FINAL PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY

At the end of this month Serenity Now will depart Dana Point gliding south to the tip of Baja Mexico. She will explore the east cape of the peninsula and then methodically make  her way back, stopping at coves (ensenadas) and bays (bahias) along the route.

The preparation has been extensive, exhaustive at times, but necessary for a safe and memorable voyage. Systems have been checked, rebuilt, cleaned and lubricated. Special equipment, extra fuel and water tanks have been added. The interior will be transformed from a comfy cruiser to a bare bones, no fluff efficient one. The cruising, weather and tourist guides have been studied along with the nautical charts for the route. Numerous waypoints have been inputed into the two GPS units. The prep goes on and on.

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that counts. It's the life in your years."... Abraham Lincoln

A special thanks to the Admiral for making this happen. I love you.

WE TRY HARDER

"So what have you been doin' the last 40 years?" We filled in the blanks during a casual afternoon sail. The weather cooperated as we sailed along at 5-6 knots covering nearly 14nm from the Dana Point Marina. You see, #25 and the capt played football together at Cal Poly a few years back. Once back in the slip, #50 joined us and the recollections and stories about yesteryear continued. It was a great time.

#25 and his wife Nancy. 25 holds the school record for most touchdowns (4) in a single game.

L to R #25, Nancy, #50 (notice the caved in forehead. That's from the game with NAU), Jeanne, the Admiral and the capt.

Topping it off with a bite to eat and more conversation.

THE RETURN OF SAILOR SAM

Aeolus, mythical Greek ruler of the winds, has been good to us lately. Today we were treated to 13-20 knot winds, warm air and the return of Sailor Sam. If you remember, Sailor Sam holds the record for being the youngest to transit to Catalina on Serenity Now. He also completed sailing lessons this summer in King Harbor. In addition, he received the Hawaiian Mr. Clean Award after the wash down. Way to go Sammy!

We were cookin' with a reefed main and genny and even made a successful hat-overboard retrieval.

"Look mom, this is so easy I can sail with my eyes closed!"

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.