Sea kayaking activities

Tsunami Retreat 2017 Part Two – Meet Captain Tortuga! The Cutlass Passes…

Editor’s note: Although the torch, or rather the cutlass, has passed to TR Captain Tortuga, Captain Kuk retains the ultimate right of veto, to stay or to go. We may have to make him an Admiral, heh, heh, heh. Also, a big thank you to all the Rangers who provided photos for this retreat series – we got a lot of good ones. You can read Part One, The Wave in the Cave, about the 2017 retreat at https://tsunamirangers.com/2017/11/06/tsunami-retreat-2017-part-one-the-wave-in-a-cave/

Newly minted Capt. Tortuga celebrates in a blowhole

CAPTAIN KUK: After our Dark Dance in the cave, we gathered at our secret spot for the annual Tsunami Ranger retreat in the fall of 2017. One of the reasons for our annual retreat, in addition to having a good time, is to award rank to officers. This year in addition to a new Ranger, there was also a promotion to the top position.

TR Dandy Don, Capt. Tortuga, and Capt. Kuk on the beach at Thunder Cove

In 1984 when Eric Soares and I started the Tsunami Rangers I chose the title of captain because I liked Captain Cook, so I became Captain Kuk. In the beginning it was just a fun idea and it took me a long time to fulfill the actual responsibilities of a captain. Having been the only Captain since 1984 it was time for me to pass the trident along to a fellow Ranger.

Captain Tortuga Deb Volturno has been part of the Tsunami Rangers since the early days and is now assuming the leadership role. In the more than 23 years that she has been in the Rangers, Deb has shown a wide range of comprehensive skill sets, has good on water decision making and most importantly, is fun to be around. As a Commander in the Rangers for the last 10 years Deb has demonstrated excellent situational awareness and flexibility in difficult situations with an eclectic mob like the Rangers. Keeping unit cohesion takes more than a swashbuckling Jack Sparrow to muster the troops and lead the charge; it takes an understanding of the conditions and limitations of the team and keeping a keen eye on the horizon for unexpected events in a luridly exposed coast.

Cathedral Cave - TR John Lull and Deb in the God Zone — Cathedral Cave – TR’s John Lull and Deb in the God Zone

The Tsunami Rangers are not a democracy; decisions are made by the highest ranking officer, an important difference than how a group operates by a consensus. Having the most experienced and skilled person in charge keeps order in the squad. Also as an instructor, presenter and writer Deb has added to and helped shape the overall knowledge of sea kayaking. In addition to being a great person Deb has been instrumental in the continuing evolution of the Tsunami Rangers and will be into the future.

Capt. Kuk received a wooden name plate hand cut by TR Michael Powers and inscribed with his rank and name. — Capt. Kuk received a wooden name plate inscribed with his rank and name, hand cut by TR Michael Powers

In honor of her promotion, Deb received a very special cutlass. The cutlass is a slashing saber. It is short, thick and curved. Used at sea by sailors and pirates, the “buccaneer” cutlass has many uses at sea and on land. It is very functional for cutting, thrusting and guarding in close quarters. It is the weapon of a captain and one of the symbols for the Tsunami Rangers (along with Neptune’s trident and the double bladed paddle).

Keep calm and carry on, Captain Tortuga!

CAPTAIN TORTUGA: As the sun disappears beyond the horizon of the Great Sea the light of the flickering campfire casts dancing shadows of the sea revelers on the rock wall. The ritual that marks the beginning of Tsunami Ranger business is signaled by Captain Kuk, standing above the circle of the seated firelight-hued tribal members. He holds his Captain’s cutlass in one hand and a bottle of fine sipping tequila in the other. “Ahoy, you scurvy swine!”

This night Tsunami Ranger history is made with a promotion to the rank of Captain in the Tsunami Rangers. It is awarded for the first time since Captain Jim Kakuk assumed the rank when the Tsunami Rangers began exploring the chaotic coastal zones in kayaks as a team over 34 years ago. Tonight, it is me accepting the leadership rank of Captain in the Tsunami Rangers, along with being presented with the highly coveted Captain’s cutlass. The ceremony is fueled by words of support from my TR tribal members, and I am truly humbled. The lump in my throat highlights the upwelling of emotions as I accept this responsibility before my tribe. It is with immense honor and pride that I stand before them, as a Captain of the Tsunami Rangers!

