A few wanted to land, some were just a little slower in paddling and some that paddled on at a reasonable pace. The coast line here resembles the Santa Barbara area sans any homes and some of us were getting tired and thinking of a 3 hour drive home afterwards.

The scenic light house and seawall just after it. A spectacular view. As we rounded the sea wall we were finally met with a little wind and a cross current. That last little bit was the hardest paddling of the entire trip. We landed at the bottom of the ramp without incident. With all the sightseeing and the 1/2 hour delay due to the Coast Guard we were on the water just under five hours. While the pace may seem brisk it didn't seem to be that brisk while paddling.

All in all it was a great day on the water--not too hot, not too cold, calm wind and waters and beautiful scenery. We ended with one of the local paddlers breaking open a bottle of champagne, a verbal high five and a gulp was had by all.

My thanks to all those that participated to make this paddle a great success. My thanks to Paul at Central Coast Kayaks for all his courtesy and transportation.

    Mike Brown