A gaggle of CKF'ers, consisting of 16 members went in search of pods of pinnipeds on Friday, January 24th. The gaggle consisted of:

Len Goodman
Paula Chavez
Sheila Kennedy
Bob & Marilyn Cody
Steve and Robin Holtzman
Joe Swinsick-new member
Terry V.
Marlene Fode-new member
Lee Hyde
Kathleen Mitchell-new member
John & Pam Peterson-maybe new members
George Kulakowski
Winnie Kummer

We all set out for San Simeon at different times on Friday and went to one of two campsites. Campsite A was for the diehard "sleep in the woods" fans while those of us with more common sense stayed at Campsite B (we really did rough it as there was no room service at the Motel 6).

After working all day and then driving for four or so hours, most of us turned in early on Friday night. Paula and Len had checked out the surf conditions because the "protected beach" where we were going to launch from was covered with elephant seals and babies. They found that the surf was 10 - 12 feet and the beaches we could get to, were covered with sharp rocks in the water. Not a good place to launch.

That evening, there were hor d'ouvers and Paula's famous margaritas at the campsite.

Because of the surf on Saturday morning, we opted to view the seals on foot from the viewing area. This turned out to be a good thing because we were closer than we could have gotten in our kayaks. There was a line of breaking waves that extended ¼ mile out and we would not have been able to see very much.

After spending a couple of hours watching the seals mate, give birth, and play, we drove back to Campsite A for our lunches. The entire group then caravanned to Morro Bay to paddle.

George Kulakowski, John Peterson, and I stayed on the beach to make sure that everyone launched without a problem while Lee Hyde and Len Goodman led the group out. As I finally got out and tried to catch up with Robin, I noticed many paddlers paddling at a furious pace back to the calmer waters where we launched. Several of them shouted that it was too rough for them and Lee Hyde stopped me to say he was going to stay and watch over them. I finally caught up to Robin and noticed that there was eight foot breaking waves at the entrance to the harbor. The Coast Guard had a 47 footer stationed there that was escorting fishing boats in and out of the harbor between sets of waves.

All of us opted to paddle back to where the others went. We paddled for several hours and observed many different types of birds. John Peterson and I noticed that some people really can't paddle and talk at the same time. While we were waiting for our wives to catch up to us---we would see each of them stop paddling while the other one would start up and vice versa. As they got closer, we noticed that if their mouths were moving, their paddles weren't.---There was a lot of good natured kidding about this going on. Is this a male-female thing or what?

When the four of us arrived back at the beach, the rest of the paddlers were waiting to help us load boats. One of the nice things about the members of our club is that they don't ever leave anybody to load or unload anything by themselves.

The Peterson's and Holtzman's then headed for home since neither couple was able to spend another night away from home. The rest of the group went back to Campsite A where George K cooked some of his famous authentic Boston Clam Chowder (or at least as authentic as you can get with Pacific NW clams from Paula's brother).

On Sunday, some of the group went to Cambria to shop, others went hiking, and Paula and Sheila went back to the beach to watch the pinnipeds again.

Even if we hadn't been able to paddle on Saturday, this would have been a phun trip. Just seeing those phantasic pinnipeds was worth it.

Thanks to both Paula Chavez and Len Goodman for organizing this trip. A phun time was had by all.

    Steve Holtzman

This report isn’t so much about the paddle part, as it is about my first encounter with the CKF paddlers and the unknown.

I have been a member for over a year and I've never been on a paddle with any of the other members. The reason, I'm inexperienced at paddling and don't want to look dumb in front of all the pros. That's it.

My friend Marlene joined CKF just to take this trip and keep me company. We'd get through it together. If the other people weren't nice, we'd go paddle by ourselves and never go with them again.

The drive up was absolutely beautiful. The coast was clear, bright, sunny, and warm. The waves were breaking in sets of 6 or 7. The waves were huge. The spray off the back shown and sparkled with the sun so bright.

We left Ventura just after 9 a.m. on Friday. She drove her van and I was in my 4-Runner. We got as far a Buellton and stopped for a diet coke and potty break. We were communicating using our walkie-talkies. Those things are so cool. Our excitement was building; we are on a camping trip. Camping is great. We left our husbands and kids at home; another plus.

We neared the campground and from the road we could see several vehicles with kayaks on top. That must be "them." What would happen?

We pulled into the group camp area. I recognized Len from a meeting I had attended at least 9 months ago. In a matter of moments everyone was greeting us and introductions were made. Seemed like a nice group. So far so good.