My Captains, my Captains! Tortuga and Kuk cross cutlasses

Captain Kuk and I, Captain Tortuga, stand facing each other in our most daring and undaunted pirate posture, and raise our cutlasses to cross blades. The metal clang of the two blades meeting affirms the commitment to the next chapter of the Tsunami Rangers! Soon the flowing of fine tequila relieves the lump in my throat, and the celebrating commences!

And there was much rejoicing... — And there was much rejoicing…

The twinkling celestial sky stretches and curves overhead, while the black night sea sends audible messages of its dance with the rocky reefs. It is an especially good night for a celebration! “Yo ho ho, Mateys”, Captain says, “Pass the tequila!” I am struck by how exciting it is to have my very own cutlass, with “Captain Tortuga” inscribed on the blade! I am moved by its significance of course, and caught a little by surprise. I could never have known how awesome it is to have my own cutlass! Fortunately for the Tsunami Rangers one of our esteemed officers, Lt. JG Nancy Soares is a trained knife fighter. Through her tutelage, my dismal cutlass wielding skills can only improve – which of course is an important expectation of being a cutlass-carrying swashbuckling pirate kayaker Captain of the Tsunami Rangers!

Capt. Tortuga and the team, Don and Steve

LT. JG NANCY SOARES: Wow, a new Captain! When Jim told me about Deb’s impending promotion it felt so right. Deb is one of those unusual and gifted leaders who lead without seeming to. If I needed one word to describe our new Tsunami Ranger Captain it would be “gracious”. Deb has so much grace. She’s gracious in both word and deed and she is the most graceful kayaker! At her promotion celebration when it was my turn to say something all I could come up with was, “Oh, Deb! You’re so good… and I’m so not!!!” Yeah, I’d had a fair amount of tequila, but I was seriously overwhelmed. This time I’d like to be a little more coherent and say some words about Deb. She’s super independent and yet she’s a supreme team mate.

The best team mate(s)! TR Cate Hawthorne and Capt. Tortuga

She’s an outstanding paddler but she’s humble and always willing to coach less skilled people. She’s incredibly competent but always willing to learn something new. She’s both firm and compassionate. She is one of the most honorable people I’ve ever met. If I were to add one more word to describe Deb it would be “integrity”. You can trust her with your life. I’ve been reading Frank Herbert’s Dune series, and the Fremen (if you’ve read Dune you know who I’m talking about) have a saying: “Never be in the company of someone you wouldn’t be willing to die with”. That’s how I feel about Deb. I’m so happy for her and so honored to call her friend. Congratulations, Deb, on your promotion to Captain of the Tsunami Rangers! So well-deserved. Eric would have been proud.

Questions? Comments? Or just congratulate Captain Tortuga on her promotion and new leadership role in the Tsunami Rangers by clicking below!

Tsunami Retreat 2017 Part One – The Wave in the Cave

Editor’s Note: So much happened during this retreat we’ve decide to make it a triplicity. This is Part One, The Wave in the Cave!

A Wave in a Cave – Commander Eric Soares in Trilogy Cave

From the Captain’s Log: The plan was to do about a 3 mile paddle in and set up camp before dark. Scott was in the lead; close behind came Don, Steve and Nancy. It was the first day and I was trying to keep up with the Rangers ahead of me; slower than the others I was in the sweep position. This was not by choice but due to my fodder wing, an old injury that slowed me down.

Capt. Kuk and a pouover. Doesn't look that fodder wing to me! — Capt. Kuk and a pouover. Doesn’t look that fodder wing to me!

Late in the day we had made a last minute decision to Go Now thanks to Steve, rather than launch the next day as we had planned. We left the beach quickly after packing our boats in speedy fashion and without a Plan B. It was late and we were stealth-fully getting off the beach so no Herberts would come and ask questions like, “Where you goin’?” To which we would have the standard reply, “Oh just going out for a paddle about and see what we can find”. But we knew where we were going… to our “Top Secret Spot” and we ain’t telling anybody. Paddling up the coast all seemed good for the first mile or so. We took a safe route around the whitewater fringed rock gardens along the exposed Mendocino coast. Heading towards the point, I could see a clear path around the outside of the rocky headlands. A safe and sunny route, but longer and less interesting than going through the tunnels.

