November 15th

We left San Francisco Bay on October 26th, thinking we'd be in Mexico by now. LOL. Of course weather has something to do with our slow progress down this amazing coast, but mostly it's that the "cruiser mentality" has finally set in. We stopped worrying so much about how quickly we could get "there", and started enjoying "here". I think that started when we were forced by the weather gods to stay several days in Morro Bay. We'd planned at least two days there to recover from a very rough overnighter, James hand steering for 18 hours while Dominga suffered 10 hours of dry heaves.

Morro Bay was pretty, and the people were incredibly nice. We docked at MBYC, which did not have full reciprocal privileges but had nice facilities and plenty to do while waiting out the weather.

From Morrow Bay we went with Sabrina, a boat we met at MYBC to San Miguel, beautiful island, rolly anchorage though.

Next was SBYC in Santa Barbara, where we spent a wonderful relaxing day, then met friends for breakfast and headed out either to Santa Cruz Island or Oxnard. We chose the island, gorgeous. Amazingly clear waters. We anchored in 20 feet and could actually see the anchor! Dolphins followed us into the little bay, and when we took the dinghy out to explore, we saw purple sea urchins and star fish!!

After a rough night at anchor we set sail towards Oxnard. Arriving late, we took a transient berth for $45. WOW. Next night we went across the marina to the Channel Islands Yacht Club for two lovely free evenings with wifi and hot showers. We met the nicest couple who gave great advice on other yacht clubs we might enjoy. Taking their advice (Thank you Mary & Kurt!!) we are now in Marina Del Rey, where we've spent two nights, and met more great people. Dina & Malcom from Canada on Good as Gold, and Jeanne Socrates.. a truly amazing woman who at the age of 70 has recently completed her second circumnavigation alone.

After a great $5 breakfast at Killer Cafe in Venice, we are now getting ready to set sail...or most likely motor for lack of winds to either Santa Catalina Island or Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro...we'll let you know later which way the wind blew.