San Diego

The Santa Anna winds did come one morning through to evening and, like our Squamish winds, have a good blow even on land. Fortunalely, we are tied to the Police Dock. Foreign yachts must tie up at the Police Harbour dock which is just at the end of the Bay and on Shelter Island. Convenient by water, the walk to the first bus route must be 50 miles away (well maybe one mile). Our first day, some cruisers from Marina del Rey gave us a car ride to groceries and chandleries. So nice! This would have taken us days to figure out and to do. Most of the boats tying up here are offshore and are so well equipped. We feel very small but still have people approach us and recognize the CS 36 boat. This has happened all down the coast. We had no idea it was well known. Next to us is a young couple (30s) about to do the “South” –as in Cape Horn—in 6-8 months with few stops. On a home made nice-looking 39 ft boat, they have four solar panels and two wind vanes and big dreams. Apparently, they are locally known for many come to chat and look at the boat. He is known as Mr. Confidence and she is called Miss Super-anxious (She is new to sailing!). We will attend their Farewell Party (as we are moored next to them!). Also present are several vagrant boats. The Police (with guns) frequently chat to them and have them leave as the stay for all of us at this cheap moorage is limited to ten days. On another day, a fast above ground trolley train took us to a brand new marina (Pier 32) out at National city (a suburb) that was to be our new moorage. We’re glad we took the time to do this ride for we found it was not yet completed! We will move, instead, to the docks in a boat yard. Reasonable in price and close to facilities, we will restock, clean and sightsee. Martin Pengelly joins us Nov.1st and we will then finally start the “real” trip.