After 13 long years for Kathryn, and 6 for Brenda, the Intrepiduo finally achieved their dream of visiting the stunning Channel Islands . With Kiley in tow as an Intrepid-Adventurer-in-Training (and as our videographer), we arrived in Ventura
To the uninitiated, the crossing itself might be considered dangerous, and indeed, we experienced rough seas that most other passengers found debilitating. We, however, kept everyone laughing with tall tales of Campbellian land-locked exploits, after which most people asked, “whyever do you associate with such a tool?” After we had soothed everyone's seasickness we turned our attention to the open seas. To our delight, we spied dozens of sea lions lounging on a buoy and at least one hundred dolphins swimming by our side.
To the uninitiated, the crossing itself might be considered dangerous, and indeed, we experienced rough seas that most other passengers found debilitating. We, however, kept everyone laughing with tall tales of Campbellian land-locked exploits, after which most people asked, “whyever do you associate with such a tool?” After we had soothed everyone's seasickness we turned our attention to the open seas. To our delight, we spied dozens of sea lions lounging on a buoy and at least one hundred dolphins swimming by our side.
 |
| The Majestic Blue Whale |
We climbed onto the railing of our catamaran, jumped into the frigid waters, and began swimming toward the nearly-capsized sailboat. Our first order of business was to get the passengers to safety while keeping the circling whale at bay. We tried to calm the frantic passengers who clung to its sides for dear life. Finally, we could see the spray of the whale's spout as her back broke the surface of the water. To show we meant her no harm, Kathryn yelled: “We seek you not! It is thou, thou, that madly seeks us!” Puzzled by this Melvillian reversal, the whale paused in her pursuit long enough for Brenda to help everyone climb back onto the sailboat. When only the two of us remained in the water, Kiley threw us life jackets and begged us to leave the whale alone, but how could we? How could we deny ourselves the most intrepid adventure ever??
Finally, our hobby of humming cetacean lullabies would pay off! We began to sing the eerie songs, softly at first, we gathered volume as it became clear that our duet was winning the great beast over. Soon, she was gazing at us with a look usually reserved for warriors—and we knew the time was right. Still singing, Brenda climbed up the left side of her dorsal fin, and Kathryn the right, until we were astride her back. Lifting our arms in victory we shouted, “Long live the Intrepiduo!” A loud cheer errupted from the boat as we caravanned the rest of the way to Santa Cruz Island.
Finally, our hobby of humming cetacean lullabies would pay off! We began to sing the eerie songs, softly at first, we gathered volume as it became clear that our duet was winning the great beast over. Soon, she was gazing at us with a look usually reserved for warriors—and we knew the time was right. Still singing, Brenda climbed up the left side of her dorsal fin, and Kathryn the right, until we were astride her back. Lifting our arms in victory we shouted, “Long live the Intrepiduo!” A loud cheer errupted from the boat as we caravanned the rest of the way to Santa Cruz Island.
 |
| Approaching the island |
 |
| Bidding the whale farewell. |
Cool Points: 10
Intrepid Points: 10
