SOME DAYS ARE JUST BETTER THAN OTHERS

After a week of over cast, drizzly days, the sun came out yesterday in all of its' glory and today was a beautiful repeat. With a SW wind we were able to parallel the San Clemente coastline and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sail. Just remember what Mark Twain said,

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the dock lines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Some days are just better.

BIG GEIGER REVISITED

El Jeffe and the capt departed Dana Point under cloudy skies and a bumpy sea to meet up with JR at the Isthmus for a long weekend. We settled in at Big Geiger Cove, home to the Blue Water Cruising Club. Apparently the BWCC were all cruising because we had their cove all to ourselves. It was a perfect weekend with one exception, the air and water temp could have been five degrees warmer. Oh well, maybe next time.

JR on the hunt.

The boyz in action.

An uncle and his nephew.

Big Geiger Cove, Santa Catalina Island.

A VISIT TO THE EAST CAPE OF BAJA

Captain Cabo and Señora Debbie asked us to spend a week with them in La Abundancia, and was it ever a great time. The air temp was in the high 70's and low 80's with an almost ever present breeze from the south. Water temp was a delightful 75 degrees. Señora Deb is a master chef and Captain Cabo was anxious to get his 16' Whaler in the water. All of this made for a wonderful visit to a beautiful spot with good friends, who can ask for more!

We followed two humpbacks being accompanied by a pod of dolphins.

Capt's Whaler anchored in front of his casa.

We saw thousands (no exaggeration) of flying and flopping manta rays.

The sunrises and sunsets were beautiful. This is a sunset.

Dennis and Donny had time, when they weren't fishing, to do a little stand up paddling.

PS: Notice there are no fish pics. That's because after many hours and five days of fishing, only three fish were landed and none of them were picture worthy. We did a lot of fishing but very little catching.

THE CUCAMONGA MATELOTS

Two sailors from the Inland Empire rounded out the crew Sunday afternoon as we searched for the elusive mammals of the sea. There were plenty of playful dolphins and a few huge sea lions that made our day sail a success. An overcast sky kept the temperature down while the light wind and ocean made for a very pleasant afternoon. The day was capped by another fine dinner, enjoyed by all, at the Harbor Grill.

Ann and the Admiral

First Mate Mark

The happy crew

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.