September 5, 2007

We left for Moro Bay on Saturday, August 25, but once out on the ocean decided to go to Santa Barbara instead. That meant another overnight at sea. When Ralph was grilling dinner on the barbecue two whales breached right behind him and startled us all. That was a most impressive experience. That day we had many porpoise and jellyfish sightings, as well.  We felt as if we were jellyfish experts after learning all about them at the Monterey Aquarium. We arrived in Santa Barbara early in the afternoon of the 26th. Ken's wife's son and his spouse, Chad and Isabel, and their brand new baby, Clara, came up from Thousand Oaks to visit. 

We decided to stay overnight in Santa Barbara so that we could lunch with longtime family friends of mine, Patrick and Helen McCarthy. We had a wonderful time catching up at a restaurant at the Marina, Brophy's. Then we were treated by them to a car trip to a produce market and for a tour of their beautiful home in the hills. We could see our boat from their home. Next, Patrick took us on a sightseeing drive through Santa Barbara and we ended up at the incredible Courthouse that has a 360 view of the area. The spectacularly adorned building is a work of art with painted surfaces, colorful tile, leather benches and doors and many other delights. It is not to be missed.  It was a wonderful afternoon.

On Tuesday, we left for Marina Del Rey, and, after clearing the fog, we were able to sail all day until we lowered the sails in order to get to the transient moorage site at Burton Chance Park before 10:00 p.m. per their request. I had hoped to get together with nephew Nick who lives nearby but he was in D.C. on a business trip so we took off on the 29th and again sailed all day to Newport. Newport Harbor is quite the place - our moorage was a couple miles in, and the entire way is lined with large houses and mansions and really big motor and sailboats interspersed with restaurants and other businesses. Ken's son, Barry, lives in Irvine and we were happy to meet him when he picked up his dad for dinner. My sister Mary and her husband Joel live in Irvine, too, and Ralph and I had a great meal and very fun time with them at Kimera Restaurant.

We headed off for San Diego on the 30th, but in calling for transient moorage there found that most was booked and there was "no room at the inn". That necessitated a change of plans and we headed for Oceanside. It is always nice to get ashore and take a walk, I must say.  While there, we were able to apply for long-term moorage at a marina in San Diego and that spot was available on the 31st and so we arrived at our final destination for this leg of the trip intact and very happy. Ken left on the 31st.  Ralph and I stayed into early September to visit my folks in La Jolla and see more of my sister  and family and cousin and family before heading back to Albuquerque (Ralph to build the house) and Olympia (me to sell that house).  It seemed very strange to not be heading out to a new destination down the coast. Our time on the Pacific was short, but the experience was intense. It was our incredible journey and we now have a taste of what is in store.  We expect it will combine fun, work, trepidation and lots of excitement.  

 

Ralph held to his motto: "On time and on target". He did a great job with his sailing, seamanship and navigation skills. He sure is a talented guy and always has another great idea on how to spend some quality time!  And, our boat is exceptional, it just keeps floating!