GUESS WHERE WE WERE...

HALF MOON BAY

A trip to the San Francisco Bay area would be incomplete without a visit to Maverick's, Pillar Point and Half Moon Bay. As we walked north along the beach in the harbor there, we saw a sad and unfamiliar sight, a grounded sailboat. Shorelines and boats don't mix, kinda like water and oil. Maybe she dragged while anchored or the anchor rode broke were my first thoughts. We stopped to talk with a man near the boat. He was one of the owners of the vessel. Much to my amazement they intensionally ground the boat once a year to work on the bottom. Oh well, different strokes. Sounds like something they would do in Baja.

PS...We stopped at Sam's and had their lobster roll, possibly the world's best sandwich.

 

The local boats were selling beautiful looking large crabs for $6/lb. Each crab weighed  2-3 lbs.

12/05/12 LEAVING CEDROS ISLAND

Sailors Greg, Jack and I will never forget this passage. It was a time when crew, vessel and a higher power came together to get us safely to our next anchorage. Jack said in a recent email, "It is great to revisit those moments and remember the cold, the dark, the fear and intensity, the sailor brotherhood." WOW, WHAT A RIDE!

TWO YEARS AGO

Yesterday we commemorated the passing of Jackie Riley, a true lady in all respects. There was no wind and the sea was as flat as a lake. The sky was clear, the natural colors were radiant. We just floated, barely moving, watching the sun set and talking about Jackie. It was a precious moment for a precious women. "Here's to those that wish us well..."

   

SOME DAYS ARE JUST BETTER THAN OTHERS

Light winds today, time to pull out the gennaker (genoa spinnaker sail hybrid). We cruised down the San Clemente coast and did a u-turn around state park. Beautiful day, much warmer than yesterday, enjoyed by all, I think!

IT'S GETTIN' CHILLY

It was a clear, brisk November day today as Van Bro and Amy joined us for an afternoon and sunset sail. It was Amy's first time on Serenity Now. I think she liked it and we may see her again. As the sun moved closer to the horizon, it got cooler and then cold. Despite the chill we had a great day on the water. Let's go sailing!

CATALINA IN NOVEMBER

The Admiral and I headed to Avalon for a little R&R and a week in the sunshine. Oops, the weather changed. Long story short, after two nights on the island, we made our way back to Dana Point today. Oh well, better luck next time...and there will be a next time.

The icon of the island.

A very uncrowded Avalon.

Our sunrise this morning.

SAN JUANICO-SCORPION BAY

" DOWN IN BAJA . . .

W E   D I D   I T   H A H A   S T Y L E " 

LAST YEAR THIS TIME

The crew were exploring sand dunes in Bahia Santa Maria...

THE HAHA ONE YEAR AGO

This time last year, four intrepid sailors were about to embark on an adventurous journey to Cabo San Lucas.

The going-away party the day before.

The crew, AKA (l to r) capt, El Jeffe, Johnny Dorado and Ranger Van Bro.

Start of the Baja HaHa leaving San Diego Bay.

THE JENSEN CLAN

Wow, another super day on the water. Sunday was classic; warm weather, breezy and a great crew. BJ '74 and NJ '77 brought family and friends for a great afternoon. BJ and NJ were both standout football players at DHHS. GO DOLPHINS!

This team set the all-time drying record on SERENITY NOW.  

Hey dad, how are those tell-tails looking?

BJ bringin' her home.

CONGRATS USA!!

FANTASTIC SAILING WEATHER

Last weekend was the best weather we've had in a long time; 12-14 knots of wind, sunny, warm and very little chop. All in all, it doesn't get much better. Saturday, JD and his fiancee, Ms. Jen, were out and everyone enjoyed themselves. Wow, what'a ring! On Sunday, BJ and Geri found themselves behind the helm enjoying a classic day on the water. Both days the guests brought yummy cheeses, crackers, nuts, grapes, etc. :)

11th ANNUAL NESPORADO TRIP

It's hard to believe we completed our 11th annual get-a-way, but we did, and it was another great time with Nesporado brothers. Jackpot flew in from Maui, El Jeffe, from Thousand Oaks, sailed over with us and Simi Sailor Jerry did the express. Professor Van Bro was there in spirit. One night at Little Gibraltar, three nights at Ripper's and the final evening listening to the bells of Avalon. GOOD TIMES!

SOME MOMENTS ARE INDESCRIBABLE

WHALES, TALES, A THRILL THEN THE GRILL

Donny, the Admiral, Cliff and Mandy on the lookout for blue whales. The wind was in the high teens so we reefed the main and enjoyed the day on the water. Later we anchored in Danalina for the sights and culinary delights before moving back to K Dock for our grilled burgers, corn on the cob, potato salad and watermelon.   

Our foredeck whale watching captain.

Debbie spotted the first big blue that we got extremely close too.

We were treated to a magnificent sunset as the Admiral steered us back to the barn.

A SUNSET CRUISE SURPRISE

Andy, Lori, Scott and Linda joined us yesterday to watch the sun settle over the western horizon. We were treated by the presence of a blue whale, resurfacing every 6-8 minutes, showing off for us as we enjoyed the spectacle. It was a very special and memorable time.

Saddleback Mt. as a backdrop

Catalina Island on the horizon

THE EMERSONS OF ANAHEIM HILLS

Another trip to the magical island,
another gathering of good friends.
Another time for laughs and stories,
a memorable experience once again.

ISN'T NATURE BEAUTIFUL?

A GREAT DAY WITH GREAT FRIENDS

Don, Debbie, Cliff and Mandy joined us for relaxing afternoon on the water. We shared our stories of Baja, chatted about politics and life in general while enjoying a mild day at sea. And best of all, our electronic devices were turned off for most of the day, yeaaaah!

THREE GENERATIONS OF NESPORADOS

Matt joined his dad, grandpa and uncle for a few days in Catalina. Descanso one night and Willow the next made for some good times. How about that Dorado? It's a great fish story so ask one of the Nesporados next time you see them.

Picked this fat boy right off White's Landing. The fish tacos were de-lish.

Dinner at Descanso.

THE RETURN OF THE RILEY RASCALS

The Riley clan enjoyed an afternoon on the water in almost perfect sailing conditions; calm seas, 10-12 knots of wind and warm sunny skies. Lunch and a watermelon helped too.

Zach at the helm.

Smile.

The crew gives a helping hand once back in.