The Log of Serenity Now

THIS PIC HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YESTERDAY'S SAIL

2012-02-10T16:46:00.000-08:00

This little guy did not spook as the Admiral edged closer to get in the photo. This encounter occurred on our last visit to Avalon.

The persistent El Nina has produced many summer-like days and yesterday was one of them. Sunny and warm, dolphins gliding through the water, clear skies; we had everything except the wind. It didn't matter as we drifted slowly enjoying the sights, solitude and the pano-view of south OC from the water.

THE PREPARATION CONTINUES

2012-02-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

IT'S HARD TO BEAT WINTERTIME IN AVALON

2012-02-01T14:48:00.000-08:00

Thirty-six miles of hiking in four days...phew, I'm ready for a vacation from this last Avalon visit. The water is still cold (53-54 degrees) so there's plenty of time to explore the island. The city is a sleepy place during this time of year; no crowds or waiting to get a table, and plenty of available moorings.

THE TOP OF BLACKJACK MT.

BACKSIDE ISLAND TIME

2012-01-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

The Ranger, JR and the capt made a run to Little and Cat Harbors to find the air and water cold but lots of sea and bird life. We anchored each night, perfecting our skills for an end of the year voyage south.

Two Risso dolphins

Little Harbor provided an excellent anchorage

JR and the Ranger departing Dana Point

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW YEAR

2012-01-04T22:20:00.000-08:00

The capt, Admiral and our K-Dock neighbor and hiking partner Pete

The Admiral and the capt found themselves in Willow, Button Shell, Cherry and finally Avalon during this trip to Catalina. The patchy fog made sailing interesting. Thank God for radar. Our training for Mt. Whitney began New Year's day with a hike to the summit of Ballast Point and the next day a 9.4 mile loop out of Avalon. I'm still sore as I write this. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MERRY CHRISTMAS CREW

2011-12-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

"HERE'S TO THOSE WHO WISH US WELL..."

2011-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

JACQUELINE RILEY 1920-2011

We'll miss Jackie greatly but her legacy and spirit will live on. She graced the deck of Serenity Now on numerous occasions and made several passages to Catalina with us. Jackie enjoyed every minute and we were so blessed to be able to share our time together. She passed peacefully surrounded by family. Strike eight bells, Jac's watch is over but the lady will never be forgotten.

SOME MORNINGS YOU'LL NEVER FORGET

2011-11-17T13:37:00.000-08:00

OVER 6,500 VIEWS ON YOU TUBE

2011-11-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

AND THE ADMIRAL'S BIRTHDAY GOES ON AND ON...

2011-11-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

PUT ANOTHER CANDLE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY CAKE

2011-11-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Admiral was joined by her mom, sister, Navy Joe, cuz, La Quinta Bob, Desert Dee, Indy and the capt as we celebrated her birthday.

When the rain stopped we enjoyed a beautiful Catalina sunset.

THE 2011 HaHa

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to see their progress. 2012 here we come! 363 days and counting...

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0bXrg4hjMrvlV0fQ0hKIqWSXmL5IZyi6a

2011-10-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

THE 2011 NESPORADO EXCURSION

2011-10-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

THE NESPORADOS ARE BACK!

2011-10-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY

2011-10-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

...for the annual Nesporado Catalina get-to-gether. Jackpot is flying in from Maui, El Jeffe is joining us from TO and Sailor Jerry from Simi. And lobster season just opened! Here's one of my favorite Nesporado trip pics...

"The smaller ones taste much better" said Sailor Jerry.

IT'S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU

2011-09-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Another solo trip to the island found the capt in Willow Cove for four mellow nights. There are two locals that stay there and they swing on one hook. I duck behind them and anchor bow-stern so there is no swing. Everybody fits and everyone is happy.

This guy is getting ready for the season opener soon.

NINE ELEVEN

2011-09-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

Our godchild Fly'n Bryan and his significant other, Lady Liz, joined the capt for a great day sail. Perfect weather, a calm sea and a very mellow 10-12 knot breeze filled out our flag as we sailed on this tenth anniversary of that tragic day.

Hello there

"I'm in heaven!"