We were cruising along well on the way when suddenly I saw Scott turn inside like something had possessed him. He took a direct line towards the dark wall in the Yosemite-like rock face. Damn, I thought, he’s going for the Black Hole. Then Don and Steve started to break course and follow Scott. Nancy hesitates for a while and looks back at me with an inquisitive eye but then turns toward the dark side. Well, alrighty then, I am going to have to follow. Solo paddlers always get separated especially when there is a glitch, which is common, so better stick with the pack. All the while I was thinking, “Shit, here we are again, paddling in late with fully laden boats headed towards the caves!” So began the start of the 32nd annual Tsunami Ranger retreat, not the plan within the plan I had in mind.

The wave models for that day showed varying conditions and it had been all over the map. In these conditions there is a lot of variation in the wave patterns and when the wave frequencies combine it can make a rogue wave or a larger set. Approaching the wall I could see Don disappear into the darkness of the worm hole and then Scott. Nancy followed nonchalantly, then Steve. I hung back. Better to wait and see I said to myself. Sure enough that larger-than-usual set came wrapping around the corner and I had to back paddle and reverse punch through the incoming waves. After that I lost sight of Nancy in the chaos and decided not to enter the dragon’s lair. Backing up I took the side passage through Tunnel B which was more protected. Arriving at the outlet on the other side of the headlands I could see Scott and then Steve. Soon Don and Nancy appeared from the cave and all looked cool. Hey no problem I thought. Then Steve came over and said there was a kerfunkle on the S turn inside the tube and he had hit the wall while avoiding Nancy who was in the water swimming. Looking at his bow I saw a crumpled eye loop which was bent over and looked like a ring hanging off the side of a broken nose.

El Rey's broken bow — El Rey’s broken bow healed with duct tape

After a few minutes surmising that all was good we paddled on casually to our destination. We made it to our secret spot in time to toast our victory in battle and set up on the beach before the sun set.

Don, Sr. Commanding Officer: After many hours on the road, we somehow arrived at usual spot – from north, northeast, and south – at nearly the same time. It wasn’t early, but it wasn’t late! After a long drive I’m always anxious to get on the water, but didn’t want to instigate. Fortunately, Steve was the instigator, and before long the decision was made to launch!

Getting launched is always a lot of work, but this particular spot is egregious. (If you survive the put-in, you’re good to go?!) Finally we were sweaty and ready, so I helped with some launches and prepared to follow as sweep. All get off the beach well and meander towards our destination. The sea was alive, but not angry. We were paddling well and fairly close together. Sensing a level of comfort, I moved up to the front with Scott. Approaching a rocky point, we angled towards some short cut tunnels. It seemed that the tunnels would be do-able. Scott and I arrived at a tunnel mouth and had a gander. I could just see the light at the other end, and didn’t sense any big waves. I paddled through and had to negotiate only some small bumps. Scott followed not too far behind. It was a few minutes before anybody else appeared.

I was being pushed about by some currents, and didn’t have a clear view into the tunnel, but sensed trouble. Backpaddling to line myself up for a view, I could see Nancy in the water with her boat. RuhRoh. Then I saw Steve careening down a wave behind her, and then BOOM! RUHROH!! Steve and Nancy are in the water, but Nancy is swimming strongly towards me, and Steve is re-mounting in the tunnel. I assist Nancy and realize she doesn’t have a paddle. Steve paddles out and looks no worse for wear, despite the scary cannon fire. Steve confirms that Jim has taken another route, so I figure it might be helpful to recover Nancy’s paddle. I paddle back into the tunnel, but no dice. Nearly all the way through, I turn back towards the group. There in the middle I see something dark in the water – the paddle!! Finding something is always fun, but a critical piece of gear is even better. We re-group, and with Jim now present, we continue just a short distance to our intended beach. From somewhere tequila appears, followed closely by an amazing sunset.

Scott, Leader of the Pack: I got lucky. I got to ride up the coast with both Jim and El Rey. Ha, to have a captive audience with two of my favorite people. And what a ride! All the way up we talked about plans to bivouac along the coast. Someplace to stage and meet up with the others planning on launching and paddling together the following day. From El Rey’s questions, observations and infectious energy, I knew it would be nearly impossible to keep him from blitzing the beach and launching that afternoon. Sure enough, as soon as we pulled to a stop and saw Don and Nancy, El Rey had me salivating to be underway. While Jim and others were barely past hugs of greetings, El Rey was looking beyond us to the sea. Things like, “We could launch now and…,” or “You know we can…,” and lots of “If we tell ’em…,” were too much for me. I was in!

