Brian Mullen hadn’t heard for sure. But the call came and, yes, we were going for a paddle with none other than Kanesa Duncan. Six-time women’s champion in the 32-mile race from Moloka‘i to O‘ahu and holder of the women’s record in that race’s history.
Kanesa, Brian, and Mike McDaniel put in at Stillwater Cove. I put in at Carmel’s Ocean Avenue and met them as they began. It was looking to be a sunny evening paddle in pure glass. Brian suggested what none of us dared attempt alone: paddle straight across into Whaler’s Cove, which we did.
We paddled and talked, paddled and talked, passed Carmel Point, paddled and talked, paddled and talked, crossed over the deep canyon between, and came to an astonishing sight: Whaler’s Cove bathed in evening sunlight, as viewed from its entrance by sea. Absolutely magical. Gasps all around. Mike’s camera came out, pictures were taken. We paddled back, but only after lingering.
Kanesa is down-to-earth, easy to be around, and fun to paddle with. The light became even richer as we returned to Stillwater Cove. We said goodnight, and I started back for Ocean Avenue. Then I looked at the cliffs at the cove’s eastern border, and I noticed a faint lace of light slowly crawling over the cliffs, a reflection off the waves slowly rolling through the cove. I just had to stop and stare. It was unreal—a night I won’t forget.
Kanesa, Brian, and Mike McDaniel put in at Stillwater Cove. I put in at Carmel’s Ocean Avenue and met them as they began. It was looking to be a sunny evening paddle in pure glass. Brian suggested what none of us dared attempt alone: paddle straight across into Whaler’s Cove, which we did.
We paddled and talked, paddled and talked, passed Carmel Point, paddled and talked, paddled and talked, crossed over the deep canyon between, and came to an astonishing sight: Whaler’s Cove bathed in evening sunlight, as viewed from its entrance by sea. Absolutely magical. Gasps all around. Mike’s camera came out, pictures were taken. We paddled back, but only after lingering.
Kanesa is down-to-earth, easy to be around, and fun to paddle with. The light became even richer as we returned to Stillwater Cove. We said goodnight, and I started back for Ocean Avenue. Then I looked at the cliffs at the cove’s eastern border, and I noticed a faint lace of light slowly crawling over the cliffs, a reflection off the waves slowly rolling through the cove. I just had to stop and stare. It was unreal—a night I won’t forget.
Paddling rewarded us with both camaraderie and unsurpassable scenery. And the paddle itself was pure pleasure. All reasons each of us paddles.
Mike Jones / CWC member
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