IT'S OFFICIAL!!

After many months (if not years) of planning, we finally have a departure date.  Nerve wracking is an understatement.  We have spent all summer cruising from place to place in southern California trying not to pay slip fees knowing that we wanted to be on our way to the Gulf Coast by the early part of November.  We had been in contact with a trucking company as early as January, but they kept telling us to call next month, call next month, it's too early, it's too early.  Well, finally, we have a price, we have a trucking company, we have a load (departure) point, and we have a date.  It's also nice to have a slip up until the departure date, too - thank you CIYC.

On October 14, the boat will load onto a big-ass truck.  Then, on October 18, she is going to leave California en route to Rockport, Texas, a small town with a really nice marina and lift facility just outside Corpus Christi.  The boat should arrive around 10/22 and be in the water later that day.  I cannot say enough good things (at least at the moment) about the trucking company, the loaders in Marina Del Rey and the launchers at Rockport.  Everyone is so nice and accommodating.  I guess we'll see. 

Nevertheless, for the first time in months, I am happily excited.  Just yesterday, I was wallowing in depression not knowing if and/or when we were actually going to go.  It has been tough wondering what is going to happen.  I mean, I closed my law practice, leased my house, gave up my slip - all in anticipation of this moment.  It has been very difficult not knowing from week to week what is happening or where we will be.  Not to mention the fact that sitting around spending money is not all that practical.  It's one thing to do that when we are gone cruising.  It is entirely another thing to do that while hanging in limbo.  At least now we are going to be on our way to financial ruin instead of sitting around watching it happen.  I guess now, I will be able to do this and not wish I could or wish I had.  Whatever happens, happens.  I have always been one to encourage others to do what we are doing.  I had no idea that it is a lot easier said than done.  The emotional part of it is really heavy.  There are so many things to consider.  I do not even know where to begin.

Where does one begin?  Each step, one in front of the other.  The problem is that we also have eyes that we can see with.  And, if we are reasonably acute, this means we see out in front of where we step.  This comes in handy when trying to avoid land mines or piles of dog shit.  But, that kind of vision, of which I actually pride myself, has its drawbacks.  Whereas it would be nice, from time to time, to walk through life not worrying about where we step, and just enjoying whatever it is we step in, I, for one, have not been tuned that way.  I like to have a plan - and a back up plan, and have the vision to see which contingency I could possibly encounter next.  This is a tough way to go about it.  I can assure you that when you are in limbo like we have been for the last few months, this kind of vision inspires nightmares and lots of sleepless nights.  So, to actually have a plan helps.

What it helps is clarifying the vision.  You see, when you have a goal or a long term plan, it is nice to see the steps toward it.  For folks like me, it is nice to see as many steps in front as possible.  Not having any vision is like being lost in the fog.  Even if you have a radar, and, more importantly, know how to use it, you cannot help but imagine the consequences of that ugly blip that you cannot seem to shake.  That blip gets closer and closer, but you cannot make it out and you cannot see it.  We have crossed the shipping lanes plenty of times in the fog, when the radar shows a ship in front and one behind at rather close distances.  You can see them on the radar.  You know they are there.  But you cannot see them, you cannot hear them, you just wait for their wake to finally realize that they were actually there.

So, now the fog is lifting and the radar is clear.  I cannot relax, though.  I wish it were possible.  Then again, I decided this afternoon to go celebrate.  We have a plan and I am going to the bar for a drink. or two, or three.  My friends Harry and Mel joined me.  I cannot tell you how nice it was to share my elation with two of my best friends.  Being happy and excited is good, but sharing it with close friends is the best thing in the world.

So now things are getting real real.  I am down to the short list of things to do before our departure.  My truck is getting fixed, I'll be getting the hole in the dink repaired next week (I need the truck for that).  Then, it will be time to start packing up the boat and getting her ready to travel 1600 miles by truck to new cruising grounds.  I have to start studying the weather patterns in the gulf, not to mention the nautical charts and great loop web sites.  I have an awful lot to do. (Actually, I have been doing this for the last several months).  Now, however, I can do it knowing that there is a start line.  I am not going to worry about the finish line at this point.  It is true that, in life, more often than not, the start line is where things all begin.  You cannot win if you do not make it to the start line.  You cannot lose either.  But losing never happens unless you play.  I have never been one to accept losing as an acceptable alternative to winning.  Hell, winning IS everything (never mind the commy pinko liberal whackos who say it's all about how you play the game - that's a lot of BS).  Losing is not a bad thing if you get to the start line and go for the win.  But, you play to win - ALWAYS.

