After tucking the boards and paddles away, when wandered over to the delicious buffet at the Maritime Museum Awards Banquet. We must have really impressed the judges with the helicopter move, we won 2nd place in the human-powered category. Thanks Mom for the taking our picture  PS in the photo below we are the straight lines of lights in the bottom left corner. -Kim

If anyone is interested in joining us at “Little Beach” in Ventura Christmas night to SUP the Ventura Keys and check out the lights at 6pm, email us or just meet us there.

Got a call early Sunday morning from Kim who reported conditions are great for a paddle to the Ventura Pier. Camille and Betsy flew out of bed, cleaned up and raced to Kim and Karl’s at the Keys. We have learned to just keep the boards loaded on the car (love the new locking Thule SUP Taxi racks!) to shorten prep time for early adventures. When we got to their house, they were loaded up – we headed to Marina Park, unloaded and paddled towards the Ventura Harbor entrance. We checked out conditions – calm glass with limited visibility. We all agreed it was a go and paddled eagerly past the breakwater where the morning meeting of pelicans was now in session. As we paddled into the calm open seas, we encountered brown pelicans plunging headfirst into the cool waters to retrieve their breakfast. We paddled close together at first with a careful watch on the hazy coastline to track our progress, as the pier was hidden from sight, shrouded in fog. Karl split from the gals and paddled close to the breaking waves and returned to report small surf – he can paddle twice as fast as us so it’s hard to keep him on a steady path! Betsy was content on her little Starboard, Kim on her Naish, Karl on the Hobie – each of us now with 100s of miles under our belts. Camille has entered the SUP world more recently and her stamina was strong as she kept up on the new bamboo Surftech board. The swells were gentle so it made for good “catching up” time as we paddled steadily towards our goal. We passed jetty after jetty till finally out of the misty fog the pilings of the pier emerged and we celebrated with a short break, trying to avoid the fishing lines and checked out the underside of the pier and took some pics. There were several kayakers out by now and outriggers enjoying the morning seas. It’s amazing how when you see only fog your other senses become more active as you pick up the freeway sounds and nature’s voices of the seagulls and waves as you get closer to shore. The paddle back was smooth with a light breeze helping us ease back to the harbor. We decided our next trip should be a camp-trip to Catalina so we can explore that island by SUP. By now the conversation was centered mainly on our next meal and as we returned to the harbor, besides being interrupted by an oystercatcher (pictured) sighting and our mascot harbor seal greeting us, it was decided that our next stop would be Andria’s Seafood. Good call. Another 5+ miles of paddling to add to the books.

Now, a corporate matter to attend to. After today’s 5+ mile ocean paddle, Camille qualifies as a waterwoman and is officially a member of the Give A Dam crew (picture and bio to follow). Welcome to our world, Camille!

Nick and I decided to take Hwy 1 to go along with the perfect sunshiny day. As we arrived to Ventura we couldn’t help but run as fast as we could to the beach and soak up a few rays.

The next day we left Ventura at 5:30am to head towards Morro Bay, Karl was scheduled to work for the Harbor Festival that brought in thousands of tourist to the sleepy town of Morro Bay. Usually along this drive the scenery is gray and foggy, however somehow Nick brought the sunshine from Denver, Colorado to make the weekend even more perfect.

Betsy, Camille, Nick and I couldn’t wait to get our SUP’s in the glassy water. Can you believe these photos were taken at 8:30am in Morro Bay!

As we explored the Morro Bay Estuary, some of the wildlife we came across include: Giant Bat Rays, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters, Crabs, White Pelicans, Snow Plover, Hermit Crabs, Anchovies, Jellyfish and Sardines. After the five-hour paddle and grueling wind along with a bit of sandblasting we made it back to Coleman Beach and was ready to set up camp at Morro Bay State Park. We had a wonderful campsite (#107) that held three large tents along with all of our gear. (Yes, we did have way more gear for one night than we did on our 5 day trip down the Colorado River, Lake Mohave, NV.) Still can’t figure out that mystery!

While we waiting for Karl to get off work and Kristi to arrive from surfing with friends in Big Sur, we made seafood kabob’s for appetizers from a local fish market “The Dockside,” which included Shrimp, Scallops and Ahi Tuna. They were delicious and even with Nick’s great seasoning tricks, a little dirt don’t hurt! Then we made Calzone’s in the Dutch oven and tested Betsys’ new birthday gift, a 10″ dutch oven with the Cherry Cobbler. Let’s just say no one goes hungry on our camping trips.