Nancy arrived from Oregon recovering from an intense year and all the smoke from the fires. Concerned about her stamina she looked as though she would rather opt out of El Rey’s now late afternoon caper. But she is always a warrior and today would not be different. As soon as she said she was up there was no turning back. The paddle in was a bit bumpy but it was nice to be on the water. As we approached the point I felt alive. Off to my right was Don as he always is, smooth as butter and looking stronger than an ox. We all lined up outside the second set of caves at about the same moment. I don’t remember if we really spoke or just nodded but in he went. Nice! I thought as I followed several seconds behind him. He got through as I came to the narrow spot in the cave. Glancing back I saw the next wave was about to break and send me surfing out. It was small enough and I opted to back paddle and just ride the surge out. Paddling out of the opening I turned to get away and make room for the next paddler.

Nancy, Learning the Dark Arts of Sea Caves: This was the worst year of my life health-wise. Sick for weeks, hospitalized for five days, months of recovery, my stamina wasn’t good. Plus I’d been housebound for weeks during the post-apocalyptic nightmare that was August in the Rogue Valley. Health warnings were in place telling people to stay indoors because of the wildfire smoke. I don’t have AC so in the triple digit weather I was opening the windows at night, and the smoke was so bad I could taste it. I was weak, nauseated, and my lungs hurt when I took a deep breath. And here I was, testing to become a Tsunami Ranger. Great.

At the caves I hesitated. I wanted to follow Jim but Scott and Don were closer so I followed them. At the cave mouth I made sure to give the guys plenty of time to get through before I entered but I neglected to look behind me. It was dark in the cave because of the dog leg and because I was wearing sunglasses. As I approached the corner a wave rolled in picking up my stern. I had the interesting sensation of surfing a wave in a cave toward a wall without really being able to see. But it was kind of cool so I just rode on into the dark. I surfed smoothly around the corner and saw the light at the cave mouth and Don and Scott outside. “Hey, maybe I got this!” I thought. But just as I rounded the corner the wave swept me against the right hand cave wall. I drove my paddle blade into the rock face to right myself and get back in the middle of the tunnel. I don’t know what happened because I’ve done that move successfully a bunch of times, but the paddle shot through my hands like a rocket slicing my fingers with the blade and slamming my hand into the rocks. I think that because the cave narrows the wave became concentrated as I came around the corner and the opposing forces of the wave pushing into the wall and the paddle thrust pushing away combined to knock the paddle out of my hand.

So there I was, high-siding it along the right-hand cave wall without a paddle. The boat flipped over and I bailed out. As my head popped out of the water I heard a massive BOOM like an M-100 going off. Wondering what the hell that was, since I’d forgotten about Steve, I grabbed the rail on the boat and started swimming out of the cave, not knowing Steve had just deliberately driven his bow into the cave wall rather than spear the back of my head. It felt like the water was sucking out and pulling at my feet so I grabbed onto the rocks of the left hand cave wall with one hand and doing a grab-pull-hump-kick-repeat maneuver swam the loaded kayak out of the cave.

The Cave a few days later. The wall to the right is where I crashed.

Don was waiting outside, and like the gentleman he is he pulled the bow of my boat up onto his deck while I took a breather and told him what had happened. I actually thought my paddle might be broken because of the force with which it flew out of my hands. Don helped me flip my kayak over and while I paddled out of the way using my hands, which worked surprisingly well, he went back into the cave and found my paddle intact with only one blade a bit chewed up and the Kevlar frayed. Yay! Paddle restored, we regrouped and continued on to the camp site. My hand was bruised and bleeding, but not badly. First blood. Yeah!

Lessons learned:
1. When in doubt, follow Jim
2. Before entering a cave, look behind you
3. When in a cave, don’t forget about what’s behind you
4. It’s good to be part of a team
5. When the shit hit the fan I forgot all about how debilitated I was and just dealt

Well, at least I got THAT over with! Chillin' on the beach. — Well, at least I got THAT over with! Chillin’ on the beach.

Steve, Cave Romancer: After launching with fully loaded boats we headed to Thunder Cove. We had relatively strong winds, swells and an active ocean as we approached a series of caves and beautiful beaches. Don led the five of us toward the right cave mouth. I was wondering about that far right cave. I did not recall that it was passable as a few of these caves lead back into the rock and create loud booming percussion sounds but do not open up.

