Bottom:Starting under the gate Top: Sitting in Santa Cruz
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Challenges, We Got Challenges
Monterey:
Long overdue update: we were heading down the coast, all prepared for our first overnighter, about 15-20 miles down the coast, the wind just started to pick up, and we were getting ready to raise the sails when the engine died. YIKES!!! So we can sail on down the coast to unknown services, or get towed back to Monterey.
This is not good financially, time wise (weather gets rougher in January), or emotionally. But regardless, here we are. We have met some great people, made some new friends, and HOPEFULLY found the problem with the engine. Part will be delivered tomorrow.
Besides the new friends we have made, the silver lining to this dark cloud is that we get to go home for Christmas!!! Yahoo.
We are renting a car and heading home for a day. Everyone is happy about that.
So, if this part fixes the engine, the next weather window after Christmas, we will be heading out. Otherwise, we may be looking for work in Monterey.
Long overdue update: we were heading down the coast, all prepared for our first overnighter, about 15-20 miles down the coast, the wind just started to pick up, and we were getting ready to raise the sails when the engine died. YIKES!!! So we can sail on down the coast to unknown services, or get towed back to Monterey.
This is not good financially, time wise (weather gets rougher in January), or emotionally. But regardless, here we are. We have met some great people, made some new friends, and HOPEFULLY found the problem with the engine. Part will be delivered tomorrow.
Besides the new friends we have made, the silver lining to this dark cloud is that we get to go home for Christmas!!! Yahoo.
We are renting a car and heading home for a day. Everyone is happy about that.
So, if this part fixes the engine, the next weather window after Christmas, we will be heading out. Otherwise, we may be looking for work in Monterey.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Judging Books
It’s not always comfortable to see things from a different perspective
I’ve been here quite a few times for conferences, and it is totally different without hoards of people here! It is interesting to see places from a totally different perspective. Places you have been in many times become foreign due to the change in your needs from this side of the fence. Last time I was here, I didn’t need block ice, propane, a washer, or a grocery store.
Needs whittle down to actual necessities, or maybe not even necessities, more like basics. I don’t NEED to have a washer and dryer to wash my clothes, but it is nice. Even that, instead of a laundry room, being a requirement, I’m excited because the marina has a washer and dryer.
When we arrived we saw a sea lion swim right under the dock we were walking on, the water was so clear you could easily see his skin and tail flippers and how they moved. Yesterday I saw a jelly fish right by the stairs, I stood and watched him for a long time, way cool!
This is not the trip we had planned, by now we were supposed to have San Diego in the rear view mirror. It is now about transforming the goal oriented, lets get moving, we have places to be mindset. Trying to purpose to enjoy each location each experience for what it has to offer. In Pillar Point, I missed the opportunity to buy crab right off the boat that caught it that morning, I thought it would be there the next day, but the next day the opportunity was gone. Hope I don’t have to learn that lesson too many times.
Looks like tomorrow we will be headed to San Simeon, but if not, maybe I’ll meet an interesting person or maybe a sea otter will show up for breakfast!
I’ve been here quite a few times for conferences, and it is totally different without hoards of people here! It is interesting to see places from a totally different perspective. Places you have been in many times become foreign due to the change in your needs from this side of the fence. Last time I was here, I didn’t need block ice, propane, a washer, or a grocery store.
Needs whittle down to actual necessities, or maybe not even necessities, more like basics. I don’t NEED to have a washer and dryer to wash my clothes, but it is nice. Even that, instead of a laundry room, being a requirement, I’m excited because the marina has a washer and dryer.
When we arrived we saw a sea lion swim right under the dock we were walking on, the water was so clear you could easily see his skin and tail flippers and how they moved. Yesterday I saw a jelly fish right by the stairs, I stood and watched him for a long time, way cool!
This is not the trip we had planned, by now we were supposed to have San Diego in the rear view mirror. It is now about transforming the goal oriented, lets get moving, we have places to be mindset. Trying to purpose to enjoy each location each experience for what it has to offer. In Pillar Point, I missed the opportunity to buy crab right off the boat that caught it that morning, I thought it would be there the next day, but the next day the opportunity was gone. Hope I don’t have to learn that lesson too many times.
