October 18, 2008

Limatour


BASK paddle at Pt. Reyes. Josephine and I drove up Limatour and met with dozens of other paddlers. We launched into the estero which I had never done before. We paddled west exploring one of the bays and checking out cows. We ate lunch at the mouth of the estero will watching whales frolic just beyond the surf.

Photos

September 27, 2008

Farallon Islands


For a long time I had wanted to get out to the Farallon Islands, a small group of islands off the coast of San Francisco. Today was the day, we loaded up on the Kit Kat, a whale watching / commercial fishing boat out of Fort Mason. We set out at 8:00 and headed into rather dense fog. The boat was loaded with other BASK members and was organized by Maryly who wasn’t able to go because of sickness. After passing under the Golden Gate Bridge we turned north around Point Bonita and cruised up to Tennessee Valley where we changed course and headed due west to the Farallon Islands. The visibility was only a couple of hundred feet and it was hard to tell where the horizon was. The Kit Kat labored into the oncoming swell. About four miles from the Farallons, there was a large bang from the port engine. Opening the hatch, black smoke belched from the compartment. While there was no fire we did loose the engine for the remainder of the trip.

Suddenly out of the fog we could make out two ships that were science vessels studying the great white sharks. We hung out for awhile trying to repair the engine. Cruising around the island we found another boat trying to scare up sharks using a dummy sea lion.

No sharks, no whales, and down an engine we decided to head home. The sun finally punched through and with everyone warm and sandwiches in our stomachs it was time to nap. Suddenly, someone yelled “whale ho!” and everyone ran to one side of the boat. Sure enough a couple of hump back whales were playing at the surface. We later found another group of whales playing nearby. I had seen whales close up several times kayaking but this was the first time I actually saw one breach.

On the way back to harbor the Bay was a hub of activity with the Maltese Falcon racing to and fro, container ships coming and kite surfers chasing everyone.

Maps
Photos

September 07, 2008

Paddle: Mare Island

1492 hydro-glide paddle initiated by Kim. We launched from the Vellejo Boat Launch and paddled north past the circus to check out the Nina. We then crossed the river to Mare Island and paddled past the Nakha and down to the south end of the island.

Map
Photos

September 01, 2008

Paddle: Devil's Slide


I initiated a kayak trip for Saturday 30-Aug but weather conditions were epic so I postponed until Monday. A number of people dropped out but Bill Vonnegut and I met in Linda Mar. We launch through the surf and hundreds of surfers. From San Pedro to Montara was really sloppy with big swell but mild wind. A Coast Guard 47-ft cruised by us heading north followed by a Coast Guard helicopter. Radio chatter was that they were searching for an overturned blue kayak. Just north of the Montara lighthouse we met Heather and Steve.

Continuing south we ran into Anne Chang and her friend off the radio tower. We all headed south and after 11 miles and just shy of 3 hours landed at CCK.

Photos

Map

August 31, 2008

Hike: Muddy Hollow


Rhodora, Sue and I drive up to Point Reyes after 8:00 Mass for a Peru training hike. We did 7.0 miles in 2:30 with 800-ft of climbing which was pretty easy. Just after leaving Coast Camp we spot a whale jumping in the white camps pretty close to shore. Not a gray whale but smaller with a dark blue or black body. We parked the car at the north end of the Laguna Trail and hiked south to Coast Camp. From there we went west on the Coast Trail and jump down to the Beach to get to Limatour. We found the trail blocked on Muddy Hollow but jumped the Forest Service breast works and headed back north to the car on an abandoned trail.

August 24, 2008

Paddle: Muir Beach


Lee Apple and I joined up for a paddle on the coast. We drove up to Muir Beach and paddled north to Stinson Beach. The fog cover remained low all day but conditions were very nice for a coastal paddle, not much wind and a little swell to push us home.


August 23, 2008

Cycle: Marin Headlands


Solo bike trip from home across the Golden Gate Bridge


August 10, 2008

Hike: Upper Newport Bay


During halftime intermission of Tony's wedding, Rho, mom, and I went for a hike along the west side of the Upper Newport Bay (map link http://www.newportbay.org/maphigh.htm). It was hotter than us northerners are use to. The scenery was beautiful and we had a nice chat.


