If you weren't able to join us on our recent kayak tours of the north slough on a fine October weekend, here is a quick look at a few highlights.
  

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when the first tour began to meet, greet, and gear up.
  

While we were assembling, an otter cruised by - an omen of a good day on the water.
  

Our gracious hosts from Monterey Bay Kayaks then put us through our paces, with ace guide Josh Mendenhall demonstrating paddling basics.
  

Then it was everyone in the water, for a relaxed paddle in and through the north end of the slough.

We finally rafted up at our destination, Hudson's Landing - the pilings are just visible behind the kayakers.
  

Here they are up close and personal.
  

ESF Executive Director Mark Silberstein told us about the history of the landing, which once served as the port for the entire region. The backdrop is a ridgeline that has been almost entirely protected by the Elkhorn Slough Foundation.
  

On the paddle back we were treated to the many delights of the afternoon slough, including this picturesque shack.
  

The following day, another group of happy kayakers joined us as we repeated the event – with a few changes: our hosts were the guides from the Kayak Connection, led by manager Michael Roberts, and our naturalist guide this day was Kenton Parker, Education Coordinator for the Reserve.
  

Because the Sunday tour started at 4:30, on the way back from Hudson's Landing we were treated to this Serengetti sunset.

Thanks to all who helped make these tours possible.

The outings were so successful that ESF plans to repeat them next Fall. These tours were part of a growing number of special events for members, which now includes the Annual Celebration held each June, Spring walks on the Brothers Ranch, and, later this year, a Ridgeline Walk that will take members along a two-mile stretch of the ridge ESF has protected during the past five years.