Don headed into the cave. Scott, Nancy and I were next in line behind him. Shortly after Don went in, Scott followed. There were swells and surf moving into the mouth. After Scott entered Nancy went in. I waited outside the cave for a bit before I entered. The cave had a dog leg turn to the right and after a few strokes I could see there was some light visible indicating an opening. Because of the dog leg the end of the cave was not visible. As I entered the tunnel I picked up a nice 2 to 3 foot wave that was concentrated by the cave shape. I was clear, well below the ceiling, and having a nice ride through the cave. As the mouth became visible I saw Nancy in the water in the middle of the cave, capsized holding on to her boat pretty close to the mouth. I was surfing toward her with a fair amount of momentum. She was still a good 25 yards away. Realizing I was on a collision course with the back of her head I immediately began steering away from her. I headed to her right, but with the heavily laden boat and the cave wave surge I over-corrected. My bow smashed into the cave wall with an extremely loud bammmmmm, similar in volume to a cherry bomb. The sound reverberated in the cave. Nancy did hear that! In somewhat slow motion my kayak capsized and I was swimming, still far away from Nancy and her boat.

Every year we seem to come up with some kjnd of mascot. This year it was a baby great white we found washed up and dried out on a rock. Fitting, somehow... — Every year we seem to come up with some kjnd of mascot. This year it was a baby great white we found washed up and dried out on a rock. Fitting, somehow…

I climbed back into the X-15 and paddled towards Nancy, who was swimming out of the cave with her boat but without her paddle. I steered around her and Scott examined my bow to assess damage. Then Don entered the cave again to search for Nancy’s paddle. He emerged a few minutes later with the paddle intact. About that time I looked over to the calmer cave system that we were familiar with and saw Capt. Kuk serenely paddling towards us.

We agreed we were ready to proceed and paddled on towards Thunder Cove, having had a bit more excitement than we had bargained for in the first 40 minutes of our retreat! A note on Tsunami X-15 integrity: even in a fully loaded boat with the bow slamming directly into a cave wall, due to the incredible strength of these vessels my bow had only a small piece of the tip scraped off and the boat was otherwise unscathed and fully operational after the impact! Thank you Capt. Kuk!

Have you ever surfed a wave in a cave? Tell us your story below! Also, if you’d like to see actual footage of waves in caves, check out the Tsunami Rangers’ Greatest Hits on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stm5OdpKess&feature=youtu.be

Why Do We Test New Rangers?

by Captain Jim Kakuk

Why do we test new Rangers?

I remember as a young scruffy kid hanging out with my friends down by the river in a tree fort. We were always coming up with big plans and scheming on who would get to join in our gang as there was always a need for enlisting new recruits for various nefarious endeavors.

Commander Eric Soares administers the TR test for candidate Misha Dynniikov

Later in life, as young braves on a remote beach wrapped in tatty clothes, sitting around a smoky campfire staring into the fading flames, Eric and I shared our plans for a kayaking gang. Smoking cigars and passing a jar of whisky, we wondered if there were other people like us and talked about building a team of kayaking adventure companions. So late in the night, lying in the dirt, we laid out our plans for the Tsunami Rangers ranking system.

Candidate Steve El Rey King on a pourover under guidance of the camera — Candidate Steve El Rey King on a pour over under guidance of the camera

We started by giving ourselves rank and it was arbitrary to begin with. Eric wanted to be Commander Soares, because he identified with Commander James Bond, 007. I claimed the title of captain because I identified with the explorer Captain Cook. Eric suggested we qualify new “recruits” by evaluating their skills before giving them rank starting at the entry level of Lieutenant JG.

Jeff takes the role of leader when discussing The Plan for the day

Eric then structured and ran the first tests on willing friends. Eric’s background in the US Navy was instrumental in why we started to use the Naval ranking system and he developed a testing procedure to establish rank for the new members of our team. Later, Commander Eric Soares and I initiated the testing procedure with our first recruit, Glenn Gilchrist.

Candidates El Rey and Scott Becklund display their prowess as foragers as part of their test

Rank is necessary to determine where you fit in the command structure and decision making when on the water with team Tsunami Rangers (note: your TR rank does not transfer into personal relationship situations). The ranking structure works by using diverse skill sets to keep the team together, especially when in difficult conditions. Decisions are made by the senior officers and relayed to the rest of the team. It is not a group decision or a democracy.

