Arrival and goings on in San Diego, CA
Category: 2004 – 2007 Mediterranean France & Spain and California Photos
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2007-11 San Diego
We went for a day tour with friends Craig Lewis and Ceci Frasca. We met Craig and Ceci in Marina del Rey. Tlhey now live aboard their boat in San Diego San Diego – California
Juan Rodriegez Cabrillo explored much of the California coast. He died on his famous voyage and was buried at San Miguel Island just south of Point Conception, California The view from the top of Poiint Loma was spectacular San Diego – California
Last of the Tall Ships was “Californian”; another elegant vessel from a bygone era San Diego – California
Cindy & Ty with “HMS Surprise” San Diego – California
Somethin’ tells me it’s all happing at the Zoo! San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
Not on the same day, but on a get away to “El Norte” while getting our mainsail repaired. We took the opportunity with Linda and granddaughter Shelby to go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park. This was our favorite of the two venues as it mimicks quite well the natural habitat of most of the animals on a much larger scale. There are two of the worlds only eight remaining Black Rhinos here. Needless to say, they’re trying to make more. San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
We took several day sails up and down the San Diego Bay. One of her jewels is the Coronado Bay Bridge connecting Downtown to Coronado San Diego – California
Coronado Bay Bridge in the background……..”Beach House” touring the Bay (Every once in awhile, Cindy lets me drive……..:) San Diego – California
You can just imagine what Ceci’s photo of me taking her picture looked like……….) San Diego – California
Two humps are Dromadaries. One hump is a Bacterian………Camels all! San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
African or Indian…….I can’t remember. One has bigger ears than the other. Elephino? San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
We went for a day at the world famous San Diego Zoo. Most of these photos will speak for themselves. A boating note. When we took delivery of our boat in France, thousands of Pink Flamingoes were aloft as the area near Sette, France is home to migrating colonies San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
The four proud ladies……on Parade San Diego – California
The Wilson Family stopped by for a visit here at SDYC……… From left: Emma, Teresa, (the usual suspects), Ryan, Bill and Mom (Connie) Love this stuff!…….. San Diego, California
Ceci, Craig, Cindy, Ty & Oscar…..Phil’s BBQ in San Diego is THE BEST San Diego – California
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
HMS Surprise on the San Diego Bay San Diego – California
HMS Surprise leads Star of India home in the San Diego Bay San Diego – California
We couldn’t leave San Diego without a visit to the famous Hotel del Coronado San Diego – California
The grounds are lovely at the Hotel del Coronado as is everything about the place. AND, it has miles of beach to walk upon facing the Coronado Islands and Point Loma San Diego – California
The Hotel was built in the late 1800’s and is a Southern California landmark. Some of the rooms are even said to be inhabited by spirts (though of which kind, I’m not sure……..:) San Diego – California
In the spirit of the season and the fact that it is a myth that Southern California is WARM in the winter, an ice skating pond was set up on the beach at the Hotel del Coronado San Diego – California
This is the original heating stack that was used to heat the Hotel in the early days. The moon and golden light helped to create an interesting end of the day San Diego – California
Sunset looking toward Point Loma San Diego – California
We had just hauled the boat out of the water in Ventura six weeks before, but discovered a problem with our refrigeration cooling system which required us to haul the boat out of the water again! Knight & Carver Shipyard hauls “Megayachts” so we were no big deal. The good news is we were out and back in in just 2 days. San Diego – California
Knight & Carver has one of the largest travel lifts we’ve ever seen and as you can see, picks us up and moves us around like a toy San Diego – California
Knight & Carver as it turns out, manufactures some of the Wind Turbines for alternative power that we see in Palm Springs and many locations around the USA San Diego – California
As they are nocturnal……They sleep all day San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
Tall Ship “Lynx” was the smallest of the four vessels, but one of the more elegant San Diego – California
San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
The Meerkats take this posture as a group to be on the lookout for predators. This is San Diego Zoos’ version of “Meerkat Manor” San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
