Singer, Song Writer & Blue Water Guide, Melissa Crabtree
Thank you for your inquiry about Our New Mendocino Sea Caves and Rivers by Kayak, Women's Trip, September 14th-16th, 2012 $350
We have added another day to our itinerary, paddling the beautiful Albion River south of Mendocino! Please note that our program begins at 1:00pm on Friday with a required introduction to rock garden skills and safety.
If you are interested in joining us, please send a $100 deposit and and we will place you on the roster. Space on the roster is confirmed once we receive your deposit. If your plans change before June 1st, you may get your deposit back. After June 2nd, your deposit is non-refundable. The balance of $250 is due by July 14th. Full refunds (minus $100 deposit) will be given with at least 6 weeks (42 days) notice prior to trip date. Please review the packing list below.
You may pay using a credit card via Pay Pal by visiting our secure online Payment Center (please note that there is a 3% Pay Pal service charge on multiple day trips so your online deposit is $103 and the balance if using Pay Pal is $258).
I am looking forward to sharing our new and improved adventure on the north coast! ~~~~Kim of the Blue ~~~~
******************************************************************************************
Dear Kayakers of the Open Coast and Rivers:
Welcome to our adventure in Mendocino, one of the primer sea kayaking destinations on the West Coast.
Our plan on Friday is to explore the sea caves, arches and kelp beds directly in front of Van Damme State Park. The scenery here is spectacular! On Saturday, we will continue exploring this beautiful area or select another location along the coast. As always, our itinerary will be determined by weather and ocean conditions.
On Sunday, we plan on paddling the beautiful Albion River, south of Mendocino making our travel home a bit easier that afternoon. The Albion is a gorgeous flat water river lined with coast redwood trees. Osprey, great blue heron, deer and harbor seals may be seen as we explore the pristine river. On Friday and Saturday nights, we will be using Van Damme Campground as our base camp (car camping).
The trip officially begins at 1:00pm on Friday at the ocean access parking area of Van Damme State Park which is directly across from the campground entrance on Highway One, about 3 miles south of Historical Mendocino. Our weekend adventure finishes up on Sunday by 3:00pm.
Arrival to Mendocino on Friday
On Friday, please arrive to the coastal access area of Van Dame State Park by 1:00pm. On our first afternoon, we will be giving sea kayaking instruction on rock garden techniques and safety. We will be off the water by 5:00pm and will check into our campsite at Van Dame State Park. If you prefer, you may stay at a B & B in Mendocino, meet us each day and around camp for dinner on Friday. To review a selection of Inns in Mendocino visit: Where to Stay. On Saturday night we will have a group dinner at the Mendocino Cafe (dinner is on your own or you may relax back at the campground).
Kayaks and Wetsuits
The trip is designed for the use of single sit on top kayaks. However, if you and a friend would prefer to use a double sit on top, that's fine. Please let us know your kayak preference so that final arrangements can be made. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions regarding these options. You will be given a Farmer Jane style wetsuit unless you prefer to use your own. Just indicate by email prior to the trip if you are bringing a personal wetsuit. Additionally, please email any dietary restrictions.
Packing List
All kayaking gear is included in the cost. Tents and sleeping bags are not included. Spacious 2 person tents may be rented from Blue Water Ventures for $10 for the weekend (while supplies last).
Directions:
From the Golden Gate Bridge, plan on a 4 to 41/2 hour drive to our campsite, depending upon traffic. Drive north on Highway 101 and take the 128 West Cloverdale Exit. Follow 128 to Highway 1 North towards Mendocino. Van Damme State Park is on Highway 1, three miles south of Mendocino. There is a large parking lot on the ocean side and the campground entrance directly across from it. If using Mapquest, the address for Van Damme State Park is: 8001 North Highway 1, Littler River CA 95456
Trip Cost $350: includes three days of guided instruction in rock garden and river exploration by kayak, two nights of car style camping, meals (2 BF, 2 lunches, 1 dinner) naturalist talks and kayak equipment. Beginner's welcomed.
To register for this program, please email us to inquire on trip status and then send a deposit of $100 to BWV, 108 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. The balance of $250 is due by July 14th. Full refunds (minus $100) will be given with at least 6 weeks (42 days) notice prior to the trip date. You may also pay with a credit card via Pay Pal.
* Please note that there is a 3% fee to cover Pay Pal's service charge so the deposit when using Pay Pal is $103 and the balance when using Pay Pal is $258.To pay by credit card using Pay Pal, please visit our: Payment Center
I hope this letter answers a few questions. I am looking forward to our adventure in Mendocino! Please don't hesitate to call or email with questions.
Very Sincerely;
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
phone & fax: 831-459-8548
www.bluewaterventures.org
email: bluewaterventures@sbcglobal.net
108 Mason St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
WHAT TO BRING TO MENDOCINO
___ 1 Sleeping bag- medium rated
___ 1 Ensolite sleeping pad or thermarest
___ Tent (can be rented from Blue Water Ventures for $10 for weekend while supplies last ) or try REI
___ 1-2 Bathing suits
___ 2-3 T-Shirts
___ 2 Pairs of shorts
___ 1 Pair of long pants - fleece works well in damp coastal environment; sweat pants OK
___ Rain gear or any water repelling material (nylon/plastic) jacket and pants for dew around camp
___ 1 Lightweight windbreaker or paddling jacket
___ 2 Sweat shirts one should be Fleece, capilene or wool --medium rated
___ 2 long underwear tops: lightweight fleece/capilene or silk
___ 1 warm hat (i.e. fleece ski cap )
___ 1 Pair of shoes to wear around camp
___ 2 Pairs of warm socks (at least one should be wool, wool blend or fleece )
___ Footgear - tennis shoes, Teva type sandals or wet suit booties -- any style is fine; they will get wet as you wade in to launch your boat;
warm socks could be worn with tennis shoes or sandals
___ 1 Bath towel -- there are hot showers in the campground that work with quarters-bring some!
___ 1 Ball cap to shade face & ears--may be worn under a helmet
___ Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, lotions, aloe)
___ Sunscreen (< 20 strength) & chapstick with sunscreen
___ Sunglasses with leash (UV protection)
___ 2 Quart size water bottles--full
___ 2 garbage bags--for wet gear
___ Flashlight or head lamp
OPTIONAL GEAR
___ Camera -disposable/waterproof work well; all others should be in a waterproof case
___ Folding camp chair
___ Binoculars for use around camp, not on water
___ Dry bags or ziplocs
___ Compact fishing gear and license
___ Waterproof flashlight or head lamp
___ Mask, snorkel, fins
___ Personal wetsuit (or we will bring one for you)
___ Paddling gloves
___ Favorite travel mug for morning coffee or tea
___ Your Favorite adult beverage
___ Carabiners for attaching items to boat .e. flashlight, water bottle
___ One bandana they come in handy when camping
____Camp Pillow
___ Sea Sickness Medication If you are prone to mild sea sickness, we recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you. In the past, several clients have successfully used "sea bands" which employ a pressure point on the wrists rather than medication. Sea Bands have no side effects and can be purchased at most dive shops or some drug stores.