The crew...Lady Liz, Fly'n Bryan and The Godfather

Pacific Voyagers Stop In Dana Point

2011-09-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

The CALIFORNIA OUTRIGGER

2011-09-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our California Outrigger in it's glory days. That's Paul at the tiller, Tom and the Admiral. This picture was taken in Newport Bay where we kept the boat.

Anchored in the Sea of Cortez.

TOM CALLED TO SAY HELLO

2011-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

and the next thing you know, we were enjoying an afternoon in consistent 15 knot winds off the coast of San Clemente. We didn't have a camera so this pic from circa 1967 will have to suffice.

This was our California Outrigger built without nails; everything was glued, screwed or fiberglassed.

ESCORTING THE VOYAGER FLEET OUT OF DANA POINT

2011-08-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ninja and the Admiral saying goodbye

The canoes rafted at Baby Beach for the evening

We anchored and waited for their "island time" departure

Sailing east in the main harbor channel

Serenity Now to the right of the fleet

We flew our gennaker down the coast and they popped a spinnaker

We wished them calm seas and fair weather as they sailed to San Diego

We couldn't have planned a more exciting two days meeting our new friends from Fiji. Who knows, maybe someday we'll bump into them in their home port. Let's go sailing!

MEETING THE PACIFIC VOYAGERS,"BULA BULA"

2011-08-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Captain and crew of the Fijian canoe UTO NI YALO

First approaching the canoe off Dana Point

The Admiral making the introductions

Iva and the Admiral

They steer with this huge paddle

The canoes are 72 feet long and 21 feet wide

Average speed is 7 knots

We'll meet them again in January in San Diego

We dinghyed out of the harbor to greet a group of Pacific Islanders who were spending the night in Dana Point. They are on a voyage to strengthen their ties with the ocean and honor their ancestors who sailed before them. Before you knew it, we were on board meeting the crew, marveling at the ocean-going canoe and sailing into the harbor with them. It was quite an unexpected and unbelievable experience.

KALIYAH TOOTING HER CONCH

2011-08-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER DAY

2011-08-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a difference from yesterday. Today the sea was almost mellow as we enjoyed bright sunshine and saw several whales offshore. After dinner on the hook at Danalina, the sunset was a perfect dessert.

DAY ONE OF THE ADMIRAL'S FUN

2011-08-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

Sunny skies, 24-28 knot winds and some very choppy seas made for a challenging yet exciting afternoon sail. We dropped a hook in Danalina for dinner and were treated with this sunset off Dana Point on our way back to the slip.

TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

2011-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Seldom, while at Catalina, do I take my "daily" vitamins. On a recent solo trip to Willow Cove there was plenty of time to think about such mundane things. Call it my Andy Rooney moment.

Derived from the Latin word for life, vita, vitamins are consumed to make us healthier and our lives better. But when I'm on Serenity Now I never take them. And it's not a conscious effort. Can it be that the ocean is my vitamin? Is the sea a powerful medicine, better than any pill or capsule? Is my life healthier and better when I'm in or on the water? My answer to these questions is a simple yes.

Now go find your vitamins!

BROTHERLY LOVE

2011-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

Brother Sailor Jerry came into town for lunch on the hook in Danalina and an afternoon sail in a 8-10 knot breeze. We sailed to the San Clemente Pier and then back. It was a great way to spend the day. FYI, we first sailed together on Sailor Jerry's Sea Snark back in the early 60's.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON

2011-08-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Another fantastic day of sights and sounds in the marina.

A sunset dinner with Sandy's homemade enchiladas.

Racers gliding to the finish line.

Day is done.

EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT

2011-08-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a breezy 20+ knot day so the main was reefed as we hit 7.7 knots of speed. The next day we dropped the hook in Danalina and kayaked, paddled and enjoyed the sound of children playing at Baby Beach.

Headed back with a reefed main.

The Admiral enjoying Danalina.

TWO DAYS OF FUN

2011-08-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

We have been on the go for the past two days, walking and sailing. Monday we anchored at Danalina and today we traveled to Newport Harbor and dropped the hook off Lido Isle. From there we dinghyed to the Balboa Fun Zone and walked the Balboa Pier. After an ice cream cone and a couple of rides it was back to Dana Point. Oh, we saw a whale off of Laguna Beach on the way home.

