THE VERY NEXT DAY

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.

18TH ANNUAL (PART TWO) Read below (PART ONE) first

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".

   

18TH ANNUAL (PART ONE)

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... 

AND AROUND WE GO

Warm weather and warm water mean it's time to get to Catalina and that's exactly what the Admiral and I did. The six day trip took us entirely around the island, clockwise from Willow Cove to Big Geiger. We saw eagles, flying fish, dolphins and numerous other birds on our circumnavigation. Fog and an east-northeast wind swell was an issue one day but all in all, another great time.  

 Willow Cove was our first stop.

A Little Harbor sunset on the backside.

Making our way to Cat Harbor.

Settled in at Cat Harbor. Met Erin with the harbor patrol.

While at Big Geiger, Chris of the Blue Water Cruising Club asked us to fly their guest flag.

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL NESPORADO TRIP

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!