I live in Los Osos at the southern end of Morro Bay and have kayaked in the bay many times. I especially like paddling in the fog and watching the shore disappear from view and silence surround me on my little plastic island. Great article!
Joshua, your excellent writing brings home many wonderful memories like the solo night-sail and tied bow-to the seep bank of Double Bayou on Galveston Bay. An alligator floated near the stern and would not leave, awaiting a “snack” as had apparently been provided by previous sailors.
After a couple hours keeping watch on this ‘gator , it dawned on me that alligators go on land as well as water and she could crawl from the bank onto the bow deck and into the cockpit with me! That night rather than anchor watch I had alligator watch.!
There is a marsh not too far from our home I have long wanted to explore. Never got there, as it was a matter of the wrong boat in the wrong place. When the Whitehall is completed, perhaps then, under oars.
I built a 19 foot outboard cruiser that would plane in a foot of water - had an unforgettable week in the FL keys skimming over gin clear sea grass flats. It was like flying in ground effect. I miss the boat but not the trailer.
Still working on getting our new-to-me WWP15 back in the water. The only water it’s seen in 27 years has been rain, hoping to change that soon. These are the stories that build me up. I’ve never heard of Craft Island and it’s not far from us here on Whidbey, makes me imagine all the adventures within 20 miles of here. I think I’m going to like my pocket yacht even more than I imagine. Thanks for the inspiration!
There are places in the Laguna Madre in South Texas where the water is usually one to two feet deep and gin clear. There is magic and beauty gliding over it at speed when the sun is just right.
While gunkholing the Columbia River above the Bonniville Locks many years ago in our English twin-keeler, we pulled into a side channel for the night. The next morning, we were alarmed that they had released enough water for us to be trapped! The day got better when we were able to clear the entrance.
We kayakers occasionally paddle in the Skagit Bay where the river has deposited silt over eons, and logging detritus--mainly stumps--leaving a mudflat at low tide. I have photos of people dragging their boats over water too shallow to paddle in. They look as if they're walking on water. Semi-miraculous, as it were.
Another miracle to see: dunlin flying in perfect, but constantly undulating flocks that twist and wheel, expand and shrink, in unison. Who gets to call the shots--"Okay everybody, now dive and curve left, on my mark!" ? And how does everybody get the message at the same instant? I've seen flocks of starlings in the evening dusk doing the same maneuvers. Is this a great planet, or what?
I live in Los Osos at the southern end of Morro Bay and have kayaked in the bay many times. I especially like paddling in the fog and watching the shore disappear from view and silence surround me on my little plastic island. Great article!
Joshua, your excellent writing brings home many wonderful memories like the solo night-sail and tied bow-to the seep bank of Double Bayou on Galveston Bay. An alligator floated near the stern and would not leave, awaiting a “snack” as had apparently been provided by previous sailors.
After a couple hours keeping watch on this ‘gator , it dawned on me that alligators go on land as well as water and she could crawl from the bank onto the bow deck and into the cockpit with me! That night rather than anchor watch I had alligator watch.!
A sailor’s bravery knows no bounds! ;)
There is a marsh not too far from our home I have long wanted to explore. Never got there, as it was a matter of the wrong boat in the wrong place. When the Whitehall is completed, perhaps then, under oars.
I built a 19 foot outboard cruiser that would plane in a foot of water - had an unforgettable week in the FL keys skimming over gin clear sea grass flats. It was like flying in ground effect. I miss the boat but not the trailer.
Still working on getting our new-to-me WWP15 back in the water. The only water it’s seen in 27 years has been rain, hoping to change that soon. These are the stories that build me up. I’ve never heard of Craft Island and it’s not far from us here on Whidbey, makes me imagine all the adventures within 20 miles of here. I think I’m going to like my pocket yacht even more than I imagine. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yeah, loads of great sailing spots right in your region.
Excellent article. Your words remind us of why we do what we do.
I’m with you on the “Skinny Water” exploration…lots to explore inshore…nice place to be…
I agree! Shallow waters are where the fun is! BestRoy
There are places in the Laguna Madre in South Texas where the water is usually one to two feet deep and gin clear. There is magic and beauty gliding over it at speed when the sun is just right.
Hope to be there next month.
You’re speaking my ‘love language,’ Joshua. I’m always happiest skimming over thin sheets were no one else can go.
This article pretty much explains why I paddle, so much to see and so few other boats.
What design is the Cat/Yawl in the headline photo? Tks
Nord Vinden, a 13-foot canoe yawl whose lines were taken from the late-1800s design by George Holmes, a founder of the Humber Yawl Club.
While gunkholing the Columbia River above the Bonniville Locks many years ago in our English twin-keeler, we pulled into a side channel for the night. The next morning, we were alarmed that they had released enough water for us to be trapped! The day got better when we were able to clear the entrance.
That’s one you won’t forget!
We kayakers occasionally paddle in the Skagit Bay where the river has deposited silt over eons, and logging detritus--mainly stumps--leaving a mudflat at low tide. I have photos of people dragging their boats over water too shallow to paddle in. They look as if they're walking on water. Semi-miraculous, as it were.
Another miracle to see: dunlin flying in perfect, but constantly undulating flocks that twist and wheel, expand and shrink, in unison. Who gets to call the shots--"Okay everybody, now dive and curve left, on my mark!" ? And how does everybody get the message at the same instant? I've seen flocks of starlings in the evening dusk doing the same maneuvers. Is this a great planet, or what?