October 17, 2010

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This was a very beautiful day at a stunning spot that few see up close. The North side of Cape Lookout was rough with waves shooting white-water up 30ft in places. The South side, my mile, was so placid that one could water ski. Friends reported scummy water here a week ago with surface algae. On this day the water was crystal clear. Eel grass was not only visible where I was not able to see it on previous paddles, but looked backlit as if fine strings of neon lights were under the surface. The sun was now low enough to light well into some of the many sea caves allowing me to see their bottoms, some sandy others rocky. One cave had a rich yet light violet red ceiling, probably lichen, and brilliant red splotches at waterline, perhaps sponge? Bull kelp grew along the first 3/4 mile of the cape. The cliffs looked great with no new slides. The pillow lava along the last 1/4 mile of the cape is the largest sample that I have seen anywhere.All in all, a magic day to maunder about alone.