ANOTHER HOT ONE

The Jensen brothers and their families were scheduled to go out but a last minute accident prevented Bill and his side from joining us. We hope and pray for a quick recovery. And good luck to you Marilyn on your foot surgery this week.

Neil was right-at-home behind the helm. Actually, he sailed competitively for USC during his colligate days. Fight On! It was warm day and the air was light but it all added up to a great afternoon on the water. We even had a parade of tall ships slide by us at the end of the day. The rake-masted America was leading the way. 

Deckhand Luke keeping a watchful eye on the dolphins.

Skipper Neil at the helm.

The Jensen crew; Luke, Neil and Marilyn (the boss).

IT WAS A SIZZLER

One of the World's Best Crews.

How's this for the end of a great day?

The temperatures soared as we searched for some kind of breeze on the water. It was a hot and humid day but once underway, all was good. Plenty of conversation and stories made for a very pleasurable afternoon.

A LAZY LABOR DAY

Today's crew, Captain Cabo and Senora Debbie, recently returned from their five-month stay at La Abundancia on the east cape of Baja Sur. We had plenty of time to catch up, stay in the shade and not leave the slip on this extremely hot and busy day in the marina. At least there was a breeze.

THE CENTENNIAL PASSAGE

It couldn't have been any better. The one-hundredth trip to Catalina for Serenity Now went off without a hitch. For an early Monday start we spent Sunday night on board in the marina. The crossing was easy, calm sea, sunny skies and we made it to Avalon in five hours. After we settled in, the dinghy was prepped and we made our way to The Blue Water Grill for a celebratory dinner. Tuesday morning we took the 7:30am shuttle to the airport. From there we hiked back to Avalon, a 10 mile trek with great views of the front side. Wednesday it was off to Howland's Landing for two perfect days of hiking, swimming, floating on the inflatables, fishing, snorkeling and just plain relaxing. The days were warm so we decided to make a night crossing home to beat the heat. On Friday we anchored off Hen Rock for the day and departed at 4:30pm for Dana Point. The afternoon wind swell made it a little bumpy but the beautiful full moon lit up the sky the entire trip home. Oh, what'a ride!

A little bubbly to celebrate the day.

An Avalon sunrise.

The start of our hike from the airport.

We tiptoed around this big boy on our way back from the airport.

Calico at Howland's.

The moon light danced on the water during our return trip.

ONE HUNDREDTH TRIP TO CATALINA ISLAND

Who in their right mind would go to Catalina 100 times? We would! Preparations have been underway the past few days to make this monumental passage. The plans are to leave Monday. Any stow-a-ways out there?

The Admiral and I getting our mountain fix up in Rock Creek Canyon earlier this month. It's Island Time! 

WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE

Our head has been a work in progress. First the toilet was replaced, next the plumbing lines were checked and replaced as needed, then a new macerator was installed. Still it was working intermittently or not at all. The only thing not checked out was the black holding tank but there was no way to get inside this mysterious repository. A thought came to me, fools rush in where wise men never go. Why not cut a hole on the top of the tank and take a look. Words cannot describe 15 years of built-up sludge and rock-like yuk. Most of it had settled at the bottom of the tank restricting the drain. The yuk is gone now and the system is better than new, especially since we have a clean out port that will be opened every spring.

A 4" hole was sawed out of the top.

Inside the tank looking aft.

One of the many platefuls of debris removed.

The cleaned out and improved holding tank.

A SUMMER DAY

The Admiral and I joined good friends for a pleasant afternoon on the water. Vice-Admiral Dominic had a great time despite a temporary setback. We saw two large sea lions before we left the slip. Fabulous start to a fabulous day with a fabulous crew.

The Vice-Admiral showing the Navy Seal how it's done.

Christian and Laurie.

The star of the show Dominic.