So, here we go.  In the coming episodes of the life and times of M/V Abreojos, I'll fill you in on the things we are doing to get prepared - in the final laps, so to speak.  Much of the work to be done is already done and has been done for months.  Now the list is growing shorter, but more critical in some respects.  It could be worse.  At least now, I have a real purpose.  I'm going to make sure Brenda has the best time of her life - that neither of us will have any regrets, that we will continue to grow from our experiences and continue to love each other even more than the day before.  This is what it's all about.

We just celebrated out 20th anniversary.  What a way to kick off the next 20.  I wish all of my friends the love I feel and the sun on my shoulders at this moment.  Today was a good day.

It's interesting to say the least

Cruising is really a fancy way of describing having to repair your vessel and appurtenances in exotic locations.  This is the case.  We have a hole in the dinghy.  When we were last at Cat Harbor, the wind shifted in a funny way and the dink got sucked under the swim step when the boat shifted int he wind.  There are bolts that poke through the bottom of the swim step which secure the dink cradle thereto.  Well, one of the bolts went right through the dink and made a 1/4 inch hole.  I tried to repair it, but it seems, based on a conversation I had with the folks at Ventura Inflatable Boat Specialists that it has to be patched from the inside and the outside.  So, I have to take it in and have a professional make the repair.  In the interim, I am going to do something about those damn bolts.Looking after Your Dinghy

The next project is to change the impeller on the generator's water pump.  I figure it is better to get it done in advance of needing to do so.  That will be my project for this Sunday.

In the mean time, we visited the Ventura County Gun Show.  What an interesting place.  Having been a criminal lawyer for the better part of the last 20 years, it occurred to me that none of my former clients were there.  I saw so many patriots.  Many of these folks come decked out in their American flag garb and NRA uniforms.  I am not a big believer in guns and do not own one.  While I like to shoot and am a pretty good shot, I have always been concerned about hurting myself.  Even still, there was a lot of interesting memorabilia to look at.  It's just curious to me how people might be interested in acquiring tactical assault weapons.  I don't think one would use such a device to hunt - at least not four legged animals.  I completely support any body's right to bear firearms - and I do not believe that there should be any limitations on this right.  It is just interesting to me that folks might want to own such a device.  Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for Personal Defense and Protection

Later that night, we visited the Channel Islands Yacht Club.  I was Commodore there in 2009.  It was nice to go back.  We have been cruising for the last few months and have not gone there.  Even before that, we were quite busy preparing to go cruising and did not go there.  I was nervous about going in, but very quickly felt warm and welcome.  I appreciated all the kind words and greetings.  It was like coming home, but without all the BS.  I was good with it.  Brenda had a good time as well.  Since we will be in the harbor for a couple more weeks, we will likely go back for a cocktail from time to time.

Tomorrow is a work day.  Boat maintenance is a never ending process.  It is important to keep the vessel ship-shape.  You all have a great day.

A Whale of a ride

On Tuesday, we left Redondo Beach (King Harbor) for the ride back to Channel Islands Harbor.  It was overcast, but not foggy.  The water in Santa Monica Bay was calm and glassy.  As soon as we left the harbor, we started spotting whales.  They were in groups (pods) of 4-6.  We saw several pods as we crossed the mouth of the bay.  We also saw dolphin, and a bunch of sea lions.  Birds were working everywhere.  It seemed to me at the time that Santa Monica Bay is in rather good health.  Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

Well, other than all the whales and other mammalian wild life, we had a totally uneventful ride.

We arrived in Channel Islands Harbor and have a space on the CIYC guest dock.  Port Captain Bill Cline could not have been more helpful and easy going.  Got in a good nap that afternoon.

Wednesday, I had the pleasure of rejoining my friends aboard S/V Fusee skippered by my friend, Harry.  We sailed very well for light conditions.  It was a blast.  Drank way too much that night.  It's all good.

We finally achieved receipt of a firm proposal from the company that is going to take our boat from California to Texas.  What a nightmare!  I have learned a lot about the specialized industry of hauling boats across country.  For instance, 16' is a magic number.  If you load over 16, you are called a "super load" and that involves substantially more expense and headache for all concerned.  As it is, Arizona is crazy.  There appears to be one railroad bridge in the middle of f'ing nowhere that requires the truck to detour 90 miles on lonely off highway roads.  In Arizona, this means a special permit, two pilot vehicles, one of which must have a height pole, and the required hiring of 3 Arizona highway patrol officers to escort.  For a state that is mostly vast desert, it seems ludicrous.  Well, it is what it is and we just have to deal with it.Tractor-Trailer Trucker: A Powerful Truck Book.  Secrets the Trucking Companies Don't Want You to Know! Trucking in America.