Walking the beach trail in San Clemente

Serenity Now surrounded by sabots in Newport Harbor

Yes, we rode the Balboa ferris wheel

View from the top of the ferris wheel

And the carousel

LAST DAY OF JULY

2011-07-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

The Admiral and the capt enjoyed a breezy day on the ocean, a relaxing time on the hook and a tasty dinner on board with a beautiful sunset. The weather was unsettled in the morning with light rain but after noon the sky cleared and it turned into a beautiful day. The sea was lumpy and it was blowing 16-20 knots so we reefed both sails and enjoyed the cruise.

The Travels of Sailor Sam

2011-07-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

JR, Sailor Sam and the capt made a 4:30 am departure for Catalina on Saturday and dropped the anchor in Willow Cove five hours later. Sailor Sam became the youngest sailor to make this passage on Serenity Now. It was an A+ weekend.

SUMMER TIME AND THE LIVIN' IS EASY

2011-07-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

An overcast morning gave way to sunny skies and light air. It was a perfect day to fly the gennaker and enjoy the moment.

WILLOW COVE

2011-07-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sailor Jerry, El Jeffe and the capt anchored in Willow for the long 4th of July weekend. We discovered an almost dry waterfall that still had a trickle of water. Great weather and decent 65-67 degree water temp made it easy to spend a lot of time in the water. One night dive we saw a ton of bugs. Lobster season opens in October. Yea!

That's El Jeffe feeding the Garibaldis and calicos in the video.

BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

2011-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

VIEW FROM THE HELM. The Admiral and capt enjoyed an afternoon lunch and sail in a 8-12 knot breeze, sunny sky with the water temp at 63 degrees. We saw a huge sunfish too.

LOOKING AFT FROM THE HELM. Who ever thought the world was flat?

THE LIP & MRS. E. JOIN THE CREW FOR A DAY ON THE WATER

2011-06-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

The clouds parted, the sun shined and the fun began. The light breeze made for a mellow afternoon on the sea with good friends. After the sail we dinghyed around the harbor and spied our first SDP (sit down paddler).

CAPTS BIRTHDAY

2011-06-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

A day to remember. Started with a fishing trip off the point, then it was on to Proud Mary's in the dinghy for breakfast. Next we sailed in clear skies, warm weather and 15 knot winds. Then it was time to drop anchor in Danalina to relax and watch the world go by. Finally we were back at Jack's for dinner and a delicious birthday cake. Wow, what'a ride!

ANCHORED OUT AT MONARCH BEACH

2011-06-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Dana Point Marina breakwater looking west toward the point.

Kickin' back after lunch.

SW winds in the 10-14 knot range took us up the coast on a beautifully clear day. We dropped the hook west of Salt Creek and enjoyed lunch and a restful afternoon.

SUNNY SUNDAY SKIES

2011-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Admiral is all smiles as we shove off for an afternoon on the water.

Hi there. Let's go sailing!

WE INTERRUPT THIS SAILING BLOG TO BRING YOU AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today is Jackie's 91st Birthday! Hooray!!

And the crew celebrated.

THREE BRONCOS SPEND A DAY ON THE WATER

2011-06-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Lefty (Cal Poly '68) took to the helm like a duck takes to water.

Dan-O (Cal Poly '69) and Lefty are cousins that grew up in Norco.

Lefty and Dan-O, a formidable battery in their youth, joined the capt today for an afternoon sail, a bunch of stories and a lot of laughs. It's only been 43 years since Lefty and the capt have seen one another. Seems like only yesterday.

IT'S YOUR CHOICE

2011-05-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

It's been said that the pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; the optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. Both see a version of reality, but pessimists stay home reading cheerful postcards from optimists who are always on a new journey. – Michael Josephson

Let's go sailing!

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

2011-05-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Nesporados

The Admiral and El Jeffe with Dana Point in the background.

The Admiral, El Jeffe and the capt were prepared for 25+ knot winds as they left the marina with the small craft warning flag waving. But the winds were moderate to light, the air was warm and the water measured 62 degrees. Log in another great day on the water.

BIG AL'S BACK

2011-05-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Taking a break before his upcoming seniors golf tournament, Big Al steers Serenity Now along the San Clemente coastline. The weather was awesome, clear, warm and sunny.

