Kayaking in Monterey Bay

Before heading over to Monterey Bay, Kiley and I first stopped off at the Point Lobos State Reserve for some easy hiking. The scenery was breathtaking. While looking out at the sea that I would conquer in my kayak the next day, I noticed spouts in the distance. I knew at once they were grey whales and yelled, "Thar she blows!" as I pointed to the whales surfacing in the distance. The less-than-observant "hikers" around me expressed gratitude at my ability to look at nature with such a discerning eye.

While walking the trails, I was disappointed by their flatness. Yes, the views were spectacular, but I wasn't feeling the intrepidness I craved. Upon spying a cypress hanging precariously over a cliff, I decided to climb it -- just to keep up my daily intrepid mojo so that I was prepared for upcoming adventures.

The next day, Kiley and I got suited up for kayaking -- we wore water proof pants and a jacket that would prevent hypothermia in case our kayaks tipped (and, given Kiley's track record for tipping jet skis, I suited up just so he wouldn't feel singled out). We had opted to go with a guide for our first time kayaking in the bay, but she quickly sized me up and we knew that she would do no real guiding on that day -- especially since Kiley and I were the only ones brave enough to venture into the surf. Before we put the kayaks in the water, the guide warned us about the white caps that had been spotted earlier in the day. She also claimed that sharks are seldom seen in the bay, but I relished the possibilities. I climbed into my kayak and dared the crashing waves to capsize me.

We kayaked through the kelp forests, pausing only to enjoy the sea creatures who floated alongside us. A female sea otter and her pup popped their heads up right next to me. I broke several federal and state laws by reaching out to pet them. I led Kiley and the guide around the bay for three hours, encouraging them when they needed it most. After they tired, I hid my dissapointment and agreed to head to shore with them. Their fatigue prevented me from fully doing battle with the sea. I watched as Kiley and the guide took turns battling the waves as they paddled toward shore. Only after they reached safety did I feel comfortable paddling myself in. The waves grew bigger and bigger the closer I got to shore. The sea did not want me to leave and was doing what it could to defeat me! But I just chuckled, knowing I would prevail. Waves smashed against the kayak, threatening to tip me. I could see them slamming against the shoreline, taunting me, daring me to leave. At the last minute, my kayak found the top of a wave and I coasted in. My kayak and I never once wavered. Indeed, only once my kayak touched the beach did the sea attempt to assault me one last time. A giant wave slammed into my back, sending ice-cold water running down the back of my waterproof jacket. I picked the seaweed out of my shoes and looked back at the sea, silently promising that we would duel again. 

It was at this moment that I began to wonder about the land-locked adventures of one Brad Campbell.  Such a shame that he will be mocked by the very sea I tamed. 

Cool Points: 10
Intrepid Points: 7