As some of you may now know, our time in the Cove has come to an end. It was a great life here for the past 7 years, but the owner has decided to sell the Inn and unfortunately the new owners want to run it remotely without on site management.
Verna and I have work available in the San Jose area, but it has been difficult at best for us to find housing. We even though of living out of our (new to us) travel trailer while we find someplace, But keep running into issues. 
If anyone has a rental or ??? For a not so older couple with a senior mid size dog, please let us know.
Thanks for reading
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I am sad to say that an unforeseen event has caused me to have to CANCEL this event.
I will be sending all registration forms and checks that I have received back to the senders
I am saddened to have to do this, but it is beyond my control
Thank you to all who have shown interest in this event
I am truly sorry for any inconvenience this may cause

Open Shelter is CANCELED ...
Join us for a fun filled weekend for the whole family September 17th & 18th in beautiful Shelter Cove California.
Multiple categories to enter ...
Even a Junior division for those 15 and under as well as a random drawing for all who enter.
Check out www.opensheltersc.com for all the details and to enter.
Registration will close midnight August 13th
Don't miss out!
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Thought I would share this with all the kayakers that fish Salmon or Halibut in Shelter Cove this year.

Looking to purchase a light (50-65lb) 10-12 ft. Paddle kayak
Or possibly a Hobie sport if very reasonably priced.
Paddler is 4'11" and weighing less than 100lbs.
Need to purchase this week ... before the 15th of July
Let me know what you got and maybe we can make a deal.
Thanks for looking
Eric (559)284-4299
The Tides Inn  (707)986-7900
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Selling my backup 3 wheeler
Fixed her up and she runs like a top
Battery is dead, but pull starts on first pull
Asking $800 obo
I will be heading to Vallejo this Tues (3-10)
and can transport to Hobie Dave for pick up if desired

Found a kayak washed up on the rocks.
Also found a kayak trailer left on the ramp area.
If you know who owns this kayak please call or text.
Eric Kaai
(559)284-4299 cell
(707)986-7900 The Tides Inn 

So, you want to host a Great Event do ya?
  Many people attend great events annually and love the vibe. So much so, that they decide to duplicate the effort at their favorite spot only to become frustrated by the lack of success and negative feelings left behind. You see, an event rarely just happens, it usually takes months of prep work, hours of phone calls and sometimes even many miles of travel.
  I have organized over 35 events and helped others also get their events started. Many will be remembered for years to come, and some we can’t forget soon enough. One thing I can tell you is, Great Events Rarely just happen. There is a LOT of prep work that goes into creating a Great Event.
Although I learned a lot about organizing events from some of the best in the business, rarely did I formally question these people about their event, instead I had simple conversations and listened to what they said. I attended many of their events and remembered what I and other participants liked and disliked. I especially took note of what did not seem to work. The More you do right, the better chance for a great event. But, even if you do everything right, there are always outside factors that could crash your event. There is always an element of luck involved in great events.

With so many people wanting to put on events now, I thought I would comprise a guide to help organize your event. As I said above, “There is always an element of luck involved in Great Events”, but this should help you eliminate some of the common mistakes. 

