Category: By Date Photos
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2008-01 Turtle Bay to Bahia Asuncion
We left Isla San Benitos in 25 knots of wind, and unfortunately tore our reaching sail. The last 4 hours of the 60 mile trip, we had incredible flat water sailing because the wind came from the land. Turtle Bay – Mexico 
The Baja coast is pure desert scenery at the beach. Bold, stark and beautiful Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Just as we arrived at the south side of Cedros Island, we were hailed on radio by our friend from Ensenada, Jeff on s/v Beatrix. From 12 miles behind, we almost caught up to him. If I just hadn’t ripped that sail! Look closely and you’ll see s/v Beatrix in the bottom center of the photo about to tack into Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Beatrix anchored in Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Welcome to Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Turtle Bay (Bahia Tortugas), is the best “all weather” anchorage on the Baja Coast. About 1.5 miles across and roughly circular, this is the first stop for the Baja-Ha-Ha cruise rally and home to we guessed about 1000 people Turtle Bay – Mexico 
When we arrived ashore, we immediately ran into Gary from s/v Sparkle. Gary had been in Ensenada when we were there and is single handing Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Scott & Cindy arrive at Turtle Bay…..You can see from our atttire, it’s still a little chilly Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Gary was very familiar with Turtle Bay and gave us the full tour. We had lunch, stopped at the “tienda” (store) and a quick check on the internet Turtle Bay – Mexico 
This is the hotel that is the headquarters of the Baja-Ha-Ha cruise rally. Latitude 38 magazine out of the San Francisco Bay area is the sponser. Turtle Bay – Mexico 
We’ll call it an internet store…internet cafe would be a bit grandiose…….:) At 1.80/hour, use only computer #1…….such a deal for a quick spam check Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Gary’s s/v Sparkle, sparkling in Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Jonathon brought us fuel out in his panga Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Fuel in remote places is a big deal. The panga had a 500 gallon tank. Scott pumped 40 gallons into our own jerry cans. Checking is lack of water and dirt is a big deal. Putting into the jugs first lets the sediment and water separate out. We then use a special filter, which is known as a “Baja Filter” for extra caution. The good news is, so far, we have found the fuel quality to be quite good. And at $2.40 per gallon, quite a bit cheaper than in the US. Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Bye Bye Turtle Bay Turtle Bay – Mexico 
The dock at Turtle Bay. We tied our dinghy up here and climbed up and down the 15 foot vertical ladder. Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Isn’t she cute Turtle Bay – Mexico 
Enroute to Bahia Asuncion, we got the spinnaker up for the first time. This is our biggest sail. When the wind is behind us, we fly…. Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico 
Enroute to Bahia Asuncion, we saw our first groups of whales heading south. s/v Odyssey who we had met in Ensenada with Marv and Ardy, began what would become a “buddy boat” relationship with us all the way down to Cabo San Lucas. Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico 
It was a long day, 55 miles to Bahia Asuncion. This is Isla Asuncion which adds great protection to this anchorage. Just before we arrived, two whales sounded right in front of our port hull and came back up just after clearing our starboard hull! Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico 
Leaving Bahia Asuncion, we took this photo from the other side of the island in the morning light Enroute Bahia Asuncion – Mexico 
s/v Odyssey (Petersen 44) enroute to Punta Abrejos, San Ignacio Lagoon Enroute – Punta Abrejos, San Ignacio Lagoon -
2008-01 Isla San Benitos- ELEPHANT SEALS
We arrived after a day and two nights sail. Captain Cindy’s looking excited…… Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Sunrise at Cedros Island Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Cedros at Sunrise Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos East (between Cedros Island and the Isla San Benitos group) Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We were greeted by this pair of “fishing dolphins” at our arrival at the anchorage Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Fishing Pangas at the anchorage Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We landed the dinghy on the beach….Our new wheel system for landing has worked out extremely well Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Just as we landed the dinghy, we realized we had some company Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
The wheels were remade out of stainless steel from the original aluminum and have a quick system for deploying and retrieving our 250 lbs of dinghy to pull it up on the beach. The buildings are the fishing village (you’re seeing about 20 percent of it) in the background Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Male Bull Elephant Seal at the beach landing Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Scott gets as close as he dares. We didn’t want to wake the sleeping giant. This big boy probably weighed well over 1000 lbs. They move amazingly fast on land as well Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
When we first arrived. A family came out to greet us in their panga. They wanted “candy”. Cindy provided them with a healthier snack when we went ashore…..including a little chocolate. Daniel, Damian & Alejandra……… Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
In many places in the “eco” areas of Mexico, we have found these signs explaining the local interests and need for protecting the environment. Unforntunately, the locals don’t always read the signs….. Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
