15TH ANNUAL NESPORADO ADVENTURE

Each year the Nesporados have gathered for a trip to Catalina. This year's September trip will mark the fifteenth year for the annual pilgrimage. Let's look back to 2003 when three brothers took the very first one and the legacy began.

  

OUR FOLLOWERS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS POST...NOT!

Catalina Island weather, or any conditions on the water, can be quirky, unpredictable, ever-changing and unforgiving. The Admiral and the capt were tucked in real nice at Cat Harbor when the wind picked up, gusting in the mid-30's, and we started to drag our anchor. Tried to adjust the rode but no luck, we were still dragging. Thank God for close-by moorings! All in all, another fantastic time on the island.

Rounding the East End is a colorful treat.

Settled in before the drag.

 

Fishing, not wishing, in Cat Harbor.

Fishing, not wishing, in Cabo. JR and Jen...you win!!

TO BE FORTY AGAIN

We celebrated Adam's big Four-O in beautiful summer like conditions. Being a whitewater river guide, the birthday boy was right at home.

You hav'in fun Adam?

L to R: Jody, Mindy, the Admiral, Patti, Adam and the capt. 

 

TRIP ONE HUNDRED TEN

The Admiral and I spent six nights on the hook; five on the backside in Little Harbor and Cat Harbor and the final evening on the front side at Willow Cove. To say we had and incredible time is an understatement. The weather, water, food and anchorages were all spectacular, and they were real! (A little Seinfeld humor) Leaving Cat Harbor we traveled around the rugged west end and Santa Barbara Island was visible in the distance. A marvelous trip and island circumnavigation.

A pod of dolphins escorting us to the island.

Settled in at Little Harbor. We had to reset the bow anchor at 1:30 AM because of a minus tide. Slightly challenging when it's pitch black outside.

Our buddy Harbor John.

Capt's two loves... the Admiral and Serenity Now.

ZAMBIA

Zambia has some of nature's best wildlife and game reserves in the world. The Zambezi River (AKA the Zamboozi and the Zambreezy) flows 1600 hundred miles to Victoria Falls and is a play ground for crocks, hippos and countless other unique creatures. No water skiing here!  The silt-laden river also marks the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. A magical spot when staying at Old Mondoro or the Chiawa Camps in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

SOUTH AFRICA

Africa is the world's second largest continent, second only to Asia. The country of South Africa is the continent's gem gleaming with it's friendly people, beautiful beaches, gorgeous mountains, sprawling farmlands, luring vineyards and thriving economy. The cost of living is unreal (based on the Nesporado Cost of Living Index which measures the cost of one beer in a typical restaurant). My recent study concluded a 14 oz. draft will set you back fifty cents and a delicious steak dinner is another $10. The only glitch is it's a hell of a long way from here.

THE WILD SIERRA

The snowmelt in the Sierra right now is spectacular. Streams and waterfalls abound. The water is running dangerously high, cold and swift. The Admiral and I spent last week in Cedar Grove at Road's End in Kings Canyon. It was a WOW! Now it's on to South Africa and Zambia. My promise to Serenity Now,  I'll make up for lost time upon my return. I promise!

The legendary "Hilton" has served us well since 1975.

We like to camp at the Sentinel Campground next to the river.

Two crewman, Matt and Laura, joined us for two nights.