The old adage is: “Red sky at morning, sailor take warning”…. Despite the lazy light forecast, within three hours of this beautiful sunrise over the US/Mexican border, we had steady winds from 25-30 knots with sustained gusts over 40 knots and one even to 51.6 knots. But that’s another story…………stay tuned San Diego – California
Everyones favorite San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
Christmas Day was the day we picked to finally head to Mexico. The light was lovely off the cliffs of Point Loma with the full moon setting. The day was predicted to be uneventful and calm, but that quickly changed……….. San Diego – California
According to the docents, the Polar Bears here have adapted to Southern Callifornia life quite well and their coats are very thinned out due to the warmer weather. As to warm, trust us, it wasn’t! San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
San Diego has a beautiful skyline, especially from the water. Depending on the time of day, the moods of the city could be seen on the buildings in the distance San Diego – California
Later in the week, we went aboard “Star of India” and “HMS Surprise” San Diego – California
Cindy decided that we were going to have a boat party for the San Diego Christmas Boat Parade. She’s so galley chique! San Diego – California
Cindy makes a big effort to entertain. A lovely time was had by all! San Diego – California
The parade was cool (literally), the fireworks hot, hot, hot! San Diego – California
Photographers are always in search of the “Golden Light”. It’s the time when the sun first rises or just sets. Here we see San Diego in her evening “Golden Light”………. San Diego – California
The elephants here are just about to be let out on to the plains. African I’m pretty sure San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
This male lion was the recent proud papa of 7 cubs. When the cubs are big enough, they will be allowed to play with Dad. Lions are the only social “Big Cats”. The docent told us the cubs will be merciless and tear out all his mane. There is a glass between me and the lion and he knows he’s the King of this Jungle…….. San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
This is one of very few behaviors that any of the animals at the park are taught. The docent does this so that she can check the lions paws, belly, eyes and mouth. The animal keepers never enter the habitats as they are trying to be as unintrusive as possible. Extensive breeding programs are done here with great success. Especially with critically endangered species San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
Through the looking glass, this King of the African plains shows off his size. Streched out, he’s over 8 feet long San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
Tigers are definitely NOT social “Big Cats”. The tigers are kept apart as they don’t like each other. This species is from Indonesia and almost extinct in the wild. Poachers and loss of habitat are the dual enemy of most of the worlds endangered species San Diego Wild Animal Park – Escondido, California
We arrived from Oceanside late on 09 November 2007 and were guests at the San Diego Yacht Club. San Diego – California
Shea Weston of “Offshore Outfitters” is everyone’s favorite fixit guru in San Diego. Shea chased the evil boat gremlins away and for the most part (for the moment!) everything works! San Diego – California
Skye came to visit for Thanksgiving and we went for a great tour of USS Midway. Launched just before the end of WWII, USS Midway saw action through the first Gulf War. A legend in her own time!…… San Diego, California
While Cindy, Scott & Ty were taking the boat to Knight & Carver in the south side of San Diego Bay, we were treated to the ONCE per year group sail of the “Tall Ships”. Tall Ships are old style sailing vessels whose design was from prior to roughly 1900. Seen here is the sailing museum, “Star of India” which is permanently moored in San Diego San Diego – California
Star of India – San Diego Bay San Diego – California
HMS Surprise leads Star of India home in the San Diego Bay San Diego – California
Ty Hokanson, one of our best friends had relocated to San Diego and was coincidentally working on a large power boat at Knight & Carver. We were able to get the lay of the land and catch up on old times. San Diego – California
San Diego is a true water city. Nothing exemplifies this more than the US Navy. Ships are constantly coming and going on a daily basis San Diego – California
USS Midway, now a museum in San Diego had a long a distinguished carrier. Commissioned shortly after WWII, she served in Korea, Vietnam and GW I. A wonderful display of aircraft adorns her flight deck as well. Scott would have had a difficult time serving aboard a “Man of War” as he constantly hit his head on something………… San Diego – California
