Kayak Camping Tip

Don't Camp with Cows (or Bulls)

When kayaking down rivers in North America, it is not uncommon to encounter cattle grazing in the hills and along the river banks.  They may look cute and peaceful but they are not good campsite companions.  Most wildlife will avoid humans and campsites. Cows are not wildlife. They will wander into campsites and can be quite disruptive.

One year Jeff and I were doing a self-support whitewater kayak trip on the Eel River.  We had a longer than usual day on the river with lots of headwind.  When we rolled into camp, there were a few cows grazing in the hills above the beach.  There were no signs of cows on the beach (no tracks and no cow pies).  In our wind-blown, tired, and hungry state, we decided to set up camp on the north end of the beach where there were some boulders to block the wind.  We dug a pit in the sand and got a fire going and enjoyed a tasty dinner and some choice beverages.  

Kayak camping on the Eel River

After dinner it was still too windy to set up our tent so we set up our sleeping pads, bags, and bivy sacks behind the boulders.  The fire was at our feet.

That night, I awoke to a large creature sniffing around the dry bags by my head.  I nudged Jeff awake and he shot straight out of his sleeping bag with a ROAR!

The bull jumped back, ran over the remnants of our campfire and bellowing up into the hills. (we suspect he scorched his balls on our campfire).

Lesson Learned - don't camp with cows or bulls.

An angus bull resting along the Eel River.

Camp n Surf

 As we roll into 2021, I hope that you are healthy and well and planning adventures for the year.  High on my adventure list are kayak camping trips.  I am dreaming up several multiday whitewater river kayak trips as well as several on the sea.  

Camping and Whitewater Kayaking on Mendocino County's Eel River

Given the current state of the world, chances are good that Jeff and I will continue to hunker down and play in our local playground in Mendocino County.  Fortunately we have an awesome playground with some great options for sea, whitewater, and surf kayaking.

Sea kayak camping on the Mendocino Coast of California

In the spring of 2019, we did a super simple multiday whitewater river kayak trip that ranks among our all time favorites.  We pulled 2 whitewater kayaks out of our quiver that we both could paddle - one was to haul the gear and the other was to play and surf.  We loaded them both up with our camping gear, food, beer, and ukulele.  We paddled down the Eel River until we found a sweet beach with an all day surf wave.  We camped, surfed, strummed, and enjoyed the wild beauty of the Eel River.

Playing the ukulele by the campfire on Mendocino County's Eel River.

Check out this video from the adventure!

I am hoping we get to do a similar version of this trip this year. 

What are your paddling plans for 2021?

Sea Kayaking Camping Trip

My favorite way to getaway is on a kayak camping trip.  Whether on the river or the sea, I enjoy loading up my kayak and disconnecting from the world for a few days (as many as possible).

Loading up my whitewater kayak on a self support kayak trip on the Eel River.

A kayak is a great vehicle to carry all the necessities into the wilderness.  And you can often carry a few non essential items.  My favorite non essential items are my ukulele and a book (or kindle which offers me many books).

Playing the ukulele by the campfire on Mendocino's Eel River during a self support whitewater kayak trip.

At the  moment, I am tasking away on my winter projects and dreaming of my next kayak camping adventure.  I am planning several self support whitewater river kayak trips for the spring and sea kayak camping trips for this fall.

Sea kayak camping on the Mendocino Coast of California

I took a bit of video on last year's sea kayak camping trip into the Akwa Triangle and am in the process of putting together a couple of videos.  Where is the Akwa Triangle?  It is a favorite remote stretch on the Mendocino Coast.

Sea Kayak rock gardening in the Akwa Triangle on the Mendocino Coast of California

Here is video from day one.  Please use the link if it doesn't play well in the blog.

I hope you enjoy the video.  A second video sharing our rock gardening and sea cave exploration from the trip is in the works.  Stay tuned.

Dreamy Days on the River

Jeff and I are back home on the Mendocino Coast preparing for Liquid Fusion Kayaking's spring and summer season.  As I work through my projects, I occasionally allow my mind to day dream of our dreamy days on the river.

Evenings on the river - playing the ukulele by the campfire.

For our spring run-off trip this year, we did 2 self support kayak camping trips on the Eel River.  The first trip was a 5 day 70 mile trip on the main fork of the Eel with our friend Jerry. 

Jerry Albright whitewater kayaking on the Eel River.

The second trip was an extremely leisurely 4 day 24 mile trip.  Saving more on this trip for another blog post.  Hint - it was leisurely with a mission.

Lots of fun surf waves . . . even in a loaded boat.

My mind continues to wander back to cloudless 80 degree days, emerald green water, familiar yet fun whitewater, spectacular scenery, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Fun Class II and III Whitewater.

My favorite dreamy days were those when we didn't have to make miles and could leisurely float along the river - immersing ourselves in nature.

Watching a young cinnamon colored bear cruising along the Eel River.

Between Jeff and I, we shot over 1,000 photos.  I will share more photos and more stories from our adventure as I sift through them.  Here are a few of my favorites to give you a taste of our trip.

Kayak camping along the Eel River.

Remnants of the Eel River Rail Road at Island Mountain.

The Eel River's version of "Pick up Sticks."

Gotta love when a man cooks for you over a campfire.

There is a story to go with this photo.  For now, check out the red capped rock behind Jeff on the river.  It is one of my favorite rocks on the Eel River.

We saw lots of pairs of eagles along the Eel River.

Perhaps the happiest couple in the world :)