2011 Field Day

No hiking this weekend.  Once again, it's Field Day, the weekend that we break out the big radios.  As in year's past, I've done the cooking for our amateur radio group and it's a big job since we usually have about 40 people show up.

 

So even though I didn't hike this weekend, there was a lot of running around, and otherwise being on my feet all weekend.

 

This year, I only camped out on Saturday night.  Friday night, after helping to set up all of the equipment and get dinner, I departed our Field Day site to attend the San Jose Giants game with Duane and our son, who was having a Cub Scout night at the Giants.  Loads of fun, I always enjoy going to the local game.  They are always so much more interesting than the major leagues, with lots for the kids to do and see in between innings.  When we walked into the stadium, we had a bit of a start since instead of their usual orange jerseys, the Giants were wearing pink jerseys.  Apparently it was breast cancer night (with fundraising as well).  A good time was had by all, but there was no joy in Mudville that night.  The Stockton Ports won.

 

Saturday was spent cooking, attending a class on packet radio, and after dinner was over, getting a chance to work the HF phone station.  So much fun, but a lot of work and very tired!

Back to the Kennedy Trail

This morning it was back to the Kennedy Trail.  This is a very good hike for uphill conditioning, so Chris and I keep coming back to it.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera this morning, so I didn't get any photos.  It didn't really matter.  It was very foggy and didn't burn off until almost the end of our hike.  The next time we return, I will make sure to take photographs of the many beautiful wildflowers besides the trail.

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!