Looks like tomorrow we will be headed to San Simeon, but if not, maybe I’ll meet an interesting person or maybe a sea otter will show up for breakfast!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Keeping in Touch
Monterey is lovely, sunny, warm, and you can walk to most places you need to go. I have only found 1 coffee shop that is internet friendly and it is a bit of a walk, I earn that coffee!!
There is a Dennis the Menace park, a kids science museum and of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium. My daughter Mandy was thinking about coming here and taking in the Aquarium while we were here, so my mind is going down the what if route. Sadly, we will be gone before she can bring Lilly down.
Mandy says that when she turns on her computer 1 year old Lilly looks to see if I’m there!! Being away from family is tough, but the computer and phones help. With skype and instant messaging on the computer, it is much easier to stay connected especially with the little ones.
There is a Dennis the Menace park, a kids science museum and of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium. My daughter Mandy was thinking about coming here and taking in the Aquarium while we were here, so my mind is going down the what if route. Sadly, we will be gone before she can bring Lilly down.
Mandy says that when she turns on her computer 1 year old Lilly looks to see if I’m there!! Being away from family is tough, but the computer and phones help. With skype and instant messaging on the computer, it is much easier to stay connected especially with the little ones.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Too Much Time to Think
I think it is better to keep moving, you don't have time to develop apprehension. Tomorrow Monterey, then our first overnighter; Monterey to San Simeon.
I think it is about 20 hours. We leave around noon so we can arrive in the morning, that way if it takes longer than 20 hours we will still have lots of daylight left.
Very exciting stuff
I think it is about 20 hours. We leave around noon so we can arrive in the morning, that way if it takes longer than 20 hours we will still have lots of daylight left.
Very exciting stuff
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Location Location Location
You may be able to see where we are via this link:
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0erIBM0uMFTif0sWNvrfZqN90UrvqWyxF
SPOT is the economy cruiser's friend!!
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0erIBM0uMFTif0sWNvrfZqN90UrvqWyxF
SPOT is the economy cruiser's friend!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Santa Cruz Stall
It has been nice to be here where my sister is. She has been kind enough to share her car, so we can get some things done. Also, short walk to a bathroom, and a nice coffee house “The Kind Grind” They are very nice there, free internet and great view of the ocean. So here we are stuck in Santa Cruz, waiting for the weather to break. Looks like maybe Monday before we leave.
Wednsday was a little rough, it was cold, and I am apprehensive about the upcoming overnighter to San Simeon. Debated on whether to share my feelings, but good bad or ugly, it may help someone later.
When it is cold, no wind, and you have been motoring for days with what feels like little progress, spirits sag. While dreaming and planning the adventure, you pictures idyllic days with smooth sea’s, sun, fair winds, and surfing long slow swells.
You do NOT plan for no wind, wallowing in beam on waves, ice cold, and sleepless nights with clanging noises and jerking boat movements. I see people shopping, going out to eat, dressed like regular people, not homeless people and I wonder. This is when doubts arise. Did we do the right thing? Is this a mistake? Are we strong enough, mentally and physically?
We have determined this is the price of admission, and it is paid in advance. So, we will pay the price, and continue on with sunny skies, and warm sandy beaches in our dreams.
Wednsday was a little rough, it was cold, and I am apprehensive about the upcoming overnighter to San Simeon. Debated on whether to share my feelings, but good bad or ugly, it may help someone later.
When it is cold, no wind, and you have been motoring for days with what feels like little progress, spirits sag. While dreaming and planning the adventure, you pictures idyllic days with smooth sea’s, sun, fair winds, and surfing long slow swells.
You do NOT plan for no wind, wallowing in beam on waves, ice cold, and sleepless nights with clanging noises and jerking boat movements. I see people shopping, going out to eat, dressed like regular people, not homeless people and I wonder. This is when doubts arise. Did we do the right thing? Is this a mistake? Are we strong enough, mentally and physically?
