When I got there, I found brilliant sunshine, balmy weather no gang, no surf and couldn't get John on his cell phone. So, I headed south to the Ventura Harbor launching ramp and set out from there at about 11:15. I haven't paddled that area much since I joined CKF/SBKA, although it used to be my base of operations when I kept my kayaks on my powerboat there. It's a nice little harbor with lots of working craft as well as pleasure boats and nice surrounding areas. I paddled north behind the breakwater and seaward into fairly stiff winds, but only 2' wind waves and 2' swells.

An interesting sailboat race was just starting up. There were lots of people out there who should not have been out there, unskilled, in unseaworthy craft. The Harbor Patrol folks earn their pay there. They deprive Darwin of his due. Kites were flying all along the coast, small planes flitted through the skies. An approaching train could be heard rumbling along inland. Gulls and pelicans dominated the rocks. Board surfers sat on their boards, waiting in vain for the perfect wave. Occasional kayakers paddled by, mostly on SOT's, past beach walkers and fisherpersons.

I was feeling a bit stale, so I just paddled offshore to the pier, then played in the surf on the way back. The wind was blowing up a bit and piling up the swells and wind waves some. That's a tricky stretch of coast, so you have to watch for the occasional thumper surprising you, by breaking farther out on the gradually sloping and varied bottom. It was fun to practice a few landings and launchings without constant high alert.

Coming back into the harbor, I intensively practiced braces, turns, bow rudders and draws, in the shallow, protected waters off Mothers' Beach. I had neglected doing that for too long. I had almost the entire beach to myself. I did high braces, on both sides, starting with an extended brace, then semi-extended, then normal paddle position, lying horizontal in the water, sculling. I did these repeatedly, then rested, did low braces, then paddled some more, practiced strokes, then repeated the brace drills until bored and tired. Jen Kleck would have been proud.

It was too nice to go home, so I paddled south along the coast, toward the Santa Clara River, then headed back inside, taking a tour of the harbor, practicing random braces along the way. Onlookers might have thought that I had an inner ear problem. Incredibly, no swimming was required all day.

It's fun to check out some of the beautiful, seaworthy craft in this harbor. There are many knowledgeable and exacting boat owners, commercial and recreational, who possess and refine fascinating vessels.

I ran into a few of my old dockmates at Ventura Isle Marina, including one aboard his rare twin to my old classic 48' Hatteras Long Range Cruiser. He maintains it nearly immaculately, but hasn't been out enough lately to make it worthwhile. I had the same problem, so now some poor guy is keeping it up in Long Beach, across from the Queen Mary.

After loading up my gear and changing, I went over to the dive shop to look at a winter wet suit, but I'll be darned if I'll tolerate one that zips up the back. I did the harbor walk, stopped off in a few other shops, then saddled up and headed home. Although I really missed the guys, it's nice to paddle solitarily and reflect, occasionally.

    George Miller

Submitted on November 03, 2002