Day Three: Coches To Fourney's

The on-board log reads, "Great sail to Fourney's. Beautiful sunset. Bumpy night on the hook."  I was told Fourney's is wild. No lie. We moved the next day because capt doesn't like bumpy when he's trying to sleep. Fourney's is a beautiful area on the west end of the island. Definitely worth the stop. I'll return.

The broker in tune with the elements.

Builder at the helm.

We were cookin'. Full main and genny with 15-19 knots of wind.

There were some challenges in the galley when preparing our lunch.

I think this pose was for the Ranger.

 As soon as we were anchored, it was beach time.

 That's Santa Rosa Island in the background.

 Two bros watching the sun set, priceless.

Sunset over San Miguel Island.

Day Two: Next Stop Santa Cruz Island

After our hike around Santa Barbara Island, it was time to weigh anchor, swat flies and head to Santa Cruz. We would let the wind dictate as to where we would go. As time went on we decided to check out Albert's and Coches on the south side of the island. We dropped the hook in Coches for another enjoyable night. The next morning we hiked and explored the immediate area before leaving for Fourney's.

Day Two: Santa Barbara Island

Our first glimpse of land was Santa Barbara Island after leaving the Isthmus. There is only one area to anchor there and it was wide open. The only other boat anchored was well off shore. We settled in for the night, had dinner and and a tired crew enjoyed a good nights sleep. Our hike the next day revealed some dramatic coastline but the island itself was dry, brown and in need of some rain. Would I go back? Yes, but only in the springtime when everything is green and flowering.

Day One: First Night and Day of the Santa Cruz Island Voyage

We left the dock at 11:45 PM Thursday night. No way were we going to leave on a Friday (sailors superstition). We had a full moon and the sea was glassy. Two man watches, two hours on and two hours off. Our crossing to Catalina was uneventful and we arrived at the Isthmus fuel dock in plenty of time for breakfast on shore. After topping off the fuel, we were off to Santa Barbara Island.

El Jeffe and the Broker on night watch.

Early afternoon on Friday we reached this tiny speck in the ocean, Santa Barbara Island. 

Before we left the next day, we had a great hike around the island.

The Builder was swimming back to Serenity Now, when all of a sudden...

he was greeted by a lot of locals.

The Santa Barbara Island kelp flies are, without a doubt, the worst. Funny, no mention of them in the cruising guide. 

Santa Cruz Island Is Awesome

El Jeffe, Builder Terry, and the Tahoe Broker joined the capt for a 10 day trip  to Santa Cruz Island via Santa Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands. Santa Cruz is a real gem; wild, diverse, colorful, and unforgettable. 

Here we are at Fourney's with Santa Rosa Island in the background.
 

El Jeffe after a hard day.

Brothers Terry and Michael on Terry's tender the "Rocket".
The tender has a 20 hp motor that moved us along at 15-20 mph.

Life on board.

The Tahoe Broker leaving Serenity Now from Fry's Cove. It reached 95 degrees here one day.

Anchored at Pelican Cove. We did a very scenic hike from Pelican to Prisoner's and back.

Nice work on this pic Michael.

Under sail from Coches to Fourney's. We were cookin'.

Our first stop was Santa Barbara Island.
This small island is only 1 mile wide by 1.5 miles long.

Sunset from the west end of Santa Cruz Island.

Builder Terry at the helm.

El Jeffe following suit.

The Builder found some nice surf at Chinese Harbor on the north side.

The lobster season opening was a good one.

Sunrise over Anacapa Island from Smuggler's.

Preparation For A Journey To The Channel Islands

The capt has wanted to make this passage for quite a long time. The itinerary includes visiting the islands and waters of Catalina, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands. A very able crew (they're all in their 30's)  has been assembled from home ports of Santa Barbara, Lake Tahoe, Redondo Beach and Thousand Oaks. From start to finish, this voyage will log close to 300 nautical miles over a ten day period.

We'll be carrying extra diesel fuel.

Topping off at the fuel dock in Dana Point. We'll also take on fuel at the Isthmus in Catalina.

A new macerator was installed. Ask Norten (hint...the Honeymooners) if you don't know what that is.

Oil and oil filter were replaced.

Batteries were checked and topped off.

Serenity NOW is ready. Now all we need are fair winds and calm seas. Wish us luck. I'll keep ya posted.