Raven’s Adventure

October 22-November 3 We left Dana Point with calm seas and little wind. Only when we turned into San Diego did the winds come up. We spent about 45 minutes dodging lobster pots. We pulled into the Shelter Island Police Dock seven hours later. Our home for two weeks. We were greeted by Kim aboard Amazing Grace. The people we’ve met along the way have been so nice and helpful. The area around our dock is gorgeous. Large two story homes facing the water. It’s funny, being on a police dock you’d think you’d be safe, but there are many sketchy live aboards among us. The restrooms at night bring many homeless people. Shelter Island is about a 1/2 hour walk away. Have made many trips into town. All of the grocery stores are a bus or Uber ride away. Nina/Bill pulled in next to us the second night. The four of us took a trip into Otay Mesa, Mexico to pick up our TIP, which is a temporary import permit needed for all boats heading to Mexico. It reminded me of Trains, planes and automobiles. A...

Saturday 10/19 10:00 am was leaving time. Hiked up the main and set sail for Dana Point. Followed the coast line. Not too much wind so we motor sailed along at 6.5 knots. We had a bit of a swell that carried us along. Our friendly dolphins were back. We both hung out at the bow and watched them playfully swim. Reached Dana Point at 3:45 and discovered we didn’t have a spot at the YC. Went into the West Basin which was a public dock. We were given a spot that was way to small for us and we had a hell of a time turning around and going into an available one that fit our boat. A very busy place. We dodged kayakers, paddle boarders and small crafts... This is the SUP capital of the world, and we can attest to that. We met a lovely couple from Ventura, Rolf/Diana on Starfire a 42’ Tartan. Drinks and scrabble and the day was over. Sunday 10/20 Woke up to a very.... busy harbor. Must have been 100 SUP boarders around our boat. Tons of walkers and a group of kids taking sailing classes. Not...

Wednesday 10/16 Left Marina Del Rey at 10:30. With the main and Genoa up we got a bit of a push from the winds. Sailed a third of the way before it died. Kevin had fixed the auto pilot so that was a relief. The trip to San Pedro was only 21 miles. Very mild conditions. As we circled into the harbor the winds really came up. (Of course) Our slip was right in front of the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club. A nice facility. Got all settled in and Kevin’s cousin Kerry Brady came by for dinner. He owns a business down here and lives in Long Beach so he graciously accepted a few Amazon packages for us. Fixed him a nice tuna dinner and the boys had a great time catching up. Thursday 10/17 It was time for a pedicure for these old feet. Ventured into old town and found a salon that only charged me $20. Kevin checked out the county library and we met at the grocery store. Lots of duplexes and apartments. Probably for all the cannery workers that use to be employed here. Kerry picked us up for dinner...

Sat 10/12 Kevin spent the morning cleaning off the dirt from the Santa Anna winds. Unreal how the dirt got into every nook and cranny. The weather is as calm as calm can get as well. Tim/Lee let us borrow their car to make a run to an auto parts store to p/up some well needed oil filters and a side trip to Trader Joe’s. Kevin changed the oil as I busied myself inside. We had Lee/Tim over for HH to thank them. A walk to a Greek restaurant for dinner. Sunday 10/13 We finally got our repaired mainsail back and Kevin and I installed it early in the am to avoid the winds. He worked on whipping lines while I scrubbed floors. It’s amazing how much time we spend cleaning this boat. Walked along the shore to the Channel Island History Center. Very interesting. The yacht club was hosting a free meal this evening so we went along with Tim/Lee. We sure enjoy Spending time at all these yacht clubs. People are so pleasant and love to talk to you about your journey. I have to say tho...

Wednesday 10/9 Couldn’t wait to leave this morning and get away from this windy island. Our anchor was imbedded quite deeply due to the prolonged exhaustive gale force winds. Kevin had another sleepless night. Put the Genoa up and motor sailed all day with very flat seas. Tried using the auto pilot again but it would work for awhile and stop. Hand steered most of the way. Thankful for a calm day. Again, we had tons of dolphins playing around the boat. We never get tired of watching them. I always thought I’d like to come back as a bird someday,  but maybe not. A dolphins life looks really fun. Made it to Ventura in record time. Tied up to the guest dock at Ventura Yacht Club and couldn’t wait to take a well deserved shower. Met Tim and Lee French on Sojourn from Morro Bay who are doing the Haha as well. Thursday 10/10 Took a walk around the Marina. It’s a nice complex with lots of boutiques, restaurants and galleries. Found a sailmaker to repair our mainsail. A small tear and ...

Saturday 10/5 Took our rental car back. Sure was fun seeing the area on land. Spent a few hours on San Luis Obispo. What a sweet and beautiful town. All the modern day stores with a home town feeling. Had lunch at a nice vegan cafe. I would love to visit there another time. Back in Morro Bay, there was a Harvest Festival going on. The town was booming with visitors. A car show with a couple dozen “woody” cars from the 30/40’s. Stunning. Boy I would love to own one of those. Got together with Campbell, Jen, Paul, Sharon, Ally and Spencer for some fun time listening and dancing to a great band. Boy, when did we get so old. The average age on the dance floor was 60+. Had dinner and to bed early. We are really going to miss this place. My favorite so far. Sunday 10/6 Shoved off at 6:45 am. A pod of dolphins greeted us. It is so much fun watching them swim along the bow. We motor sailed the entire day as there was no wind. The main and Genoa gave us a push. We had a perfect sunny day w...