July 27, 2008

Hike: Sunol Loop


Rho and I got a good workout in the East Bay Hills on Sunday. We parked at the end of Geary Road in the Sunol Valley Regional Park. We did a counterclockwise loop heading east on the Canyon View Trail then north on Cerro Este Road and finally looping back to the southeast on Indian Joe Creek Trail. The first 2/3 was all up hill gaining about 1600-ft in elevation. Fortunately, I had a new hydro pack to provide water without pulling out a water bottle. Rho was a real trooper ground away on the uphills.

Map

July 26, 2008

Paddle: Tall Ships


Eight of us (Kim, Lee, LaRhee, Dean, Richard, Ging, Larry, and Michael) met at the Bayshore Yacht Club (Pier 52) on a beautiful Saturday morning to check out the tall ships that were making a San Francisco visit. Our first stop was at the South Bay Harbor to check out the Japanese Kaisei and Canadian HMCS Oriole. Paddling on towards the Bay Bridge, we found the HMS Bounty and USCG Eagle berthed together. Many of the tourists were snapping photos of us.

We continued north past the Cupid’s Span on the Embarcadero and dodged the ferries coming and going. The next tall ship we found were the Lynx and the Californian, who later in the day, staged a mock battle. The Nehemiah was also tied up nearby. A few piers down we found the Robert C. Seamans. We passed one of the Princess Cruise ships and rounded Pier 39 with a little lumpy water. Again dodging ferries we made for the submarine USS Pampanito, not a tall ship but definitely cool. The Jeremiah O’Brien was tied nearby sporting a red, white and blue bunting on the bow. Ducking inside the breakwater we found the Nina Replica tied amongst the fishing boats.

We looped around the permanent ships in the San Francisco Maritime Museum and enjoyed lunch at the Aquatic Park. We watched the CCK crew give quick tours to noivices around the park.

On the return we watch the Californian and Lynx cast off and raise sails for their battle. Thanks so much to Kim for initiating the paddle and a wonderful day on the Bay.

Photos Map

July 13, 2008

Paddle: Palo Alto


LaRhee initiated a paddle leaving from Palo Alto and checking out two railroad bridges. I was interested because it would be the most southern paddle in the Bay for me. 23 of us met on Sunday morning and launched from a nice dock in Palo Alto (check the map). We traced along the shore north to Cooley Point and then the Hetch Hetchy water pipe line. We followed the pipe line (there are a few leaks) to the Dumbarton RR swing bridge. From there we went up the Newark slough to another railroad swing bridge. There we disembarked and enjoyed chocolate chip cookies. We rode a nice wind with a little surfable chop back to the Palo Alto dock.

Later we enjoyed a great BBQ at LaRhee's.

Map

July 06, 2008

Ferry Lopez to Anacortes


Ferry is the most popular method of travel between the San Juan Islands.




July 05, 2008

Paddle: Fisherman's Bay to Otis Perkins


Rhonda, Steve, Matthew and I launch in doubles from Fisherman's Bay and paddle south. We ride the current until it changes and land for a few minutes at Otis Perkins day park.






July 04, 2008

Paddle: Fisherman's Bay to Odlin Pk


Steve and I rent kayaks from Lopez Kayak and head north from Fisherman's Bay. We round Flat Point and land at Odlin Park. After a few minutes rest we turn and head back against the wind and current.




July 03, 2008

Hiking: Mountain Lake, Orcas Island, WA


Matthew, Rhodora, Rhoda, Noel, JP, Rudy, and I hike around Mountain Lake while Perla and Noah guard the cars. It was a little rainy but we were under trees for most of hike. Fish were jumping and squirrels were out but the only bears were in the stories.


