The photo above shows the ineffable Vernal Falls, in California’s Yosemite National Park. ‘Vernal’ means, ‘springlike’ (so the internet tells me, anyway) and I suspect that this is a reference to the constantly watered greenery in the gorge around the fall. Whilst taking that picture I was effectively enshrouded in an enormous lingering wet cloud that soaked me to the skin; on such a fine day, I hadn’t thought I’d need my waterproofs!
We had a really enjoyable trip out west, retreading some rivers from my 2002 trip to Cali, and finding a few new ones to enjoy out in the wilds. There are 1001 photos and reports here; read the scary Burnt Ranch Falls stories if you want a bit of vicarious adrenaline (also have a read of Simon Knox’s version of the same).
Hmm, does writing about white water kayaking in California USA have any place in a blog about sea kayaking in south west England? I suppose that you have the tenuous links of ‘kayaking’ and ‘south west’ … but to justify this post, here are a few meagre snippets of south west news/info …
- There is a bit of an issue right now with access to Long Island in Poole Harbour, see here.
- Someone got themselves into a spot of bother in South Devon this week … here.
- I am currently working on planning an informal sea kayak get-together in South Devon (June 13th/14th), not unlike that which we held last year to celebrate the launch of my book. Watch this space for more info.
- Most importantly of all, as of yesterday my PH Cetus is finally back in Dorset! Many thanks to various folk who have helped it make its way back from the far north of Scotland, most recently Tim Lambert at PH Kayaks and Bournemouth Canoes. Wonderful, I will be out on the water this weekend to celebrate its return.
Mrs R doing her thing in California …
Claire CL and Liz G, a couple more off-duty sea kayakers whom you may recognise from this blog …
A couple of hazardous locals …
I stumbled upon your blog on paddling planet and love your photos. My partner and I are sea kayakers who play in “short boats” (whitewater kayaks) too and often slip our whitewater boat photos into our sea kayaking blogs.
I see that you are paddling CA. If you happen over the Mendocino Coast, give us ring and let’s go paddle. It is a very worthy paddling destination for both sea and whitewater kayaks with sea caves and rock gardens galore.
Best wishes on your CA travels.
Thanks for your kind comments. We arrived back in the UK last weekend, although some of our friends stayed a little longer and and travelled down the coast – it looks wonderful …
http://picasaweb.google.com/simon.knox/California2009