AND THE "SAILOR OF THE DAY" AWARD GOES TO...

...PRINCESS CASS. The Princess displayed her grace and charm while warming the hearts of the entire crew with her infectious smile. Congratulations to the Princess. Poppa B was a close runner-up.

Sailor of the Day at the helm

The Admiral joins Poppa B and the Princess

There's always time for a little ukulele

Day is done but not forgotten

SOME AFTERNOONS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS

Today proved to be another beautiful day of sunny skies, consistent wind with a slight bite in the air. It's only a matter of weeks before the warmer weather sets in. No whale sightings but soon they will be making their way north after a winter vacation in Mexico. Who said these beautiful creatures are stupid?

THIS PIC HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YESTERDAY'S SAIL

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

IT'S HARD TO BEAT WINTERTIME IN AVALON

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

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

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!