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Trip Reports Brooks Island - Report filed by Nancy Hull
Corte Madera Creek - Report filed by Louisa Arndt A very pleasant evening on Corte Madera Creek on May 16 featured a gorgeous sunset, lots of water birds, the experience of paddling within the concrete channel almost to College of Marin--but no moon. That celestial body didn't rise until after 9:00. By then we had returned to the dock, loaded boats, snacked on cookies and juice, and were on our separate ways homeward. The nine participants, in three canoes and two kayaks, nevertheless deemed the trip a great success and one to be repeated. Coordinators were Lynn and Roy Gulick.
Brooks Island - Report filed by Louisa Arndt Brooks Island comprises a long narrow sand spit, nesting site for terns and gulls, and a grass and brush-covered knoll at the eastern end. Resident managers Roy and Heather led our group of 20 paddlers on a tour that took us, in single file, along the rocky shore past the nesting areas. We then meandered part way up the knoll for a rest and snack stop at picnic tables near their residence. There Roy related some of the island's history, first as a gravel-mining operation and later a shooting club for Bing Crosby and friends. Continuing on, we climbed to the top of the knoll, the path winding through grasses, wildflowers, poison oak, and sage. We learned that the soap plant along the trail doesn't open its buds until mid-afternoon, and indeed, as we walked on, we saw more and more of the delicate white flowers. Views were magnificent in all directions. The quarry area, a sheltered half-bowl, is home to goldfinches, house finches, and redwings, and Canada geese make their nests here. A steep rocky slope has veins of blue schist, scrapings from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean that moved here over millions of years. We extend grateful thanks to David Fitzgerald and Dee Simmons who coordinated this fantastic trip.
Russian River - Report filed by Art Hull
Petaluma River We had a good turnout for the Petaluma River trip on Saturday, March 29. 15 paddlers in 5 canoes and 6 kayaks. Clear, sunny, windy day with a high water level so we could see the entire landscape around us over the levees, all very green and beautiful. Great blue heron, red-winged blackbirds and a variety of water birds. All in all a pleasant trip but a bit more strenuous than usual paddling in the gusty up-river breeze and choppy water the latter half of the trip. We enjoyed the usual wonderful food at Papa's Taverna where four more showed up for lunch with us. Thanks to Allen & Carol Teitelman for coordinating this trip. |
The winds seemed to cooperate on Sunday,
May 18, as the 19 paddlers, led by Dee and David, made
their way from the Richmond Marina to the sand spit at the edge
of Brooks Island. Heather and Roy, the island resident caretakers
and guides, greeted us and led the inquisitive group on a 2.5
mile walk around the island, walking single file at times to
avoid disturbing the many nesting birds. The weather could not
have been better as the assemblage of canoers and kayakers threaded
there way to the top of the hill in the 
middle of the island where they could see in all
directions the entire bay area, although a slight haze allowed
us to only count three of the sometimes visible five bridges.
The many wildflowers on the island were at their best and the
several varieties of birds kept our interest as we gazed at the
amazing panorama. After a very rewarding day learning about the
wildlife and history of the island, we all returned to our water
craft, arriving back at the marina at about 5:30PM. Thanks Dee
and David for leading an outstanding MC&KC event!
Ten
paddlers, led by Chuck Schultz, headed down the lazy Russian
River at about 10:00 am on a glistening Saturday morning. The
nine kayaks and one canoe formed a long line of smiling faces.
We stopped for lunch at a secluded beach about six miles into
the 13 mile trip and enjoyed sandwiches and Mimi's chocolate
cookies. We all made it successfully to the Monte Rio bridge
at about 3:30 pm where we enjoyed our trip topping refreshments
including cold beer and wine coolers catching the bus back to
our cars. The first picture is of our steadfast leader, Chuck,
and his crewman, Dave, and the last picture is our final stopping
point at the Monte Rio Bridge. Another great MC&KC outing for the
record books!
