My arm muscles burn, kind of like I’ve been doing push-ups for a few hours. The other surfers don’t wear drooping faces of exhaustion and, when paddling toward shore to catch a wave, their arms move swiftly through the water. After a long, smooth ride, they paddle back out past the breaks and wait patiently for the next wave.
It’s not really fair to call what I — a first-timer — am doing “surfing.” As I’m flailing and falling at a beginner spot, countless others head out for the area’s 11 world-class breaks along this county’s 29 miles (47 km) of beaches.
Surfing isn’t the only sport popular in this county of about 250,000. In spring, kayakers gather in the waters off the area’s northernmost beaches to watch gray whales on their 6,200-mile (10,000 km) journey southward. Others choose to paddle the calm waters near downtown, where sea otters are a common sight around the kelp forest.
The city for which the county is named is home to one of the world’s most famous disc golf courses. It was originally installed as an 18-hole course, but has since grown to 27 holes. Bicycle lanes and paths form an extensive network around town. Nearby highways are often congested, so the city council strongly supports alternative transportation. It’s not uncommon to see cruiser bicycles equipped with side-mounted surfboard racks.
Where am I?
Send your answer to goworld@goworldpublishing.com. All readers correctly identifying this location will be entered in a drawing to receive a recently published travel book.
Answer to the June 2007 “Where in the World” Contest
Last month’s mystery destination was Amsterdam, Netherlands. Our photo showed one of the many floating stalls in the city’s famous bloemenmarkt.
Thanks to all who wrote in their guesses. This month’s winner is Lori from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Congratulations, Lori!
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