June 28, 2008

Paddle: Limantour - Millers Point


Fred initiates a great paddle that includes David, John, Rich, Rich, Michael, Ray, Paula, and Gordon. It took me 1:25 to drive the 48 miles up from San Francisco to Limantour. I stopped at the Lagunitas Grocery and Deli to get a turkey sandwich on the way out. We launched at 11:00 with thoughts of Almere Falls. The sun never quite made a show. We stopped at Millers Point for lunch afterwards we headed back north. On the return trip we stopped by Fred's Sink Hole.

Map Photos

June 22, 2008

Cycle: Paradise Loop

Amy came over and we had a good workout riding clockwise around Paradise Loop. Fortunately, the heat wave has broken and conditions were comfortable.

Map

June 21, 2008

Ferry Pt - Angel Island


Jesse initiated a paddle leaving from Ferry Point and circumnavigating Angel Island. 15 BASKers showed and launched. We passed many fishing boats on the way to Angel Island, the Halibut has been very popular as there are no salmon. We decided to go around clockwise and we caught some wind and waves rounding Pt Blunt. We shared lunch at Fort Reynolds and met up with a class from Sea Trek. The return crossing was uneventful. We headed for Pyramid for a beer to cool off on a hot day.


May 18, 2008

Athens


We loaded up the bus and departed Poros for Athens. Another rest stop at the Corinthian Cut and we arrive around 11:00. We tour Athens by bus checking out the “old” Olympic Stadium and Plaka District. We enjoyed lunch at Tabepna Vizantino in the Plaka. After lunch we check into the Athens Plaza hotel.

Map Photos

May 17, 2008

Poros Island by ATV


Today was a free day on the island of Poros. We rented ATV (4-tracks) and went touring the island. Achaia Claus Winery

Map Photos

May 16, 2008

Hydra


Today we catch a hydrofoil from Poros to the Island of Hydra (see map). Hydra is home of the Greek Naval Academy and our first stop is the Naval Museum. Sailors from Hydra played an important role in winning Greek independence from the Turks. After the museum we wandered the streets and this very picturesque town. No automobiles or mopeds are allowed on the island so all transport is by mule.

After returning to Poros, I went for a quick dip in the Agean. It wasn’t much warmer that Chrissy Field in San Francisco.

Map Photos

May 15, 2008

Poros


We are staying in the Hotel New Aegli a nice place about 2 km out of town right on the water. I’m up early and after breakfast mom and I walk into town. I’m scouting out places to rent bicycles and kayaks. At 10:00 am we catch a water taxi from the hotel to downtown Poros. Poros is the home town of Marie the AHI guide who is with us the entire trip. She gives us a tour of downtown finishing with a trip to the museum of archeology. We have lunch at Taverna Apagio where the owners Spyros and Liz entertain us with tales of how they met and got into the restaurant business.

Photos

May 14, 2008

Mycenae & Epidaurus


We depart Patras and the Hotel Achaia Beach for good this morning. We retrace our route along the south edge of the Corinthian Gulf and pick up a new guide Kristina in at the Corinthian Cut. We roll into Mycenea at 11:00. Mycenae dating from the 16th Century BC is the legendary palace of Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks in the siege of Troy. This is where the Mask of Agamemnon was excavated. Just down the hill from Mycenae we visit the Treasury of Atreus. After lunch at Kolizeras Restaurant we on the road again.

We arrive at Epidaurus at 3:00 pm. Epidaurus is known for the best preserved theater and the Asklepion a sanctuary where ancient Greeks came for healing by snakes. After Epidaurus we made for our final destination on the Island of Poros.

Map Photos

May 13, 2008

Olympia


We bus out to Olympia watching a super cheesy DVD on the first Olympics. Today’s guide is Ioanna Papakosta. We check out the museum first. There are helmets from the battle of Marathon both Greek and Persian, also the classical sculpture of Hermes. After the museum we tour the grounds of the early Olympics. Archeologists are currently excavating the Hippodrome where horse and chariot races where held.

