The informaition that I have accumulated over the years, I have been happy to keep to myself. The sole reason to begin this blog was to promote two things that are important for me. Preserving the beautiful outdoors and promoting my fellow adventurer and dear friend Roz Savage. (She can scream louder than me).
I believe that if people do not enjoy natural beauty and be in awe of some of the spectacular things that happen on any given day outside, that it will become unimportant. Once set aside, the outdoors will perish to people who pollute, poach, encroach, landfill, drill, hunt and net in our name due to our lack of awareness of where it comes from and where it goes to. Something pretty short sighted for a "intelligent" culture.
She is currently making much headway in making the 2012 London Olympics Plastic Bag Free.
see www.messageinthewaves.com for more information about our plastic pollution.
Roz has an international acclaim and a pretty sweet record being the first solo woman to row across that Pacific Ocean. Please read the link below and vote for her.
I plan on keeping this blog filled with lots more information about enjoying the great, yet pivotal times that we live in, and hope that you will return the gesture by being aware that we collectively have a price and a carbon footprint.
Please vote for my friend Roz. It would make her message of inspiration and ecology so much easier to spread. It costs nothing and no information from you is needed. Thanks, Happy Holidays
http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/adventurers-of-the-year/roz-savage-2010/
National Geographic encourages you to visit and vote daily.
16 November 2010
Heading Indoors...
Heading Indoors:
November and December are times when I start to plan for the year ahead. The days are shorter and I try to get up early, to get as much sunlight into my day as possible. By getting an ealy start, I can get back to home base and enjoy the evening properly. This allows a lot of room for error just in case my original plan does not go well. I plan ahead for an ealy nightfall (flashlight/spare batteries) and have plenty of things to do when it gets dark or I get stuck in a white-out(book/pen/survival equipment).
I like to calendar all my yearly to-do items such as cleaning out the gutters from fallen leaves and making photocopies of the cards in my wallet just in case I lose it or get it stolen. Quick errands that I have saved up all year to do, I do this time of the year. I accumulate a lot of gear and leave gear in people's car all the time... so I spend times in November/December/January not only returning gear or retaining gear, l but can often be caught enjoying a beverage or dinner with above similar minded gear-hound.
I also spend some time refreshing rescue skills such as knots and wilderness medicine techniques.
If at all possible, I time my recertifications this time of year, when I am more likely to be able to focus on bookwork.
Remember if you are heading outdoors, especially if for more than a day, let someone know when you are expected back and what kind of contingency plan you have... It allows the rescuers a lot of knowledge and they are more likely to find you if they know ... about where you are(leave a map in the car seat), are you ready to spend the night(rescues often start the next day) how prepared are you (spare batteries for radio or cell phone) (beacon/shovel/avalanche/orienteering skills)(overnight and warmth/food skills)(are you likely to look for a helicopter clearing and seek a signaling device). I like to ask myself, toward the end of any adventure "If I all of a sudden stopped having fun right now... can I survive the next 12 hours?"
Bears are more likely to forrage for hibernation this time of the year so be very careful in the back-country and mind your rubbish in the front-country. Other migratory things are happening so please be cognicent of what you tramp on.
The list below are some of my favorite things to do.
Trip planning: The year in review always lends ideas for trips and adventures ahead
I highly reccomend this free website for skiing and snowboarding:
gear overhaul (clean/label and review usefullness and proficiency)
winterizing you car (keep gas tank patially/mostly full during winter outings)
lights and signals
proper eyewear(snow) and
proper eyewear(snow) and
paperwork
Jump Sky High
Monster Mini Golf
Granite Arches/Pipeworks (indoor climbing)
Swimstitute (indoor pool/ indoor kayaking)
Jump Sky High
Monster Mini Golf
Granite Arches/Pipeworks (indoor climbing)
Swimstitute (indoor pool/ indoor kayaking)
Leadership and Ropes courses
Bounce towns
Indoor skydiving (Union City)
Bounce towns
Indoor skydiving (Union City)
Rollerskating
Volunteering at a community shelter (animals too)
Quick Outdoors:
Fish Hatchery
Ice Rinks
Aquatic Center (Boating/Biking)
Soil Born Farms
Skate Parks
Snow shoe trips
American River:
William B Pond
River Bend Park
Hagan Oaks
Ancil Hoffman
Fair Oaks
Folsom
City Water Intake Facility
Old Town
American River:
William B Pond
River Bend Park
Hagan Oaks
Ancil Hoffman
Fair Oaks
Folsom
City Water Intake Facility
Old Town
Museums
Ca State Rail Road
AeroSpace
Discovery Science/space
Crocker
Towe Auto
Sac Theater museum
B street theater
B street theater
Libraries
Drive in Movies! (bring camping mat, radio, flashlight and blankets:)
Dowtown and City Hikes and outings
Drive in Movies! (bring camping mat, radio, flashlight and blankets:)
Dowtown and City Hikes and outings
Festivals
Farmers Market
Online recipe searching (cooking/baking)
If you do not live in the greater Sacramento Area, a quick online search will produce similar activities in your neck of the woods.
