Calm seas. Cloudy skies. Brisk pace. No carnage. One DNF. Two Honey-do lists. Dana Point to Treasure Island and back. Sunday, February 13, 2005. 13 nautical miles. 15 regular miles. Two hours down. Two hours back. Two girls. Eight boys.

Great conditions for a paddle with the boys who included Dublin Dave, Duane, Henry, Ken, Victor, Brian, Joe, and Roger. Girls on the paddle again only included Kathy and Barb, wives of Henry and Ken, respectively.

We launched at 9:00 am from Baby Beach at Dana Point with Dave setting a brisk pace down the channel. As we rounded the end of the jetty we met choppy waves and 2 to 3 foot mixed swells. Brian led the pack to the rocks where Victor did a few turns in the crashing waves, then we coasted to the point below the Ritz Carlton for a brief regroup.

Soon, Joe and Roger turned around as they each had a long Honey-do list to complete. The rest of the group proceeded to Three Arch Bay where Duane took an official DNF (did not finish). There was mention that he had a cold, didn't feel well, and could barely get a breath but we suspect he couldn't handle the blistering pace the girls were setting. Duane beached at Three Arch Bay to recuperate before returning to Dana Point.

The group pushed on until Brian and Henry came to a complete stop as a pod of dolphins swam in front of, behind, and around them. Kathy sneaked by and made a beeline for the bay at Treasure Island. Ever the gentlemen, they let her stay out front to reach the bay first.

After a short break and many photo opportunities for Victor we launched back into the small surf. Victor recorded all our launches on his trick Sony camera as Ken and Dave assisted paddlers through the small but twisty surf.

Returning to Dana Point we again went through the kelp beds below the Ritz Carlton. As we were gathering for a last regroup, Barb noticed a pair of nude male kayakers on SOTs (sit on tops). No PFDs. No shirts. No shoes. On closer inspection we did see that they were wearing swimming trunks, but that's all.

We proceeded to the channel avoiding sailboats and fishing boats bearing down on us and landed back at Baby Beach by 1:30 pm.

After a quick clean-up and change of clothes Henry and Kathy, Ken and Barb, and Dave enjoyed a well deserved lunch at one of Dana Point Harbour's sidewalk cafes.

It was another great day for us paddling with the boys. Single and married, young and mature, the boys are very helpful and supportive and always willing to assist. So come on, girls, join us the next time for an ocean paddle with the boys.

Kathy Pilcher and Barb Tomita