We headed out of the harbor and paddled Southeast towards the Hueneme Buoy so that we would have the wind on our backs when we returned - or so we thought. As we paddled out of the Harbor, there were occasional waves that broke over the breakwater and some good size surf at Hollywood Beach - but the ocean was actually fairly flat and calm. We were buzzed by a flight of about 6 - 7 terydactile looking pelicans that just skimmed over the water.

We all broke into smaller groups and some singles as we paddled towards the buoy. When we got there, several of us did some rolling practice in the cold water. Pyro Peter donned a mask and was watching the sea lions play. We then headed out towards the Hueneme Pier. We waited around there and several people did some more rolls. I finally broke the Greenland Paddle Voodoo and was able to complete a very sloppy roll with it. I'm sure when my new paddle arrives, it will be very easy to roll with. (gr). It was touch and go at the end and I felt like the boat sort of sat in that no-man's land where I wasn't sure if it was going to capsize again or finish right side up. Fortunately a very strong hip snap let me complete it to a round of applause from all except Peter.

He claimed he didn't see it and I should do it again. Because his attitude was so good, I gave him a Queen Ann Salute using just my hand and fingers instead of a paddle.

We then started paddling back towards the pond. George got there first and decided to join the board surfers in surfing. He caught a few waves, but the surf was pretty big and more suited to the boardies than us.

We then paddled back, found that Daddy-o's was closed for the holiday, and most of the guys wound up going to Baker's Square for some food.

It was a good day on the water and will probably be my last paddling day of 2004. Looking forward to paddling more with the Old Farts and some OF wannabes in 2005.

Steve Holtzman