This warthog was clearing out her den San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California
Craig & Ceci’s Challenger 50 – s/v “Windsway” off Harbor Island, San Diego San Diego – California -
2007-11 Long Beach enroute San Diego
Trip from Catalina to San Diego
While in Newport Beach on the mooring, Cindy’s friend Lori came down for a visit Newport Beach – Californina 
Dana Point – named for famed author Richard Henry Dana is a small but very picturesque small craft harbor just north of San Clemente, California Dana Point – California 
When we left Newport Bay, we took a quick tour of Dana Point Marina – 10 miles south of Newport Beach Dana Point – California 
While enroute to Oceanside Harbor (north of San Diego), we had to alter course to avoid this high speed US Marine Hovercraft. Primarily used as a personel carrier, this vessel subsequently sailed right onto the beach and drove away just like a truck. Oceanside – California 
Gordon West is everyones guru when it comes to HAM radio. Gordon was teaching a class at Balboa Yacht Club while we were there and asked me to do a Winlink (EMAIL via HAM Radio) demonstration. It was becoming old home week! Newport Beach – Californina 
Merald Keys has become a valued friend and mentor to me in all things involving the USCG. I have taught stability & seamanship for the last 10 years under programs he has administered. Merald & Marianne Keys had lunch with us while were staying in Newport at Balboa Yacht Club Newport Beach – Californina 
This large male sea lion decided he found a new home. He proudly displayed his new residence and defended it against would be intruders (other male sea lions). Most of the boats in Newport Bay that were on moorings had to have some kind of fencing or guards against this type of squatting or their vessels suffered the consequences. Think of his personal habits as being much like a horse in a corral…….. -
2007-10 Catalina & Santa Barbara Islands
As we left from the Northern Channel Islands to head south
Southern California Wildfires from a NASA photo. I got this photo from the internet. We were at Catalina Harbor when it was taken. The extent of the smoke out to sea can clearly be seen Southern California 
Beach House in beautiful Avalon Harbor. We actually got a call from Mike Lonnes telling us to look on the internet and we could see a similar shot on the Avalon “webcam”……Isn’t this stuff cool……… Catalina Island – Avalon Harbor 
We arrived on Friday afternoon, October 19th…..waiting for Mike & Beth aboard “Scotch Mist”. One of two favorite coves at Catalina Island Catalina Island – Big Geiger Cove 
At Mike & Beth’s suggestion, when the Santa Ana’s stopped, we went to Little Harbor on the backside of Catalina. This is now one of our two favorite places on the Island. We spent a magic day here, snorkeling, hiking and having the place in warm weather……..all to ourselves. Catalina Island – Little Harbor 
We were in Cat Harbor with lots of other boats for the Big Santa Ana Event. The birds were all smart enought to huddle ashore. We cleaned ash off the boat for days from the Southern California Wildfires. Photos from space showed smoke trails well out beyond Catalina Island Catalina Island – Cat Harbor 
As we arrived at the West End of Catalina Island, we suddenly came across the largest species of animal on the planet……..A Blue Whale. These weigh 90 tons and grow to be 90 feet long. 
These Whales are as large as FOUR African Bull Elephants. We spotted this one only 100 yards offshore. 
Catalina Island Fox being attended to by several Naturalists Catalina Island – Big Geiger Cove 
Catalina Island Fox with Veterinarin above Big Geiger Cove Catalina Island – Big Geiger Cove 
These are the volunteers who capture the foxes in safe traps. When they put the hoods over their heads, they relax and allow the Veterinarian to clean his ears and take tissue samples 
Avalon Sunrise. This is the glass bottom tour boat “Nautilus” the morning we left from Avalon to Long Beach, California. You can see again, the beauty of the sunrise caused by the heavy ash from the wildfires 40 miles to the East……… Catalina Island – Avalon Harbor 
Day hike from Cherry Cove to Big Geiger Cove at the Isthmus of Catalina Catalina Island – Cherry Cove 
Cindy taking the Dinghy ashore at Isthmus Cove. We got the outboard tuned up and boy does it run better than ever! Catalina Island – Isthmus Cove 
Our first morning at Catalina Island, Cherry Cove……….before the big Santa Ana and Fire Events Catalina Island – Cherry Cove 
We came upon a group from US Dept. of Fish & Game, The Wildlife Institute and the Catalina Conservancy. They were doing studies on the endangered Catalina Island Fox. Apparently, there are now 1500 of these little guys left, up from 500 a few years ago. They are having an epidemic of a type of cancer in their ears. 