Feel free to email me and help me add to next years list...
Have a wonderful season!
OutSideJay~
20 October 2010
California style one day road trip!
link to California Autumn Foliage
http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/fallfoliage/regiondetail/ca1
link to Haley's Comet (Orionid Meteor Showers)
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/comet-halley-meteor-shower-101020.html
link to Northern California Hot Springs
http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=13828
put them all together...
High Sierra autumn foliage road trip followed by a Haley's comet meteor night hike or paddle with cheese cake and wine for dessert/ or how about vietnamese noodle soup (from a thermos) ...at a natural hot spring... hmmm ... you guessed it... right now in northern california!
cheers!
email me for specific locations...
outsidejay~
http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/fallfoliage/regiondetail/ca1
link to Haley's Comet (Orionid Meteor Showers)
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/comet-halley-meteor-shower-101020.html
link to Northern California Hot Springs
http://www.trails.com/stateactivity.aspx?area=13828
put them all together...
High Sierra autumn foliage road trip followed by a Haley's comet meteor night hike or paddle with cheese cake and wine for dessert/ or how about vietnamese noodle soup (from a thermos) ...at a natural hot spring... hmmm ... you guessed it... right now in northern california!
cheers!
email me for specific locations...
outsidejay~
13 September 2010
Learning how to surf: a lifestyle, not an activity
Learning to surf:
The best time to surf is the November thru January time of the year
The best time to learn to surf is October and November
(warmer and good swells)
Learning in Bolinas: *The Best Place to Learn to Surf!*
www.2milesurf.com
Almost all of the west coast's beaches face due west. This creates a "beach" break. Waves pop up anywhere at any time. A few beaches face north or south Like Santa Cruz and Bolinas. Waves tend to hit the outer most point and "get in line" and "slow down". The opposite is a "fast break". In Bolinas there is an outer reef that adds to the protection and there is also an even rise of the shallow beach. The opposite is a "reef" break as in Pipeline and Mavericks when a sudden incline brings waves immediately onto the surface. A point break is less likely to cause "riptide". And a shallow rise is less likely to cause an "undertow"
The sandy "bottom" of Bolinas is much kinder on mammalian skin than that of Hawaii's coral "bottom" or Mavrick's rocky bottom.
There are two types of storms in CA. A southern storm comes from Hawaii and Tahiti. Nicknamed Pinapple Express their warmth packs a wallop of humidity and large drops. These guys bring in Humungous swells(research Mavericks). The Northerlys are arid and cold. Best to ski or snowboard on the "light and fluffie" that these guys bring in. Watch the weather and choose your ride!
Wind- An "offshore" wind is blowing out to sea and will "hold up" a wave making a better than average "curl". An "onshore" wind will knock down a wave also called being "blown-down" and is in your face when looking for the right "set". Winds travel in circles so traveling north or south on the beach will eventually get you to the place you want to be. (Picture the arms of a hurricane with backdrafts at the end of each arm)
Gusty wind is less fun than a smooth consistent wind but affects kite and wind surfers much more.
The "head" of a wave- the part of the wave that begins to fall onto itself
The "swell" is a wave that has not surfaced
The "shoulder(s)" is the part of the wave that begins to break to one or both sides of the "head".
right of way- the person closest to the head in a position to "catch" a wave
"dropping in"- taking the right of way away from someone (usually a friend)
"sharking" - taking the right of way from someone- to be a Jerk
The surfer's "line-up" usually found at a point break, the vague line of surfers waiting for a "set".(not to be confused with the waves "lining" up)
Waves come in clusters of six to eight mostly. This order forms a "set" of waves. Sitting out small sets is easy when you are "waiting for your set to come in".
