October 28, 2016

Well, I'm on my way! The last few essential logistical and paperwork items got handled, and my buddy Jim arrived on schedule. My new asymmetrical spinnaker was hoisted and checked by Gary of Ullman Sails while I was busy bringing the Mini into the storage yard out in Fillmore. Everyone on the dock got to see it up, but not me. They liked it, anyway.

Many more of my friends than I had expected came down to the dock early to see me off. It was both gratifying and humbling. HOWEVER, it did cause just enough delay to result in our arrival at Isthmus Harbor after dark, a rather daunting situation on a moonless night.

The passage from Ventura to Catalina Island was a smooth, routine motorsail in flat seas and no wind. We saw more pods of dolphins (and one whale in the distance) than I have ever encountered in one day. Most were feeding or otherwise occupied, but a couple of pods came over to surf the bow wave for 10 or 15 minutes. Pure magic and a good omen!

Getting into Isthmus Harbor in the dark and picking up a mooring was another story. It was pitch black, and I came in on instruments with Jim on the bow functioning as my eyes and communicating with a headset walkie-talking. We were able to finally pick up a wand and mooring, although it was scary close to an anchored boat. While it was definitelly dicey, we did it without mishap. A tot of “sail oil” and the trauma was soon forgotten.

We left Isthmus early enough the next morning to avoid the Harbor Patrol and payment, and continued on the next leg to Dana Point. Again, the crossing was pretty smooth and uneventful, with no wind and little swell. We anchored in the tight little anchorage in the harbor between the fuel dock and the bait barge, which had intermittent activity all night long. Nonetheless we both appreciated the lack of rockin' and rollin' as well as having time to cook a nice dinner.

We had to get an early start the next morning for the longer haul down to San Diego. Again, there was very little wind, but because of the rolling from the cross swell, we hoisted the new main for the first time. Entering the bay took a bit longer than we anticipated because we had to dodge so many lobster trap buoys and one aircraft carrier that acted like it owned the place. After one false start, we made it into our temporary slip with the help of some new neighbors. It's a nice friendly marina, ideally located for the Baja Ha-Ha events. Even has a pool and a spa (which I intend to make use of as often as possible)!

Of course the boat work doesn't stop just because I'm cruising. I had to do some futzing with the head, which while still not working perfectly, is now useable. The watermaker once again malfunctioned, so I am getting the parts needed to repair either of the two possible causes (according to Rich, the Cruise RO guru). I probably will not have time to tackle that before we go, but we can do without it.

That's about it so far. From now on, posts will likely be irregular. I will try to keep things organized by week, but will be able to post only when I'm some place that has wifi. Please be patient!

Dolphins, dolphins and...

...more dolphins!!