The next day, Karl went off to work at 6am we made tasty breakfast burritos’ with Nick’s orange muffins and set out for another day of SUPing and Hiking. Kristi, Nick and I left from the Morro Bay Marina and went towards Los Osos to check out the Oyster Aqua Culture Barges then explore the sand pit. By the after noon the fog rolled in and we headed towards Montana De Oro State park for Lunch, boulder scrambling and a hike. Along our hike we came across a little orange and black snake, a bright orange legless lizard and plenty of beautiful vantage points to look out over the oceans and cliffs.

The next day Nick and I we in need of some much-needed down time to heal our sunburns and wind chapped lips. However by 8:30am, Betsy hooked us up with some tickets to The Channel Islands aboard the Island Packers touring company to Santa Cruz Island. So we lathered up with sunblock, packed our lunch and dry clothes and headed toward the Ventura Harbor. The boat ride was great and neither of us got sick, which was amazing since that was Nick’s first time on the ocean in a boat.

As we hiked the windy coastline of Santa Cruz Land we enjoyed the looking over the cliffs at the sealions playing the ocean through the kelp forest. We only had a couple of hours to hike and ending up looking a Potato Bay Overlook. What a sight! Along the way back to Scorpion Bay we saw an Island fox scavenging at the historic ranch.

We loaded the Island Packer boat and enjoyed a few zzz’s before we woke up to a huge pod of more than a thousand Common Dolphins playing next to the boat chasing after a large bait ball only 5 miles off the coast of Ventura. What a wonderful weekend!

 This was a lot different from the beautiful calm waters of Lake Mohave. The most challenging section of the paddle was the side/frontal wind chop along with the usual 3-4 foot ocean swell. About half way through I could not see the other kayakers as the ocean swell created a dance of 5 foot swell that would bring me up and the others down. Over half the paddle we have to use multiple paddling techniques, thank you to the 63 mile trip last year. From our knees to sitting on our butts, with our legs in and with them out we cruised along with our swimmer keeping him out of the large kelp masses and re-fueling him with gel pack, cliff bars and water for 2 hours and 45 minutes. He finished 1oth out of 31 swimmers. Some of the other swimmers times included over five hours. I’m not sure if we could have done that!

It’s a tight and stinky ride back to Boulder City once we pack up the Jeep, sad to end this journey on the river but always good be back home.  Who wants to schedule the next trip-planning dinner at their house???

Tonight is pizza night and I’ve been excited about this dinner for weeks.  The dough was made four days ago and has been slowly rising in the ice chest, waiting for this moment to shine.  Kim and Karl get the fire and coals heated to perfection.  The dough is spread as the oven rests on 6-8 coals, marinara is spread on top, smoking cheese, goat cheese and veggies top it off.  The first pizza is beautiful, but when the time comes to remove it, the topping slides off back into the oven and the crust comes out without it.  Kim scoops it back on – what can we serve this big goat cheese, veggie pizza on?  Kristi brings out her wooden oar – a perfect pizza paddle.  We are super cautious to not cut the surface but it makes a great serving platter.  For the next pizza we get spontaneous and decide to make calzones – we each prepare our own and they come out perfect and are actually much easier to handle – definitely this must be repeated next time.   It’s dark and the bugs have quieted and subsided for now.  We eat every drop under the bright evening skies and warm breezes, so content and tired. 

But not too tired to get the pineapple upside down cake baking in the Dutch oven (I know, all I talk about is the darned Dutch oven, but it really is the star of the trip). Kim used fresh pineapple slices and it really brought a fresh crispness.  It was the most mouth-watering cake ever tasted, served on camp tin ware as the moon showed up.  Andrew calls the dessert ANTicipation Pineapple Upside Down Cake (because we waited so long for it or because of the ants?).  So clever.  We have such a great group here, everyone helping and quick to laugh or tell a good story, and we are always intent on planning the next expedition. 

