I tripped out of the tent, cursing the tent flap for the surly bastard that it was, and walked over to our makeshift kitchen table to heat up some tea. A mug in hand, now feeling more sanguine, I took a seat in my camp chair, and looked around my feet. Beneath me were the … Continue reading Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 3/End)
Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 2)
As I sat sipping my hot tea and watching the brightening sky over the water, Kenny sidled up to me, "Check this out." He dangled a realistic-looking toy rattlesnake before my eyes and playfully shook its rubber body at me. I asked, "What is that for?" Kenny held his finger to his lips, and then … Continue reading Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 2)
Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 1)
The five of us, masked per Covid-19 protocol, and laden like mules with gear, lumbered down the gangway to the boat in San Pedro, that was to take us to Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island. We hunted for seats with good air flow and found some in the bow. Our talk during the ride … Continue reading Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 1)
Finding Flow
When I paddle, I am rarely thinking about past failures. While paddling, I am rarely considering the checklist of tasks I have to accomplish, or that brief I still have to write. I don't think about the hurtful thing someone said to me, or the time I spoke too harshly to someone else. I don't … Continue reading Finding Flow
What the Fog?
I had not been on the water for a few weeks and it felt good to put my body into the old familiar stretches. I leaned out with the paddle so far that it felt like I would fall forward, but then the blade hit the water and stabilized me. The stroke, which had been … Continue reading What the Fog?
Marathon Paddle (Part Two/End)
I woke up feeling sticky on the floor of the boat. The outside of my sleeping bag was covered in dew, but I was hot and sweaty on the inside. I felt like a soggy ham sandwich in a Ziploc bag. I sat up and looked over the boat's railing at the water in the … Continue reading Marathon Paddle (Part Two/End)
Marathon Paddle (Part One)
The Captain answered my phone call with "Hey-O." Without preamble, I said, "So I have this idea." "Yeah?" I continued, "We rent a boat, motor out to Avalon, sleep on the boat, and then paddle back the next day. Hoover can drive the boat and track us back. I'm thinking like a 24-hour deal." The … Continue reading Marathon Paddle (Part One)
Exploring with Old Friends (Part Five)
The Captain cranked up the motor as best he could against the heaving swell. But the engine was out-matched and we were barely making headway. We stared at the instruments, trying to gauge how far the Painted Cave was from our current location. Suddenly, while staring intently at the radar screen, a wave of nausea … Continue reading Exploring with Old Friends (Part Five)
Exploring With Old Friends (Part Four)
We slept peacefully as our boat gently rocked in a harbor as quiet as a graveyard. I slept in a berth tucked into the end of one of the catamaran’s narrow hulls. The ceiling was a foot above my head, and as I tried to get to sleep, I kept opening my eyes and looking … Continue reading Exploring With Old Friends (Part Four)
Exploring With Old Friends (Part Three)
After our cave canal escapade, the Captain and I returned to the boat with shit-eating grins. We turned the boat westward and putted alongside Anacapa’s captivating coast, passing the eastern and middle parts of the island. We eventually found a spot to take a look around in a cove in the western islet. It was … Continue reading Exploring With Old Friends (Part Three)
Adventures in StandUp Paddling 