Our First Anchorage alone and in 200 ft of water: Seal Rock, Catalina (appropriately named by the barking seals all around) set us up for a 4am departure for San Diego. God bless Mike’s anchor! Sleeping to the sound of an occasional blast of breath from a curious seal was very exotic.

Taking out the trash is even fun in Gosling (Snow Gooses sister ship). What a great little dinghy! We practiced our first attempts at beach entries with great success. We buzzed around the harbor and checked out the amenities at various docks.

October 20th 2007:

We made it to San Diego in shifts. It was my first experience in seeing nothing but 360 degrees of ocean horizon. What a beautiful sail and a great feeling to arrive safe and sound at the destination that we had planned to make. San Diego harbor is massive and well used. Now we have to find our anchorage in miles of harbor. Mike is undaunted and all ready wearing a cruisers smile

Once again it was bittersweet to say goodbye to good friends. So we bid one another a promise to meet again in Tahiti (instead of saying goodbye).

Captain Mike partakes in a chilly dip. We thought we’d swim to visit Steve on Batucada (two boats down), but the water was so cold you could only stay in for a moment or two. Polar Bear Club here we come!

A quick dip in Avalon Bays 60 degree water sets the pace for the many good swims to come.

October 18 2007:

Later that day we arrive in Avalon to a beautiful day and a great friend (Steve of sail boat Batucada and his friend Bruce). The day couldn’t be more perfect (meeting up with friends, sharing laughs, the wine wasn’t bad either).

October 18 2007:

We meet our first cruising friend on the way to Catalina. Excitement is in the air as Snow Goose sails guided by a friendly dolphin. Who needs GPS when you have echo location?

October 17 2007:

Captain Mike pulls out of the 1300 dock of Villa Del Mar for the last time. It was an emotional moment as Snow Goose made her way out of Marina Del Rey Harbor. We were quiet for a long while: consumed with memories of great friendships, hopes for a safe passage, and dreams of the adventures ahead (or maybe Mike was just getting choked up thinking about the price of fuel in filling up his 500 gallon tanks in San Pedro).

October 16th 2007 (midnight):

Snow Goose awaits her new departure date for early tomorrow morning. Everything is tucked neatly away, all systems have been checked and re-checked, the Captain and Crew are ready, tanks are full, and food has been stowed. Hopefully no little gremlins have wiggled wires to postpone the departure again (i.e.: Carolyn and the freezer thermostat). The still night reflects the mood of all aboard (a pause before embarking on an unknown adventure).

October 14th 2007: Provisioning and Inventory

Provisioning is an all consuming activity. I have been dreaming about shopping lists for a week now. Thanks to Gail and Jeff (of Sea Witch) we doubled our shopping list. I know I’ll be thanking them especially when we get under way. Each tale they told of their circumnavigation came laced with so many helpful hints. Thank you!

Then on Sunday, we got down to the business of showing Carolyn "the ropes".....

Going Away...

Saturdays "going away" party was outstanding, bittersweet fun. We are leaving behind a group of wonderful friends, yet taking with us all of their best-wishes. There were, for me, numerous tender moments. MJM