I took off the wheels and threw everything into the boat. Then it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment between breaking waves and shoving off. It all worked pretty much as I'd envisioned it a hundred times, and fortunately the surf was much softer-spoken today than during the past few days when it's been thunderous.

I'd paddled only fifty yards or so before the first of what I'm sure will be many magical dividends to my investment appeared: a school of a dozen or more spotted rays "flying" through the clear water just under me. I pivoted my craft slowly around in place, and reveled in the sheer exhilaration and freedom of being out on the water in this absolutely breathtaking place. Come to think of it, this was the first time I've ever been out on any ocean in my own boat, on my own terms.

Later, as I crossed the bay and approached Playa Las Gatas, schools of silvery fish about two feet long broke the surface -- chasing, I assume, something considerably smaller. I wonder if I may have underestimated my quarry by bringing mostly lures designed for fish twice this size.

Tomorrow morning will tell the tale, as I venture out loaded for bear -- specifically 15-20-lb. jureles. To say the least, I'm pumped. Stay tuned for the (grossly inflated) fish stories...