It all started when I stepped out the door and inhaled. The early morning colors and the crisp, cool ocean air seemed to imbue my senses, wrapping me gently in blue and golden hues. The stately palm trees sensed it too, a warm sunny 75° day unfolding.
We have been anticipating this day for the past few weeks, when we would launch our kayak out into the ocean and paddle to the kelp beds. We had to wait until the surf was fairly flat and this day the gods were smiling on us as the ocean looked to be as serene as an alpine lake. The surfers were none too thrilled I’m sure, but they have had plenty of opportunity to catch some big waves with all the high surf warnings we’ve had around here lately.
For the past few weeks, standing atop the bluffs, we have seen several whales spouting from beyond the kelp beds and we were hoping to see some up close from the water. Dolphins have teased us with their surfing skills as well, joining in right alongside the other boarders.
What is it about floating on the water that can soothe even the most restless part of me? The sight of the paddle dipping into the water as we propel ourselves forward, sun’s shimmering rays dancing on the water’s edge, pelicans soaring just above the water’s surface…simply divine.
We managed to get the kayak into the water and beyond the break without swamping the boat, a good first step. Pointing our boat west we headed out, hopeful for new discoveries. Looking down into the depths, we watched huge schools of silver fish dart to and fro, as tiny white jellyfish gently floated by. Seals lazily glided through the beds, looking for their next snack, but keeping a wary eye on us all the while.
We found friends Bill and Lisa out on the water, enjoying this sun-kissed day balanced upon their paddleboards. They shared with us some of their great finds – moon jellies, zebra fish and leopard sharks, unfortunately none of which we saw, but a couple of surprises still awaited us before day’s end.
Just when we were about to call it a day, we spotted a pod of five dolphins. Our best efforts at closing the distance between us and them were not good enough, as they toyed with us, managing to stay far enough away to avoid a photo. Suddenly we felt something glide beneath our kayak and a curious dolphin broke the water’s surface. I clicked away in the hopes of getting at least one usable photo. Sometimes luck is all one needs!
We couldn’t think of a better way to end our day, except maybe to see a whale or two, but that wasn’t happening. Time to head back in, which can be the tricky part when in a kayak, particularly for a couple of novices. If you don’t catch the wave at the right angle, you can end up getting pulled sideways and flip. We took a deep breath, prepared for the wave coming our way, and proudly rode it into shore. A most excellent way to end the day!
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Paint Your Landscape 
Wow, that is something we have not done, kayaking in the ocean. (Although we did once a long long time ago in Mex) But anyhow Im so jealous you are on the ocean and it looked so refreshing. Your sunrise capture is beautiful!
If it hadn’t been so calm, we would not have tried it. We went kayaking in La Jolla Cove last year and were given instruction on how to get out without tipping so thought we would give it a whirl on our own.
That sounds like a great day out! Beautiful pictures! I can see why you love it!
It certainly is a beautiful little slice of So. Cal. 🙂
Looks like a gorgeous place and a gorgeous day. Thank you for sharing
It is pretty special. 🙂
Beautiful and peaceful! Greetings to Bill & Lisa and Terry for me! ❤
It certainly was a lovely day. I will pass along your greetings. Hope all is well with you. 🙂
Those two happy kayakers sure did have a wonderful day. The photo of the dolphin is magnificent. So happy for you both that you had such a fantastic day.
Thanks Marsha! 🙂
What a fun adventure. Great dolphin pic but also love the pelican one.
Thanks Janie. Hope you both are still enjoying No. Cal. 🙂
What a perfect day! Such wonderful snaps (esp. the dolphin). Kayaking is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m so glad you got to enjoy it.
He wasn’t as close as I would have liked but I was pleasantly surprised when I downloaded my pics. 🙂
Okay LuLu, you are making Gayl and I so envious with these beautiful pics. Really makes us realize why we love San Elijo so much. Your great kayaking day and the outstanding photos encourage us to get back down to the beach. It is wonderful that you two, along with Bill & Lisa had such a wonderful picturesque day. Hope you have several more before you have to travel inland. Roger & Gayl
Come on down! The weather here has turned absolutely gorgeous once again, and we are reminded of why we love to winter in this area. Thanks for your sweet comments. 🙂
Looks heavenly! I love kayaking!
So do we but haven’t done much in the ocean so this was especially nice. 🙂
as you know I enjoy your posts and love your photos, however in the midst of snow all I do is clutch my head in my hands and be exceedingly jealous. On a lighter note, glad you had a great time with some wonderful friends. I shall come back because soon I can’t keep away and it’s nice to know that my weather luck has gone to a good home!
