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.

CHANNEL ISLAND ADVENTURE

We left Dana Point, made a fuel stop at the Isthmus on Catalina Island, and spent the first night at Santa Barbara Island. The next day we were bound for Santa Cruz Island with two-night stops at Potato Harbor and Pelican Bay. East Fisherman's Camp on Anacapa Island was our last anchorage. The four island trip was awesome.

We saw three island foxes on a hike out of Prisioner's. Photo credit to Jonathan Bronzewell III.  

Potato Harbor was a welcomed anchorage after a bumpy night at Santa Barbara Island.

North facing Pelican Bay was another tranquil stop. We're the centered boat in this pic. 

The capt, El Jeffe and JB III on our last night at Anacapa. The next day we departed at 4:30 AM and arrived in Dana Point at 8:00 PM. A long but successful day.

 

FIVE DAYS & A WAKE-UP

Preparations began yesterday for a visit to the Channel Islands. Weather permitting, JD, El Jeffe and the capt will depart early next Saturday for Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands.

THE 4TH OF JULY 2015

A spectacular day at the marina that almost didn't happen. We knew getting to the parking lot early was a must and when we arrived at 10am there were only a few spaces left. Five minutes later and we would have been locked out and on our way home. The day was fantastic, complete with an aerial show, a low Coastie Chopper flyover, snacks and drinks with friends and a fabulous fireworks display. God Bless America!

The K-Dock Gang