Instead of finding just Peter O'Sullivan and Mike Bode waiting for me, there was also Inez Hoffmann, Mike Brown, Mike Kory, and a new to me paddler, Brian.
The weather was cool, sunny, little or no wind, and a gentle 2 - 4 foot swell. Peter suggested we go to Gina since the conditions were so nice. We launched and waited at the end of the jetty for the stragglers to catch up. I used the time to remove my paddling jacket because I was already starting to get hot. Peter helped out by stowing it in my rear hatch for me.
We then paddled out and were immediately buzzed by two groups of about 15 pelicans flying in single file. It was a neat sight to see. We pretty much stayed together for the entire trip out to Gina. Then some of the group practiced some rolls in the VERY cold water. All who did were successful and nobody swam or needed help.
On the return trip, we broke into two groups of two and one of three. Mike Brown and Brian set off at a very fast pace and probably pulled about 1/2 mile in front of us. Mike was fighting off some sea sickness so he just went for it. Inez, Mike Kory and I were the middle pod of the three. At one point we felt that we must have targets painted on our foreheads. Two different boats, with an entire ocean to play in, came right for us at two different times. Both boats waited until the very last minute before turning. It seemed that no matter how we moved, they kept following us. This was a little unnerving in light of the fact that we had been listening to the CG talk to a boat that had some divers that were run over by a powerboat off of Cabrillo Beach.
Finally we were all back on shore. Average speed was about 3.5 knots including the time spent playing at the platform. This means that we were probably paddling at about a 4 knot pace for most of the trip.
Unfortunately, Daddy-O's was closed so we all opted for Burritos at Peppi's.
It had been quite a while since I had paddled with my first paddling buddy, Mike Brown, and it was really good to have him back out on the water with us.
Steve Holtzman
PS. Since Brian has confessed that he is eligible to wear a Tilley, he is welcome to join the Old Fart Follies.