This gives you an idea of life in a fishing village – The outback of Baja…….. Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
A new church was being built. They used the wall of an adjacent house as one wall for the church Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Beach House at Isla San Benitos with Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We went for a 5 mile strenous hike up to the top of the mountain at Isla San Benito West to the light house…….Spectacular views Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Cindy with Isla San Benitos Middle and East, with Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Scott with Isla San Benito Middle, East and Cedros Island in the distance Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We believe this to be a “Century Palm” which blooms about every 10 years Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Views of Isla San Benitos Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
The last quarter mile of this hike was very steep. Scott was exhausted Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Beach House with Cedros Island in the distance. Anchorage at Isla San Benito West Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
This sign asks for visitors to be respectful of the Elephant Seal colony Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Who’s striking the pose here anyhow? Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Elephant Seal Colony (Group) Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Pup with Mom…. Apparently the pups are born over several months as we saw mostly newborns; but some who were weaned Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
What Mom was communicating, we’ll never know, but she was laying down the law Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Mostly the gals hung together if they didn’t have any pups Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Living large and cute on the beach Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
The alpha males seemed to have one thing on their mind…. Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
After all that hot action, he had to take a cool dip. Maybe she told him to take a cold shower Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Redux……. Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
What I chose not to show in these photos were the fairly high infant mortality rate. Several young pups were on the beach who didn’t make it for one reason or another. Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We actually saw one elephant seal give birth. The birds cleaned up the delivery room in seconds. Mom seemed confused and was separated from her newborn. She couldn’t seem to get past another mother who thought she was trying to nurse her baby. We hoped the outcome would resolve itself, after an hour it still had not. This may be a common reason for pup loss Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
The mothers had barking voices, the babies sounded like monkeys when they cried out Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Many of the mothers barked at their pups, for the most part, the pups could have cared less. In some cases (as the mothers only had one pup at a time), we thought they might be telling the other pup to go find their own mother Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Though we shot most of these images with a film lens equivalent of a 350mm (we shoot digital with a 1.4 times image enlargement), two or three times in several hours, mom would let us know, we were close enough Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Many of the mothers seemed to be territorial and didn’t want another mother to get too close to her pup Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
The mother on the right thought her personal and pup space was being crowded Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
As you can see, mom (differing from many mammals) seems to have lots of choices for her young to nurse. Mom is just asleep Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Well, mom’s trying to sleep anyway Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Cute Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Newly weaned, this guy was trying see how fast he could reach “Alpha” status Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Enough of you big boy Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Yes, mother would love it…….such a face Isla 
Back off buddy! Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
We were sad to leave Isla San Benitos. The people were nice, the experience unforgettable Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
It’s a tough life for these fishing families. Much welcomed supplies arrived on m/v “San Benito” from Cedros Island. Also, new families taking their turn fishing from the village. The average family stays only a few days to a few months before returning to their homes on Cedros or Isla Natividad (to the south of Cedros Island) Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
These pangas catch my photograhic eye and I never tire of taking their picture. You sort of get a “sense” of each one, a feeling for each boat almost as it were alive and a distinct individual Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Farewell Islas San Benitos…..We really enjoyed our stay, now on our way……..To Turtle Bay! Isla San Benitos – Mexico -
2008-01 Ensenada – Mexico
Ready or not, here I come Isla San Benitos – Mexico 
Our temporary home at Cruiseport Village Marina. This is adjacent to where the Cruise Ships tie up for their three & seven day cruises from Los Angeles. It’s also where we first had our floating home on the West Coast after being transported from Spain (via Dockwise). Ensenada – Mexico 
We decided to top off on fuel at Marina Corral. This marina is about 2 miles from the main harbor in Ensenada. It was a perfect day. Ensenada – Mexico 
Captain Ed of the fishing vessel “Lunker” was our dock mate and became a good friend. Not only was he a delight, but a wealth of information about the Mexican coast toward our next destinations. Ensenada – Mexico 
