Cabrillo Beach to Smugglers Cove
Happy Fourth of July to everyone. Yesterday 11 of us meet at Cabrillo beach for a round trip paddle to Smugglers cove, roughly 11 nm. Water conditions were perfect with no real wind and surf that was rarely over 1 foot. The air conditions left something to be desired though, it was cold and more like January than July at launch. The cold air didn't dampen our sprits as we headed down the coast in 2 groups, one paddling off the coast and another opting to play in the surf line and rocks. Since conditions were mild it allowed some of us with less rock garden expertise to play in areas that wound normally be more of a challenge than we would be willing to take on. A lot of fun.

We made good time down the coast and arrived at Smugglers in about 2 hours. After a good rest we headed back up the coast and again split into the normal two groups; the greyhounds (no pun to the gray hair that most of this group has - well what little hair they have is gray) and the tortoises, who enjoyed a more leisurely paddle. Finally the sun came out and we were having a great So Cal day.

Apparently I wasn't clear about the potluck so only a few folks brought food or drinks. Rather than go hungry most of us went to Baja Fish for a relaxing late lunch.

    Dave O'Connor

Directions to the launch are as follows: Directions: From the 405 Freeway, go south towards San Pedro on the 110 Freeway, which will end and becomes Gaffey, go left on 22nd Street, go right on Pacific Avenue, go left on 36th/Stephen White Street, go left into Cabrillo Park, and the beach we will be launching from is on the right.

Picture of Cabrillo Beach

Submitted on July 04, 2004