Face- the smooth, rideable part of a wave
Falls- the front, top crashing part of a wave(goin over the falls- BAD)
Pearl- to almost die while discovering the "bottom" up close and personal like. (non-surfing term= drill bit)
Soup- the foam left after a wave crashes, hard to ride cos u are not bouyant in it
Bonk- when there is no swell or rideable wave. "surfs up" v "surf's bonk"
Book- something to bring when the surf is bonk. real surfers will change out and read in ...
Civi's or Peds... civilian clothing or pedestrian outfits. (use not as common as the above)
rip tides and under tows---the pathophys-
Waves are energy dissipation. In the river the wave stays still the water moves. In the ocean the waves move the water stays in place. A wave uses gravity and then friction (on the bottom) and then itself as a wave courses back to sea after the crash. Sometimes these outgoing streams "line-up" and create a rip tide. In Three D, with the"bottom", it can create an undertow.
Google how to avoid either prior to your first session especially if you are prone to "Freaking Out"- which is coming out of the soup without smoothing your hair back or worse coming up for air with your mouth first, blowing out audibly, and inhaling. Really cool surfers will float lazily to the top. Forehead, eyes, nose then have exhaled on the way up and inhale only when the chin exits the water. Just like on Baywatch.
Dude- any one who can surf or trick other surfers to think they can surf
Dudette-THIS IS NOT A SURF LINGO- someone from Texas brought it thinking he was a Dude and he was NOT. He was "sketch".
Yes surfers use wax. A very good and funny wax is Mr Zog's Sex wax. Yes you can chew it as gum but chiklets are better. Hockey players, kayakers, drummers also use sex wax. "best for your stick" was banned in many parts of US giving rise to it's popularity.
First rule of surfing- If you snooze you lose
Second rule- (albeit losing ground on this one)- best to be happy than right or "let it go, dude"
Third rule- if it'll matter in a hundred years than it outta matter now. refer to rule two for the reverse. or "better hold on"
Bohdi- someone who can practice all three rules at the same time: Timing, enthusiasm and discipline.
Surfing is a lifestyle, not an activity!
Most Excellent Resources:
www.surfing-waves.com
www.bask.org/surfing/
www.maverickssurf.com
Two Mile Surf Shop
www.2milesurf.com
The best time to surf is the November thru January time of the year
The best time to learn to surf is October and November
(warmer and good swells)
Learning in Bolinas: *The Best Place to Learn to Surf!*
www.2milesurf.com
Almost all of the west coast's beaches face due west. This creates a "beach" break. Waves pop up anywhere at any time. A few beaches face north or south Like Santa Cruz and Bolinas. Waves tend to hit the outer most point and "get in line" and "slow down". The opposite is a "fast break". In Bolinas there is an outer reef that adds to the protection and there is also an even rise of the shallow beach. The opposite is a "reef" break as in Pipeline and Mavericks when a sudden incline brings waves immediately onto the surface. A point break is less likely to cause "riptide". And a shallow rise is less likely to cause an "undertow"
The sandy "bottom" of Bolinas is much kinder on mammalian skin than that of Hawaii's coral "bottom" or Mavrick's rocky bottom.
There are two types of storms in CA. A southern storm comes from Hawaii and Tahiti. Nicknamed Pinapple Express their warmth packs a wallop of humidity and large drops. These guys bring in Humungous swells(research Mavericks). The Northerlys are arid and cold. Best to ski or snowboard on the "light and fluffie" that these guys bring in. Watch the weather and choose your ride!
Wind- An "offshore" wind is blowing out to sea and will "hold up" a wave making a better than average "curl". An "onshore" wind will knock down a wave also called being "blown-down" and is in your face when looking for the right "set". Winds travel in circles so traveling north or south on the beach will eventually get you to the place you want to be. (Picture the arms of a hurricane with backdrafts at the end of each arm)
Gusty wind is less fun than a smooth consistent wind but affects kite and wind surfers much more.
