Where did the wind go?

We had a great trip this weekend to Catalina's West End, Santa Barbara Island, Little Harbor on the back side of Catalina and then home to Alamitos Bay.

There were five of 'us gals' aboard for the first day. We motorsailed to the Isthmus for mooring practice, dropped Page off to catch up with her hubby, and then anchored for the night in Big Geiger Cove. Next morning we got underway early and motorsailed (sound familiar?) to the anchorage at Santa Barbara Island. After lunch, we went ashore to find a sick bull Sea Lion blocking our access to the stairs and the rest of the Island. After being charged by him a few times, and yours truly climbing the outside of the pier to the next level, we were able to persuade him to move elsewhere by banging on the landing platform with a 20 foot piece of PVC pipe. We later learned that the pipe is left there for that very purpose.

After that drama, we hiked the island to see the views, dozens of baby gull chicks and eggs in nests, more sea lions (at a distance) 1000's of gulls screeching, a quick visit with researchers counting cormorants, and then the long hike back to the landing. Our friend hadn't returned, so we launched the dinghy and rowed back to the boat for some well deserved beverages and a great dinner. We spent a quiet night at anchor and all slept like the dead.

We were all moving slow the next morning but that was fine as we were waiting/hoping for the wind to come up. No luck. We motorsailed some more back to Catalina and anchored in Little Harbor. After dropping the bow anchor, the 'girls' rowed the stern anchor out and we pulled back to spend a very comfortable night. We went ashore for a nice walk, so we could eat more, and again rewarded ourselves with a nice happy hour and dinner. And brownies, as we watched the moon rise over the Island. Sweet.

Monday morning we pulled the anchors and guess what? Motorsailed back around the east end of the island and back to A Bay. A little short on wind, but a great trip with a great group of gals. Click HERE for a full gallery of photos on our Facebook page.

The next trip will be the Intro To Cruising Mexico in July. Contact me for more info.

The seminar this week is on Thursday, July 1st at 6:00 PM. As usual, at the Long Beach West Marine Store. The topic is Local Cruising Destinations - perfect for the 4th weekend, as Catalina will be jammed. here are lots of great places to visit any time of year, that are close by and fun. I hope to see you there.

Have a great Fourth, and join me next week on Wednesday July 7 for Cruising The Channel Islands.

Holly