So things are moving forward.  We now have to select the precise date.  It seems we will be leaving from San Diego as this is the most convenient for the truck.  We cannot leave from Oxnard because they cannot get out of Oxnard if we load as high as 15'9".  So, we'll go to San Diego again.  We liked it there anyways.

Cat Harbor for our 20th Anniversary

This year, on August 18, Brenda and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.  What an astounding 20 years it has been.  We were luck enough to have been joined by our friends, Dave and Kim, for two weeks at Cat.  We had a great time.  We fished, dived, snorkled, hiked, ate great food, drank, and otherwise relaxed and had a wonderful time.  I think I read 6 books in 14 days.  Dave is a very good chef and I enjoy cooking with him.  I learned several new recipes and preparations.  The weather was perfect each and every day.  Dave made chocolate peanutbutter cupcakes for Brenda.  We made sushi.  We prepared different salsas.  We did things with fish tacos that nobody could even think possible.  I think the only culinary mishap we experienced was when I turned my back on the BBQ and a sea gull made off with the last third of our tri-tip.  Oh well, we were full anyways.  Cooking on a boat is not quite like cooking in your large and spacious kitchen at home.  It takes organization and thought.  But, at least in my opinion, the food is so much more satisfying.  Given that cuisine is arguably a function of all your senses, it makes sense that taste is affected by the view.  You cannot beat the view on the water.  It really doesn't matter if the view is from behind a rocky breakwall with not a tree in sight.  The water is still captivating. 

We want to thank Dave and Kim for literally planning their vacation around our anniversary.  Their presence made it extra special.  While they were there to celebrate the last 20 years, they were also there to celebrate the next 20 years, the kick off for which will be a 2 year (hopefully) adventure circumnavingating the eastern half of the USA via the intercoastal waterways, river systems and canals.

So, what have we been up to?

We left Channel Islands Harbor, basically for good, on July 2 of this year.  We wpent two weeks cruising around Santa Cruz Island, Santa Barbara Island, Catalina Island, and Newport Beach. 

We visited a couple anchorages at Santa Cruz Island we have not been to in a long time.  Our first stop was Platt's Harbor.  This place is sort of an open roadstead, and would not be a good anchorage in anything but the most settled weather during the summer.  The weather was overcast and cool, but the water was flat.  We had the opportunity to explore the beach and the riverbed leading back into a gorgeous canyon.  The wild flowers were in bloom.  We collected shells and rocks.  It was very relaxing.

We left Platts and headed west to Painted Cave.  If you have never been there, it is quite a place.  We took the dinghy all the way back into the cave where sunlight simply does not penetrate.  It is dark and wet.  However, with a flashlight, you can see the colors on the walls and ceiling that give this cave its name.  At the back of the main cave, there is a right hand turn that leads into total darkness.  We would have gone further, but the surge was getting pretty strong back there and we did not have the best lights.  As we got to that back corner, it seemed our presence in there disturbed a bunch of sea lions laying on unseen rocks and shelves.  They really made quite a racket; their loud barks and shouts echoing from seemingly every direction.  The smell was quite impressive as well.  So, we turned around and started heading back out of the cave.  The opening to the cave is over 100 feet high. 

It was way too deep and rolly to anchor comfortably in front of the cave, so we went back to Cueva Valdez anchorage.  Cueva is only a couple miles by dinghy from Painted Cave.  When we got there, there were only two other boats in the anchorage.  We lined up a good spot and skillfully placed two anchors.  Then, it was time to explore.  Cueva Valdez has a beautiful white sandy beach in the back.  The best access to this beach is through a cave.  The cave has three openings - one on the ocean side, one on the bay side, and one on the beach side.  The cavern is very large.  The floor of the cavern is covered with sand and rock.  You have to pull the dinghy all the way back up to the back wall of the cavern so it doesn't leave without you at a tide change.  From there, the beach is wide open and there is access to the valley and riverbeds that makes for a nice hike.  Again, we spent time on the beach exploring, hiking and climbing.