The "head" of a wave- the part of the wave that begins to fall onto itself
The "swell" is a wave that has not surfaced
The "shoulder(s)" is the part of the wave that begins to break to one or both sides of the "head".
right of way- the person closest to the head in a position to "catch" a wave
"dropping in"- taking the right of way away from someone (usually a friend)
"sharking" - taking the right of way from someone- to be a Jerk
The surfer's "line-up" usually found at a point break, the vague line of surfers waiting for a "set".(not to be confused with the waves "lining" up)
Waves come in clusters of six to eight mostly. This order forms a "set" of waves. Sitting out small sets is easy when you are "waiting for your set to come in".
Face- the smooth, rideable part of a wave
Falls- the front, top crashing part of a wave(goin over the falls- BAD)
Pearl- to almost die while discovering the "bottom" up close and personal like. (non-surfing term= drill bit)
Soup- the foam left after a wave crashes, hard to ride cos u are not bouyant in it
Bonk- when there is no swell or rideable wave. "surfs up" v "surf's bonk"
Book- something to bring when the surf is bonk. real surfers will change out and read in ...
Civi's or Peds... civilian clothing or pedestrian outfits. (use not as common as the above)
rip tides and under tows---the pathophys-
Waves are energy dissipation. In the river the wave stays still the water moves. In the ocean the waves move the water stays in place. A wave uses gravity and then friction (on the bottom) and then itself as a wave courses back to sea after the crash. Sometimes these outgoing streams "line-up" and create a rip tide. In Three D, with the"bottom", it can create an undertow.
Google how to avoid either prior to your first session especially if you are prone to "Freaking Out"- which is coming out of the soup without smoothing your hair back or worse coming up for air with your mouth first, blowing out audibly, and inhaling. Really cool surfers will float lazily to the top. Forehead, eyes, nose then have exhaled on the way up and inhale only when the chin exits the water. Just like on Baywatch.
Dude- any one who can surf or trick other surfers to think they can surf
Dudette-THIS IS NOT A SURF LINGO- someone from Texas brought it thinking he was a Dude and he was NOT. He was "sketch".
Yes surfers use wax. A very good and funny wax is Mr Zog's Sex wax. Yes you can chew it as gum but chiklets are better. Hockey players, kayakers, drummers also use sex wax. "best for your stick" was banned in many parts of US giving rise to it's popularity.
First rule of surfing- If you snooze you lose
Second rule- (albeit losing ground on this one)- best to be happy than right or "let it go, dude"
Third rule- if it'll matter in a hundred years than it outta matter now. refer to rule two for the reverse. or "better hold on"
Bohdi- someone who can practice all three rules at the same time: Timing, enthusiasm and discipline.
Surfing is a lifestyle, not an activity!
Most Excellent Resources:
www.surfing-waves.com
www.bask.org/surfing/
www.maverickssurf.com
Two Mile Surf Shop
www.2milesurf.com
22 August 2010
Locking horns and not so fun body piercings August through October
many years ago, after finishing a paddle across tomales bay, I hiked up the back side of pt reyes (legal then) and encountered two bulls tangled in each other's antlers... they darted around in circles and got close enough for me to look for a place to seek cover. Soothed by their distraction (and not aided by the knee high brush fortification) I got a chance to see one of nature's wonders by chance and fancy... year's later I get a chance to share that magic with you all....
Pt Reyes is about 2.5 hrs drive and many beautiful places to stay exist... from backpacking, car camping to koa's to hostels to bountiful bed and breakfast destinations. also see petaluma, sausalito, olema, bodega bay, san anselmo, fairfax, novato, kent, san rafael.
other attractions include birdwatching... Pt Reyes is home to 490 different species and boasts more than any other place on the continent. The light house (best for whale watching from land... see map to see how whales get "bottle-necked" close to the pt reyes light house. and the historic life boat station now a hostel.
Bo and I commando camped off our kayaks at Limantour, Coast Camp and Wild Cat Camp during our epic paddle around Marin County. Alamere falls is one of few waterfalls that dump into the sea... Do not miss seeing the rugged terrain and beautiful wildflowers when you drop by for a visit. Gas up in Petaluma and enjoy the rolling terrain and scenic landscape. September and October are by far the best months of the year to be on the coast.
