Hot August Night Full Moon Paddle
See Kevin and Terry's pictures.
Wow, what a turnout, there were 19 paddlers and one canine passenger (which stole the show!). It was great see many old friends and to make some new acquaintances. Paddlers included Jerry and Gail G, Chris M. Chris W, Winifred K, Marlene F, Terry V, Pat and Vicki M (and their pooch), Tim W, George and Carol M, Len and Madeline G, Steve H and Robin, George K, and our photographer, Kevin H.

Ventura Harbor provided us with an awesome backdrop for the 5:00pm potluck. There was plenty of food from grilled hot dogs to gooey homemade brownies, salads, and even kraut for the dogs! No one left the buffet hungry. I was expecting to hear more debate on the last thread, Call of the Wild, but the conversations centered around summers kayak experiences, and fall job outlooks (especially for the 5 educators in the group).

By 7:00pm, everyone was beginning to hear the ocean call out for them and by 7:20pm the group was assembled in the harbor, just outside the boat launch area. It was decided (ok, I was the host, so I decided), to paddle out to the front breakwater and check out the pond. By the time we arrived to the "pond" the moon was in its full glory in the sky's civil twilight. The 97% full moon illuminated our paddle for the rest of the evening.

From the pond, we paddled through the three keys on the north end of the harbor admiring the homes and the docked yachts. Numerous blue herons were spotted gliding through the darken sky, silhouetted by the moon and there was the occasional parties providing us with the marina's night time "wild life". It was commented that the steady stream of paddlers with their colorful light sticks and flashing armbands, and small chatter, provided an atmosphere similar to that of the inside of Disney's, Pirate's of the Caribbean ride - read the words to our theme song below.

From the keys, most of the group headed back south to the boat marina and the small shops. It must have been feeding time, since we were greeted by thousands of seagulls all saying, "mine". Before we knew it, we had paddled for over 2hrs and decided it was time to bring the 'yaks to shore.

All in all it was a great paddle, we had both experienced kayakers to a few newbies, from closed deck boats to sit on tops. If you missed this paddle, don't worry, 'cause the moon will be full in another 28 days and I promise that we'll have another Full Moon Paddle in September!

Steve Pietrolungo

Yo Ho, Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me)

We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We extort, we pilfer, we filch and sack.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
Maraud and embezzle and even hijack.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We kindle and char, inflame and ignite.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We burn up the city, we're really a fright.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We're rascals, scoundrels, villans and knaves.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
We're devils and black sheep, really bad eggs!
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

We're beggars and blighters and ne'er-do-well cads.
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!
Aye! But we're loved by our mommies and dads!
Drink up me 'earties, Yo Ho!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.
Yo Ho, Yo Ho! A pirate's life for me.

Submitted on August 29, 2004