THE "STREAK" IS BROKEN

Like all good things in life, sooner or later, they end. And today our streak of whale sightings ended. We were four for four in our last 4 outings. But today was as good as it gets for an afternoon sail...plenty of wind, dolphins and we pulled away from other sailboats on our way in with the Admiral at the helm. We weren't racing but, whenever two boats are going the same direction, you don't want to be passed. In a nutshell, awesome day on the water.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

Our get-a-way in a winter wonderland.

The Great Western Divide from the top of Moro Rock.

FOUR FOR FOUR!

We're batting a thousand in our last four day-trips sighting whales, most recently following several late transiting grays. Yesterday was a warm and sunny day as Sailor Jerry, Van Bro, and the Buckeye joined us for a very nice afternoon on the water. We got a little work done at the top of the mast prior to departure replacing the masthead light with a LED. Burritos and salad rounded out the day. Fun times!

The Admiral and Buckeye keeping a keen watch.

Thar she blows!

Heading south to the warm Baja water.

Wind vane at the masthead in need of replacement. The custom bird's feather was attached three years ago.

View from the top. That's the Admiral making her way down the dock.

"LIKE THE PLAINS OF AFRICA"

Captain Dave, marine naturalist and owner of the vessels Dolphin Safari and Manatea recently said, "Few people realize that just off the urban coast of Orange County, it is like the plains of Africa. We actually have the greatest density of oceanic dolphins in the world off Southern California, with wild herds up to 10,000 strong - more than 460,000 common dolphins alone! We also have the largest concentration of blue whales in the world that feed off our coast in the summer. Record numbers of gray whales migrate by in the winter. Not to mention the fin and Minke whales that are spotted all year long."

ROTARY CLUB CHAMPAGNE CRUISE WINNERS

The winners, L to R, Gary, Lucky Lil, Jane and Jeff. Lots of dolphins and a close-up whale sighting made the afternoon!