HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

WEATHER DICTATES

Our recently scheduled three-nighter to the island was cancelled because of some adverse weather. We would have been coming home today in the cold rain. Wise choice.

NAPILI BAY

One of the most beautiful spots on this planet is Napili Bay. Jackpot has the good fortune to be there everyday. Enjoy brudda!

You can see we used his recent photo for our monthly header pic.

MERRY CHRISTMAS SAILORS

DECEMBER 1, 2016

Wow, where has this year gone? November was a blur and a non-sail month with road trips to Santa Barbara for the Admiral's birthday and Mammoth Lakes for Thanksgiving. And who will forget this presidential election with all the hype, hoopla, drama, accusations and incessant talking heads?

So yesterday, the first day of the last month in 2016, on a sunny, clear-sky day, we went sailing. The small craft warning flag was flying as we left the harbor but the conditions were just the opposite. A light breeze and calm sea made for a very enjoyable time.

BTW, one flag=small craft warning (winds min. 25 mph), two flags=gale warning (min. 35 mph), three flags=storm warning (get out of Dodge!)

TODAY'S HISTORY LESSON

One badass, Jan Sobieski.

ALMIGHTY FATHER

...strong to save,
whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
Amen.

THE 2012 HAHA

Four years ago at this time we were sailing down the Baja coast on our way to Cabo San Lucas. Good times!

The crew making final preparations in San Diego.

Dinner in San Juanico.

Jack joined us in Cabo for the trip home.

SUMMER-LIKE CONDITIONS PREVAIL

The Admiral and I just chalked up another fantastic time in Catalina. Three nights on the hook at Big Geiger and a night at 4th of July and one in Avalon. Except for a passing and very spectacular thunder and lightning show with rain, the weather was warm as was the water. And the underwater visibility was as good as it gets. Fishing, snorkeling, SUPing, and an unbelievable menu (thank you Admiral) made this a great trip.

 

Sunrise from Big Geiger.

Fish & Wildlife doing their thing. Rob Rojas, far left, is a San Clemente boy so we had a lot to talk about.

Last night in Avalon.

CREW TAKE NOTE

1. We have to thank NASA for their scientific, innovative and totally creative solution for keeping things warm and beers cold. Recently, we used a "Space Blanket" to cover the food and drinks in the cold storage. Worked like a champ.

2. We finally "tested" the new rode at Big Geiger. Passed with flying colors!

JUST A THOUGHT...

RODE MAINTENANCE (cont)

After re-splicing the anchor rode something didn't look right. It was the chain (see previous post). One lesson I've learned the hard way is, "If you're going to do something, do it right the first time." So off to the chandlery I went and replaced the 40' of rusted chain with 50' of G4 HDG. It's all good now.

RODE MAINTENANCE 101

When cleaning the anchor rode recently I noticed the splice between the nylon line and the anchor chain could use some help. The bitter-end was in almost new condition compared to the end that was attached to the chain. After reversing the line and tying a new splice, we're back in business better than ever. Happy anchoring!

BEFORE

AFTER

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL

Weather played a role in the 14th Annual Nesporado adventure. We started with a tropical storm that was moving into Arizona. We caught the edge of that Baja system and then later in the week, we were pelted with N/NW/NE winds which made the north side of the islands no bueno. After picking up Sailor Jerry in Avalon, we decided San Clemente Island was not wise in this weather so we made our way to Catalina Harbor. The three hour trip there from Avalon was exciting and well worth the effort and adrenaline rush. We're hoping to see a full contingency of Nesporados for next years trip.

Well-stocked with the three major food groups; beer, bait and cheese. 

This is why we call him Jackpot.

The Admiral joined us for a post voyage celebration and took this pic.

 

MORE STORY...

Words can't describe our adventure but let me try; awesome, unbelievable, not for the faint-hearted, edgey, scary, tense, exhausting, breathtaking, wonderful, amazing, truly spectacular, and it was REAL! (A bit of Seinfeld humor) Nine days, 200+ nautical miles, all types of weather, two islands, a whale, dolphins, an eagle and island fox, tons of birds, and let's not forget transiting the busy LA and LB shipping lanes plus the Pacific Missile Range. But that's a story for another time.

With out a doubt, this trip will never be forgotten.

Nice way to begin the trip. Whale sighting off the NP/HB coast.

Anchored at Albert's one night. With a south swell running it became very surgey.

Potato Harbor was picking up the W/NW wind swell and was not the place to be.

On our way from Potato to Smuggler's. We renamed it Snuggler's.

Sunrise over Anacapa with the SoCal Ta Ta fleet.

Capt had his moments in the galley.

Looking into Little Scorpion from Scorpion Bay.

We'll have to work on our selfies.

Little Scorpion.

Last evening in King Harbor, Redondo Beach. The next morning and 7.5 hours later we were back in Dana Point.

BACK TO SANTA CRUZ ISLAND

A few pics for our many loyal followers. More story to come.

First stop King Harbor, Redondo Beach. Sailor Sam and JD met us for dinner on board. 

The Admiral on our return to Smuggler's after a night at Albert's.

Little Scorpion. What a wonderful anchorage when the weather is decent.

Leaving Smuggler's at sunrise with Anacapa Island in view.

SAILING ROTARY STYLE

The winners of the Rotary charity auction enjoyed an afternoon on the water in clear warm skies, a decent breeze and even a few dolphins in the mix. The Admiral prepared several delicious veggie and meat platters to compliment the champagne. Another thumbs up day!

Dena, Lee and Tom at the helm.

Tom's better half Laura.

One happy crew at the end of the day.

SMOOTH SAILING

Senora Deb and Captain Cabo are home from the East Cape for a breather so they joined us for a day on the water. Good day, good times. As the senora said, "Life is good!"

The Admiral and Deb 

El Capitan

The deck hand

LET'S GO CAMPING!

The Admiral and I left sea level and ventured to our favorite spot in the Sierra, Cedar Grove, Kings Canyon. Plus, we scored our favorite camp site, #19 in Sentinel Camp Ground. So up went the 40+ year old tent (AKA "The Hilton") and out came the even older Coleman stove. Like the capt says, "If it works, don't fix it!" Truly heaven on earth.

This spot is close to Muir Rock

10 mile day hike to Mist Falls

Our base camp next to the river

LAKE WINNEPAUSAKE

The Admiral has family in New Hampshire and recently we visited them. Most of the time we stayed in a summer cottage on Bear Island, which is one of the many islands on this huge and beautiful lake. The entire scenario reminds me of the movie "On Golden Pond" because it's truly right out of Hollywood.

A SUMMER SUNDAY AT DANALINA

Let's cool-off on the water, barbecue and spend the night on the hook! When we arrived at the anchorage around 5pm it was packed. Everyone had the same idea. But as the sun set, people began to leave. After a late dinner and a very peaceful night at anchor, we awoke to no one on the beach and the only boat in the anchorage.