MERRY CHRISTMAS

A huge thank you and Merry Christmas to the crew of Serenity Now. 2017 has been challenging weather-wise but nonetheless, we've been able to enjoy some great trips and day sails. Have a wonderful Christmas and let's make 2018 the best ever, one we'll never forget.

Fair winds and following seas,

The Admiral & capt

FOILED AGAIN

This year has been crazy in our attempts to reach Catalina. The plan was to leave Dana Tuesday for Avalon and return Friday. Great plan but not-so-great weather. A gale warning Tuesday kept us in the slip. Plan B, leave later in the week for Newport. Again, great backup plan but, not-so-great weather. So on Thursday we headed to Danalina for lunch on the hook and yes, the two flags were still flying.

HOLA AMIGOS

We recently flew to the East Cape of Baja to stay with Captain Cabo and Señora Debbie for one fantastic week. The weather was perfecto and Opochtci, the Aztec God of Fishing, was good to us, muy bueno! Trigger fish, a yellow fin tuna and dorado all found the deck of our beach-launched inflatable dinghy. Good times with good people.

Taken from their front their ocean-front yard.

Dorado, Señora Debbie's favorite.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

Thank you Bob Dylan. Who would have ever thought you could go parasailing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, whale watching and then go on a shark excursion all in one day out of the marina? After lunch on board, the Admiral and I cast off the dock lines and enjoyed an afternoon on the water celebrating our 43rd wedding anniversary. Wow, time flies.

THE BIRTHDAY BOAT

El Jeffe and Justine were down in Dana Point to attend the two-day Driftwood Music Festival at Doho. It was a perfect time to celebrate El Jeffe's 47th birthday. After lunch, a little bubbly and cake, all was good and it was time for some live country music.

EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT

Every day is different on the water for sure. Bill and his son Lloyd joined me for a pre, game-five World Series sail this weekend. The sun never poked through the clouds but the cool air was a tremendous relief from the sourcing heat earlier in the week. We reached our way up the coast toward Laguna Beach enjoying the beautiful coastline and plenty of conversation. Oh, the Astros beat the Dodgers in 10 innings, 13 to 12 and take a 3-2 lead in the series.

Sailor Lloyd: working two jobs, going to school and playing competitive soccer on two different teams. Wow!

Skipper Bill, a standout football player at Dana Hills High School back in the day, looks real comfortable at the helm. He should, he's been sailing his entire life. 

CEDAR GROVE REVISITED

I know, I know, I know; this is a sailing blog. Why all this stuff about Kings Canyon? Well, because KC is a special, magical place that has always brought us joy, happiness and a soul-filling calmness that only the Sierra can offer. 

Roaring River Falls is never disappointing.

South fork of the Kings River.

We saw this fat boy foraging near the road, getting ready for winter. Three bear sightings this trip.

Bacon, eggs, mountain air and the sound of the river; does it get any better?

We met two very interesting couples on this trip. This is Bob and Lorrie from DC. They are 14,000 miles into a tour of the US. Check out their website at www.bobandlorrie.xyz  

Marcus and Malu are from Bavaria, Germany. We met them as they were collecting firewood. Marcus was balancing about 50 pounds of wood on his head as he walked back to their camp. We gave them an American Flag as a reminder of their vacation.

THE DUTCH NAVY IS HERE!

The crew from Amsterdam arrived for an afternoon sail and dinner at a Mexican seaside restaurant. Seaman Cedric headed the crew which was made up of mama Amina, Opa (Amina's dad), deckhands Thijn and Thieme (pronounced Tine and Teema), the Admiral and myself. Sunny skies, light wind, lots of good things to eat and drink, plenty of conversation to catch up, all made for a wonderful day.

One happy crew: Opa, Amina, Thieme, Cedric and Thijn.

THE BRONCO SAILING TEAM

It was the Skipper's pleasure to host two VIPs from Cal Poly's Athletic Department, Brian, AKA "Little Buddy" Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and "Professor" Paul, an Associate Poly Athletic Director. We were all set for an exciting day sail but mother nature did not cooperate. The fog never lifted and the wind was extremely light to non-existent. Oh well, next time.  Maybe "Gilligan" Gary will join us too.

Thank God for radar and the Admiral for insisting we have it.

The official 2017 Cal Poly Sailing Team Photo.

 How's this for an action packed sailing pic? 

The Professor showed us how the boys in Illinois tie up to a dock cleat.

DON'T PUT THIS OFF...

...your next scheduled colonoscopy. Why do you find this on a sailing blog you may ask, because colon cancer is hereditary and ALL Nesporados are at risk. So heed the capt's advice and listen to your doctor. They'll know when it's time for your checkup.

Worse part of the entire procedure is the liquid diet two days prior and this laxative the night before. 

Inside look of the capt's poop-chute. Staying ahead of the curve.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Jackpot flew in from Maui and the Ranger from Portland to attend this year's Nesporado excursion to Catalina Island on Serenity Now. El Jeffe and the capt rounded out the crew as Sailor Jerry remained home recuperating from some recent back surgery. Heal fast brother!

Near perfect weather conditions prevailed for most of the trip. It's hard to complain when the water and air are warm, the beer is cold and there's plenty of Danny's Dip. Well actually there were two complaints. One, the crapper pooped out. No pun intended. As jackpot said, "We can put a man on the moon but still cannot come up with a reliable marine toilet." And two, the fishing was disappointing. But the swimming, snorkeling, night dive, SUP and stories made up for it. Another great time for all.

Enjoying the water.

The official 2017 Nesporado group photo.

A little long board tow to start the day.

Kickin' back at Rippers.

Nastrovia!

Settled in at Willow, our go-to anchorage.

LAST YEARS NESPORADO TRIP

Sailor Jerry coming in from Avalon.

The three major food groups; cheese, beer and bait.

2014 AND 2015