We have determined this is the price of admission, and it is paid in advance. So, we will pay the price, and continue on with sunny skies, and warm sandy beaches in our dreams.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Santa Cruz
Here we are in Santa Cruz. COLD COLD COLD!!! But the good news is my sister Cheryl lives here and we have wheels!! So got some laundry done, and a couple of things we "needed". THANKS CHERYL, also thanks for the happy hour tacos, haha!!
Came in around 6pm last night and was a little scary. You head for the beach and make a left just before the sand, oh and there are breakers at the entrance so wait for a lull between sets. On our first approach there appeared to be a boat in the channel. So went around again, and established that it was a dredger, but just stay to the right, and in the center of the channel.
Would prefer not to do that again. Oh, well, here and safe.
Weather permitting will head to Monterey tomorrow.
Did I mention it was cold? Now tell me again, why we didn't fly down to Mexico and buy a boat there?
Came in around 6pm last night and was a little scary. You head for the beach and make a left just before the sand, oh and there are breakers at the entrance so wait for a lull between sets. On our first approach there appeared to be a boat in the channel. So went around again, and established that it was a dredger, but just stay to the right, and in the center of the channel.
Would prefer not to do that again. Oh, well, here and safe.
Weather permitting will head to Monterey tomorrow.
Did I mention it was cold? Now tell me again, why we didn't fly down to Mexico and buy a boat there?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Proper Cruisers????
Second night in Pillar Point. Don’t feel like much of a real cruiser, staying at marinas like this. BUT we are still working out our systems, the dinghy must be inflated if we anchor out and want/need to go in, and we will be rowing.
Marcus is smart to realize that we need to be rested up for these passages. To those who have done them for a long time, it may seem small day trips. To us, it is an adjustment to say the least.
I for one have lowered my “standards” of what I thought we would be doing. The key is we are doing it. We are doing it in the manner that is safe for us, that works for us. If I have learned anything in the last few days, it is that every trip/passage is different. Different winds, different sea conditions, different temperatures, different temperaments, different physical abilities. Just different.
Marcus is smart to realize that we need to be rested up for these passages. To those who have done them for a long time, it may seem small day trips. To us, it is an adjustment to say the least.
I for one have lowered my “standards” of what I thought we would be doing. The key is we are doing it. We are doing it in the manner that is safe for us, that works for us. If I have learned anything in the last few days, it is that every trip/passage is different. Different winds, different sea conditions, different temperatures, different temperaments, different physical abilities. Just different.
Out the Golden Gate- Left Turn
It was a solemn morning, both quiet and all business as we prepared. Listened carefully to the weather, started the engine and dropped the mooring ball.
This is it.
So we made it out, only one other sailboat off in the distance, it was early, cold and windy. Yesterday tons of sailboats out, but today, it was just us and in incoming barge.
Lumpy, seas, cold with a lot of wave action. I think it took us close to 7 hours to make it to Pillar Point. With the waves, we had to adjust our direction so the waves didn't continually toss us about.
The Moon held up well, and we had most things pretty well stowed. It seemed to take forever, and we had a little spray over the bow, and a few sprinkles. We took a slip for the night, not feeling very cruiserlike, but we are still finding our way, and it was good to turn on the heater.
It was a good thing too, as it rained like crazy last night, and we were snug and warm all night.
I'm working on passagemaking tips like, "make sure one shirt is tucked into your pants so your back does not get cold"
Don't know if this is making any sense, I'm still a little tired this morning, but looking forward to warmer weather.
This is it.
So we made it out, only one other sailboat off in the distance, it was early, cold and windy. Yesterday tons of sailboats out, but today, it was just us and in incoming barge.
Lumpy, seas, cold with a lot of wave action. I think it took us close to 7 hours to make it to Pillar Point. With the waves, we had to adjust our direction so the waves didn't continually toss us about.
The Moon held up well, and we had most things pretty well stowed. It seemed to take forever, and we had a little spray over the bow, and a few sprinkles. We took a slip for the night, not feeling very cruiserlike, but we are still finding our way, and it was good to turn on the heater.
It was a good thing too, as it rained like crazy last night, and we were snug and warm all night.
