Kayaking Estero Americano
How do you honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom and prosperity?
I have no idea. I can’t imagine such sacrifice. But I am grateful to those who gave their lives and those who volunteered or were conscripted and were willing to give their lives in the hopes of a better America. And I want to make sure I enjoy the rights and privileges they secured. So…
I went out exploring the Estero Americano Memorial Day Weekend, 2021 (aka Americano Creek).
I’ve been there before. What I really wanted was something new. I wanted to explore the Estero San Antonio which pours into the ocean just north of Dillon Beach. I’ve been looking for a way to access the estero, but haven’t found anything satisfactory. Seems the ranchers are intent on keeping hunters and fishermen out. Every potential access point is well posted. After an hour of driving up and down the estero, I gave up and drove to Valley Ford, where I knew I could get into the Estero Americano. I arrived around 1:00 PM, knowing I would be facing some wind, but I was planning on the tide and wind helping me to get back. I typically overdo it. I paddle as far as I can beyond my launch point and then try to figure out how to make it back. That’s not my plan; that’s just how it turns out. This trip was 5.5 miles from Valley Ford to the ocean. Then, 5.5 miles back.
Ready to go! 
How do egrets stay so white when they hang out in these muddy marshes? 
End of the line. Sand bar. 
I made it! Ocean! I walked the final 50 yards. 
This sand bar sits between the estero and the ocean. Water flows during storms or very high tide. No flow today.
Lot’s of water fowl: elegant egrets, ducks, cormorants, cliff swallows, and UFO’s. (unidentified by me, at least). Two deer – mother and newborn.
Very few humans. Two kayakers were coming back when I launched. I passed two fishing boats. That’s it.
The sights, the smells, the sounds! Listen to this yellow bird. (video coming soon)
How to Find It
From Petaluma, follow Valley Ford Rd (Hwy 1) through Valley Ford and turn left at Dinucci’s Restaurant and left on Valley Ford Estero Road. Left again on Marsh Road. Take the first left and follow the dirt road. There’s a small place to park and launch at the bridge. See the map below.
Next time, don’t forget: water! Aspirin. Also, a kite/sail would be nice.