So sorry you are having snow. Wish I could send some of this balmy weather your way. I envision you now with head in hands. 🙂
There may have been a bit of weeping too, but I don’t want to dampen your good weather with that.
Now that is a vision I did not want to have. 🙂
It has passed now as I have put Hey Jude on and that always makes things seem better. All these smiley faces help too of course!
Love Hey Jude 😀
Music up to full blast just for you!
I hear it…excellent!
What ‘picture perfect’ day!
It was a beauty Gale. 🙂
Oh, LuAnn, I enjoyed that with you…. What a wonderful day, and what great images..!
What can be said except; keep that man of yours and those friends and that wonderful enjoyment of life…!
I’m working on it!
this is beautiful post brilliant photo , thank you for share it for us
My pleasure Stefan.
Thanks for sharing some of that sun!
Wish I could blow some your way RoSy.
What beautiful pictures. There is something so incredibly peaceful about being on the water- or just near it for that matter. Thanks for sharing a piece of your day with us.
My pleasure.
I went on the journey with you…agreed floating on water sun high…so peaceful!! Thank you for sharing the warmth of your adventure and the gorgeous photos…very cold here! brrr! 😀
Wish I could send some of our warmth your way. Stay warm up there. 🙂
Beautiful! In our years of sailing, the dolphins created some of my favorite memories! I love them! –Linda
Thanks! I’m sure you saw some extraordinary things during your years of sailing.
Dolphins and their surfing skills:))amazing snaps and an enjoyable article. Thank you for sharing
My pleasure.
Always love reading your adventure Lu Ann, also like the photos.
Much love,
mei
Thanks for following Mei. 🙂
Fantastic shots LuAnn ~ oh yes– “what is it about floating on the water that can soothe even the most restless part of me?” ~ can so relate to this thinking back to days I used float with my girls in our bay waves all day… This looks like a heavenly day to me ~ loved to share it with you xo Robyn
Thanks Robyn. 🙂
Lu..this looks so inviting. I so enjoy going on your adventures with you through your photos and writing. I can imagine being there myself. I am so happy that you and Terry are able to share your adventures with one another and with those of us who still have a 9- 5 job. Love you!
Thanks so much Marcia. We are really looking forward to catching up with you and Carl. Love you and will see you soon!
LuAnne, so happy luck was on your side and you could capture the dolphin. They are such a special species in my eyes! I can tell you guys had a great time!
Thanks! It was wonderful!
Rode the wave in! Wow, that’s no easy accomplishment.
Loved your description of the ocean.
Thanks Lynne and we were really surprised when we caught a wave into shore.
😆 I’m already shy and nervous of meeting you. To go kayaking with you … 😀 😀 :D. Maybe not, I’d embarrass myself. bwahahahaha
I’m no expert when it comes to kayaking but it is so peaceful out there on the water so we try to get out when we can. You, shy?!
Shy? No. Shy and nervous? Yes. I probably mumble and jumble words out of initial awkwardness. So I’m warning you now, you must have a counter-attack for it. 😆
What if I am shy as well?
A good question! I got a good answer – we don’t talk and we look at other things and people. We can make sighs, chuckles, and maybe sneeze and yawn once in a while. 😀
No yawning allowed but I think we will get along just fine! I’m looking forward to meeting you very much. 🙂
Fantastic. Good for you guys! I love to kayak, what a great day it must have been. The sights, the sounds and the wonderful photos you were able to take as well, just excellent. Yeah, back to being envious here, sigh! But very happy for the two of you! Way to go! 🙂 xxx
There is something so peaceful about being out on the water. 🙂 Thanks Penny!
Sounds like perfection Luann! And you got to see dolphins too! I am so envious 🙂
Not as close as I would have liked but exciting nonetheless. 🙂
Stunning photos!!! Especially dolphin shot is fantastic!!!
Thanks Rexlin. 🙂
What a wonderful day, and such great photos, LuAnn. Love the dolphin pic. 🙂
Thanks AD 🙂
Some unbelievable shots in there…esp. the Pelican and dolphin!! Cool!
Nina
Thanks Nina. Looks like you are enjoying the big show!
Looks like paradise. I enjoyed your photos, and almost feel the weather coming through the computer…almost. 🙂
Thanks Lori 🙂
Yay! A flying dolphin! Lovelovelovelove. What a beautiful day. Wish I was right there with you. There is something about the ocean that is intoxicating to me. 🙂 Lovely photos.
Thanks Angelia. The dolphin shot was nothing but luck! 🙂