.....BACK to the ISLAND...And BEYOND

We LOVE Catalina. It's surprising to me, because we really are pretty quiet and private folks, but there's something about it that makes us SMILE. So many people enjoying life, soaking up the beauty of the island, living close together, lots of laughter, kids jumping in the water, kayakers galore, and yet, one another's space is respected. My mom would have loved watching all the commotion around us. My Dad would have loved every moment of the adventure. I carry them with me. There's never a dull moment in Avalon Harbor, and yet it's peaceful. It's crazy during the day, but by night, pretty much everyone is tuckered out from a full day of activity. We sleep very soundly. The next day, the ritual is repeated, and we always stay longer than planned.

 It was an 8 hour trip, and pretty mellow,
until the last hour which was a bit dicey, and wet!

Once inside the anchorage, weather was perfect.

After we were secured our mooring, 

the first order of business was a SWIM.

Spark loves to swim as much as we do.

Darrell's mobility was limited due to his broken foot from a vicious German Shepherd attack in our San Diego marina a few days before we left. In fact, we had to delay our departure by 3 days. He was confined to the boat, and Sparky and I took the shore boat to land for our walks. Finally after 2 or 3 days, Darrell had enough, and he managed the shore boat, and eventually our dinghy. He hobbled on crutches up to the Lobster Trap, our favorite restaurant, for his birthday Manhattan and Fresh Catch of the Day - Sea Bass. Where there's a will, there's a way!

Can't keep a good man down.
Especially, a thirsty and hungry man.

Happy to make the 3 block hobble.

Y U M ! 

Cheers!
Happy Birthday Man of My Dreams!

More YUM, Chocolate & Raspberry Surprise.
Now, that's a HAPPY Man.

After, lots more swimming, eating, and limited exploring, it was time to saunter up island to the Isthmus, and pick up a mooring at Twin Harbors. The north end of Catalina puts us a couple hours closer to the mainland, and we were ready to push onward to the Channel Islands to meet up with Hana and Jack, to celebrate Jack's 4th birthday. (Hana's birthday is being celebrated this weekend in Ventura). YES, I, a Virgo, live with THREE LEOS. And yes, I am a champ!

We were happy to pick up a mooring in the back,

allowing us an easier early morning departure.

Moored directly in back of us, was a darling San Diego family 

that Darrell had sold this gorgeous Marque 50' to the month before.

A muted sunset

The fog rolled rolled in on its cat-like feet after sunset, and remained thick as thieves until we navigated our way through its dense, damp vapor for 8 hours. We had only 1/4 mile of visbility for the entire passage. Crossing the heavily trafficked shipping lanes 3 miles off shore was exhausting, the number of big cargo ships resembled the LA freeway during rush hour. We were tired, but relieved when we reached the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club at Channel Islands Harbor. A friendly, fun club, with a good restaurant and a pool that we always enjoy visiting. So much so, we stayed a week.

Our last time at the PCYC was in 2010 aboard El Tiburon,

on our way south to join the Baja Ha-Ha to Mexico. 

We were glad to be back.

2010 Throw Back 

Darrell and Spark cruising around Channel Islands Harbor.

Sparky is tired of being the subject of my photography.

 

2019: A sweet view from PCYC.

PCYC offers an energetic sailing programfor local kiddos. Everyday we enjoyed watching these kids have the time of their lives on the water. Kuddos to the club and to their patient instructors! I think Spark had almost as fun watching all the activities as the kids did swimming, sailing, and pushing one another off the dock.

Another sweet view from Scrimshaw.

 A summer kayak camp paddles by Scrimshaw.

So much to see!

The best part of our stay was when Jack and Hana came to visit. We celebrated Jack's fourth birthday aboard with presents, cake, a swim, and the movies. 

No idea what he's thinking.

Where did 4 years go?

It's always the simple toys they like best.

Over The Top

Chocolate cake, with M & M's and KitKat Bars!

Jack makes his wish.

After cake, we were off to the theater to watch, "Lion King", a perfect movie for a Leo birthday. Jack and Hana had to return to San Luis Obispo the next day. We were bummed to see them go, but a wonderful sunset walk on the beach helped lift our spirits.

 Happy Sparky.

Almost 12-years old.

 Beaches like this are hard to come by in California.

 A beautiful way to end the day.

Ahhh, Perfection.

We had such a good time in the Channel Islands Harbor,

 it was hard to leave.

Pacific Corinthian YC thought we'd never leave.

Time for us to mosey up to Ventura to celebrate Hana's birthday in 2 weeks. The time slipped by quickly, and we happily settled in to the Ventura Yacht Club. One of our all time favorite clubs. It's a great location across from the beach, and they have super friendly members, including old friends, Dave and Cate from our days in Marina Village in Alameda. 

Dynamic Duo. 

Mama Hana and Jack.

It's weird, but Hana loves to vacuum.

Happy Birthday Hana!

Jack's, obviously, not impressed.

Spiderman Jack prefers the beach.

Another happy duo.

Jack and I share a special bond. When he was born, Hana required additional time in the Operating Room, so I was designated as Jack's first "skin-to-skin contact. I was an experience that I will never forget, and at some level, I believe Jack experiences the same strong bond of love. Of course, next to his mama, Papa is the Lion King.

Truckin' off to lunch.

Jack is The Best!

Fun, smart, kind, quirky.

And, CURIOUS! About everything.

Jack is a LOVEBUG!

 Another sunset came and went,

and so did the kids.

Two weeks, and they return.

 Mimi thinking about the kids return in 2 weeks.

In the meantime, Papa has some work to do.

Darrell's getting our Catalina 22, Viva Yo, ready to surprise Jack on his next visit. We will teach Jack to sail on the same boat that my father taught me in 1973! More on this full cycle family tale in my next post. Spoiler Alert: It's Heartwarming!