Full Moon Paddle
The full moon lured 20 kayaks and 21 paddlers out to Channel Islands Harbor for a paddle under the stars and the moon. The large group ranged from the very experienced to first timers with closed and SOT boats along with a double SOT. Here's my attempt to list all 21 paddlers (I apologize if your name was left off) Len, Paula, George, Carol, Jennifer, Jay, Allen, Steve, Kevin, Pat, Jerry, Gail, Chris, Curt, Sherry, Chris and his wife, and two paddlers from across the "pond" - Croatia and Germany, joined their host family (Jerry and Gail). (I'm told that these two might be the record for distance traveled to join a CKF paddle.)

As we were attaching light sticks to our boats we were treated to an awesome sunset (see Paula's pictures below). After going over the debriefing we pulled out just a few minutes after 8:30pm. With the large group it was decided that we would try to stay in groups of four, Steve and Len offered to stay in the rear and be the sweeper. The moon did give us a treat when it rose above the horizon, but shortly after the coastal clouds hid it. For many of us, it was the first time to see the new addition of the harbor. The high tide prevented us to go under the bridge, but the evening air was perfect so no minded going back around.

Of course seeing the harbor at night is always a thrill, and with the occasional fireworks displays in the skies provided us with an extra bonus. The nightlife (both on the seas and on the docks) were relatively quiet, though 1 or 2 harbor seals were spotted.

The biggest topic of discussion was what was the protocol on light sticks and white lights. Opinions were many, but in the end we all returned safely. I think I paddled back onto Kiddie Beach at 10:30pm and after loading up many of us went to Baker's Square for cup of coffee and pie.

July has a Blue Moon, so don't fret if you missed this one, you can paddle away your "blues" on the next one (tentatively, July 30th)!

Special thanks to Paula and Steve H for helping me organize my first hosting!

Steve Pietrolungo

Here's some pictures by Paula Chavez...

Click on image to see larger picture
Attaching light stick
Sunset
Orientation
Len lit up
Night on the water

Directions:
Take the 101 Freeway to Victoria. Exit Victoria and go South (or West) towards the ocean. STAY ON VICTORIA. There are signs for Ventura Harbor that will tell you to turn---that's the wrong harbor.

Go about 5 miles on Victoria and you will see Port Hueneme Naval base on your left. Keep going straight past the marinas on your right. Slow down when you see the Coast Guard & Harbor Master Buildings on your right. There is a curved parking lot on your right - that is Kiddie Beach. Park and unload your boat.

BTW, the sandy spot right next to the CG building is Hobie Beach and that is where we launch during the summer when Kiddie Beach is a swimmers beach.

View Map
View picture of Channel Islands Harbor

Submitted on July 03, 2004