Navigating a departure route into the sea

Rank is determined by your knowledge of your equipment, handling your boat, interaction with others on the water, understanding the sea conditions and leadership ability. The highest rank we give new Rangers is lieutenant and they can increase in rank over the following years. The ranking system we use is based on the centuries’ old Naval system developed by merchant and military seaman.

It's all about the food... — It’s all about the food…

We also take into consideration courage, initiative, compatibility, self sufficiency, camping skills, what he/she can add to the team and what emoji’s they bring. After the first few tests we started to require that lunch be provided; we wanted to see if a candidate could pack food, keep it dry and feed a group of people. This was useful to know what their culinary tastes were, and of course the bonus of getting a free lunch for our work.

Celebratory lunch during Paula Renouf's test - she did a great job! — Celebratory lunch during Paula Renouf’s test – look at that table cloth! Elegance!

To clarify something…we only invite people we recognize as being the same in spirit and ability, and we discuss the new prospect over a period of time. After many outings together and several camping trips we make cogent observations of their skills and what they would add to the team before we talk to them about joining the Tsunami Rangers. The test is set to showcase their skills, knowledge of the ocean and environment; it is not a hazing ritual and no one fails.

Paula navigates a pourover on her TR test — Paula navigates a pour over on her TR test

The invite is usually formal (around a campfire or walking on the beach) and if they accept our invitation we then discuss time and location. Usually the test is in about a year, but in some cases can be the next day. Senior officers suggest who should administer and assist with the test.

Seal landing - check! — Cate’s seal landing – check!

On water discussions happen during the test and on the way back to camp. After landing, there is a wrap up with the testing squad and senior officers wherein rank is determined.

Cate received a shiny new knife as part of her TR swag

At night there is a ceremonial banquet with lots of food, gifts to the new Ranger and story telling of the high tales from that day. The party follows late into the night, with drinking, smoking cigars, reveling in the day’s adventures and telling more stories from when we were kids.

What we look for is what all ocean white water kayakers should be able to do. The following is most but not all of what we cover in a test.

BASIC TESTING POINTS:

Equipment used and why, a quiz on conditions, use of vocal and hand signals.
Strategy for the day – they lead a mission with us through a field of operations.
Initiate launching, landings and keeping the team together throughout the day.
Negotiate complex rock gardens, caves and evaluation of the course.
Seal landings on a rock, running pour overs or blow holes.
Surf landing, launches, surfing, surf zone etiquette and ability to self rescue.
LUNCH and a story from their past kayaking experiences.
Rescues – the usual things that you should know plus swimming survival skills.
Meandering back to camp we look for play spots, do stunts, go fishing, diving, foraging, and see what comes up for photo ops; a good sport is always a good show off.

Jeff rocks the rocks as part of his TR test

Scott’s Two Cents: The obvious is that new inductees will be given an entry level rank regardless of their skill set. This rule seems to never have been as glaring as having both Cate and Jeff become Rangers. Their individual and team skills are above and beyond what anyone could expect in a leader in any group. My other comment brings me back to a time with Jim and Eric. The rank system was designed to work on the water, whether in an extreme situation or not. Both totally accepted that they would follow it. To the point, as Eric said, ” If a superior officer gives a command (can’t remember his exact word here) you follow it OR then live or die by your decision. But it’s yours!” And he said that the ranking system stays ON THE WATER. On land we become The Tribe.

For more on recent Tsunami Ranger tests, check out the reports on Paula Renouf, Jeff Laxier, and Cate Hawthorne! The Rangers have been busy! Also, don’t miss Eric’s post on How to Become a Tsunami Ranger!

Questions? Comments? Let us know below!

Bird Watching From a Kayak: Princeton Harbor in Spring

Kakaying flat water on a beautiful day to watch birds can be super cool!

I recently paddled around Princeton Harbor for the first time. I know it sounds crazy, but even after living and kayaking there for 12 years I never did that. I was always en route to the outside, to the swells along the jetty, to the surf in and around the lagoon, to Mushroom Rock, to Flat Rock, to Ross’s Cove. Never had I just lazied around the harbor. When I lived in El Granada across the highway I always wanted to take a bird book and some binoculars and go over to the harbor and the marsh at the mouth of the creek and bird watch. Never did. This spring I finally got my chance, and boy, am I glad I did!

