The trip down the California coast flew by. Its hard to believe in the last few weeks we've covered 455 nautical miles and delightfully it has been pleasant warm ocean stretches, mixed with a few days of shoreside life mingled in between.
We loved our time at Catalina Island and the quick stop at Dana Point. We were treated to many visits from various breeds of porpoises and seals/sea lions along our path.
Even the cat seemed to get into the rhythm and has come out to play a bit more. She is loving the sun and warm.
Now that we've reached our furthest South US destination for awhile we are settling in for a few weeks of laid back sightseeing, socializing with other cruisers (Baja Haha flag is flying now) and few side trips to Palm Desert and Tucson to see family.
San Diego bay, whilst the home of one of our favorite movies Anchorman, is also a great sailing mecca. The marinas are vast and there are boats everywhere on the bay. Every day it seems there is some yacht club with a regatta. When we turned into the bay, we were met with a submarine existing and aircraft carrier to our stern. Earlier in the day we were accompanied by 'Assault Carrier #4' who hailed me on the VHF and told me to stay my course. Yes sir...Whatever you say sir. We also passed the USNS Mercy who was circling in some sort of operations north of San Diego.
Now at the guest deck our walk down shelter island is dreamy for the boater...canvas shops, marine supplies, tiki bars, shipping/receiving companies, yacht electronics and just about anything the desiring boater might imagine. (Although the grocery store is a bit of a trek on foot!)
Despite all the marinas and boats -- it is a bit of challenge for the visiting sailor to secure a place to keep there boat -- especially when there are at least another 100 or so boats trying to find temporary moorage at the same time. The Harbor Patrol keeps things very orderly with specific places, times and reservations for anchorage areas. Permits are required in all cases. Since much of the sailing here is 'day sailing' -- there are not a large number of transient wet slips available in the marinas. I called a good 10 or so before I got discouraged. We did secure a permit for 'visiting' boats near downtown and found that despite its location basically next to the airport, it is convenient, calm and good holding. We'll return to that spot next week.
At the public guest dock we are able to provision a bit more easily, do a bunch of laundry and use city water to fill our fresh water tanks.
Last night we went to see GET THE LED OUT (GTLO) a Led Zeppelin tribute band (just a walk down shelter island drive). It was a lot of fun. We would definitely recommend! It was more memorable with the torrential downpour during the intermission. Not sure what next we'll do in San Diego...zoo???
Keeping it classy San Diego....
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