Many of you may remember my trip report from last year where I mentioned that Paula is my most expensive friend. My wife and I had bought new SOT's for the Anacapa trip last year (which didn't go) and then after spending the day with Paula and listening to her stories of Baja and seeing her pictures, we wound up booking a three day trip by air to Guerrero Negro ourselves.
Last year's virtual paddle cost me almost $3,000 to not go to Anacapa.
This year was a little better--Paula reminded all of us via email and phone to call Island Packers after 0530 this morning to confirm if the trip was going. Since it rained all day yesterday, I had not packed our 2 plastic Sot's and figured that if I really rushed this morning, I could get everything packed, loaded, etc. in 90 minutes and we would be on our way. I was really looking forward to paddling with this group. Although I have paddled sea caves elsewhere, I never did it at Anacapa. The only time I was at this island, I was too tired and sore from paddling to do anything besides collapse and take drugs to kill the pain.
I woke early this morning in anticipation of our trip - checked the NOAA weather site and found there were Small Craft Warnings posted. I hoped they just hadn't updated the web site yet. Then I ventured out to bring in the newspaper and realized there was a strong wind and a lot of water on the ground. Since I can't be accused of being a dummy, I did not start loading boats and let Robin continue to sleep.
Finally it was 0530 and I called--only to hear a recording tell me that all trips to the islands were canceled for Tuesday, April 15. Did planning a paddle on Tax Day have anything to do with this?
Well there went my plans for fun --so I got dressed and went to work.
This year's virtual paddle was a little cheaper than last year's. It only cost us a day's pay for Robin and a new underwater digital camera for me (still unused) this time.
I can't wait for next year's virtual paddle--I wonder how much it's going to cost me not to paddle then.
Steve Holtzman
Talking about that let down feeling.
I had an early date with this Anna babe. I mean she stood me up a few months ago but, she looked so good and her friend Paula told me how hot she was I just had to try again. This may sound silly, but, I could hardly sleep the night before and I spent some time getting ready. And then the same damn thing happened. She canceled. It must have been her time of the month again?
So after getting up at 5:30AM and really having that male feeling churning in the lower abdomen - you get the picture - I made the phone call and got that husky voice on the line telling me that Anna couldn't make it, "Try again some time" he advised.
Yeah right. So I took myself off to the gym and released my frustration by several hours of exercise and lots of swimming.
Unlike Patrick, I never heard any birds singing, though I felt like I had gotten the bird.
I guess it fitting that the Ann Cappa experience was a "Pass Over" at this time of year.
Disjointed,
Len Goodman