Map Photos

May 12, 2008

Delphi


Lecture on the history of Greece (part II) by Dimitris again. At 9:30 we depart for Delphi with a new guide named Konstantina. She tells tales of sea battles, occupation by the Turks, and extra virgin olive oil. We stop at Clovino Beach for a break, the roads are relatively quite as this is day six of a truck driver strike so petrol deliveries are limited. At Delphi we hike up the Sacred Way past the Athenian Treasury to the Temple of Apollo. Some of us continue up to the Stadium at the top. Afterwards we climb back down to the museum that houses the famous bronze of the charioteer. Map Photos

May 11, 2008

Patras


We get up early for a lecture on the history of Greece (part I) by Dimitris Karagiannis. Afterwards we tour Patras the third largest city in Greece. The first stop is the Agios Andreas (cathedral of St. Andrew). Legend has it that St. Andrew was crucified at this site on an ‘X’ shape cross. In the 1960s the Vatican returned the head and cross to the Eastern Church. We then tour the central plaza and watched mom work the ATM. Lunch was at the Darious on the water. After a quick nap we toured the Achaia Clauss winery.

Photos

May 10, 2008

Transfer Athens to Patras


We meet up with the rest of the tour group including my mom and dad at the Athens airport. We load up on a bus and drive from Athens to Patras along the south coast of the Corinthian Gulf. Along the way we check out the Corinthian Cut.


Athens Before Tour


We set out on foot for the National Archaeological Museum, it’s crammed full of famous art pieces from the Minoans to classical Greek period (5th Century BC). Be sure to check out the link and remember the Mask of Agamemnon as we will visit where it was excavated later in the trip. On the way to the museum we got lost a couple of times but managed to take in a couple of other Athens highlights. After lunch at a little restaurant near the Monastiraki station we toured the flea market. See the photos.

May 09, 2008

Arriving Athens


The date changed somewhere over Iceland. I watched “No Country for Old Men”, kind of rambling with a high body count. Not really Oscar material but what do I know. We arrive in Frankfurt at 10:15 am, hard to believe I lived here for a year in 1989. After passing through security in San Francisco and New York, the Germans seize my soap and mouth wash. At 5:30 pm we arrive in Athens and catch a cab to the Hilton. The Athens Hilton is very nice with a view of the Acropolis.

May 08, 2008

San Francisco to Frankfurt

We leave SFO at 9:35 am having been delivered by Supershuttle driver Kairy Roosevelt who had a knack of stopping in the middle of intersections and trying to figure out where to go. Arriving in New York at 5:40 pm we enjoy a “Famous 42nd Street” hamburger and Sam Adams before catching the Singapore Airlines flight to Frankfurt.

March 09, 2008

Hike: Alamere Falls


On Sunday, Rho, Sue, Lee and I drive out to Point Reyes National Seashore for a hike. Our goal is Alamere Falls. We parked at Palomarin and hike north along the coast line. At Double Point we turn inland to skirt east of Bass and Pelican Lakes. At the top of the falls, Lee leaves us to hike out to Bear Valley visitor center another 10 miles north. Sue, Rho and I scramble down the loose rocks to Alamere Falls. We shared sandwiches from the Lagunitas Deli, snapped some photos and headed back

Photos and map

March 02, 2008

Paddle: Tiburon


At 11:30 Lee and I launched from Schoonmaker (SeaTrek) Beach in Sausalito. We made our way across Richardson Bay to Peninsula Point. There was a strong ebb tide flowing out of Racoon Straights towards the Golden Gate Bridge so we decide not to cross but stay on the Tiburon side. We mashed our way against the tide to the Corinthian Yatch club and then traced the shoreline.
After check out Kiel Cove and deciding that would be a nice place to live, we rounded Bluff Point and headed north. We worked against the tide and wind until San Quentin came into view at that point we decided we had gone far enough so we turned back at Pt. Chauncey. It was a beautiful day for the beginning of March.

February 18, 2008

Paddle: Point Lobos


On Monday, Lee, Kim and I launched from Montestary Beach and paddled out to Point Lobos. Then we traced our way back along the shore to Whaler's Cove. Then we headed north to Stillwater Cove where we stopped for lunch. Check out the photos and map.


February 17, 2008

Paddle: Monterey


Lee, Kim, and I travel south to Monterey for a couple of paddles on President's Day weekend. On Sunday, we launched from MBK and paddled out to Point Pinos. The wind and seas until we made the point so we turned back. We saw a couple of otters near the aquarium and sea lions in the harbor. On the way back we did a lap around the harbor. Check out the photos and map.