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
The tule elk herds had virtually disappeared by 1860, 13 years before the state awarded them complete protection. In the spring of 1978, two bulls and eight cows were brought in from the San Luis Island Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos. The elk were contained within a temporary, three acre enclosure to allow for adjustment to their new surroundings. That summer, 6 of the cows bore calves. In the fall, 17 elk were released from the enclosure on Tomales Point to 1,050 hectares (2,600 acres) of open grassland and coastal scrub. By the summer of 1988, the population was at 93 animals. The population census taken in 2000 counted over 400 elk. In 2009, over 440 were counted at Tomales Point, making the the Point Reyes herds one of the largest populations in California.
The tule elk can be found in several locations within the park but the best chance of seeing them is in the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point. They graze freely and are often seen near the road as you drive into the preserve.
Tule Elk Rut Season .
Tule Elk Docents and visitors viewing tule elk through spotting scopes at Windy Gap on Tomales Point
On weekends from July through September, park volunteers will be stationed at the Tomales Point Trailhead from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at Windy Gap (1 mile north along the Tomales Point Trail) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to interact with visitors curious about the tule elk. This is an exciting time of year on Tomales Point where visitors will likely hear bull elk bugling and see them attempting to round up harems of females. The lucky visitor may even get to see a couple of bull elk sparring. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for visitors to better view elk up close.
To help you enjoy your experience, please follow these elk watching tips:
•For your own safety, always observe elk from a distance. Use binoculars and spotting scopes. If an elk becomes alert or nervous and begins to move away, you are too close.
•If viewing from your car, pull off the road or park in designated areas.
•If you are on foot, stay on the trail; do not come between a cow and calf, a bull and a group of cows, or two bulls challenging each other.
•Watch quietly; whisper. Move slowly.
•Do not feed the elk. Feeding elk or any other wildlife is unhealthy for the animals, potentially dangerous for visitors, and strictly prohibited.
•Ride your bicycle only on designated trails. Within the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve, bicycles are only permitted on the Pierce Point Road. Bicycles are prohibited on the Tomales Point and McClures Beach trails.
•Pets are prohibited in most areas where elk may be seen, including the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve.
•Do not collect or remove elk antlers. They are an important source of calcium for many wildlife species such as rodents and deer.
Discover more about the tule elk by:
•watching our 10-minute video "Tule Elk: California's Legacy of Wildness,"
•watching the 6:29-minute "Science Behind the Scenery: Tule Elk" video,
•reading "Tule Elk - Return of a Species" (366 KB PDF file - Adobe® Acrobat Reader® required to view document), or
•checking out our Tule Elk webpage.
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
please be mindful when on hallowed ground... it is all hallowed ground (or water:)
outsidejay@gmail.com
Pt Reyes is about 2.5 hrs drive and many beautiful places to stay exist... from backpacking, car camping to koa's to hostels to bountiful bed and breakfast destinations. also see petaluma, sausalito, olema, bodega bay, san anselmo, fairfax, novato, kent, san rafael.
other attractions include birdwatching... Pt Reyes is home to 490 different species and boasts more than any other place on the continent. The light house (best for whale watching from land... see map to see how whales get "bottle-necked" close to the pt reyes light house. and the historic life boat station now a hostel.
Bo and I commando camped off our kayaks at Limantour, Coast Camp and Wild Cat Camp during our epic paddle around Marin County. Alamere falls is one of few waterfalls that dump into the sea... Do not miss seeing the rugged terrain and beautiful wildflowers when you drop by for a visit. Gas up in Petaluma and enjoy the rolling terrain and scenic landscape. September and October are by far the best months of the year to be on the coast.
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
The tule elk herds had virtually disappeared by 1860, 13 years before the state awarded them complete protection. In the spring of 1978, two bulls and eight cows were brought in from the San Luis Island Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos. The elk were contained within a temporary, three acre enclosure to allow for adjustment to their new surroundings. That summer, 6 of the cows bore calves. In the fall, 17 elk were released from the enclosure on Tomales Point to 1,050 hectares (2,600 acres) of open grassland and coastal scrub. By the summer of 1988, the population was at 93 animals. The population census taken in 2000 counted over 400 elk. In 2009, over 440 were counted at Tomales Point, making the the Point Reyes herds one of the largest populations in California.
The tule elk can be found in several locations within the park but the best chance of seeing them is in the Tule Elk Preserve at Tomales Point. They graze freely and are often seen near the road as you drive into the preserve.
Tule Elk Rut Season .
