Paddle for A Cause: Best Buddies Fund Raiser, Elkhorn Slough by Kayak: September 4th, $75 min. donation
Please consider joining Blue Water Ventures and Team Santa Cruz for this special fund raising day of kayaking in Elkhorn Slough. Leaving from Moss Landing, we'll have a leisurely paddle through Elkhorn Slough. Birding is excellent with many species arriving into the slough to feast in the mudflats. Our trip will begin with a quiet observation of 20-30 sea otters that reside in Moss Landing Harbor. Beginners welcomed. 11:00am-3:00pm
** 40% of your payment will be donated to Team Santa Cruz who are riding 60 - 100 miles to raise funds for Best Buddies (more details below). **
Dear Sea Kayakers:
I would like to welcome you to our kayaking adventure in Elkhorn Slough National Marine Estuary. The protected water of the Slough is an ideal place to observe some of California's finest coastal resources. Sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions and an array of birds can be seen at close range. With 90% of California's wetlands loss to development, Elkhorn Slough offers a special opportunity to observe a biologically rich and critically endangered habitat.
To confirm your place on this trip, we are asking for a minimum donation of $75 made payable to Blue Water Ventures. 40% of your payment will be donated to Team Santa Cruz that will be riding their bikes from Carmel to Hearst Castle on September 11th to raise funds for Best Buddies.
As stated on their web site: "The mission of Best Buddies is to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities". Please visit 2010 Audi Best Buddies Challenge to learn more about this wonderful organization.
Please send payments to: 108 Mason Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. All payments are considered a donation so no refunds are given.
You may also pay for the trip using a Card Credit via Pay Pal. Please visit our Payment Center for instructions.
Plan on meeting at the public boat launch ramp in North Moss Landing Harbor just behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2390 Hwy One) at 11:00am on September 4th. We will be using double sea kayaks which are very stable and easy to use. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. We expect to be back at the launch area by 3:00pm.
As far as things to bring, here are a few suggestions I can offer:
* Dress in layers -- Fleece, capilene, silk or wool are good insulators; bring a warm top that can be put on if cool weather (fog) approaches; a sweatshirt is adequate.
* Long pants or shorts- sweat pants that can be rolled up work well; an outer shell of nylon material dries quickly, but jeans get soggy and are not recommended.
* Wind breaker or paddling jacket
* 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.
* Hat with visor for sun protection
* Water bottle
* Lunch in a compact lunch bag or ziploc--take in boat with you
* Sunscreen and lip balm
* Sun glasses (or prescription glasses) attached with a leash
* Binoculars and camera in waterproof bag ( use at your own risk); disposable cameras work well.
* Small, compact daypack (optional)
* Change of clothes for ride home to be left in car
That covers the logistics for our Paddle for A Cause: Best Buddies Fund Raiser. Release forms will be discussed and signed before launching our boats. We are looking forward to our adventure together in the Slough!
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
DIRECTIONS TO ELKHORN SLOUGH (NORTH MOSS LANDING HARBOR)
FROM SANTA CRUZ
* TAKE HIGHWAY 1 SOUTH TOWARDS MONTEREY
* TURN RIGHT AT BAJA POTTERY/ MONTEREY BAY KAYAKS
you will pass Moss Landing State Beach, then Kayak Connection; it takes about 30 minutes from Santa Cruz; this right turn takes you into Moss Landing North Harbor.
* MOSS LANDING NORTH HARBOR LAUNCH RAMP
The public boat launch area is behind Monterey Bay Kayaks (2390 Highway One); park behind MBK in the public boat launch area ($5 to park; look for dispensers at bathrooms-use exact dollar amount ). We will be unloading gear on the beach to the left of the boat ramp.
NOTE
as you're heading south you'll see the Moss Landing power stacks on the left side of the highway; if you go over the bridge and pass these stacks you've gone too far.
Kim can be reached on her cell phone on the day of the trip at: 831-345-2417