Around The World In 80 Waves

I’m keen to get another wave in today because I think it will be my last day surfing in the USA. I drive past Torry Pines, and Blacks beaches but am not tempted by the surf on offer there, so push on for La Jolla. The cove there is one of California’s big wave spots but it hasnt even broken sufficiently for people to surf if for nearly 6 years according to a local diver I get chatting to. There is no chance today but I watch the local swimmers working their way through the water and the sea-lion colony, most of whom are sunning themselves on the rocks you can see in the background here. I might have to go for a swim here with the Go Pro if time allows to get some close up footage of the Sea-lions.

I drive around the bay to the beach alongside the pier and paddle out there with all the others in the water. It is a frustrating session due to a cross shore rip which is dragging me down the beach and preventing the waves from breaking properly. I only have an hour here but catch a couple, but this was the best picture of the session

Quitting while I was ahead after one wave I caught in, I am in the shallows and notice something moving behind me. I have been followed in on my wave by the two inquisitive sea-lion pups you can see here. Apologies for the picture quality but it is the best I could do quickly using my board as a camera stand. I couldnt hang around for long because I am meeting somebody this evening so do a quick change and head back to my room.

The only other thing to report here is the breathtaking Mormon Temple which is alongside the road on the way back to the motel. The hard edges of the white stone look fantastic against the night sky.