 |
| Cape Sutil to Experiment Bight: 15.8 nautical miles |
...and then the sun came out, ahh! At
about 5:00 pm, it cleared up and my cold, grey world turned into a
tropical paradise. As I watch the medium-sized waves roll in on the
beach, I can see Bull Kelp waving in the waves clean face.
Observation: While feasting on Pacific
Blue Mussels, I noticed I had inadvertantly also steamed Shore Crabs
that were inside the mussel's shell. The crabs had a very delicate
shell and I think they were in the process of regrowing it after
moulting. I wonder if Shore Crabs intentionally hide inside mussels
when they are in this vulnerable state.
I woke to a calm, cool morning. I
noticed a Raft of Sea Otters in the kelp off the beach. On this
day's paddle, I would see them consistently everywhere in the near
shore environment. It gives me a good feeling knowing they are back
after a long, two hundred year absence.
The water was turbulent. This a a
different beast to navigate. Christiansen Point was particularely
big. Stellar Sea Lions were guarding the rocky shores where it was
the worst, adding a layer of intensity to the day. They have an
unnerving vocalization. One pride was about fifty individuals, all
swimming in a mass blob. A loner swam behind me for a couple of
miles. I yelled at him, "Go play with your own friends!"
I stopped at Nissen Bight for lunch and
it was cold, wet and uninviting. No one was there. I saw a Grey
Whale on the way in. I carried on by Nels Bight and saw campfires
from a distance. I arrived off shore at Experiment Bight and sussed
out where the best camping might be. There was decent swell here and
I was happy to successfully land through the 1-1.5m breaking waves.
It was cold, so I madea big fire but then the sun came out. Wearing
just shorts felt so nice after a few days wearing many layers of
clothes. I made a clothes line and gave all my clothes and gear good
airing out.
Later, I noticed the moon. I started
the trip during the New Moon phase and this is the first time I've
seen it on the trip. It is already a day past the First Quarter
phase. The sunset tonight was gorgeous.
No comments:
Post a Comment