For Christmas, the Admiral gave the capt a log for the boat. Perfect timing because Volume II was on it's last page. The ship's log is a wonderful record of our experiences on board with comments from many of our friends that helped us crew that day. We keep a running total of our trips and times anchored on the first page for a quick reference. Our hope is that you'll join us soon and leave your entry in the Log of SV Serenity Now!
The Admiral and I wish all of our friends, family and crew a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and meaningful 2021. Splice the mainbrace mates!
Our Sunday sail was shortened by the cold air but it was still good to get on the water. This sunset on the way home was pretty spectacular. Soon we'll start seeing the migrating whales headed south, can't wait.
Over the years we've enjoyed catching our share of "bugs" whether it be by hoop netting, night free-diving or just searching for the daytime crawlers. Ran across these pics. Hope they bring back some good memories and times.
The Admiral and I had one-of-those days where the moment totally exceeded our expectations; a clear, cloudless day with very little swell and 15-23 knots of wind. The sounds, smells, sights and the sail were beautiful. Smiles all around!
It didn't take long for the cooler weather to arrive with some much needed rain. Ocean water temp in San Clemente is in the high 50's, ice cream headache time. So in the meantime, we'll just throw another log on the fire and kick our feet up.
These pictures are courtesy of the LA County Lifeguards and were taken in Avalon Harbor and neighboring Descanso Beach the day after we left Avalon for Cat Harbor.
North and northeast winds and swell hammer the front side of Catalina. The National Weather Service was warning of the upcoming storm front moving in and declared Avalon to be an "unsafe harbor". After a brief conversation with a harbor patrol officer we were off to the back side and the safety of Cat Harbor. It turned out to be the right decision. Cat was like a lake the entire three days we stayed there.
On Wednesday it was time to start moving toward home. We rounded the west end and headed to Big Geiger Cove. Once anchored for the evening, conditions were perfect and we had the cove to ourselves. There was plenty of time to snorkel and fish. Thursday was our seven hour travel day culminating with a cleanup once safely back in the slip. The Admiral joined the tired crew for a quick hello/goodbye and soon El Jeffe was on the road to Malibu. The 18th annual gets a "two thumbs up".
The pandemic put a wrinkle in this years Nesporado Catalina Trip but as William Shakespeare once wrote, "The show must go on!".
El Jeffe, his daughter Megan and the capt kept the tradition alive. Megan joined the crew Friday night in Avalon coming across on the Express. Saturday was spent hiking, snorkeling and feeding a variety of fish in Lover's Cove, lunch at Antonio's, fishing and enjoying the views and sounds of Avalon from a boat.
Megan headed back to the mainland early Sunday morning as reports of some nasty north, northeast weather was headed to the island. To be continued...
Preliminary plans are underway for this year's epic event. Stay tuned for who, what, when and where this maritime adventure sets sail. It's 2020, you never know what's going to happen!
Flagstaff, Durango, Silverton, Four Corners, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, USAF Academy, dinner with friends in Colorado Springs, Rocky Mountain NP, Snowmass, Vail, Aspen, Continental Divide, Maroon Bells, Colorado River, Arches NP, Colorado Monument NP, Cedar Breaks Monument NP, Cedar City and dinner with friends, Las Vegas and finally home. WOW, what'a ride!!
Our mid-week getaway found us traveling up the Orange County coast to Newport for several nights. Plenty to see from the deck of a boat. Good time.
