Oh yes, we did paddle some. We launched on to totally flat and boring water and started to paddle out of the harbor. That's when we saw our first and only sea life - a seal jumping around in the water.
Except for the good company, the paddle was just another paddle without thinking paddling day. Peter did have a little excitement as he was paddling in the surf zone along the coast. At one point, Skin Boat John and I watched him disappear behind the face of a dumping wave. We kept watching and finally saw him reappear in a broach position leaning onto a brace.
Instead of turning and heading out, we watched Peter land. We figured something was up when we saw him carrying both his normal paddle and his storm paddle in his hands. It seems that the force of the breaking wave had pulled out one of the leather pieces that holds his storm paddle in place.
John then landed to help fix it and Peter signaled he was OK. He then called on the radio to tell us to keep going and they would catch up.
Tim who had also stopped, and I then paddled to rejoin the rest of the group.
Over lunch, Sherry decided to sign up for the Power Strokes class that Jen Kleck is putting on for the CKF. We all tried to no avail to talk her out of it. If she gets any professional instruction on her stroke, the only ones who'll be able to keep up with her will be Henk and Speedo Miller.
After lunch we all headed back to our cars and the normal things that were awaiting us.
It was another fun lunch with a little bit of paddling thrown in.
Steve Holtzman
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. Park and unload your boat.
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Map
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picture of the pond and Channel Islands Harbor