A BLESSED DAY

Father Patrick and the Little Jazz Bird joined us for a fabulous day on the water. A consistent 16-20 knot breeze, sunshine, dolphins and plenty of good conversation filled out a great afternoon.

The Jazz Bird hoisting the main.

Serenity NOW!

I'm gettin' the hang of this.

LITTLE HARBOR

We packed our bags and were off to the back side last week to beat the heat. Little Harbor was empty of boats, a complete reversal of Avalon. There was plenty of time for paddling, hiking, snorkeling, fishing and just plain relaxing. The Los Cabellaros, a mens riding club, were doing their 63rd annual Catalina ride and were staying at the Little Harbor campground. The men we talked with were very friendly and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. The scent of their camp fire and live western music was a treat each evening.

Little Harbor is three miles east of Cat Harbor and makes an ideal anchorage when the conditions  permit.

From a distance this old boy looked like a rock. Needless to say, we snapped this pic and turned around.

The Admiral on her afternoon voyage.

Water temp was in the low seventies, lovin' it!

Pulling out after a great stay.

ES TIEMPO DEL NESPORADO

The 2012 Nesporado get-a-way featured ideal weather, warm water and plenty of fishing, snorkeling and paddling. We stayed at two empty coves on the front side, Willow and Eel. It was great.

The 2012 Nesporado crew.

Scallops anyone?

Our very own Hawaiian Superman.

MT. WHITNEY

We took a sailing break to climb a very tall mountain recently and it was an unforgettable, incredibly beautiful, physical and mentally challenging experience. I'm so proud of this crew that trained all year for this journey. High-fives all around. 

Now, LET'S GO SAILING!

Here's the crew at Trail Crest 13,800 ft. We could see the eastern and western side of the Sierra from this spot. Skippy and Shutterbug are awesome teammates.

The Admiral and the capt a long way from sea level.

"Can you hear me now?" Yes, there is cell coverage at the top of Whitney.

Sunrise at Trail Camp, our home for two nights.

"WOW,WHAT'A DAY!"

I'm quoting Sailor Jerry as we blasted back to the harbor in 15-18 knots of warm wind. The three Nesporados took advantage of picture perfect weather for an afternoon sail that included seeing a big blue whale 5 miles off Dana Point. :)

Headed home on a close reach. 

L to R, El Jeffe, Sailor Jerry, capt.

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

A boat is much like your home, i.e., there's always a to do list and usually, not enough time to get it all done. Serenity Now's to do list is getting shorter as recently the propane tank has been topped off, the auto-pilot has been repaired, the VHF radio has a new external speaker down below, a whisker pole and flopper stopper have been added, a dodger buckle was replaced, bow and stern anchor chain and rodes were inspected, cleaned and re-marked, the chain locker was cleaned out, and the generator and outboard motor had their annual service. The list is getting shorter.
LET'S GO SAILING!

HAPPY 4TH, ISLAND STYLE

Catalina offers fireworks in Avalon on the 4th and at Two Harbors two days later. The island was packed with boaters, the weather was on the cool side and we saw deer at Willow Cove plus a bald eagle on one of our hikes near Little Harbor.

Cherry Cove is in the center of this picture. We opted for the less-crowded Howland's Landing.

Even the Isthmus was a full house for the fireworks.

Avalon was packed too.