Susan, when are you going? I would love to read your trip report.

cmcfong - we won't go until sometime in the middle of the summer, probably July. I think we're normally there in August, but our son is marrying the beginning of September, so I can't imagine our taking a pleasure trip later than July.

As for the trip report, I've never written one on fodors or TA, so we'll have to see whether that materializes. I must admit, though, that it might be an interesting one.

For a first-timer, I'd go to Elkhorn Slough. The water is guaranteed to be calm and there is much less chance of wind and fog. The bay can be very calm and nice, but it isn't always - the water can be quite rough at times.

Thanks, november! The only reason we'd go in the bay is because our hotel will be right there and we often watch kayakers at more or less close range. Of course, safety will be the most important issue.

We went some years ago into the Elkhorn Slough from Moss Landing. Saw seals and tons of birds. We headed out with the tide while the shore birds were coming in to feed in the mud flats at low tide. One HUGE flock of shore birds (sandpipers?) came around the bend towards us right at water level up to about 20'. We were sure that they were going to hit us so we put our paddles in from of our faces for protection. The birds raced towards us and parted as they zoomed past us. The sound was like a strong wind through pine boughs and faded away as the flock passed by. One of the most memorable moments of my life...but then, I'm easily amused.