We launched into 1 - 2' surf that became a multicolored flat ocean. There was a little haze so the water and the sky blended together and as one paddler described, it almost looked like a water color painting. The only way to see a horizon was when there was some kelp.

Immediately after launching we ran into a pod of dolphins. These guys were jumping and snorting all over the place. We saw sever jump completely out of the water several times. We then paddled out about 1/2 mile to a reef that had breaking waves on it. Everybody played there for a little bit and we then started paddling.

We continued to a point of land in Montecito that was jutting out.Everybody but Robin and I landed. We spent some time just chatting on the water. While paddling back, we took the close in route so we could admire the homes on the beach. Robin saw quite a few that she wants to move into, but the only thing stopping us is several millions of dollars.

As we approached Carpinteria, John and Peter decided to play in the breaking waves at the river entrance. The rest of us paddled to the beach and since I landed first, I got to be the Beach Master. Of course as I landed in the designated boat launch lane that is marked by buoys, there was a young boy of about 8 who wouldn't move out of my way. I finally scared him enough by telling him that the boat would break his legs if it hit him that he moved away.

Dave Houser landed next and assisted me by grabbing each of the remaining two boats as they landed. Len made a solid straight in approach, and Robin looked like she was about to do the same. At the last minute, her boat broached and she leaned into the wave and side surfed it in nicely.

That's two for two for her. Then we waited on the beach until we saw Peter and John approaching.

After loading up, all but Dave went to a local Thai restaurant for a much deserved after paddling lunch.

Steve Holtzman