I met Duane, Dublin Dave, Henry and Kathy, Dave Hauser, Wayne, and Dennis at Dana Point Harbor this morning after rocketing down from Glendale thinking I was going to be late. I'd never paddled here before and haven't paddled in the ocean for weeks and was looking forward to both.
We launched around 8:30 and the first thing we saw after rounding the breakwater was dolphins. They didn't come play with us but it was cool to see them, especially since they were the only thing I didn't see during my visit to the aquarium yesterday while the car was getting serviced.
The swell was gentle and everyone exclaimed how calm it was. It was overcast and a bit humid, with just a gentle breeze. I was thoroughly enjoying myself, even though everyone quickly outpaced me. Wayne hung back to keep me company, which was really nice, thanks again Wayne! Hmmmm, I was wishing I could have done yesterday's power strokes class.
After about 4 miles I was really far back from the group. I was tiring and my right shoulder, which I'd tweaked during last week's rolling practice, was giving me grief again. So Duane pointed out a protected, deserted cove and I paddled in to take a snooze and play with my new VHF radio. I could have stayed there all afternoon. But about an hour and a half later the group paddled back and I rejoined them for the trip back to the harbor. The ocean was much busier now, with lots of other kayaks, two noisy jet skis, and several other boats in the distance. We paused briefly while Wayne, who had never done a rescue in his new sit-inside boat, did one under Duane's tutelage. Dublin Dave took advantage and practiced some rolls. When we continued on, all of a sudden, out of nowhere, came four single-engine planes, banking sharply and flying quite low. They looked like vintage planes and someone said later they were home-built.
We hit a headwind once inside the harbor and I was the last to land. I was so tired I unthinkingly cut across the buoys of the swim beach before I realized what I'd done. I looked guiltily up at the lifeguard who was watching, and he looked displeased, but he didn't yell at me. There were very few kids in the water is all that saved me. Sorry!!!
We had lunch at a bright, clean All-American restaurant and then headed home. I got back to Glendale in about an hour and 20 minutes, with amazingly light Sunday afternoon traffic. A great day! Thanks for hosting, Duane!
Beth
Dave Houser Adds:
I decided to do one of my early morning warm up insanity paddles (to the San Clemente Pier) before meeting the CKF gang for the Dana Point to Treasure Island paddle. Well, I misjudged the time for the leg back and paddled up just as the gag was launching. So off we went, eight of us Duane, Dublin Dave, Dennis, Wayne, Beth, Henry and Kathy and me. It was warm overcast and muggy and the breeze in our face made it just fine. Dave led the way out of the harbor and stopped outside the breakwater to do some rolls while the others caught up. Wayne was in his new (to him) sit-inside. There was some wind chop but surf was almost nonexistent, so we a paddle straight through the rocks and Dana Point and regrouped on the far side. We chatted about this and that including the latest Jen classes, Anacapa, speculated if the Ritz Carlton would serve us Sunday brunch and many topics of equal earth shattering importance. Beth opted out just before Three Arch Bay to do some serious beach loafing. We made death-defying landings at Treasure Island without mishap in the non-existing surf, none too early because for me it had been four hours sitting in a kayak. We munched on assorted junk. Some of us checked out the local accommodations. Wow, nice place with beautiful gardens with doggie trails. The launch was equally eventful as the landing. The paddle back was downwind with the usual kayak rumba. Our speed match the wind and we all just stewed in the muggy heat as the sun was trying to break through. Beth joined us on the way by. I finally had to roll to get the salty sweat in my eyes replaced with salty seawater. Dave was still rolling; hard to track how often he rolls. Wayne mentioned he was planning to do some solo paddling in his new to him kayak so Duane had him do an instant-learning wet exit and he did a cowboy re-entry. He said it was just like getting back on his surf ski, except for all the water inside. The wind really picked up paddl
ing back up the marina channel. It really felt like work and
Duane paddled it backwards, some people's children... Finally we enjoyed some fine dining at a local Irish pub (that has free refills but does not serve beer). Nice paddle, nice group.
Dave Houser