Sunday, November 16, 2008

LOW BRIDGE EVERYBODY DOWN....

I finally got out on the water again today, a freakishly beautiful November afternoon. The tide was nearly finished its flooding so the water was high in Eureka Slough as I headed up from the bay. Passing under the old railroad track west of 101 ... duck! Maybe Eko or one of the other "old timers" can tell me what building I passed? I think it was maybe 1st and X Streets, behind Target. It says "NMPCo" and "1904" on it. I paddled up the slough nearly to Murray Field then decided it was time to get back and get dinner started. I got a little help from the tide as I paddled back to the bay. The water was clear enough for a good reflection of the freeway. A little sun on my skin. A little excitement, riding the wakes of a couple of jet-skis. All in all, another beautiful day.

7 comments:

Kym said...

These are beautiful photos. The clarity and peacefulness make me wish I was there.

Indie said...

I love it when we get to go kayaking with you. I've never kayaked and I'm not sure I have the courage to go out on the water in cold weather. But with your stories and photos I get to share a little of the experience. Thanks!

Joe Cornish said...

These really are beautiful photos. I think the best days here are the overcast days.

By the way, I have a question for you. How do you handle it when you hop in the car on a wet day and all the car windows are steamed up?

Joe

beachcomber said...

Thanks guys. I think the camera is as essential as the paddle when I head out. Not sure I could enjoy the trip.

Joe, turn on the defroster and crank the fan to MAX. Make sure the vents are aimed at the side windows. Just be sure to turn off the defroster once the fog clears -- it runs the evaporator for the AC so will suck down your mileage so don't leave it on longer than necessary. When the weather gets real crappy, give yourself an extra few minutes so you're not tempted to drive before the windows are done by peering through the clear spots.

Joe Cornish said...

Thank you, beachcomber. There are so many things for an ex-L.A. guy to learn up here!

Now I have another question for you. A couple of times lately I've been on the beach and have felt like running into the water---but I had no swimsuit with me. What's the protocol here? With no one else visible or maybe just a few further down the beach, is there any problem with shedding my clothes and taking a quick dip?

I'm just not sure how comfortable the locals are with brief views of nudity, and I'd hate to be hauled in to the local slammer. I'd appreciate your take on all of this.

beachcomber said...

You're funny, Joe. I'm not sure anyone would be as shocked as they would be amazed. I keep hearing Dana Hall (the Burly Man of local radio fame) using the term "shrinkage". Have you ever swam in our water?! It's freaking cold.

I really can't be sure how people would react. Might be worth a shot just to wake up the joint. Be sure to post the date, ok?

Anonymous said...

Beachcomber....that's the current Blue Ox Millworks. It was an old mill site years ago and was run down when Eric and Vivian Hollenbeck purchased it. There used to be buildings like that dotted up and down the bay.