Hi all,

Here is my story for my paddle on Morro Bay with a kayaker from LA
(Curt Johnson). It is a story I did not think I would be telling but
here goes. And just to be upfront, I learned a lesson! The day was
a nice day, partly sunny and warm enough. We launched from the usual
place, marina by Bayside cafe around I think 10am. The tide was on
it's way out and I was very aware of that fact. We headed over to
shark inlet where we observed the earthquake damage (Mud upheavel).
Then we paddled out of there as the water was getting low. I was (in
my mind) heading for the marina and then Curt said lets go over to
the sand spit for a break. I said OK lets go. Off we went. Hit shore
and had a snack and some conversation. Around 12:25 (I think) we
headed for our boats and the water. Curt started out first and was
headed for the water when he sunk to above his knees in mud! OH MY!
I have a picture to come later! Well we got him out and said well I
guess we are not going anywhere. SO there we were stuck on the sand
spit with mud for as far as you could see. I at this point am
kicking my self for not paying more attention to the water level and
thinking about staying in the channel. Ok so now what? We wait for
the water to come back in I guess! OH! man my husband is going to
worry soon. AND I don't have my cell phone (What a dummy). So while
stranded we hiked over to the ocean side so Curt could wash off the
mud. Then we hicked around and watched as the rest of the water left
the bay. I have to say it was very interesting seeing the bottom of
the bay. I had no idea that most of it was so shallow. Anyway I
guess about 5 pm with the sun setting and the tide on its way in we
were close to a channel so I said lets try to get in to that and
paddle for home. Curt pushed me into the channel and then proceeded
to launch him self into the channel, literaly. But we did the recuce
that he learned and I had learned with Mike, I held his boat and he
got in. It worked good. Then we where off on the mad dash for the
marina before pitch dark. At this point I was very nervous and even
scared. I had no light with me either but we made it to the marina
about 6pm (DARK) and there looking for us was the harbor patrol. My
husband and mother-in-law was a bit worried. After all of that, and
because alot of things was on our side, weather and sights it was a
good day for me, poor Curt still had to drive home. I hope he made it
OK! Whew I made it home all in one piece. Thanks again Curt for
being so patient and having a great attiude the whole time. Well
that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Lesson learned, Take cell
phone ALWAYS. Get flashight, I am even getting compass and anything
else I can think of to have on board JUST IN CASE! Because you never
know! Any suggestion??

Anyway, I will see some of you next sunday at Lake San Antonio.
Stacy