THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

Catalina trip #142 had it all. The capt was battling a sore throat/head cold, we visited Avalon, spent a night at Willow and a night at Ripper's on the hook and got tossed around and didn't sleep a wink, but we made up for it with two nights at Buttonshell, two at Emerald and one at the Isthmus. A cave dive at Parson's with SCBC members Leo and Carole and dinner at the Harbor Reef for the retiring AA pilot highlighted our stay. 

Our last morning we sat on the bow and watched a spectacular sunrise over Saddleback Mountain sipping our coffee and I logged before we departed, "We're lucky it's not foggy like yesterday". Boy, was I ever wrong. About an hour out, after our 8:20 am departure, the fog moved in and our visibility was drastically reduced. Thankfully we have radar and there were no big boys in the shipping lanes but the white-out conditions made for a very stressful 4.5 hour crossing.

We have been so blessed to be able to spend our time on board at Catalina and elsewhere over the years, truly blessed. And this visit was a godsend that we'll remember forever. 

 

TMS, ROB & MIKE

Toni, Melissa, Martina and Sue (TMS) finally decided on a sailing date last Friday. The long-awaited gathering had all the elements for a wonderful day on the water with one exception...fog. As we left the harbor we entered a dense fog bank that greatly reduced our visibility. Before you knew it, we were safely anchored in Danalina. The sun broke through followed by lots of delicious food, cold beverages, conversation and laughs. TMS strikes again!

 

TWENTY-ONE SUMMERS

Our trip to Newport Harbor was delayed a day because the capt needed a root canal, not by choice. With pain meds and antibiotics in hand we made the two hour plus trip to the Lido anchorage. The weather was perfect as summer has finally arrived. Matt and Laura joined us for a champagne dinghy cruise and delicious sandwiches and gourmet cookies, compliments of our guests. Thank you guys. And of course, Matt and the capt had a frothy Nesporado. D said it dulled and eased the pain. Nostrovia!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

The SCBC was up to it again this time meeting on SV Serenity Now for grog, yummies and hamburgers off the grill. During the libations, official club caps were presented to the scoundrels and beautiful nautical scarfs to the Admirals (thank you Leo & Carol). The celebration was filled with lots of conversation and laughter, a fly-over and topped off with a fantastic fireworks display. Another great day on the water!  

                           L to R: The crew...Dennis, Sue, Carol, Leo, Liz,Leo