U-IES ON THE HIGH SEA

What a wonderful day; sunny, warm, calm water and a crew looking for adventure. Sailor Phin, mommy and daddy were treated to lazy sea lions, spouting whales and playful dolphins, the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon.

PS Don't ask about the title of this post, you had to be there.

Laura, Danny and Sailor Phin.

"Dad, will you please loosen your grip?"

Our youngest crewman at the helm.

A V A L O N

A break in the weather allowed us to venture to Avalon for the week. The air and water are chilly this time of year but it makes for some very enjoyable long daily hikes. Going over we were detained as three container ships entered the north-bound shipping lanes. Traffic jam at sea! And right on cue, the Admiral performed her customary magic in the galley. Another great trip.

Never a dull moment

Sunrise from Avalon

Antonio's sandwich replaced the gut-bomb on the trip home

Our greeters as we approached Dana

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

The Admiral and I went out yesterday in search of a cetacean or two and we were treated to several sightings. It was a beautiful afternoon; clear, sunny with a brisk breeze. The small craft warning flag was up, warning mariners of the weather moving in. Rain was on the way, finally. Our rain gauge had close to an inch of the liquid gold this morning. That's almost three inches of rain for the season, keep it coming.

Cotton's Point and Camp Pendleton in the distance.

A glimpse of Dana Point looking eastward.

WE INTERRUPT THIS SAILING BLOG...

TO BRING YOU AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE: SOUTHERN UTAH IS BEAUTIFUL THIS TIME OF YEAR.  AFTER THIS POST WE'LL RETURN YOU TO OUR NORMAL FORMAT.

Zion National Park

Trail leading up to Angel's Landing in Zion

Bryce Canyon National Park

Natural Arch Bryce Canyon

SET SAIL

I was recently reminded, by an old friend and crewman, of what Christopher Columbus said a few years ago..."You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
Sail on sailor!

Sailor Matt at Howland's Landing, Catalina Island.

TALES AND TAILS

Let me start this tale of adventure on the high sea by saying it was a clear, brisk day; an afternoon perfect for roaming the local waters. Two tall ships were battling off the point with their cannons disrupting the afternoon calm. The 10 knot wind made for a gentle breeze as we moved along with only the genny flying from our spar. A gray whale, traveling south and moving along at 4-5 knots, crossed our path at a distance but made the day complete. Richard Henry Dana was smiling down on us today. Arrrrh matey!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

What better way than to bring 2018 in with good friends in the Bay of Avalon. Day one found us hiking and enjoying a pastrami sandwich at Antonio's and day two was a tour of the historic casino. Later the girls took a scenic island ride to the airport for lunch. Good times with good people.

Wishing all of our crew, fair winds and following seas in this new year. Cheers!