At 5ish we started happy hour. Everyone brought out snacks. Shrimp, veggies, cheese and crackers. We all nibbled, sat around the fire and chatted. I can't remember how many or who was sitting around that fire, but we were all old friends telling tall tales of adventures in our kayaks. I definitely felt comfortable with my new acquaintances. But, would I be laughed out of the group because I couldn't paddle right?

The elders (I call 'em elders out of respect, not because of age) decided we would not paddle right out in the ocean. The wind and waves would prohibit a safe and comfortable launch and trip. We'd go down to Morro Bay and paddle there.

Saturday we all got up and ate breakfast. First, we all drove up, car pool style and looked at the elephant seals. There were literally, TONS of moms, pups, and bulls. We all watched the animals for about an hour and a half. We saw at least two being born. The seagulls gather very quickly after the birth of a pup and fight over the afterbirth. They eat it. It's a tugfest for the bloody membrane. EEEWWW! But, ever so fascinating.

We all met back at camp at 11 and ate a quick lunch. Loaded our stuff and went to Morro Bay. The moment of truth was upon us. We put in on a small sandy beach and started paddling towards the jetty. The stronger and more experienced paddlers were in the lead. We newbies stayed to the back of the pack. A couple of experienced paddlers stayed with us keeping a close eye on our progress.

A small group decided to go further into the mouth of the bay than I was comfortable with, so I stopped and watched them go. One of the guys with lots of hours behind the paddle stayed with us newbies. We turned around and paddled back towards calmer waters. We paddled around looking at the sea otters, birds, and other sights. The wind was wicked, and the harbor was choppy.

Paddling against the wind was a challenge. It was quite a headwind. I tucked my head down, looked at my spray skirt, and paddled hard. The waves were breaking over the front of my boat and splashing me in the face. This hobby ROCKS!

The men and women who were more skilled were full of advice and tips for all of the beginners. There were no ego trips. No one looked down on us for our lack of ability. Everyone treated us so well, and was very helpful. My friend and I weren't the only beginners. There were a couple others.

I appreciated the advice and won't soon forget the help.

Paddled and whatnot until about 4:30. Went back to camp, showered, and got ready for the potluck. There were ribs, chili, fajitas, shrimp, clam chowder, chicken, salad, cookies, and ollalaberry pie. There is no shortage of good food with this group.

Around the fire that night you could see our breath. The fireside chat was great. We had such a good day on the water. Those of us that are new to the crowd remarked many times that we were so comfortable and that the club members we met this weekend were such a great group. Warm fuzzies all around.

Sunday, Paula sliced large rolls left over from the night before and made French toast served with jam, jelly or syrup. Marilyn made fresh squeezed orange juice. Oh my.

We all got ready to leave. There were quick photos taken, hugs shared, and phone numbers and e-mail addresses exchanged, along with promises of paddles to come.

I'm glad I got off the couch and joined in. I'm looking forward to getting together for another paddle. Be it an impromptu or planned paddle. All you folks that have joined the club and still sit on the sidelines, for whatever reason, come on, let's paddle! I bet you will have a great time too!

And just for the sake of all those worried about safety gear, here is my disclaimer:

As individuals, we held no one responsible for our safety. Everyone wore spray skirts, PFDs, had emergency supplies such as bilge pumps, paddle floats, spare paddles, bandages, goggles, umbrellas, rain slickers, steel-toed boots, and spf 45 lip balm. Some even had fire extinguishers, hazmat suits, and welder’s goggles.

Paddle on.

    Terry V.

This part of the coastline has become very popular for viewing these magnificent mammals and "The Friends of the Elephant Seals" a nonprofit organization works to protect the colony and educate the public. For more information you can call them at 805-924-1628 or go to their website www.elephantseal.org

Pictures by Steve Holtzman - Click on image to see larger picture
Briefing	Campsite A	Campsite B	Pinniped 1
Pinniped 2	Pinniped 3	Pinniped 4	Pinniped 5
Pinniped 6	Pinniped 7	Pinniped 8

Pictures by Paula Chavez - Click on image to see larger picture
CKF at San Simeon	Courting	Bull shows dominance	Adult female face
Baby face	No putins here	Charging Bull	Moms teach sparring
Mom and Newborn	George & Winnie	Pam & John	Warning sign
CKF with Friends of Elephant Seals	Putting in at Morro Bay	George & Winnie take a break	Bob cruzin
John	Kayaking buddies	Fearless leader Len	Marlene
Robin & Steve	Steve & Morro Rock	Kathleen