Tule Elk Docents and visitors viewing tule elk through spotting scopes at Windy Gap on Tomales Point
On weekends from July through September, park volunteers will be stationed at the Tomales Point Trailhead from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at Windy Gap (1 mile north along the Tomales Point Trail) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to interact with visitors curious about the tule elk. This is an exciting time of year on Tomales Point where visitors will likely hear bull elk bugling and see them attempting to round up harems of females. The lucky visitor may even get to see a couple of bull elk sparring. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available for visitors to better view elk up close.
To help you enjoy your experience, please follow these elk watching tips:
•For your own safety, always observe elk from a distance. Use binoculars and spotting scopes. If an elk becomes alert or nervous and begins to move away, you are too close.
•If viewing from your car, pull off the road or park in designated areas.
•If you are on foot, stay on the trail; do not come between a cow and calf, a bull and a group of cows, or two bulls challenging each other.
•Watch quietly; whisper. Move slowly.
•Do not feed the elk. Feeding elk or any other wildlife is unhealthy for the animals, potentially dangerous for visitors, and strictly prohibited.
•Ride your bicycle only on designated trails. Within the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve, bicycles are only permitted on the Pierce Point Road. Bicycles are prohibited on the Tomales Point and McClures Beach trails.
•Pets are prohibited in most areas where elk may be seen, including the Tomales Point Tule Elk Reserve.
•Do not collect or remove elk antlers. They are an important source of calcium for many wildlife species such as rodents and deer.
Discover more about the tule elk by:
•watching our 10-minute video "Tule Elk: California's Legacy of Wildness,"
•watching the 6:29-minute "Science Behind the Scenery: Tule Elk" video,
•reading "Tule Elk - Return of a Species" (366 KB PDF file - Adobe® Acrobat Reader® required to view document), or
•checking out our Tule Elk webpage.
http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_tuleelk.htm
please be mindful when on hallowed ground... it is all hallowed ground (or water:)
outsidejay@gmail.com
18 August 2010
Avatar Kayaking and Stand Up Paddling!!!
"Avatar" Kayaking is like paddling with David Copperfield, Jerry Garcia, Steven Speilburg, Steve Irwin and Noam Chomsky (all at the same time). There is a way to do it however and a way to "allow" yourself to "see" the naturally occurring magic light show. Email me for details. Taking pictures is nearly impossible and like trying to take a picture of a glow in the dark ball in the pitch blackness of the bathroom. The flash will ruin your vision and the picture will be of the water without the "sparkles" as they are doused by the flash.
Get all equipment ready and prepare the return equipment so that a flashlight is ready upon your return. (many hints for what you should have for the take out cooler) be mindful of the residence and how sound carries over water. Put-in after dusk and wait about an hour. The best time is from 10pm to 4am.
Turn off your headlights once you are afloat, paddle in serenity for a few minutes until your pupils begin to dilate to full. You will soon see the faint glow of your bow wake, then the glow as you paddle disturbs the water, then the iridescent vortex that each paddle stroke makes. soon after, the individual drops of water from you paddle become visible as it makes a plunge into the sea ... and then the reverberating micro splash becomes visible too! ... then the splashing begins and then you will notice the quiet ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing that surrounds you as if you were in some spiritual theater on a exclusive viewing on hallowed waters :) enjoy~
###
I was camping there last week and two distant lines of bow wake on either side of our kayaks were lit up blue green as well as each paddle stroke. If we put our hands in the water and shook them it lit up brightly as well. splashing ourselves with water resulted in sparkles and when i rolled, i sculled repeatedly and erractically while under water to watch the effect which was spectacular in the otherwise darkness.
gregg :o)
###
I have to admit that my expectations for this tour were very low.
BUT, this is a "Must See" experience!! We set out for ### Island. There is a stretch called "Pine Flat" where it is easy to land. After grabbing a snack and a sip of water the
darkness was beginning to settle in. Norma was the first to notice
that there were "sparkles" in the sand when it was disturbed.
We returned to our boats, and it was as if the rangers at ###
had flipped on the electricity! Every paddle stroke through the eel
grass was a light show! It was absolutely incredible! As we cleared
the grass and headed south toward White Gulch, our bow wave was
aglow! Fish darting from beneath our canoe left trails of light; the
bat rays flew away as a balls of luminescence! The group sounded like
a bunch of kids as we "Ooooed" and "Wowed!" It was surreal!
