I met Roger and Konstantin for a paddle out of Bodega. As usual, Konstantin and I met at Campbell Cove, where the parking is free, and Roger launched across the channel from us off the ramp next to the Coast Guard Station, where he can put in and take out without getting his gear sandy. The swell was forecast at 8 feet with wind from the north, rainstorms. We turned into the wind and headed north to get some exercise.
We hadn’t made it to the rough water between Bodega Rocks and Bodega Head when a Coast Guard Zodiac pulled up next to us. Roger went over to tell them our float plan. “Head north for an hour and a half, then let the wind and waves help push us back”. I noticed that the large self-righting Coast Guard Cutter was also roaring by. After Roger talked with the guys on the zodiac, both boats turned and headed back to dock. I figured they had come out for only one reason: to check up on us. Perhaps someone had called them and reported three foolish kayakers heading out into the storm! Apparently Roger convinced them that we knew what we were doing and they let us alone.
The wind died down considerably, but it did rain on us a few times. The swell was large enough that we were not tempted to get very close to shore but not nearly as large as we have been out in before. Usually we try to make it to Mussel Point before turning back, but Konstantin was having a problem with his wrist. So when we came even with the Bodega Marine Laboratory at Horseshoe Cove, we decided to turn back. Even with mild wind the following seas pushed us back in very short order and soon we were back at our respective landings. We met for lunch at Lucas Warf before driving home.