Everyone scurried to clean up camp, washing dishes and putting food away under the bright headlamps we wear.  There is plenty of cake for breakfast, too!  It seems a midnight paddle is in order.  I’m the only party pooper as my new tent glows in the bushes and my sleeping bag summons me.  Everyone else sneaks out for a paddle with nothing but the moonlight guiding the way, and I mean nothing but …  today’s paddle was rough, but the rugged cliffs and cloud formations were spellbinding, the workout so satisfying.  The camp is a bit spooky with only me occupying it now.  I lie on my back and reflect on the myriad of little adventures each day unfolds and the moonlight so bright I can journal without my lamp.  I fell asleep with glasses on and pen in my hand, awakening to the sounds of shrieks of laughter as they approach and that comforting sound of the paddle moving the water.  The waters were still for their outing tonight.  It was so warm out that Kristi threw caution to the wind and decided to sleep under the stars on her board.  Sometime in the wee hours she returned to the tent shivering uncontrollably as the midnight winds whipped up against the cool waters.  A tent might be just a false sense of security, but my new Mountain Hardwear Drifter 2 tent was tucked away in a protected patch of sticker bushes and was quite a haven for rest.  My body ached with every turn as the rocks embedded themselves in my skin – another note to self – time to purchase a pad for the sleeping bag!

Kim wakes us up with the announcement that “W” is on its way, and we might want to make some headway today.  Megan finds herself sore from her climbing ventures with Andrew yesterday.  I hope he brought his duct tape.  You never know!  Kim’s head is recovering from slamming into a rock while checking out tadpoles.  Kristi, how are you today?  We pack up camp in record time and take in a nice paddle.  After a few hours we find a shady promenade with a great view and nice stretch of sand and make up breakfast burritos – bulging with potatoes, sausages, eggs, cheese (well, not Megan’s and Kristi’s).  Andrew brews up some coffee and we take off for the day.  As we leave we hit patches of gusty winds, but there are so many beautiful sights to take in that the efforts of paddling go by unnoticed.  A break is in order so we stop at a beach and run up the sand mountain and fly back down, making huge dusty clouds.  There is a family of curious ducks circling around.  The baby is especially cute but wary of us.  More paddling through the meandering canyons until we find a narrow crevasse for a nap/sunscreen/water filtration break.  Kim and Karl hang back while the rest of us move forward.  The winds are screaming now and we have to get on our knees or sit to make progress, yet Kristi soldiers on still standing!  Finally the winds calm down and we find a lunch spot.  I just lay down only to find myself deep asleep, exhausted and content.  Such simplicity brings so much satisfaction.  We wonder if the winds worsened for Kim and Karl and we anxiously await them to rejoin us.  We are wedged in under a red rock overhang, a cool spot to eat our sandwiches, chips, and nuts.  I remind myself that dinner tonight will be spectacular.  I know it’s hard to imagine outdoing last night’s “High Water Tamale Pie”.  The winds are strong again and we paddle around the coves, taking pictures – the physical challenge is such a great reward and contrast to my sedentary job.  Kim and Karl and Andrew spotted a bald eagle today.  The canyons are chock full of nests and the sounds of baby birds echo, as they screech for their mothers’ return with nourishment.  Massive boulders the size of big rigs hang precariously from ledges.  Soon we come to Emerald Bay.  Andrew climbs high and dives in the water!  He is so fast my camera catches only a huge splash. 

Next stop, Sunday late afternoon at ant beach.  Now Ant/Bee/Sticker Beach. 

Karl doesn’t sleep all night, and we are all up by 5:30.  Can we really carry 60 pounds of food on one board?  Karl will take this heaviest dry bag, as he has the sturdiest expedition board, his Hobie – and will we eat that much?  As we load onto the shuttle with another group that plans to kayak downstream, the winds start their day early.  They are warm and dry and they can’t put a damper on the excitement!  We notice Lake Mead is lower than ever, and the summer is just beginning.  I wonder when we’ll begin to take our limited water supply seriously.  The Colorado River already ends before it reaches the sea, a sad note to miscalculations, misuse and overuse of resources.

