I launched from Coast Guard Beach (CGB) at 6:30 AM to do one of my early morning insanity warm up paddles. It was a "late" start because I have been doing two hours of paddling for the warm up before the scheduled event and its launch was scheduled for 8:00 AM. So I took off in high gear to cram the warm up into an hour and 20 minutes. I was flying down one of the canals and there was Kathy and Henry paddling away. They had launched from CGB at 6:00. I kept on at my own and eventually looped around and head back to CGB for the scheduled launch. Passing J Street on the peninsula Duane appeared. Then Wood Boat Bob appeared from a side channel. He launched at the PCH Bridge (SouthWind). We assembled at Coast Guard Beach where Paul was launching and then Barbara and Ken appeared from a who-knows-where launch. The eight of us departed at the unusually late time of one minute after.

We headed out of the jetty. Rupert, the resident black swan with the red bill, was swimming by the bait barge and decided not to molest Duane this time. He thinks Duane's red kayak with black trim is his mother. Imagine that!

The paddle down to Laguna was quite nice. The pace was deliberate but not too fast. The whole group hung together. There was a lot of nice conversation. The swells were small with just a little wind both in our favor. And it was overcast, warm but not too hot. We had a couple rest stops. Saw a few jellyfish. And enjoyed the high society architecture.

We opted to stay on the water at the Laguna Main Beach while we munched, drank water and of course chatted. Our fearless leader made the call to head back and away we went. Just as we started back we noticed a paddler coming toward us. It was Dublin Dave. Seems his computer advertised an 8:30 start. Not to be shortchanged, he continued on to the Main Beach for his refreshment break.

The group continued on. We shortly saw a pair of dolphins swim past close to us in the opposite direction. We strung out a bit. Duane and Bob took the inside with a faster pace. Kathy and Henry lead the direct route with their unwavering pace stroking away like pendulums on a pair of clocks. Barbara and Ken stayed back to do the sweep to pick up any lost souls Paul was somewhere in between and I bounced back and forward like and annoying gnat on a hot day. We semi-assembled once half way back and then all assembled at the Newport jetty, including Dublin Dave who made up the 30 minutes in spite of our deliberate pace.

All but Paul met ,after loading up, at Java City for eats and drinks. Duane did a little group planning for the next three weekends. Stay posted for the details.

As always, a great paddle with a nice group.

Dave H