Dudes’ Annual Paddle Adventure 2020 (Part 3/End)

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 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) →

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) →

How I Succeeded in Circumnavigating Catalina (Circumnavigation Part Deux)

A sudden gust threw another whitecap over the nose of my paddleboard, slowing me to a stall. I teetered, hunched down, and dug deep into the foam with my paddle. I felt like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. I still had the bad taste in my mouth from the last time I tried to paddle … Continue reading How I Succeeded in Circumnavigating Catalina (Circumnavigation Part Deux) →