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!!
