A boarded up cafe at the entrance to the Corvina Estates RV Park
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A boarded up cafe at the entrance to the Corvina Estates RV Park |
The next morning, the Sea is calm and there is almost no wind as I paddle away from Corvina Estates RV Park (map point 2). I have only 11 miles to go today and I am well rested. Though there are no other boats around, I am not lacking for company. There are hundreds of pelicans sitting on the shore and in the shallow water a few hundred feet ahead of me. When I get too close for their comfort, they take off en masse and land still further ahead. Then the whole sequence is repeated again. It was as if I was herding them around the Sea.
Dinesh approaching pelicans |
I am making good time as I paddle along the State Park beaches. I reach Mecca Beach at 10 A.M. and meet Joy, who has come to check my progress. Today's paddling is in complete contrast to Monday's. I am hardly tired and I only have three more miles to go. We eat some snacks together and wonder at the lack of crowds. As a matter of fact, we are the only two on the beach, even though it has excellent picnicking facilities and a breathtaking view of the Sea and the mountains beyond.
The Salton Sea had its heyday in the early sixties. In 1962, it had more visitors than Yosemite National Park, but concern over its water quality prompted many to abandon the Sea. Anyone driving here today can see many abandoned hotels and Yacht Clubs.
I finish off the remaining three miles in an hour or so, but not without a little excitement. Just before I reach my destination, the now abandoned North Shore Yacht Club (map point 3), I run into a maze of submerged trees. On top of these are a number of brown pelicans. Unlike their white brethren, they catch fish by diving down. To avoid disturbing them, I move very close to the shore. But as I round the bend of one of the marina walls, I get tangled in an unattended fishing line. The fishing line is attached to a pole in the ground, but there is no fisherman close to it. The water is deep and a little choppy and I struggle not to hit the wall with my 14 foot kayak as I try to free myself. I can't paddle as the line is wrapped around my paddle and underneath the kayak. Eventually, as I free myself, I wonder if I shouldn't have carried a Swiss Army knife.
Back at camp, I ask Steve if he is ready to kayak with me. Each year, in January and February, the State Park offers free kayak trips guided by Steve. The kayaks are brought here from coastal State beaches in late Fall. But the kayaks had not arrived yet and my last hope to kayak with someone was dashed.
Dinesh and Steve Horvitz |
More unattended fishing lines |