Mendocino Kayak Trip Report.
 by Jim Neubert - Abridged version
Photos by Rick Niemi and Jim Neubert

Click on an image to enlarge. To return, click on Trip Report above the photo. Albion River Albion River & Yak Ocean View Albion River Paddler Albion River Bridge Prepping for the Abalone Dive The Big Catch Cleaning the Abalone Dinners Almost Ready Hey, I want some. Snacks Schooners Landing at Low Tide Launching on Day Two Night Life

This past weekend we had 9 paddlers go to Mendocino, Schooner's Landing, Campsite for a Saturday paddle and Sunday paddle. Rick was the hunter/gatherer for the group, as he fished and abalone dived both days. Each day he came up with his limit - 4 - and we were very grateful for it was probably the highlight of a veritable feast on Saturday night, with Ken and Kelly providing Trader Joe's munchies, sausages, fried onions, ribs, etc. There was chicken, pasta, corn, breads, cheeses, various fudge, brownies and cookies - Rick's Kahlua, Flaming Mendo's, Local beers, and other stuff I forgot to add.

We paddled. Saturday 6 of us started out on the very flat cove at Van Damme. We went into a little strait where the surge swelled up coming through an exposed opening and our group became reduced to three. No - not casualties, just a decided change of itinerary. Most all of us got to see some caves and arches before their departure for the Big River. Three remained to see a really great stretch of caves, inlets, passages, overflows, blowholes, arches and impassable areas. We went to a little protected area we christened Cave Cove, because there were probably six caves of different sizes in this little steep-walled pocketed inlet.

Much of the stretch south of Little River (Van Damme) was nicely protected by a wall of rocks, reef breaks and islands that allowed us to not worry too much about surge or vertical rise in the cave areas. It was a very beautiful tour, not very difficult (on this day) and hopefully others can experience it in the future. For kayakers it is really exciting to go where most everyone else cannot go to see spectacular sights.

The Albion River and Big River were paddled on Saturday, and Navarro River was paddled on Sunday. Each of these rivers are flat, though tidal at the ocean, and they hold a lot of interest for birds, crabs (the Navarro), scary looking shanties on stilts and houseboats (Albion River), and great variety in the shorelines and water. The river paddles are reasonably long, very relaxing and the scenery is great with often steep-walled sides, rolling vineyards in the distance and sometimes nice tree overhangs to paddle in and out of. Mary even went for a swim in the Navarro. We had some serious coastal fog the first day, and almost none on the second. Very little in the way of wind. Overall, great weather, no incidents, lots of camaraderie and lots of good memories.