1.   Brainstorm 
Take a week and put some serious thought in on what you would like to see unfold on event day and what you have to do to achieve that plan. 
2.   Plan a Date and Time for your event –
a.   Pick a date that is easy for most participants – Weekends work best
b.   Try to separate yourself from other conflicting events by at least TWO weeks
Check event calendars, social media, club calendars etc.
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, DO NOT SCHEDULE OVER ANOTHER EVENT!
3.   Make an outline of the event from the time you wake up till the day is over.
4.   Make contact with everyone involved
If your event is to be held at a campground
a.   Can they handle the amount of people expected to attend?
b.   Can they handle the extra vehicles?
c.   Will there be food available, if so …
Is there a place to cook/BBQ/eat/sit?
d.   Can they handle the increase of garbage?
Many events are in remote areas that can’t handle or are charged extra for excess garbage
BE SURE TO COVER EVERY DETAIL OF THE TIME PARTICAPENTS ARE THERE!
5.   Contact possible sponsors
       Know your main prizes before you advertise
6.   Contact and secure/hire volunteers to assist during event
7.   Drive to event area and draw up a plan of where event will be set up and how it will flow
8.   If permits are required, apply/file in time to have in hand before advertising
9.   Become familiar with any special rules/regulations/laws that may need to be followed
10.   Design a flier for your event along with any artwork for Flier/T-Shirts/Paraphernalia Be sure to include pertinent information about your event: Date, Time, Place, Prizes, Sponsors, How/where to Enter, special guests, and cutoff date if applicable etc. 
11.   If clothing is an option, contact printer and find out turn over time. This should also be your entry cutoff date.
12.   Be sure to include any main sponsors on to any advertisement/announcements
13.   Be sure to include rules of event along with any special regulations, Laws of interest to event.
14.   Go to print - This should be at least 4-6 months ahead of your event
Be sure to print what you will need for any advertising you intend up to the date of event
15.   Be sure to use as much social media as you can handle 
This will need to be maintained until the week after the event
16.   Now that you have finally posted your event to the world, be sure to stay in contact with all involved … Sponsors, Helpers, Prize Donors, Camp Hosts etc.
17.   As event date nears, compile a list of participants which will help during event.
You may or may not disclose the participants list publicly, but NEVER disclose their personal information.
18.   When cut off date arrives, if clothing was option, be sure to get ordered (always order extras)
19.   At least one week before event, have a meeting with anyone who will be helping out during event. Be sure to go over your timeline. Also go over emergency procedures and any fine issues that you can think of. If your team is on the same page, your event will have a better chance of success.
20.   Day of Event –
a.   Always be the FIRST to your event.
b.   Be ready to direct your team from the moment you awake
c.   Follow your plan/timeline
d.   Make time to mingle with participants and take note of what is working and what is not.
e.   Be sure to Rave about Sponsors and Contributors
f.   Be the LAST person to leave your event
21.   Week after Event –
a.   Be sure to post results of your event
b.   Post as many pictures of your event and encourage others to post their pictures and stories
c.   Send Thank You letters to all sponsors and contributors and follow up with a personal call
d.   Follow up with event site owner to be sure that all details were taken care of and they are happy with the result of your event.
If you made it this far, Congratulations, you have done a great job
Now
What about next year?
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I reached out to good friend and kayak fishing guide Eric Stockwell to do a trip of special meaning for me on the Klamath River here in Norther California. (This trip is special to me as this is where I laid my father to rest nearly 25 years ago.)
After driving an hour and a half to meet up with Eric at 6am we loaded up and headed to our destination. During the long drive north, we discussed the days plan and I told him stories of my younger years fishing the Klamath with my dad and remembering things I had nearly forgotten. Emotions were high as we arrived at our destination .... just a short distance from where I was tasked with granting my father's last wish (to rest in his favorite fishing spot).
Together we were eager to get on the water but for myself, I needed to get moving before my emotions took over.
 We launched our kayaks and headed up river to a popular spot as Eric gave me an update on what he had heard and what he believed to be the best gear to try. We get to our destination and start working the area. On my 5th cast of the morning, I'm hooked up to a nice king that battled like the best of them. 
 It reminded me of the first King Salmon I ever caught many years with my father in this very same river.
Eric and I would spend the next several hours hooking fish after fish, some we were lucky enough to bring to the boat for a good look before releasing for another day, others were fought so hard, that we would loose the battle and never get a good glimpse. During these hours I had relived some long forgotten trips my father and I had to this magical place and for a brief time, it was like Pop was ther fishing by my side. At this point I was glad we were in kayaks, and not side by side in a boat, as it would have been difficult to explain to my friend why in the middle of some of the best fishing a man can experience,  I had tears running down my face. 
 As the day went on, we found it more and more difficult to call it a day. We stayed till nearly sunset and endured rain and wind and even though we were in shorts and tshirts, we were having the time of our lives. And I had a great visit with my Hero, my Mentor, my Father I love you Dad.
Thank you Eric Stockwell (Loleta Eric's Guide Service) for making this trip a reality and for all the wonderful pictures.