I met my friend Barbara Kossy at the yacht club and we launched about 9 am. It was a perfect day, sunny and calm. We headed toward the pier. I wanted to go under it, but Barbara and TR John Lull, who joined us for a few minutes before heading outside, warned me it was unstable. How bad was it? The photo tells it all. Wow. That old pier, scheduled for demolition. I used to practice paddling through the piles to refine my skills but I guess those days are gone for good. I also wanted to photograph all the marine life that lived on the piles, particularly the orange and purple starfish, but apparently the starfish are gone, victims of the disease that killed them off in recent years.

This grove of Monterey cypress is a nesting and roosting spot for herons and other birds.

We did spot a Canada goose resting on the roof of one of the shacks on the pier and then paddled on in search of more birds. It was a banner day. We sighted 22 types of birds and found all kinds of other cool stuff to check out. Here are the birds we saw: a swallow (cliff or barn); a surf scoter; Canada geese; a Brant’s goose; a couple of snowy egrets; many Western gulls including 2 mating pairs; a horned grebe, an eared grebe, and a Western grebe; a common loon in beautiful breeding plumage; a flock of Caspian terns; some buffleheads (a kind of duck); some pigeon guillemots including 2 couples, one of which was singing to each other (or arguing); many Brown pelicans; a Red-breasted merganser (another type of duck); an American coot; some little sandpipers; lots of cormorants of which Barbara says there were 3 types including double-crested, Brandt’s, and pelagic; a belted kingfisher; and a black turnstone.

On the island breakwater inside the harbor we saw a lot of birds. Here are brown pelicans, a Western gull, and at least 2 types of cormorant. You can see the double crests of the cormorants. — On the island breakwater inside the harbor we saw a lot of birds. Here are brown pelicans, a Western gull, and at least 2 types of cormorant. You can see the double crests of one of the cormorants.

Occasionally, rarities such as the Ross’s gull from Siberia, the Northern gannet, and the brown booby are sighted here. These three species all showed up this last winter to the excitement of local birders. Some of the birds we didn’t see were the great blue herons, the black-crowned night herons, the peregrine hawks and the red-tailed hawks we know are there because we‘ve seen them in the past. We also saw a lea lion porpoising around, but only one which is surprising as they are often lounging on the floating docks along with the harbor seals near the yacht club. We did see red bat stars, tons of crabs, and mating olive snails. We poked around the inside of the jetty and saw tons of shells, anenomes, hermit crabs, chitons, and many kinds of seaweed, some of which was beautifully iridescent and shone like jewels in the sun. Also fun to see are the leopard sharks and the bat rays which sometimes enter the harbor, but which were unfortunately absent this trip.

I ‘m so glad I finally slowed down enough to mosey around the harbor. It was a very rewarding day. I got to connect with Barbara, something that happens all too rarely, and see a rich bounty of wildlife. After about 2 hours or so we had circumnavigated the entire harbor and after a quick trip home to shower and change we met again at Barbara’s Fish Trap on the water for an awesome lunch of fish, calamari, chips, coleslaw, and beer. What a great adventure!

Ah, Spring! Gull porn for your viewing pleasure.

For those who are interested, here are the best times to see birds in breeding plumage in North America. This information was gleaned from Audubon, Spring 2017. Warblers: March through August. Sandpipers: Mid-April through early August. Ducks: Mid-October through mid-June. Loons: March through mid-October. Terns: April through early September. Wading Birds: December through May. For more advice on spring plumage, go to audubon.org/photography.

We hope you have enjoyed this post! Please share below any thoughts you have on wildlife, particularly birds, and kayaking. Thanks!

Meet Michael Powers, Tsunami Ranger and Amazing Captioned Photo Creator!

At 76 Michael Powers is the oldest Tsunami Ranger. He became a Ranger in 1990. For almost 30 years he has been the unofficial Tsunami Ranger photojournalist, filming and photographing the Rangers and their adventures all over the world. He’s had his own share of adventures as well. Michael enhances many of his photos using various techniques, but my favorite is the captions he chooses for so many shots.

Sometimes silly, sometimes sublime, Michael’s captions are always entertaining. For this post, I decided to showcase some of Michael’s best captioned photos. Most of these photos were taken by Michael himself, but some were taken by friends or associates. I included the others because they illustrate Michael, the Rangers, and their ethos so well. The captions are all his own. Enjoy!

