Preparation For A Journey To The Channel Islands

The capt has wanted to make this passage for quite a long time. The itinerary includes visiting the islands and waters of Catalina, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands. A very able crew (they're all in their 30's)  has been assembled from home ports of Santa Barbara, Lake Tahoe, Redondo Beach and Thousand Oaks. From start to finish, this voyage will log close to 300 nautical miles over a ten day period.

We'll be carrying extra diesel fuel.

Topping off at the fuel dock in Dana Point. We'll also take on fuel at the Isthmus in Catalina.

A new macerator was installed. Ask Norten (hint...the Honeymooners) if you don't know what that is.

Oil and oil filter were replaced.

Batteries were checked and topped off.

Serenity NOW is ready. Now all we need are fair winds and calm seas. Wish us luck. I'll keep ya posted.

Five Days On An Island...Priceless

Cuz Jean, the Secretary of the Navy and the Admiral at their pre-departure planning session. Thank you Cuz for making this happen.

The capt at his departure session.

The Admiral with Parson's Landing behind her.

The "Gut Bomb" was replaced this trip with the "Fernando Chihuahua".

Emerald Bay did not disappoint. 

First Solo To The Island

Willow Cove

Tomorrow, around 8 a.m. , the capt will be leaving DP Marina for his first solo trip to Catalina. The Admiral will join him in Avalon in the early evening having made the crossing on the Express. If Willow Cove has cell reception and space for another boat, we'll anchor there for the night. Otherwise we'll stay in the big city for the evening before heading west toward the isthmus.

"Bring Your Jacket And Some Sunshine"

Holy cow! When you tell San Juan Jeff to do something, he doesn't mess around.  We both agreed this was one, if not the best, day this summer. Thanks for the sunshine. Skies were sunny and clear, the 10-14 knot wind was warm and the sea was full of life.  

As the dolphins played next to the boat, the capt got a picture of one in mid air.  The pic was too blurry to post so here's one of a little guy passing our starboard side.

San Juan Jeff at the helm flashing his white pearlies for the paparazzi.

Look closely and you'll see a whale at just below the horizon. We watched this guy for a bit before we headed back to the marina.

Catalina Shakedown Sail

As temperatures soared inland, the Capt and the Admiral headed off shore for a little SERENITY NOW.   Skies were overcast the entire day keeping it around 70 degrees. Water temp was a chilly 60-62 degrees. Don't fall overboard.

This sail served as a shakedown sail for our next Catalina adventure coming up very soon. We are counting the days. Thank you Cuz.

     

The most exciting time of out excursion today was when we entered the harbor  and the Admiral had to skillfully maneuver through the kayaks, stand up paddlers, paddle boarders, jet skis, personal water crafts, dinghies, power, sail and commercial  boats. No kidding, it was a zoo out there today. And tomorrow may be crazier. Have a great Labor Day!