Cindy & Beth went on a “Buffalo Hunt”……..and they weren’t afraid!………. Catalina Island 
The Wildfires of Southern California blew smoke over 50 miles out to sea. Here you can see the outer portion of Little Harbor with the effects; beautiful but very saddening at the same time……….. Catalina Island – Little Harbor 
The Buffalo were brought to Catalina Island by famous Director Cecil B. Demil to make Western Movies. The heard originally around 40 animals grew to 400. All but about 40 have been returned to the Dakota’s were their ancestors were from. Here you see Catalina or “Cat” Harbor as it is known in the background. We saw Buffalo here with new friends Eric & Emmy, and again at Little Harbor Catalina Island – Cat Harbor 
We again saw Buffalo in Little Harbor. Notice that Cindy TAKES these photos. She isn’t comfortable with a 1000 lbs of hoof standing over 6 feet tall at the shoulder. What was I thinking…….:) Catalina Island – Little Harbor 
Beach House approaching Santa Barabara Island after a fabulous sail Santa Barbara Island, California 
Looking toward the mainlaind that famous “Twenty Six Miles Across the Sea”…….. Sunrise at Cherry Cove looking toward Ship Rock Catalina Island – Cherry Cove 
s/v “Astor” This beautiful schooner has a fabulous lore and history. I put this photo in here because of my cousin David Blocks’ experience aboard her as a teenager. He had the distinction of falling overboard enroute to Catalina and lives to tell the story. She’s still an immaculately maintained and stunning classic. Linda Isle – Newport Bay – California 
USCG Cutter Blackfin on the backside of Catalina Island. They were checking lots of boats and generally making their presence known. Catalina Island – East of Little Harbor -
2007-10 Anacapa – Santa Cruz & Santa Rosa Islands
Our trip from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, Santa Barbara Island, Catalina Island and into Long Beach, CA
Beach House at Big Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island with Anacapa Island in the distance 
Beach House at Big Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island – Anacapa Island in the distance. I couldn’t decide which one I liked better, so I put both of them in! Santa Cruz Island, California 
This is a view from the North in the Santa Barbara Channel, looking South toward Anacapa Island. Anacapa is the smallest and Eastern most of the four Northern Channel Islands. 
Approaching Potato Harbor, Santa Cruz Island. The harbor is so enclosed that you cannot see it till just outside of the entrance. The walls are sheer and approximately 200 feet high all around. This harbor is only safe when the prevailing winds from “Windy Lane” in the Santa Barbara Channel are not blowing. We had a magical first night here, all alone with the night sky full of stars away from the light pollultion of the coast. Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island 
Beach House awakening at our first anchorage – Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island. The harbor is very narrow and required us to use our bow and stern anchors. 
The beautiful sheer walls of Potato Harbor Anchorage. We are very well protected from Southerly winds here. This harbor is untenable in the normal prevailing North to West winds. A fortunate beginning to our journey. Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island 
Captain Cindy – Looking “Stern” – Enroute Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island, CA Ventura, California 
Captain Cindy struts her stuff after a very windy night in Becher’s Bay, Santa Rosa Island, California Santa Rosa Island, California 
The Waterfall behind Cindy would be gorgeous in the Spring. The walls of this canyon were truly “Grand”. We really enjoyed our brief time in this special place. Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island 
Cindy and I went for a row around the harbor in the morning. It was turning gray, overcast and cold. I liked the effect of my reflection in her sun glasses. Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island 
We went for a “one hour tour” of Santa Rosa Island. This is a rare place to visit as despite its’ apparent closeness to the coast; it’s a very “weather dependant” location to visit. 
Zen at Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island, California Santa Cruz Island, California 
Coches Prietos or “Black Pigs” is on the mid Southern side of Santa Cruz Island. A bit crowded for this time of year. The inner bay is the ideal spot, but a bit crowded for us. Santa Cruz Island, California 
Cindy took this photo of our row around Potato Harbor. Our morning exercise. I row, she takes my picture….:) Potato Harbor – Santa Cruz Island 
Landing at Scorpion Ranch, Santa Cruz Island, California Santa Cruz Island, California -
Boat Projects
Boat Enhancements
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2007-07 Harbor Boat Yard Projects
Bottom Paint, Propeller Paint, New Stern Steps, UW Lights, Sail Drive Skirts
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2007-06 Catalina Island – Big Geiger Cove
July 15, 2007
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SV Beach House
Our Vessel
Surf is this way Los Angeles, CA 
Santa Barbara Island, CA 
The Ocean 
More Ocean 
This photo is close captioned for the seeing impaired. Water -
Wildlife Interaction
Malibu, CA