We crossed over to the West side of ### Island and listened to the
grunts and croaks of the double-crested cormorants roosting in the
trees. After paddling around the south side of "Piglet" islet we
crossed back guided by the amber lights of ###. The group
returned to the boat launch at about 10:30pm.
Arriving home ### at midnight--we had time to get some sleep,
switch boats and join John D and crew for a Sunday Gorge run.
California--what a great state!
If you want to self-guide, I think a small group could easily do
this. Your IKs and hardshells would be fine out on ### Bay on a
calm night. I've been out on the bay many times in a canoe. Bring a
headlamp, water and snack. A GPS is a good idea too. Red lights allow
paddlers to keep track of one another, and don't ruin one's night
vision. Periodic "count offs" are a must to make sure the group is
intact.
The display is usually visible ###
###but the experience is not to be missed!
Evan
######
In order to protect the pristine nature of this trip you must email me and get specifics... please do not "broadcast" this experience as I have been there several times and not once has any crazy rave parties have been going off... once you have experienced this, you will see how simple my prediction of such a party could take place.
I have removed the above specifics in order to protect the lands and waters that they exist in. email me for them and they are yours on two key terms. 1) you treat the world as if we were borrowing her from our children 2) help me by looking at my very first post on this blog
Thanks
Jay GOsuiCo
outsidejay@gmail.com
2010-
September 4/5/6
sunphase 0640-1933
moonphase 0204-1701
October 8/9
sunphase0709-0839
new moon
rent boats from California Canoe and Kayak tell them Jay sent you.
Get all equipment ready and prepare the return equipment so that a flashlight is ready upon your return. (many hints for what you should have for the take out cooler) be mindful of the residence and how sound carries over water. Put-in after dusk and wait about an hour. The best time is from 10pm to 4am.
Turn off your headlights once you are afloat, paddle in serenity for a few minutes until your pupils begin to dilate to full. You will soon see the faint glow of your bow wake, then the glow as you paddle disturbs the water, then the iridescent vortex that each paddle stroke makes. soon after, the individual drops of water from you paddle become visible as it makes a plunge into the sea ... and then the reverberating micro splash becomes visible too! ... then the splashing begins and then you will notice the quiet ooooh-ing and ahhhh-ing that surrounds you as if you were in some spiritual theater on a exclusive viewing on hallowed waters :) enjoy~
###
I was camping there last week and two distant lines of bow wake on either side of our kayaks were lit up blue green as well as each paddle stroke. If we put our hands in the water and shook them it lit up brightly as well. splashing ourselves with water resulted in sparkles and when i rolled, i sculled repeatedly and erractically while under water to watch the effect which was spectacular in the otherwise darkness.
gregg :o)
###
I have to admit that my expectations for this tour were very low.
BUT, this is a "Must See" experience!! We set out for ### Island. There is a stretch called "Pine Flat" where it is easy to land. After grabbing a snack and a sip of water the
darkness was beginning to settle in. Norma was the first to notice
that there were "sparkles" in the sand when it was disturbed.
We returned to our boats, and it was as if the rangers at ###
had flipped on the electricity! Every paddle stroke through the eel
grass was a light show! It was absolutely incredible! As we cleared
the grass and headed south toward White Gulch, our bow wave was
aglow! Fish darting from beneath our canoe left trails of light; the
bat rays flew away as a balls of luminescence! The group sounded like
a bunch of kids as we "Ooooed" and "Wowed!" It was surreal!
We crossed over to the West side of ### Island and listened to the
grunts and croaks of the double-crested cormorants roosting in the
trees. After paddling around the south side of "Piglet" islet we
crossed back guided by the amber lights of ###. The group
returned to the boat launch at about 10:30pm.
Arriving home ### at midnight--we had time to get some sleep,
switch boats and join John D and crew for a Sunday Gorge run.
California--what a great state!
If you want to self-guide, I think a small group could easily do
this. Your IKs and hardshells would be fine out on ### Bay on a
calm night. I've been out on the bay many times in a canoe. Bring a
headlamp, water and snack. A GPS is a good idea too. Red lights allow
paddlers to keep track of one another, and don't ruin one's night
vision. Periodic "count offs" are a must to make sure the group is
intact.
