Everyone was on time--that's a novel concept, and after a short briefing, we launched right at 8:30. The wind was blowing fairly well when we launched and the air temperature was a little cool. However, once we got off of the beach and started moving, we all warmed up.

While paddling, we heard the Coast Guard asking for assistance because they received a report of a red flare 1 mile from Emma Woods State Park in Ventura. This was only a few miles from where we were. Then the reports kept being repeated and 3 white flares were also seen. Unfortunately, we did not hear if they ever found whoever was shooting the flares.

We did have some interesting sea lions surfacing right in front of our bows. It seemed like they were trying to play chicken with us because they would come up about a foot from your boat and then dive again. They also seemed to be herding fish to the end of the harbor---who says sea lions aren't smart.

We could not do a full loop of the harbor because the tide was so high that none of the boats could fit under the bridge, so we paddled back the way we came. Carol led the group back because she knows the harbor better than anybody else and everything looks completely different in the dark.

After we landed, several of us went out for dinner while the smarter ones drove home and went to bed. Those of us who went to dinner didn't get home until 12 - 12;30 and had to be back out for a 0900 launch for our practice session.

Anyway, a great time was had by all, and we'll be doing it again real soon.

    Steve Holtzman

LAUNCH LOCATION
Exit Victoria South (left) - towards beaches Cross - Channel Islands Blvd, continue south for 1 mile. The Beach is just past the Coast Guard Station on the right side. Look for the skinny, colorful boats on the beach.

View Map.
View picture of the pond and Channel Islands Harbor.