Dinesh enjoying a few calm moments at the camp before abandoning it later
Soon after I start, I pass the northeast corner of the Sea and head west. It is calm for awhile but then the waves pick up. There is not much wind, but the waves just keep coming. I want to take a sip from the tube of my water bag, but I can't stop paddling long enough to grab the tube. However, this was just a nuisance. By now, I was quite comfortable with the waves and enjoyed surfing them. I soon arrive at the mouth of the Whitewater River, but with a slight trepidation. The Sea bottom is covered with thick mud. People reportedly have died after getting stuck in the mud. I was advised not to try to get to shore in this area. If I needed help, I was to call 911 for a rescue boat. I did carry a cell phone, but I wasn't quite sure how I was going to retrieve it from my upside down capsized kayak and dial 911 while swimming in waves. Luckily, I didn't have to find that out.
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Dinesh enjoying a few calm moments at the camp before abandoning it later |
I end the day at Avenue 81 on the west side (map point 4). Joy and I then drive to a campground in Salton City. Not too long after we get there, the weather changes. A few clouds appear and strong winds shake the palm trees. We are told that these winds, called Borregos, are a frequent occurrence. We aren't pleased at the prospect of cooking and doing other chores in the wind. Happily, nearby Ray and Carol's 4-room motel had a vacancy and it was to be our home for the next three nights.