The display is usually visible ###
###but the experience is not to be missed!
Evan
######
In order to protect the pristine nature of this trip you must email me and get specifics... please do not "broadcast" this experience as I have been there several times and not once has any crazy rave parties have been going off... once you have experienced this, you will see how simple my prediction of such a party could take place.
I have removed the above specifics in order to protect the lands and waters that they exist in. email me for them and they are yours on two key terms. 1) you treat the world as if we were borrowing her from our children 2) help me by looking at my very first post on this blog
Thanks
Jay GOsuiCo
outsidejay@gmail.com
2010-
September 4/5/6
sunphase 0640-1933
moonphase 0204-1701
October 8/9
sunphase0709-0839
new moon
rent boats from California Canoe and Kayak tell them Jay sent you.
07 August 2010
meteors and starfire, asteroids and satellites
Tuesday through Saturday August 10 to August 14 10pm to 0400am
2010
NO moon night on Tuesday August 10, 2010
Persied Meteor showers Peak on Thursday August 12, 2010
They will be visible anytime August 10 thru the Saturday the 14
Best from 10 pm to 4 am (from 12-60 shoots per hour)
Best from lake side in foot hills or sierra granite (no trees) summit
Kayak or Hike under StarFire!
Bring warm clothes.
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2010.html
The Earth in its orbit travels through two large asteroid belts every
year. We are currently traveling thru near center of the largest one
The Persieds, coupled with the NO moon night, producing more shooting stars than ever! (well every
300yrs or so)
I believe finding a kayak in campground like the ones in Lake Sonoma
and Cherry Lake, Wright's lake, Echo Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake are
best for this but any area clear of trees and lights can make this an
unforgettable show. Maybe a fire look out station for those who don't
like water. We use satellites now so many of them have turned into
remote camping destinations. Airstrips or Observatories.
Squaw Valley will be hosting an event at high camp just above the tram ride:
http://www.squaw.com/perseid-meteor-shower-mountaintop-campout
***Bonus information: when to look for satellites (an hour after sunset)
We (the earth) is in the shadow. The Satellites are still in high
orbit and reflect the suns rays down to us via their solar wings
because they are still in the sun's direct path.They will be the
opening act.
And finding constellations (often too difficult due to the shear
number of stars above) can now be done thru apps such as starwalk for iphones and google sky
maps for androids. It took me twenty years to learn what Kasey downloaded in 8 seconds for free
Vietnamese noodle soup in a thermos makes this adventure an ideal
summer adventure! :) but top ramen will do
http://www.theskyscrapers.org/me
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
enjoy. and thanks
2010
NO moon night on Tuesday August 10, 2010
Persied Meteor showers Peak on Thursday August 12, 2010
They will be visible anytime August 10 thru the Saturday the 14
Best from 10 pm to 4 am (from 12-60 shoots per hour)
Best from lake side in foot hills or sierra granite (no trees) summit
Kayak or Hike under StarFire!
Bring warm clothes.
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2010.html
The Earth in its orbit travels through two large asteroid belts every
year. We are currently traveling thru near center of the largest one
The Persieds, coupled with the NO moon night, producing more shooting stars than ever! (well every
300yrs or so)
I believe finding a kayak in campground like the ones in Lake Sonoma
and Cherry Lake, Wright's lake, Echo Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake are
best for this but any area clear of trees and lights can make this an
unforgettable show. Maybe a fire look out station for those who don't
like water. We use satellites now so many of them have turned into
remote camping destinations. Airstrips or Observatories.
Squaw Valley will be hosting an event at high camp just above the tram ride:
http://www.squaw.com/perseid-meteor-shower-mountaintop-campout
***Bonus information: when to look for satellites (an hour after sunset)
We (the earth) is in the shadow. The Satellites are still in high
orbit and reflect the suns rays down to us via their solar wings
because they are still in the sun's direct path.They will be the
opening act.
And finding constellations (often too difficult due to the shear
number of stars above) can now be done thru apps such as starwalk for iphones and google sky
maps for androids. It took me twenty years to learn what Kasey downloaded in 8 seconds for free
Vietnamese noodle soup in a thermos makes this adventure an ideal
summer adventure! :) but top ramen will do
http://www.theskyscrapers.org/me
http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
enjoy. and thanks
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