The Halibut Hunt

2011-05-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

CATALINA TRIP #61

2011-05-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Tuolumne Twins and the capt sailed to Big Geiger Cove to free dive for the elusive flattie. You should have seen the one that got away!

Big Geiger is the home to the Blue Water Cruising Club

Ballast Point

Hiking from Emerald to Parsons for a swim to a sea cave

GILLIGAN, the SKIPPER & the SS MINNOW

2011-05-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Little Buddy at the helm enjoying 15 knot winds on a picture perfect day.

Seconds later, Gilligan's cap was sacrificed to Neptune and the deep blue sea.

The Minnow arrives safely back at home port. Miracles never cease.

LUNCH, A SNOOZE AND THEN A CRUISE

2011-05-08T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Admiral is all smiles as we dropped anchor in Danalina for lunch.

After lunch, the skies cleared and we were off for an afternoon sail. A light SW wind pushed us along the San Clemente coast.

Recent Land Yacht Voyage

2011-05-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Admiral and the Chief of Naval Operations joined the capt for a restful and spectacular stay in the western Sierra at King's Canyon National Park. What a great time of the year to be in the mountains.

It's not the ocean but it's still a heck of a view.

SPRING BREAK CATALINA STYLE

2011-04-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

THINKING OF YOU IN THE MIDWEST AND EAST COAST

2011-04-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Brothers Doug, on the guitar, and Danny at the helm.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

2011-04-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

The weather was picture perfect today as a steady westerly breeze moved us along at 6-7 knots. Another great day on the water.

JR and his better half Jen.

Richard Henry Dana throwing cow hides over the bluff.

HERE IT COMES!

2011-04-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

"Hey capt, don't ya think we should crank up the iron genny?"

A 10+ DAY

2011-04-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

The Admiral

Leaving Danalina for an after lunch sail.

Sunday was a beautiful day for lunch on the hook and an afternoon sail. Clear skies, warm weather and a westerly 11-14 kt breeze made for a great day. Now, let's go sailing!

RE-RUN OF A PREVIOUS POST

2011-04-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008

From Stirling Hayden's Autobiography 'Wanderer'

"To be truly challenging, a voyage, like a life, must rest on a firm foundation of financial unrest. Otherwise, you are doomed to a routine traverse, the kind known to yachtsmen who play with their boats at sea - 'cruising,' it is called. Voyaging belongs to seamen, and to the wanderers of the world who cannot, or will not, fit in. If you are comtemplating a voyage, and have the means, abandon the venture until your fortunes change. Only then will you know what the sea is all about.

" 'I've always wanted to sail to the South Seas, but I can't afford it.' What these men can't afford is not to go. They are enmeshed in the cancerous discipline of 'security'. And in the worship of security we fling our lives beneath the wheels of routine - and before we know it, our lives are gone.

"What does a man need - really need? A few pounds of food each day, heat and shelter, six feet to lie down in - and some form of working activity that will yeild a sense of accomplishment. That's all - in the material sense, and we know it. But we are brainwashed by our economic system until we end up in a tomb beneath a pyramid of time payments, mortgages, preposperous gadgetry, playthings that divert our attention from the sheer idiocy of the charade.

"The years thunder by. The dreams of youth grow dim where they lie caked in dust on the shelves of patience. Before we know it, the tomb is sealed.

"Where, then, lies the answer? In choice. Which shall it be: bankruptcy of purse or bankruptcy of life?"

LATEST SAFETY IMPROVEMENT

2011-04-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Ever since Jackpot, on a cold wet night, slipped and went "bump, bump, bump" down the cabin steps, I've wanted to put no-slip strips on the ladder rungs. Remember that El Jeffe?

They're now in place.

WHY I SAIL...

2011-03-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

A SATURDAY ON THE WATER

2011-03-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

It was a cool afternoon on the water but the Admiral and I logged 20 nautical miles today. Winds were a consistent 12-16 knots from the west and the water was a chilly 56 degrees. Bob Marley entertained us. I think he would appreciate this picture.

This has nothing to do with our sail today but it's a cool pic.

