It
was one of those picture-perfect Southern California days:
a superb day to be out on the ocean.
6
paddlers launched from Newport Harbor at 8:30 as planned,
and 5 of us departed 20 minutes later after a slight delay
shuttling vehicles down to Dana Point. We met up south of
the harbor entrance, and the group of 11 headed out on the
15 NM trip to Dana Point Harbor. Conditions were mild, with
very little swell and light winds. The rocks and reefs below
us were clearly visible through the crystal water. Some chose
to explore the rocks while others went around them as we made
our way down the coast.
I saw a lone dolphin but I don't think anyone else saw
it as it passed behind us.
 Duane
Strosaker led a surf landing at Laguna and 8 of us landed
there to take a short break. Three continued on ahead. Everybody
landed and launched without incident and nobody even got got
wet. I think the only person who got wet today was Dave -
who rolled to cool off.
We
had begun the trip with a light following wind and it continued
to help us along as we headed toward Dana Point. About the
time we rounded the point the wind picked up and helped push
us along the breakwater. But by the time we turned upwind
into the harbor it had picked up dramatically - the spray
blowing back in our faces from the paddles of those in front
of us. Flags snapped smartly in the breeze and the more aggressive
sailboaters had wild crazy grins on their faces.
Everyone
had a great time and no-one fell behind. It was indeed a perfect
day for a tour of the scenic Orange County coastline.
Pictures
Lee
A. Shurie
March 6, 2004
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