Well this photo of a "dried out" sleeping Harbor Seal I took says it all... winter time paddling on the northern California coast. This is the best time of year to paddle here. The air is crisp and clear. The animals are relaxed and subdued. There is no fog and you can see for miles. A couple of weeks ago, I went over to Trinidad and did some paddling with the club and I got to play in the rock gardens and surf for hours. I feel just like this seal when I'm doing that. Relaxed and happy, this is just what I needed to help fight the winter blues.
The other morning I was paddling on the Sacramento River all by myself at 7:AM and I came across a Bobcat chowing down on a dead Salmon. I didn't have my camera and that bummed me out, but I just floated right up to him eating away. He didn't run or even care that I was there, I think he must have been real hungry. I sat there, about 4 feet away, for over 10 minutes watching him pig-out. It was really great and I had a big smile on my face while I talked to him in a soft voice. I thought the morning couldn't get any better so I just paddled off heading up stream. Then it happened, I saw something I have never seen before, a baby Beaver. He was real tiny and very cute. I followed him real slowly and when he finally saw me he just dove under and disappeared. Again no camera!
I wonder if the ancient Eskimos and Greenlanders ever had it this good? I bet they were like many of us men these days and used "Hunting" as an excuse to go kayaking and see the sights. I was laughing with the guys on the river the other morning about how we justify kayaking by saying, "We need our exercise" or "We have to go out there because so and so needs us out there." Well, anyway you slice it, I think the ancient paddlers made excuses to go out paddling. They probably said, "We need to go out and test this new design for hunting" or "In the village they said there is a big herd of seals coming this way." You know they got to see tons of wonderful things along the way.
Well I think it's that time of year to come up with some new excuses to get out of the house, out of work and delay the Honey-Do list. Yes, we need to kick back and relax, hit the water and let that kayak do what it does best... float and cruise the beautiful sights and sounds of our local waterways. Only next time I will remember my stupid camera!
Happy paddling,
Captain Penguin