3rd DAY OF SPRING 2011

2011-03-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

A 15 knot westerly, a gennaker. a little sunshine and good company took us down the San Clemente coastline. This all took place after Bullseye and The Ranger spend the morning at Doho catching a few waves. This year is starting off on the right foot. LET'S GO SAILING!

WILD WEATHER, SURF & SUN

2011-03-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Ranger, and his sidekick Bullseye, joined the capt for a short, exciting and windy afternoon. With reefed main and genny, winds clocked up to 24 knots. The south wind swell mixed with the prevailing west ground swell for a rather confused but exhilarating sea. The sun did prevail later in the afternoon and the crew plans a morning surf session tomorrow before another day on the water.

Bullseye totes a mean Taser.

A Post Tsunami Sail

2011-03-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sailor Dan, Miss Laura and the capt enjoyed 8-11 knot winds and a yummy homemade bean dip along the San Clemente coast.

Unidentified flying object? No, just our kite. Flew it while underway for the first time.

UPDATE

2011-03-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

We have called and emailed Jackpot in Maui and have been unable to make contact. My guess is they evacuated and are in the highlands. We'll try their home phone later this evening. Aloha.

Mother Nature Is At It Again

2011-03-11T09:14:00.000-08:00

She's Back In The Water

2011-03-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

March Haulout

2011-03-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's been six years since the bottom has been painted. This morning she was hauled out. The work will be completed today. She'll be back in the water first thing tomorrow. Let's go sailing!

A Sunday Afternoon

2011-03-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

The sky was overcast, the air was chilly and the wind blew 10-16 knots from the west. A perfect day for the Admiral to catch a few winks.

1975 - 1986

2011-03-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

Great years for the Admiral and the capt as we sailed our Hobie 16 from the marina in Dana Point. The cat was tricked out with custom rudders, a double trapeze set up, a righting system etc., etc. Jackpot was working at Murray Marine in Santa Barbara so he kept us abreast of the latest hot upgrades. The capt even made a passage to Avalon back then. Fall was always special when the warm off-shore Santa Ana winds blew. Nothing like a "Hobie Day". Let's go sailing!

Our Crewmen Have Many Talents

2011-02-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

Let's Go Sailing!

2011-02-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

Love Is In The Air

2011-02-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

With August 6th quickly approaching, sailor Dan and Miss Laura took time off from their wedding preparations and joined the Admiral and the capt for a windless gennaker run down the coast. It was great meeting and spending the afternnon with sailor Dan and his sweetheart.

An Afternoon With Big Al

2011-02-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

Big Al joined the capt for a brisk sail in 14-18 knots winds on a beautiful, clear winter day. Big Al played baseball for the capt at Dana Hills HS and graduated in 1975. He was also the quarterback on the football team. His senior year, as an outfielder, he lead our team in hits and batted .350. Nicol Brown was his date to the prom that year. We had a good time telling stories and catching up.

El Jeffe & Sailor Jerry's Weekend

2011-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

World's Largest Spider Crab

2011-02-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Catalina Shakedown Sail

2011-02-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Admiral and the capt enjoyed a late afternoon sail on thursday prior to a Catalina departure with Sailor Jerry and El Jeffe for the weekend. The water and air have been cold, oh well, it's winter. Bundle up and let's go sailing!

February 1st

2011-02-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

Aeolus was not kind to us today. We left the harbor, flew the gennaker and the keeper of the winds turned off the breeze. So we returned and dropped the hook at Danalina, the western most harbor anchorage. Oh well...

A Niespodziany Day

2011-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Another Day, Another Sail

2011-01-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

Warm winter weather lured the Admiral and the capt out for a luncheon sail. It was sunny and clear, water a nippy 56 degrees and the wind was light. We popped the gennaker and made our way up the coast. There is still a lot of debris in the water from the recent rains but it was nice to be together on the water again.

Catalina Nesporado Style January 2011

2011-01-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hoopin' Hikin' & Fishin'

2011-01-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Bald eagle on the hike to Silver Peak

Two Nesporados spent the week on Serenity Now enjoying the fantastic winter weather. The water on the front side was like a toilet from the rains. But Cat Harbor was the clearest I've ever seen it. We spent one night at Italian Gardens and four in Cat Harbor. Saw numerous bald eagles, an island fox and whales on the trip home. Hiked Ballast Point, Silver Peak and the road to Big Geiger from the Isthmus. Got skunked on the bugs. We were told they are molting in the deep water now, oh well, next time. Fishing was good for perch, white fish and sheepshead. Let's go sailing!

