Kayaking at Elkhorn Slough

This morning we departed early for Elkhorn Slough and a morning of kayaking.  My friend Deb had organized this event, but at the last minute cancelled because of a bad cold.  We carried on, arriving at Moss Landing and Monterey Bay Kayaks at 9:00 am. 

After signing waivers, putting on wetsuits and taking their instructional course, we hit the waves.  We had reserved a three person kayak to ensure that we would all be in the same boat.  Our son sat in the middle, while Duane sat in the back and I in front.  This would have consequences later on.

It was a very blustery, windy morning and cold since it had been rainy, but at least during the first half of our trip the wind was with us.  We saw lots of kayakers, but only one other kayak that was part of our original group. 

We also saw plenty of wildlife, birds as well as otters and seals.  Elkhorn Slough is National a Estuarine Research Reserve.

About halfway up the slough, our son decided he didn't want to row any more.  He took photos of seals and looked at the estuary.  That left only the two of us to row a three person kayak.  To make matters worse, Duane had great difficulty steering.  So we continued, not straight but zigzagging up and down the slough.  I tried to compensate paddling strongly at the front, but it wasn't enough. 

Somewhat frustrated, we headed back for the beach.  However, the wind was now against us and it was blowing between 15-18 mph.  This turned out to be a much bigger upper body workout than we expected and it took all the energy we had just to get the kayak back to the beach.  As we rounded the dock, and into the final stretch before the sandy beach, a man who was standing on the dock looking at us, said to me, "You look like you're doing all the work!"

Obviously, he had an idea.  I have never been more thankful to be finished with something!