Our driver is very engaging, coming from the corporate world to a more meaningful existence, now an aspiring guide and shuttle driver.  We are lucky to have Kim and Karl as our guides, experienced through years of haunting these waterways.  Karl helps all the kayakers load their boats and gear, then he and Andrew help us aboard our boards, and the balancing act begins with tents, food, ice, dry bags all on our narrow vessels!  It takes me a while before I can stand again and soon we take off.  Last time we rushed by all the landmarks in the first leg of our trip, knowing how many miles there were to cover.  This time we stop within minutes of launch, jump in the ice cold water – it is so clear you can see every rock and lots of little fish.  We are an 1/8^th of a mile past the dam, and already the day-to-day stress factor begins to slip away.  Andrew is a mountain goat – he climbs the steep cliffs and dives in. Soon Megan is climbing and Karl, too.  We sit under the weeping hot springs cave, our cold suits steamed on the heated rocks.  The cave is dense with crystalline formations and ferns bursting through the seams of rocks.  It is hard to imagine we are just a ½ hour from Las Vegas and its sea of lights.  There are caves to explore everywhere and water oozing from the cliffs and warm springs meeting up with the brisk river.  We sit in warm pools and talk about our next meals.  Kristi’s high spirits are contagious and Kim has planned so well the execution is seamless.  She can’t stop grinning.  Megan seems happily surprised by the beauty.  As I said my goodbye on the phone this weekend, my daughter Camille reminded me she loves me and feels I’m in good hands with Karl on the adventure.  Little does she know I’m safe with just the gals of this trip, too – we proved that in the past few days of camping and loading and making crossings over rough passages.  Soon we find a rocky beach and make up pita and salami, pbj’s and melons, trail mix – the best.

It’s interesting to see how each of us gravitates towards our comfort zone – Andrew, a climber, immediately scales every steep rock formation and finds a place to jump, making me needlessly worried about “what-ifs” but also totally in awe of him, Karl looks at each stop as a spot for a workout or hike, Kristi and Megan look for spots to do SUP yoga moves, Kim and I swim.   Oh, and think and plan f-o-o-d.  You know what – something’s different and not quite right – we miss Nick.  Nick, what would you be up to here, and what unlikely mix of our rations would you be creating just about now?  And would you still be clothed?  You are missed.  It’s almost a game to see who spots the long-horned sheep first – they are such chameleons, entire families blending into the rocks.  The invasive species are a bit annoying today – these, far more annoying than the tamarisk and the carp (maybe not as bad as the quagga mussel) – the speed boats and jet skis that have made it up as far as the dam, revving their thunderous engines and scaring the sheep back into their hiding places.  The good news is that tomorrow and Monday the boats and jet skis are not allowed past Willow Beach, so it will be just us and a few random kayakers.  We languish under the hot spring waterfall we posed under last year – it seems so much smaller with the water level about four feet higher below Hoover Dam than it was last year.  There must be a high demand for electricity for so much water to have been released.

 We delight at pollywogs in a little pond and hope they make it through the summer.  They are so tiny.  Megan and Andrew climb deep up the canyon, and she returns with battle scars from a fall.  Late afternoon is upon us and we rest our tired, sun-soaked bodies, landing where the water meets the reedy shade, lapping gently over rock-filled Teva’s.  We decide to set camp here at Nevada Hot Springs.  The rusty sign nearby is a little alarming as we read about the flash flood warnings and danger from a rare amoeba that comes from the muddy hot springs – if they enter your nose, they can cause a rare and fatal braining eating syndrome.  Hmmm.  Karl builds an architectural wonder of a fire pit with built-in work table attached – Kim’s cooking commands this level of excellence.  I love how camping just creates jobs for everyone – you stay busy till bed with food prep, fire chores, tent duty and then tent relocation duty as the water level rises too fast for comfort.  We play a few hands of cards.  The Birneys mix up pineapple martinis to sip on while the guys get the fire blazing, I mix up the cornbread and Kim gets the onions and peppers sizzling, cooks the meat in the dutch oven, adds the enchilada sauce, then tops it with spoonfuls of cornbread and cheese.  It is cooked to perfection and we eat every drop.  Megan and Kristi make a salad and prepare veggies.  Kim next wows us with dutch oven donuts, with Megan shaking the hot treats in a bag of cinnamon and sugar.  Some we sneak chunks of chocolate in the centers.  We eat everything in sight.  Long, aimless days playing outdoors will do that to you. 

Earlier Kim and Karl had set up their tent in a private loft above our campsite, but as we ate, the water level rose quickly and silently and now they have to wade knee-deep in the rising water to climb up to their tent.  Andrew and Megan are satisfied with their resting spot, but Kristi and I have to move our tent to higher grounds.  It is a beautiful star-studded night and the moonlight dances on the river.  This campground wasn’t 100% private – there is a group of men a few hundred feet up the stream from us – they are polite and have been fishing and drinking all day and capped the night off with fireworks.  It is quiet by 9 and we read with our headlights, for about 4 minutes before sleep overtakes us.  And we’ve traveled about a mile from the dam today.  Hilarious.