description
The personal blog of Brian McBreen. Items of interest, topics of study and the occasional essay.
In preparation for our fall retreat to the mighty Sierra Nevada, I’ve posted the important details on the private site. If you plan on joining us, login to the site and click ‘Retreat’ in the top navigation. Looking forward to bright skies, cool streams, warm fires and good friends.
Channel Islands Harbor
34° 9’33.95”N
119°13’19.00”W
Back in the days when I kayaked on a daily basis, this route out around the breakwater would have been a milk run (see Google Earth screenshot above). But today, it was a reasonable start for some basic expedition training.
It was quite gray under the marine layer this morning, despite the brilliant sunshine of the nearby inland areas. Winds were less than 10 kt with a 3 ft west swell, overall fairly calm. The route took me out the mouth of the harbor, around the north end of the breakwater, along the outside down to the south end, then through the harbor to a protected beach for lunch, and back to the launch.
Conditions predictably picked up around the outside of the breakwater, with a confused sea generating waves from all directions. While manageable in my rusty state, it did get the heart pumping and put the head on a swivel looking for that next swell. Entering the south end took considerable attention. It was perfect for a first run.
The smell of ocean mist on the wind coupled with the regular drone of the harbor’s fog horn paired nicely with the exercise to leave me happy and relaxed. Now off to schedule more training time and do a little expedition planning—oh yeah, and clean all that gear.
Abbreviated summer retreat and official Oncorhynchus mykiss warning. Report Flows Weather Activities
Photo Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Video we took in Hawaii this past August of the ongoing eruption. It’s low res, and there are much better videos out there (specifically this one of the same event), but alas this one’s mine and it’s on YouTube.
With the arrival of fall, I’m eagerly planning our next retreat to the Sierras where this year my fly rod will compete with both my camera and my season pass for attention.
The crisp air will energize the senses and the warm glow of the fireplace will fuel the nightly conversations with friends both new and old. It’s my favorite time of year.
This year has been a full one for my family and I, and my art has fared no better than my writing. My Yosemite Creek is first in a collection that pays homage to sharing your passion for the outdoors with people special to you. More will come as this project unfolds.