I'm working on passagemaking tips like, "make sure one shirt is tucked into your pants so your back does not get cold"
Don't know if this is making any sense, I'm still a little tired this morning, but looking forward to warmer weather.
On to Sausalito!
12/4/09
Benicia Marina, nice, but lacking customer service. Also, NO INTERNET sure wish they would join the 20th century.
Benicia old town is about a block away, and tonight they were having a really nice street Christmas Fair, and the Yacht club here was having a big party. We are just too tired to participate. I walked 8 blocks to Safeway for a few things and forgot the tortillas, oh well.
Another short day, late getting out due to fog, and then had to fight the tidal currents, looks like tomorrow will be the same. But for tonight a warm, quiet place to stay,
12/5/09
This morning when we saw there was no fog to speak of, we decided to get a quick move on and try to catch a ride with the tide, as we had been at odds with it the entire trip. At one point I thought of Marcus and I as a cartoon, he would portray me as slamming around, at Tasmanian Devil Speeds with similar results. I would portray him as UBER slow motion, looking at every nit an picking it. HAHA we make a good team, but sometimes we do chafe a bit!!
12/5/09 PM
Sausalito, Richardson Bay. Got the heavy weather jib up, chart plotter working, figured out jack lines. Jack line-a rope that is tied to the boat and then you connect a tether to the rope and to your harness so if some reason you start to fall off the boat, you are still connected to the boat and climb back onboard. This is mostly done on passage making, sailing at night or during heavy weather. We want to be a little more cautious, so even though this is really just a day sail to Half Moon Bay, we will try out the safety gear.
I tried to straighten up the inside of the boat a bit, but it still feels pretty cramped and messy. It will take some time for things to find their place. Feels like I may have over provisioned the food a bit (Marcus is ready to start chucking stuff overboard) but we shall see.
Benicia Marina, nice, but lacking customer service. Also, NO INTERNET sure wish they would join the 20th century.
Benicia old town is about a block away, and tonight they were having a really nice street Christmas Fair, and the Yacht club here was having a big party. We are just too tired to participate. I walked 8 blocks to Safeway for a few things and forgot the tortillas, oh well.
Another short day, late getting out due to fog, and then had to fight the tidal currents, looks like tomorrow will be the same. But for tonight a warm, quiet place to stay,
12/5/09
This morning when we saw there was no fog to speak of, we decided to get a quick move on and try to catch a ride with the tide, as we had been at odds with it the entire trip. At one point I thought of Marcus and I as a cartoon, he would portray me as slamming around, at Tasmanian Devil Speeds with similar results. I would portray him as UBER slow motion, looking at every nit an picking it. HAHA we make a good team, but sometimes we do chafe a bit!!
12/5/09 PM
Sausalito, Richardson Bay. Got the heavy weather jib up, chart plotter working, figured out jack lines. Jack line-a rope that is tied to the boat and then you connect a tether to the rope and to your harness so if some reason you start to fall off the boat, you are still connected to the boat and climb back onboard. This is mostly done on passage making, sailing at night or during heavy weather. We want to be a little more cautious, so even though this is really just a day sail to Half Moon Bay, we will try out the safety gear.
I tried to straighten up the inside of the boat a bit, but it still feels pretty cramped and messy. It will take some time for things to find their place. Feels like I may have over provisioned the food a bit (Marcus is ready to start chucking stuff overboard) but we shall see.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
AND THEY'RE OFF!
WE HAVE ACTUALLY LEFT THE DOCK!! We are tied up to the guest dock at Pittsburg Yacht Club guest dock; FOR FREE. Thank you friends and Andres Cove Yacht Club! It makes the transition from dirt dweller to cruiser a little easier. We have nice docks, free electricity, internet, and ICE!! Thanks to Kandie, bartender at the club.
Tomorrow, hopefully Richmond Yacht Club, or maybe China Camp, just depends on tide, winds and sun.
It was a tough couple of days getting out of Dodge, but we finally made it.
Tomorrow, hopefully Richmond Yacht Club, or maybe China Camp, just depends on tide, winds and sun.
It was a tough couple of days getting out of Dodge, but we finally made it.
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