In the foreground of the selfie below we have Michael yukking it up on the Northern California coast. Behind him is Tsunami Ranger Dave Whalen. The thing I love about this photo is that it shows how the ocean and the Tsunami Rangers can bring together two very different people in a kayak as a team and still everyone has a good time. Or at least the fuzzy-headed liberal is happy. Hey, can’t we all just get along?

Michael and TR Dave Whalen - Can't we all just get along?

This next selfie is a great action photo and was taken by a camera mounted on Michael’s deck. He uses this photo on some of his business cards for Ocean Studios, an alliance of adventure writers, photographers, filmmakers, and composers who in their own words are working together to nurture a deeper understanding and empathy for the natural world.

Michael in whitewater action

Michael took this photo of TR Tim Sullivan by a sea arch on the Tsunami retreat led by TR Deb Volturno at Cape Flattery in 2008.

TR Tim Sullivan at Cape Flattery

Every year at Christmas, Michael sends out his beautifully photographed cards to friends and family. Here he is with his lovely wife Nani Venegas, celebrating on the beach outside their amazing hand-crafted home in Half Moon Bay.

Here is Michael and his friend, Mark Fraser, an adventure filmmaker and member of Ocean Studios (check him out at www.thegoodfightthe movie.com) on an expedition to the Svalbard Islands in 2008.

Michael often captions his photos with quotes from famous writers. This is one of my favorite stanzas from Rumi, the Sufi poet. Pictured are from left to right, Tsunami Rangers Steve El Rey King, Captain Jim Kakuk, Dandy Don Kiesling, Commander Eric Soares, Scott Becklund, and Dave Whalen.

Tsunami Dancers

This next photo is from a trek in Chilean Patagonia in 2007. Michael and his companions filmed the trip to raise awareness for Patagonia’s wilderness areas to help protect the environment and promote the great opportunities for ecotourism in that region. This trip was in fact the first multi-sport traverse of Chilean Patagonia.

Michael has made many trips to Norway, one of his favorite adventure kayaking destinations. He is also a huge Viking enthusiast.

This is one of my favorite photographs, captioned or not. The shot illustrates the kind of vision you can experience when you get away from it all with a small group of trusted friends on a beach on a coastline inaccessible to all but those in small boats. Amazing!

Here’s Michael on yet another of his adventures, this time in Nepal. He and his group hiked to Base Camp on Mt. Everest on this trip. Love those mountains!

Here’s a great shot of Michael after his knee surgery, kayaking on the reef at Pillar Point near the infamous Big Wave at Maverick’s. Michael got both knees done and was out messing around in boats 30 days later. That’s a Tsunami Ranger for you!

The photo below was taken at the after party at one of the Tsunami Ranger Extreme Sea Kayaking Races. People are encouraged to dress up as pirates, Vikings, or sea gypsies for the party, and Michael and Nani always have great costumes. The A-frame in the back is one of the buildings constructed by Michael himself at his compound on the beach. Over the years Michael has created an amazing space, much of it using a chainsaw, including the A-frame, a dome, a small guest house made out of a fishing boat, offices for Ocean Studios, and of course, Michael and Nani’s private residence.

Here are the Tsunami Rangers getting really ridiculous on retreat. If anyone can match the names with the butts, I will personally come up with a prize.

This is another great photo Michael took off Miramar Beach in front of his house: a lone surfer against a brilliant sunset. I love the caption.

Michael isn’t always running around in far off corners of the world or sea kayaking with the Rangers. He’s a whitewater kayaker as well. Here is a photo he took on the south fork of the American River in Northern California before shooting the Whitewater Hall of Fame Event in 2011.

I wish I had a nickel for every shot of Michael striking the pose below. I’d be a rich woman. Here he is lovin’ it at 17,000 feet in Nepal. Nothing can even throw a shadow on this man’s spirit.

Check out the caption below. Well, would you? As those who have paddled with him know, Michael has had many, many “interesting” experiences in kayaks, not least getting lost in the fog on the Northern California coast because he insisted on leaving a Tsunami retreat early since he had promised his wife he’d get back at a certain time. But Michael’s never say die spirit always manages to prevail. The man leads a charmed life, and we’re all in awe. Like the Energizer Bunny he just keeps going, and thank God for that!

We love Michael so much. Without his photographs and videography much of what the Tsunami Rangers have accomplished over the years would be lost to history. To contact Michael or Ocean Studios, please go to www.oceanstudios.net. We hope you have enjoyed these images.

Please add your comments below!