Tuesday, May 11, 2010

It rocks...when the seas roll!

We were just about to take our shoes off and go for a run (I know that may sound weird) and the overcast began to lift. Ahh...this was turning into a day when the stars, the sun, the planets, the wind, and the tide were lining up...for one sweet day of paddling! A brisk wind from the north-west cleared the skies, kicked up some waves and beckoned us to launch the sea kayaks from Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island. It didn't take long to get into the waves and they rocked and rolled! One minute you were riding high and the next, you were settling down in between the waves.

And, yikes, every so often, we'd almost lose sight of each other!
There's something so incredibly satisfying about being tossed about on the water's surface while maintaining control of these narrow boats. The sea is unforgiving and is to be mightily respected, but with due care and utmost attention, it can be a willing partner in the pursuit of an exhilerating connection with the natural world.

You are never alone. Seals and sea lions poke their heads up, warm golden retriever eyes curiously giving the paddler a careful and studied inspection before quietly slipping back into the quiet depths in search of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eagles, gulls, and countless sea birds rest along the shore or soar in the sky high above. There is infinitely more life above, around and beneath you, but for the most part unseen, and presumably going about the business of...breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
How fortunate to have a day's adventure such as this. I try never to forget that.

Duncan.

11 comments:

  1. Great that you were able to get out on the water and enjoy the waves! It looks like it was a bit too bumpy for the likes of me to enjoy but glad you both did.
    L

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  2. Thanks L, kind of felt like "summer" for the first time this year - and blue skies yet!

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  3. It does look like fun. L - with practice, and patience, all will come.

    PO

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  4. i sit amazed nearly every time i read one of your posts. seriously? sea lions and seals just popping up to say hey. that's amazing. in Texas we have armadillos but you dont want them checking you out :-)

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  5. Jimmy - Are Armadillos dangerous?

    PO

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  6. Hey guys, after reading Jimmy's comment I found this YouTube of a Texas armadillo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIUC5eGMsFY. If I was running down a trail and came upon one of these, I'd be up a tree! Jimmy, you be careful out there and for heaven's sake, put your shoes on!!! :)

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  7. Just testing to see if you are going to get this, as a lot of my comments do not get posted.
    J

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  8. there is something going on with blogger comments.

    PO

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  9. Last blog you said you wanted to hug a tree. How about these babies?
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=480609145246&v=photos
    I've never seen anything like these, have you?
    Cheers, Jill

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  10. Holy cow, Jill, I thought our trees were big! I remember when I was little (I mean young, not short), there was a picture of an old tree in California that you could drive through. More than impressive! Thanks for dropping by. Duncan.

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