Ed specializes in rock fish using rod and reel. His market is in Southeast Asia and the fish are shipped live. His boat was a US Navy “gig” (craft for ferrying officers to and from ship). With great skill and care, Ed keeps “Lunker” from being a clunker…………:) Ensenada – Mexico 
This huge Mexican Flag flies in Ensenada Harbor at a monument in tribute to important persons in Mexican history. It is supposedly the largest flag in Mexico and flown proudly here in Ensenada. The “bollard” (red metal object) next to Cindy is used to tie the Cruise Ships up when visiting. Ensenada – Mexico 
We use a vacuum bagging system for long term storage of certain food items like frozen meats. When getting ready to go offshore, we have to provision (in this case), for up to 6 weeks without being near a real market. The Pacific Coast of Baja California is virtually empty once we leave Ensenada for the next 700 miles. Scott has been known to borrow this device to store spare engine and generator parts……:} Ensenada – Mexico 
Cruiseport is a very beautiful, well maintained, security marina right in the heart of downtown Ensenada. Ensenada – Mexico 
Scott dresses with great optimism! It was 57 degrees and rained the whole next day Ensenada – Mexico 
There are actually two large cruise ship docks adjacent to our marina. They come and go and we never hear a sound. Cindy saw this sunset with “Elation” in the background. Ensenada – Mexico 
We were invited to a Cruisers Brunch at Baja Mama’s at Estero Beach just south of Ensenada. We were able to finally meet the many voices we had heard on the “Net” (local VHF radio gathering) of the expats who were transiting or in some cases, live in Ensenada. Ensenada – Mexico 
This is truly a beautiful building with extensive grounds Ensenada – Mexico 
Ensenada 
Scott poses with this fountain. There was a tile fresco behind this fountain in respect of the Mexican soldiers who died defending Northern Baja California in the war against the USA. Forturnately, that was a long time ago Ensenada – Mexico 
Cindy in what was once an active Church on the Cultural Center grounds Ensenada – Mexico 
Ensenada – Mexico 
Right across the street from our Marina is one of the most beautiful buildings in Ensenada. It’s an historic cultural & civic center. The architecture is colonial reminiscent of Alhambra, Spain. This building was at one time a casino and currently displays the history of Mexican discovery in placards throughout its gardens. There is an outdoor theater and if the story is true, the bar where the “Margarita” was invented Ensenada – Mexico 
Dave & Diane came along for the boat ride and to give us a hand fueling up at Marina Corral Ensenada – Mexico 
Diane and Dave came for the test sail when we got the mainsail back from “El Norte”. It’s a bit chilly as you can see by Diane’s hat…….You betcha snookums…….:) Ensenada – Mexico 
Scott went up the mast to check the rigging after the big Santa Ana blow we got on the way down from San Diego on Christmas Day. We had brought the mainsail back to Costa Mesa for some minor repairs. We took advantage of this time to do some maintenance. On Cindy’s B-Day no less! Ensenada – Mexico 
The various wires and cables that hold the mast up straight in the air had streched a bit since our refit last year. This is a normal settling in effect. Scott went up the mast to adjust the “tuning”. Cindy uses the electric halyard winch and bosun’s chair to haul Scott up and down. We use a primary and safety line anytime we go up the mast. Note the Mexican Flag being flown from the starboard (right) side of the mast. This is done as a courtesy when visiting any foreign country by visiting boats and ships of all types. Ensenada – Mexico 
These statues are of Juarez, Hildago and Carranza, Heroes to the Mexican people. The flag in the background is one of the largest in Mexico. Ensenada – Mexico 
Dave of “Tattooed Mistress”. Dave & Diane are two American kids, doin’ the best they can……..(with apologies to JCMellencamp). They will eventually head south next season Ensenada – Mexico 
La Bufadora is just south of Ensenada and is famous for its “Blow Hole”. This is natural feature where the ocean swell is forced into a small cavern and compresses the water through an opening to make a spectacular geyser. This day was very crowded with local tourists, a festive day was had by all La Bufadora – Punta Banda – Mexico 
Cindy & Scott started some local touring with our new friends Sharon & John from “Sunbow” and old friends from Marina del Rey, Dave & Diane on “Tattooed Mistress” La Bufadora – Mexico 
Here is the tile sign proclaiming that the bar at the Ensenada Cultural Center is the birthplace of the MARGARITA……….read on. Hey, who knew the Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana? (It really was!) Ensenada – Mexico 
Marina Corral has a very narrow entrance and as it was calm, the perfect day for going there. Captain Cindy fearlessly guided us through the breakwaters. The week before, a small vessel was caught in large swells and washed up on the rocks…….. Ensenada – Mexico 
You can see in this photo, the “bollard” from the previous photo being used to tie the bow of Carnival Cruises’ “Paradise” up to the dock here at Cruiseport Village. Everyday, hundreds of people arrive and leave from the two cruise ship docks. They almost never stay overnight. Ensenada – Mexico 
We went for a walk down the Ensenada “Malecon” (boardwalk). We came upon this sign which is translating sea lions as “marine wolves”. Of course the locals completely ignore its admonition. There is a large colony of “marine wolves” living on the wreck of the old Catalina Island Ferry boat located right outside Cruiseport Village Marina. Ensenada – Mexico 
Our temporary home at Cruiseport Village Marina. This is adjacent to where the Cruise Ships tie up for their three & seven day cruises from Los Angeles. It’s also where we first had our floating home on the West Coast after being transported from Spain (via Dockwise). Ensenada – Mexico -
2007-11 San Diego
Arrival and goings on in San Diego, CA
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