From Cueva Valdez, we went to Little Scorpions, also on the north side of Santa Cruz Island.  There was a big south swell going off at the time so we stayed on the north side of the island.  The idea at this point was staging for the long run out to Santa Barbara Island.  The east end was essentially closed out due to the high surf, but Little Scorpions was as gentle as could be.  We anchored towards the east side of the bay and had an unobstructed view of so many birds and other wild life.  It was very quiet.  We took the dinghy ashore to visit the island natural history center.  We had a nice stroll and enjoyed learning about the history of the island.  While there, many tourists were clearing out.  I guess it was Sunday (I have lost track of time).  So, once they all loaded onto the last Island Packers Boat of the day, we had the place all to ourselves.  We were sitting on a park bench and noticed two Island Foxes running through the grass.  In all the years I have been visiting Santa Cruz Island, I had never seen one before.  After a gentle evening on the hook, it was time to depart for Santa Barbara Island.

Santa Barbara Island is a small rock that sticks up out of the ocean about 48 miles out to sea off the coast of Southern California.  The waters there are normally very clear.  The diving opportunities out there are not to be missed.  The last time we visited this island, we were able to get on the rock and hiked the southern trail that takes you to the south west side of the island overlooking Sutil Island.  We had hoped to hike the northern trail this time.  Unfortunately, when we arrived, the south swell had not diminished much and the landing was lierally washed out.   There was a National Park Service boat anchored there and all the folks aboard were standing around scratching their heads trying to figure out how they were going to get all that stuff they had aboard onto the island.  We decided we did not want to risk smashing the dinghy or ourselves on the pier, and after very little debate, we decided to simply turn left and head for Cat Harbor on the back side of Catalina Island.

Cat Harbor is always a wonderful place to visit.  We have been going there a couple times a year for the last 9 years.  So, it was like coming home.  We enjoyed the pleasures of Cat Harbor for the next five days before deciding to leave for the coast; this time heading for Newport Beach.  Newport Beach Harbor is the most cruiser friendly harbor on the coast.  Everything a boater might need is available at a short walk.  I'll write more about this later.  We stayed for the first few days at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.  They are a great bunch of folks and met a couple nice people there as well.

We returned to Channel Islands Harbor for a week in August to attend the Donovan Family Reunion at Carpinteria State Beach. Then we left again. We travelled back down south where the weather has been spectacular all summer. We visited San Diego and spent a couple days at Southwestern Yacht Club at Point Loma. We had a nice time visiting friends and family there. Especially cool was the evening out we had with our nephew Landon and his girlfriend, Amanda. They took us downtown for dinner and drinks. It was a lot of fun. Then, we visited Oceanside Harbor and the folks at Oceanside Yacht Club. They were a really friendly bunch. OYC is small, but they make up for it with enthusiasm and a real love for the ocean. Then, we went to Dana Point for a couple days in the anchorage.  Nice spot, let me tell you.  Dana Point Harbor, not unlike just about every place in Orange County, is an amazing amalgamation of rules and signs.  It is a nice place to spend a couple days.  Then back to Newport.  Then, back to Catalina.  Then back to Newport.  Then up to King Harbor.


As I am writing this, we are docked at the King Harbor Yacht Club.  I believe this is the friendliest club around.  Folks here are very cordial and relaxed.  There is a small outrigger kayak on the other side of the dock.  The woman who owns it is apparently on a quest to kayak from Seattle Washington to San Diego.  This thing is small.  We have been around the "corner" and I can tell you that the water can get quite rough.  I have no idea how this woman stays warm and dry.  She wears a wetsuit, but still, it must be tough.  I cannot imagine what it must be like.  I can only appreciate her tenacity.  Good luck.

In the next couple of days, we will be making our way back to Channel Islands Harbor for some "slip time" as we prepare to have the boat put on a large truck and shipped to Corpus Christi, Texas where we will really start the adventure of a lifetime.  I plan to make more entires between now and then further describing this summer's cruising.  Cruising is always good even when the weather is bad.  Why?  Because we are all in this together.  Boat people are the best people.  We always keep an eye out for each other.  While boat folks are different from port to port, one thing is always the same:  boaters always wave to each other.  Can you imagine waiving to folks on the freeways of Southern California?  It just doesn't happen.  On the water, however, we all share a common love and respect for the ocean, whether in a high speed cigarette boat or on a slow trawler or sail boat.  It's always the same - good cheers.  Good health and wealth to you all.

What we are learning....

The economy has been rough for many people these past couple years. More than ever before, business was slow and finances were tight. So, we rented the house, closed the business, gave up our slip, and decided to go cruising. Actually, we had planned to do this, but not for another 6 years. However, given the state of things in the world today, and the realization that our definition of success in life depended on having no regrets, we pushed our plans forward. This was not an easy decision.

