It was a bit chilly and windy for a late July night, with the threat of a cloud cover. Fortunately, the wind gradually dissipated. The moon soon showed his shiny face over the silver waters, about 10 minutes late, due to clouds on the horizon. The clouds never conquered the whole sky and only served to better frame the lunar spectacle.

We split up into several groups, based upon abilities, social interaction and luck of the draw, stopping to attempt to gather the group periodically. We cruised up the East channel to the low bridge, which is rarely passable on a full moon high tide, tonight being no exception. Hostess Carol thought that Kayak Duck was on the menu for the evening and paddled through a group of adolescent quackers sizing them up for the wok! However, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, along w/ Daffy barely escaped w/their down intact.

Steve steered us into an obscure passage in the Channel Islands Marina, where he had arranged a surprise waterborne reception and drinks, hosted by local stockbroker and fellow Rotarian Steve Smith. (no relation?) and his wife, living aboard their boat for the weekend.

There was still a hint of the red tide, with bioluminescent wakes and paddle splashes punctuating the seascape. Egrets and pelicans flitted around in the night. At one point, an egret soared past me and upward, its long neck and wingspan silhouetted in the summer moon above.

Occasional boat traffic passed by, curiously eyeing the forest of glowing multicolored lightsticks in the darkness off their beams. A couple of the groups did get stopped by the Harbor Patrol and they asked the paddlers to turn on their white light

We paddled all the way to the North end of the harbor, exploring the new channels and dozens of waterfront homes under construction, savoring the delectable scent of fresh lumber in the humid sea air. While waiting for everyone to get back from exploring the new areas, some of us tried out each others' paddles, swapped stories, planned new outings and practiced maneuvers.

Coming back on the main channel is always the most scenic portion of the evening, The channel is widest, the waterfront homes most beautiful, the yachts the most lavish, the restaurants and yacht clubs the most festive, the moon in front, above and reflecting forever on the waters. I didn't see the usual sea lions cavorting, but others reported sightings. Small fish jumped, drawn by the magnetic attraction of the full moon.

On the home stretch, the commercial fishing boats and Coast Guard station lit our way like a beacon. Len, Lee and I came in together, to find John and his belle, Julie Anne, already unloading. Lee and I switched boats and went out for demos in the dark. I liked his Wilderness Systems Tempest 16. I think that there are only three Mayan Seas Performa kayaks in California. Two of them landed on the beach about that time, piloted by classic aircraft engine maintenance expert Chris Wood and future software magnate Allen Segal.

Afterward, ten of us were still sufficiently awake and motivated to gather at Baker's Square for coffee, snacks and even full feasts, for some. We ate and exchanged pleasantries until midnight, before making our ways back home.

Len thought that the past 2 full moon paddles have been a success and that Steve should continue with this monthly tradition. Steve thought it would be a good idea to do it monthly or at least every full moon. Perhaps next month we'll paddle the canals of Venice (CA).

Steve Pietrolungo

Just a brief note on last night's Blue Moon Paddle. About 16 boats and 17 paddlers attended. As we equipped our boats with light sticks, signed waivers and had our brief briefing, the sun sank behind the condos across the water from Kiddie Beach.

We all launched, and as usual, began our "grouping." Most paddlers opted to go to the small bridge (unpassable due to high tide), then after came around toward the back of the harbor. A few of us skipped the small bridge trek and headed straight for trip host Steve's friends' yacht, docked in the harbor. Nice folks, good beer. We hung out and chatted for a bit, before the rest of the group showed up. It was quite a scene, with 16 kayaks tightly bunched together at the back of this guy's boat. The sodas and beers made the rounds, and politics were "discussed."

We then continued on toward the back of the harbor. The night was amazing. We had the tide with us in both directions, the wind was minimal, and the moon did not disappoint. We also had some of that red tide phenomenon, which normally is sort of gross. At night, however, it created the most beautiful and bright bio-luminescence as our paddles disturbed the water.

This was my second full moon paddle with the group this month, and I am hooked. Thanks to all for a great time.

Here's some pictures by Kevin...

Click on image to see larger picture

Preparing 1	Preparing 2	Preparing 3
Preparing 4	Steve & Lee	Line of Bows
Blue Moon Kayaks	Briefing	Spaceman Len

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.

View Map
View picture of Channel Islands Harbor