February 10, 2008

Paddle: Pillar Point


Lee and I got a late start after meeting with Bill. We drove down to Pillar Point. There was a stiff wind blowing from the north. We stuck our noses out in the ocean but decided it was a better idea to stay in the harbor and get a work out. This sail boat was washed up during the recent storms. Check out the photos.

February 09, 2008

Cycling: WW LDTG Gadzich Ranch


Amy and I met up with a bunch of Western Wheeler cyclist at Seascape for the annual trek to Gadzich Ranch. The ranch is known for the best apple pies in Northern California. It was a beautiful sunny day with temps in the 60s and little wind. There was some surf action when we passed the Concrete Ship. Lunch consisted of a turkey sandwich and apple pie. Check out the photos and Route Map.

February 02, 2008

Cycling: WW LDTG Morgan Hill

Amy and I joined up with 12 others from the Western Wheelers on a cold Saturday. Fortunately, we stayed dry until the end. 2008 mileage = 308

Route Map

January 19, 2008

Cycling: WW LDTG Saratoga


Amy and I rode the Western Wheeler training ride to Saratoga
photos check out the route map

January 16, 2008

GPS Basic Class

I took a class at San Francisco REI
GPS Basic

January 13, 2008

Paddle: Horseshoe Cove - Pt. Diablo


Kim organized a "gunk holing" trip from Horseshoe Cove out the Gate. I didn't think we'd make it too far as there was a large swell in off the Pacific. The Mavericks surf competition was held the day before on Saturday. I watched the huge surf break off Point Bonita as a drove across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Seven of us (Kim, Thomas, Larry, Amber, Paula, Rich and me) launched and made our way slowly down to Point Diablo (route map). Though conditions were relatively tame, occassionally a big set would roll through. We returned to the Presidio Yacht Club which will be forced to close in Oct 2008.

photos

January 12, 2008

Cycling: WW Shoreline

Amy and I rode the Western Wheeler long distance training (LDT) Shoreline ride. I forgot my helmet and had to run down to the cycling outfitters and get a new Bell helmet. The weather started cloudy but cleared to be a beautiful sunny day. There was still much debris from the storm on the roadway. We did a few small hills and then caught the rest of the group at Shoreline Park for lunch.


January 04, 2008

Winter Storm

We weathered the big storm (see San Francisco Chronicle Article ) lossing electricity at home from about 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. All our trees are still up but we lost the chimney cap. I recovered it on the sidewalk and will wait for a break in the rain to reinstall.

January 01, 2008

Albert's New Year Paddle




Keith graciously hosted a paddle on New Year's Day for Albert and his friends. Albert has been fighting cancer for the past few months. You can read his story at Albert's Blog

A huge turn out for the paddle (some 60 - 80) filled the dock and parking at Jack London Square to capacity. I was late as I was reading the story in the recent Sea Kayaker Magazine about the guy trying to paddle across Lake Michigan. As often happens when one runs late, I forgot my nice roast beef sandwich lunch, hat, and paddle. Well, I had half a Tooksok and half a Mitchell paddle which does not equal one whole paddle. Fortunately, Kieth saved the day and lent me a Aquabound Manta Ray paddle. I rather liked the paddle and would recommend you try it out if you have some Christmas money to spend.

Most the crowd paddled to the estuary entrance, mugged for a group photo and paddled back to CCK for a big potluck lunch. Bob Stender stood on the rocky point and snap a group photo.

Twentyone kayakers continued on with a circumnavigation of Alameda Island (see the route map) under the direction of Jesse. While the group stopped at Robert Crown Beach for lunch, Susan , Jack, and I (those without lunch) pressed on to Jack London Square. When we cruised by Government Island, we got a close up look at the Coast Guard cutter Boutwell. You can read about the Boutwell's recent exploits at this link.

Happy New Year to each of you!! Thank you so much Keith for a great day on the Bay and check out the photos.
Bob Stender's great photos.