D&T Grrrl!/D&T Gents: Bioluminescent Kayak-Camping in Tomales Bay

Men and Women 17+*

All creeds welcome

Adventure Score: 3

*This is a parallel program with separate and remote camps for men and women.

While within the physical capabilities of most, this expedition is highly technical and may require gear expenditures in addition to your registration fee.

Home of the Coast Miwok people, Tomales Bay embodies the rugged and chaotic beauty of existence itself.

The wind and tides sculpt the surrounding bluffs even as they challenge the adventurer with heave and spray. Twenty feet below, tectonic plates along either side of the San Andreas Fault slip ever so slowly past one another on their way to eventual cataclysm.

Paddling along the western shore will put us within view of native eel grass, otters, jellyfish, leopard sharks, and all manner of sea birds riding the currents of air as they hunt and court. The surrounding grasslands are considered among the most biologically diverse regions on earth. Therein can be found tule elk, black bear, weasels, raccoons, bats, and beavers.

And you will sleep among them, if you choose to sleep.

Because on moonless nights, there is magic in the water.

We have timed this adventure to coincide with the new moon of Dhu al-Qa’dah when the sky is darkest. The brave among us are invited back into the inky water to experience the miracle of bioluminescence, the flashing of organic light from the tiniest of animals as they shimmer in response to our movement.

Stars above and stars below, you will be as you once were: suspended, floating in a black womb of wonder and majesty.

These marvels are guarded by rigors that must be overcome, and few will make the effort. Read on to determine if you will be among them.

Included:

• Pre-trip lodging, meals, and transport to/from D&T Camp One (if flying into Sacramento airport 5/18- limited to 4 persons)
• Three days and two nights of camping in Tomales Bay
• Paddles and flotation vests
• Tandem kayak and one dry bag for every two participants
• Portable toilet and privacy tent for men (vault toilets will be available for women)
• Itinerary, packing list, and personalized assistance with logistics
• Carpool coordination (on-site parking limited)
• One male and one female wilderness first-aid certified guide
• Commemorative D&T keepsakes to honor our time together
• New friends and a lifetime of memories!

 
You are responsible for your food, water (one gallon/day), clothing (including swimwear), tent, sleep kit, and cooking/mess supplies.

Due to the space and weight restrictions of your tandem kayak, you must be able to fit all of your clothing, food, and mess kits into a daypack.

Wetsuits are highly recommended, though not absolutely necessary. A limited number of wetsuits may be available for rent on the day of departure.

Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads should be sized for backpacking. Rental options may be available at your local REI. You can also explore home-delivered rentals through Moosejaw and Outdoors Geek.

Limited rentals are also available through Dust and Tribe.

Extra dry bags are available for rent at Blue Waters Kayaking.

Some items like tents and stoves can be shared. As part of our commitment to coordinating a smooth trip, minimizing unnecessary expenses, and building group camaraderie, Dust and Tribe will work to assess group needs and advise accordingly.

Participants should feel confident in their ability to paddle for up to two hours. There will be opportunities for rests and breaks. Although flotation vests will be provided, participants would ideally be able to swim. At a minimum, participants must not be prone to panicking in the water.

As mentioned above, women will have access to vault toilets. Men will have a more rigorous experience with a longer paddle and no bathroom facilities (portable toilet and privacy tent will be provided). Campfires on the beach are permitted, provided we are all committed to maximum efficiency in order to allow room on our kayaks for firewood.

COVID-19: We are committed to keeping all participants healthy through smaller groups and the implementation of rigorous medical pre-screening. Once gathered, social distancing and the wearing of masks will neither be enforced nor discouraged.

Book your spot with a $100 deposit that is fully refundable 30 days prior to our trip (refund deadline Wednesday 4/19/2023). Refunds will not be offered after the aforementioned date except in cases of a documented or suspected COVID infection within 14 days of our event.

Full-refunds will also be offered in the event of inclement weather severe enough to pose a risk to participants.

We’ve got room for 12 men and 14 women. Please book using the appropriate button:


 
Don’t want to hassle with food? We’re happy to put together a 2000 calorie/day vegetarian meal bundle to get you through the weekend. The bundle includes pasta and quinoa-based entrees, oatmeal, granola, and lots of chocolate, nut-butters, and fat-rich coconut strips to fuel your adventure.


 
Questions? Leave a comment below or send us a message through our Contact Page.

Signed up? You are an inspiration and a comment from you could be just the bit of encouragement someone else needs to come along!