Bernard Edward Gilpin IV "Bernie"

2011-01-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

December 4, 1951 - December 14, 2010

Merry Christmas...Let's Go Sailing!!

2010-12-22T17:27:00.000-08:00

You all are the BEST! We wish our crew, your families and loved ones a very special Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

May calm seas, sunny days and good wind always be with you.

Love,

Tha capt & Admiral
Serenity Now

The Metamorphosis of a Sailor's Day

2010-12-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

When the capt got out of bed today, there was a light drizzle and the sky was overcast and grey. It was cold. Sarge, from the LAPD, emailed and said we could always reschedule our afternoon sail. Good thing we didn't cancel. The day turned out to be clear, warm with light winds from the SW; kind of like the butterfly emerging from a cocoon. Super day with a super cop.

VOLUME 1 IS ALMOST COMPLETE

2010-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

The end of this year coincides with the completion of our first Serenity NOW sailing log. We literally ran out of pages in the book. Since 2003, our log revealed 421 day sails, 107 times at anchor, 57 passages to Santa Catalina Island and one 10 day voyage to Catalina, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz Islands. All totaled, approximately 11,500 nautical miles. Wow, what'a ride! We hope you were part of our eight year adventure and enjoyed it as much as we did.

When the capt was a youngster, he dreamed about flying around on a magic carpet. How cool would it be to fly anywhere you wanted to go. Serenity Now is the capt's magic carpet. She has taken us to places that most only dream about. What's better than an afternoon sail with friends or finding a secluded cove and dropping the anchor for a quiet evening or two?

VOLUME II is just beginning. What will fill it's pages? More day sails, more passages and voyages, more adventure? Only time will tell. We hope you'll be part of VOLUME II and share our journey .

"Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame, and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on in the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Even gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?

What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters." -Michael Josephson, Character Counts

L e t ' s g o s a i l i n g !

"Water, water, everywhere, but nor a drop to drink"

2010-12-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

AND YOU WANT TO BE MY LATEX SALESMAN?

During our last return from Catalina, the automatic bilge pump went on. "We're taking on water!" Leaks in boats are not uncommon. Wise captains will tell you it's not a problem if you know where it's coming from and if it can be controlled. Within minutes we found the problem. The cockpit drain hose had broken off a plastic fitting and water was entering the boat from the stern. We plugged the hole, pumped the bilge dry and continued on our way home. Never a dull moment at sea.

This bronze fitting replaces the plastic one that failed

Repaired, in place and ready to go

Light Air Sailing

2010-11-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Like we always say, "Every day is different". Our last two sails have been exactly that. Friday was a gennaker day in super light air and plenty of sunshine. Yesterday was even lighter. After dousing the headsail, we traveled to Danalina and anchored for the afternoon.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ADMIRAL

2010-11-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

36 years ago on this day, the Admiral and capt entered into holy matrimony. And how did we celebrate this pious occasion? We went sailing!

4 Nights on Catalina Island

2010-11-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Two backcountry rangers joined the crew for a quick trip to the front side of Catalina. This video pretty much tells the story.

"Let's Go Sailing!"

2010-11-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

With a mom-marathoner-mountaineer leading the way and calling out the mantra, the Santa Clarita crew met in Dana Point for an afternoon on Serenity Now. The day was clear, the company was grand and the sunset was spectacular. A wonderful rendezvous (a little French for my friends) with Mother Nature.

All photos courtesy of Geraldine

E Ticket Ride...Wet & Wild

2010-11-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Two saturdays in a row of awesome sailing conditions. The day began at Danalina where we dropped an early lunch hook and enjoyed our Subways. The wind was blowing from the south so we were able to sail in and out of the anchorage. The south wind, 18-22 knots, also brought a south wind chop as we reached along the coast toward San O. With a reefed main and full genny, our SOG stayed well above 7 knots the entire leg. Our return trip was much more civil as the wind decreased later in the afternoon. Wonderful day.

