THE 13TH ANNUAL

For the past thirteen years, Nesporados from all over the globe reunite for a Catalina adventure. This year the ranks were thin but Jackpot and the capt made the best of it. The warm water and sunny days made for some great snorkeling and lots of time to wet a line. Jackpot even started the trip by hooking a marlin and giving it a battle before the 20# test broke. The aerial display was quite impressive. We anchored in Eel Cove and dove Johnson's Rock, Parson's Reef, Indian Rock and Eagle Reef. Actually, Eel was as good if not better for snorkeling than all the others.

Jackpot hooked to a marlin

Eel Cove sunrise with Ship Rock and Saddleback Mt.

The 2015 Official Nesporado group photo

ANOTHER HOT ONE

The Jensen brothers and their families were scheduled to go out but a last minute accident prevented Bill and his side from joining us. We hope and pray for a quick recovery. And good luck to you Marilyn on your foot surgery this week.

Neil was right-at-home behind the helm. Actually, he sailed competitively for USC during his colligate days. Fight On! It was warm day and the air was light but it all added up to a great afternoon on the water. We even had a parade of tall ships slide by us at the end of the day. The rake-masted America was leading the way. 

Deckhand Luke keeping a watchful eye on the dolphins.

Skipper Neil at the helm.

The Jensen crew; Luke, Neil and Marilyn (the boss).

IT WAS A SIZZLER

One of the World's Best Crews.

How's this for the end of a great day?

The temperatures soared as we searched for some kind of breeze on the water. It was a hot and humid day but once underway, all was good. Plenty of conversation and stories made for a very pleasurable afternoon.

A LAZY LABOR DAY

Today's crew, Captain Cabo and Senora Debbie, recently returned from their five-month stay at La Abundancia on the east cape of Baja Sur. We had plenty of time to catch up, stay in the shade and not leave the slip on this extremely hot and busy day in the marina. At least there was a breeze.

THE CENTENNIAL PASSAGE

It couldn't have been any better. The one-hundredth trip to Catalina for Serenity Now went off without a hitch. For an early Monday start we spent Sunday night on board in the marina. The crossing was easy, calm sea, sunny skies and we made it to Avalon in five hours. After we settled in, the dinghy was prepped and we made our way to The Blue Water Grill for a celebratory dinner. Tuesday morning we took the 7:30am shuttle to the airport. From there we hiked back to Avalon, a 10 mile trek with great views of the front side. Wednesday it was off to Howland's Landing for two perfect days of hiking, swimming, floating on the inflatables, fishing, snorkeling and just plain relaxing. The days were warm so we decided to make a night crossing home to beat the heat. On Friday we anchored off Hen Rock for the day and departed at 4:30pm for Dana Point. The afternoon wind swell made it a little bumpy but the beautiful full moon lit up the sky the entire trip home. Oh, what'a ride!

A little bubbly to celebrate the day.

An Avalon sunrise.

The start of our hike from the airport.

We tiptoed around this big boy on our way back from the airport.

Calico at Howland's.

The moon light danced on the water during our return trip.