We spent all summer cruising from place to place working hard to learn and adapt to those things we would really need to understand before we left on the cruise of a lifetime.  I will endeavor to comment from time to time on the things we have learned as well as the places we visit.  I have made a few notable comments below.

Most cruisers understand that planning and preparation are keys to “uneventful” cruising. However, there comes a point where you can only plan so far ahead. Since we decided to swim instead of sink, we have learned that life on a day-to-day basis is ok. We do not necessarily know where we will be next week, and learning to function without a car in Southern California has been a challenge. However, it can be done. One of the most important things we have learned is how much we take life for granted. Here are just a couple of examples.

Living a land based existence, one takes for granted that the sink and shower can deliver an endless supply of fresh water. Washing dishes in the sink at home is easily a 10 to 15 gallon (or more) affair. Then there is the dishwasher. Water consumption can easily exceed all reasonableness if you feel compelled to wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Alternatively, on our boat, we carry a limited supply. 150 gallons only goes so far. While getting fresh water is not necessarily difficult, it is something landlubbers do not even contemplate. Generally, unless your boat is equipped with an expensive water-maker, filling the tanks requires finding a place where there is a supply. Then, you have to pull out the hose, make the connection, remove the fittings, fill the tanks, replace the fittings, and then stow the hose. You also have to maintain the hose to keep it as clean as possible, given that you are going to be drinking, showering, and cooking with the water from the hose. All this is necessary to wash dishes or shower, so it has to be done. It’s almost like living way out in the country 100 years ago. Life was simpler then. Today, providing for fresh water is a chore, albeit, a necessary one.

Another example of the things we take for granted living on land is provision for sewage. At home, you simply push the lever, and all your past consumables are a memory. A boat has to carry its waste and discharge it according to very specific parameters – either many miles out to sea, or at a proper pump out facility. We’ve all heard the slogan, “Dump at the Pump.” We subscribe to this because we now make the ocean our home. You get the idea. Nevertheless, gone are the days of flush it and forget it. A holding tank can only hold so much and has to be emptied from time to time. Generally, one can estimate how often this has to be done. If you’re wrong, or you forget, things can get quite unpleasant. Then, there is tank treatment, and the need for the limited use of specialized toilet paper. Additionally, learning the ropes at the pump-out facility can be harrowing. Erring in this regard might make your spouse giggle as you go running down the dock and dive head-first while fully clothed into the harbor. But that wasn’t laughing you heard from me – only gagging and spitting.

Some folks live in large homes spread out over nearly 3000 or more square feet. Space is something easily taken for granted. At home, we can drop our shoes in several different rooms at the same time and not risk tripping. Clothing storage is virtually endless. We have large refrigerators and pantries. The garage holds stuff we haven’t seen or used in years. Try moving onto a 42 foot boat and you will learn very quickly what is really necessary. It occurred to me that I didn’t need those nine pairs of shoes because I really only wear one pair regularly. I didn’t need sixteen dress shirts, because I might only wear two. Why have 15 pair of pants when life will be spent wearing shorts. To make a very long story short, space is at a premium living aboard. We made at least several charitable organizations quite happy with bags of clothes and shoes we would no longer need. Some of what we decided to keep is stashed in vacuum sealed bags in the lazarette. It will be interesting to see what we pull out over the next year. We will probably get rid of even more stuff. We can pare down. We have managed to vastly simplify our lives. We take so much for granted living on land.

Having pets while living ashore is a joy to behold. We have two cats. At home, they run from place to place, lounge wherever they chose, and come and go as they wish. Their food bowls are always full and they have that endless supply of water discussed earlier. The Cat Clinic is only minutes away in the case of a feline medical emergency. Cat box? What cat box? That was one of those things that went out in the garage and got cleaned rarely since the cats preferred my flower garden. Cat hair simply became one with the carpet, and in a large home vacuumed weekly by the cleaning lady, never was an issue. The invariable pile of cat vomit could easily remain hidden for weeks. Land dwellers perceive cats as “clean” animals. I am here to tell you, however, that living on a 42 foot boat with two cats gives new meaning to the word “filthy”. Cat hair is everywhere and sticks to the bottoms of your bare feet walking the decks and hardwood floors. You have to feed them, and there is no fountain in the yard from which they can get water for themselves for weeks at a time. The cat box must be cleaned daily. And, that inevitable pile of cat vomit will, more than likely, get stepped in at the most inopportune time – usually first thing in the morning upon alighting from bed, if it’s not already in the bed. Living on board with 2 cats has become something more (or less) than the pleasure we took for granted living on land.