Saturday October 30, 2010

2010-10-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Heading out in 15 knots of wind with 50+ miles of visibility.

Looking back at the coast.

The Admiral bringing her home.

On a port tack heading for the barn.

Mother Nature was at her finest today as last night's rain brought blue skies, billowy clouds, sunshine and a consistent 15 knot wind. After a memorial for El Jeffe's aunt, the Admiral and the capt ventured out for an afternoon sail. Super day from start to finish.

"Start Me Up!"

2010-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Bill Steinriede "Steiny"

1944 - 2010 R.I.P.

Seinfeld - Serenity Now Montage

2010-10-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Santa Cruz Island late summer 2010

2010-10-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Days Nine and Ten: Emerald Bay

2010-10-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Our plan was to spend friday night at Emerald and then, the next day, move east and spend our last night closer to home. Harbor John made us a deal we couldn't refuse so we spent two nights at Emerald. Saturday we hiked to Parsons and snorkeled, and topped off our fuel and water at the Isthmus and lobstered. Sunday, after scrambled eggs and lobster, we departed at 8:30 am and arrived in DP at 2:45 pm.

10 days, 10 nights, 331 statute miles, 288 nautical miles...Wow, what'a ride!

Emerald Bay

West end of Catalina Island

Pasta marinara languisto

Scrambled eggs with wild lobster

Fresh spiny lobster with rice and potato salad.

This pirate didn't follow the rules.

Day Eight: Homeward Bound

2010-10-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

The Broker dropped his brother off at Scorpion Bay and we weighed anchor at 9:40 am bound for Catalina. We were headed for the front side of the island because we needed fuel and water. One hour on-one hour off, shifts worked fine and we arrived safely at Emerald Bay at 7:30 pm. Lobster season would begin in four and one half hours.

Day Seven: Flying The Gennaker To Smuggler's

2010-10-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sailing to Smuggler's was another awesome sail day. It also meant we were coming to the end of our trip. We needed to be close to Scorpion Bay to drop off the Builder the next morning and be on the south side of the island to shorten our passage to Catalina. Anacapa Island provided a memorable sunrise from Smuggler's.

Approaching the southern side with Anacapa on the horizon.

Smuggler's land mark is an olive grove that can be seen from miles away.

Anacapa sunrise.

The Builder being shuttled to Scorpion on the "Rocket".

Day Six: Pelican Bay

2010-10-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

We continued our circumnavigation of the island and on wednesday set the hooks at Pelican Bay. All of our anchorages so far required a bow and stern hook. We were entertained this evening by a most fantastic aquatic bio-luminescence light show as a school of sea lions frolicked and splashed within the bay. In the morning we found a trail that took us to Prisoner's Harbor. Four plus miles of diverse and very scenic country.

Days Four and Five: On To Fry's

2010-10-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

We said goodbye to Fourney's and were on to our next stop. We traveled clock-wise around the island so now we got our first glimpse of the north side. A swell was running so we passed on several anchorages and the Painted Cave. When we came upon Fry's, we knew it was the place to drop our hook. Sadly, later in the day, we dropped El Jeffe off at Prisoner's so he could catch the Island Packer back to the mainland. We spent two restful nights at Fry's. The first day there it was a cooker.

Our first look at Fry's.

The Builder surfed at Chinese Harbor while we fished.

The fruit of our labor, Santa Cruz rockfish burritos.

95.2 degrees in the shade.

El Jeffe managing the bow anchor.

Day Three: Coches To Fourney's

2010-10-14T17:30:00.000-07:00

The on-board log reads, "Great sail to Fourney's. Beautiful sunset. Bumpy night on the hook." I was told Fourney's is wild. No lie. We moved the next day because capt doesn't like bumpy when he's trying to sleep. Fourney's is a beautiful area on the west end of the island. Definitely worth the stop. I'll return.

The broker in tune with the elements.

Builder at the helm.

We were cookin'. Full main and genny with 15-19 knots of wind.

There were some challenges in the galley when preparing our lunch.

I think this pose was for the Ranger.

As soon as we were anchored, it was beach time.

That's Santa Rosa Island in the background.

Two bros watching the sun set, priceless.

Sunset over San Miguel Island.