Marina Del Rey March 20 to March 31

We left Catalina and had heard from folks there, that the fuel price at Los Angeles Harbor was the cheapest price around. We called the fuel dock and they were $1.79 plus 8% tax. This was the best fuel price we had encountered for over a year. We made our way there and took on about 275 gallons. After fueling we continued to Marina Del Rey and were tied up at the dock before sunset.

We spent from March 20^th to the 31^st having a great time in Marina Del Rey. Nikki and Erika were in town and simply ran us ragged. We had a busy and wonderful time, but either those two are too young, or we are too old for that pace. We saw the final run of the shows Erika will dance in for Holland America Cruise line and both Nikki and Erika with their busy schedules were able to spend a night or two on the boat.

We also got to spend some time with our good friends Neal and Eva. It was lovely to see them again, enjoy time together and catch up on what was new with them. Neal, we are thinking of you and wish you the best. Eva, I know you will take good care of Neal and he will be causing his normal trouble again quickly I am sure.

There was to be a break in the weather and we would head out for the Channel Island Yacht Club and if lucky have good weather for exploring the Channel Islands of off Ventura and Oxnard.

Santa Catalina Island So. California

We spent from March 12th to March19th exploring the Island of Santa Catalina. The weather was decent for this early in the year. Seas were calm, there was little to no wind and the temperature was in the high 60"s to low 70's with full sunshine. We moored out first in Avalon, which is simply beautiful. While we were walking the beach walk, we heard someone calling Alexus' name. We ran into Darcy and Bob who were there on their beautiful 55 Nordhavn "Enterprise". We had a great time with them visiting both boats for “Happy Hour”. We walked all over the island and took a couple of the tours of the local area and one up to the airport on Catalina. While we were there, I caught Mackerel, Whitefish and a small halibut we had to release.

After spending about five days in Avalon, we made our way to the Isthmus Cove. We were one of about four boats in a cove that can handle 100+ boats. We took the dinghy to shore and walked about ¾ of a mile over to Cat Harbor on the ocean facing side. It was a little blustery on the ocean side. We spent two days at Isthmus Cove and then moved to Emerald Cove.

In Emerald Cove we were the only boat. The water was unbelievably clear. From the boat I saw the orange Garibaldi, full size Halibut, a huge Eagle Ray, a couple of Sting Rays and a few Sand Bass. Because the water was so clear and the weather decent, Alexus put on her wet suit and did some snorkeling in and around the kelp forest. I followed her in the dinghy just to make me feel better and not worry about her. She was more than fine as she is a Master Scuba Diver and Divemaster.

We knew the weather was going to turn for the worse and we did not want to be stuck on Catalina, so we left on March 20^th to head for Marina Del Rey and the California Yacht Club. We had stayed with the Club on our way south and wanted to stay with them again on our way back north.

Catalina Island So. California

We spent from March 12th to March19th exploring the Island of Santa Catalina. The weather was decent for this early in the year. Seas were calm, there was little to no wind and the temperature was in the high 60"s to low 70's with full sunshine. We moored out first in Avalon, which is simply beautiful. While we were walking the beach walk, we heard someone calling Alexus' name. We ran into Darcy and Bob who were there on their beautiful 55 Nordhavn "Enterprise". We had a great time with them visiting both boats for “Happy Hour”. We walked all over the island and took a couple of the tours of the local area and one up to the airport on Catalina. While we were there, I caught Mackerel, Whitefish and a small halibut we had to release.

After spending about five days in Avalon, we made our way to the Isthmus Cove. We were one of about four boats in a cove that can handle 100+ boats. We took the dinghy to shore and walked about ¾ of a mile over to Cat Harbor on the ocean facing side. It was a little blustery on the ocean side. We spent two days at Isthmus Cove and then moved to Emerald Cove.

In Emerald Cove we were the only boat. The water was unbelievably clear. From the boat I saw the orange Garibaldi, full size Halibut, a huge Eagle Ray, a couple of Sting Rays and a few Sand Bass. Because the water was so clear and the weather decent, Alexus put on her wet suit and did some snorkeling in and around the kelp forest. I followed her in the dinghy just to make me feel better and not worry about her. She was more than fine as she is a Master Scuba Diver.

We knew the weather was going to turn for the worse and we did not want to be stuck on Catalina, so we left on March 20^th to head for Marina Del Rey and the California Yacht Club. We had stayed with the Club on our way south and wanted to stay with them again on our way back north.

Headed North - San Diego to Oceanside

We left San Diego March 11th and cruised up to Oceanside. It was a nice ride, as the seas were calm and the wind was light. We wanted to break up our trip to Catalina so we stayed at the public dock in Oceanside. It was a nice dock and we were about 20 yards from a Jolly Roger Restaurant so we had a nice dinner, listened to some live music, and retired early to head off to Catalina.

San Diego Late Feb - March 2009

During this time Passage Maker's Trawler Fest was in San Diego. And although not as big as the Trawler Fest in Annacortes Washington, we still wanted to attend the sessions and of course, look at new boats! We were fortunate enough to stay at the municipal docks, that were less than 100 yards from the Kona Kai Hotel where the Trawler Fest was taking place. We ran into John and his parnter Susan who own the first Nordhavn 56' Motorsailer. Susan is a kick and she and John will have the thrill of a lifetime on their new boat. It truly is a beautiful boat with excellent ocean crossing capability.

We also met Darcy and Bob, who are wonderful folks that have a beautiful 55 Nordhavn named "Enterprise". While at Trawler Fest we also spent a great deal of time with Nordhavn broker Gerry and his wife. In fact, at the close of Trawler Fest they were taking a new 55 foot Nordhavn from San Diego back to Dana Point and asked if we would want to assist with the cruise back. Of course we quickly volunteered as this is truly our dreamboat if we ever have an extra $1.5 Million laying around.

So we left San Diego on the N55 and came back via the train on Amtrack. On March 10th we spent a last night at the San Diego Yacht Club, a wonderful full service club, as the next day we would head to Oceanside on the way to Catalina Island