We left Anacortes almost a month ago. We left in a hurry because we had a very small weather window and off ear did not take advantage of this window we would be stuck for another 10 days. That’s what happens at this time of year, the windows are shorter and fewer so off we went. And what a ride. Following seas 6 to 8 feet for over 400 miles. This was mild as it turns out so we kept going as long as we could. This took us to Coos Bay on Oregon. We didn’t like Coos Bay, the marina was okay but the locals use the docks for crabbing and so they were always wet and covered in sea grass and other debris which made it smell. Also without casting aspersions, most of them were smokers and this affected us personally. We only stayed one night and continued South to Crescent City California. A short run of 110 miles. Luckily. The last 6 hours were not pleasant and we arrived after 9pm. With absolutely no moon it was pitch black and difficult to make out the buyout lights against the city lights. Happy to confirm we docked without incident and slept very well that night.

We walked around near the harbour to survey the scenery, Crescent City looks like a picturesque seaside settlement with beautiful sunsets and nice long beaches. We had the replacement parts delivered here and within an hour of them being delivered, the Balmar and DC to DC inverter were installed and Kariwa was off the dock and headed South again. Destination: Bodega Bay. We had 10 foot swells from the aft port quarter but as this is following seas, we were able to tolerate it. Well, Frank was more able than me. I don’t seem to be getting my sea legs.

We arrived in Bodega Bay and tied up at the marina just before 5pm but the marina office closes at 4 so we were stuck on the boat for the night as the gates are locked and we did not have a key.

Saturday morning we checked in, got a key and were able to walk around the town a bit. Another small coastal settlement with a couple of RV parks and a couple of marinas. Right across the road from the Marina was the Spud Point Crab Company claiming to have the best crab chowder on the coast. Obviously we had to test their theory and have to admit, it was pretty good. Sunday it rained ALL DAY so we stayed on board. By Tuesday morning it was deemed safe enough for us to venture out again. The first few hours were awful, I think it was more the angle of attack than the height of the swell. I was man-down sick until we turned to head under the Golden Gate Bridge. The sight was enough to cheer me up instantly. What A treat. It was calm, sunny and just spectacular.

Next we tied up at Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito. They have toerails, not cleats. Minus points for that, but the location is great and the views are pretty nice. We can walk to the supermarket but swooned at the price of things. $14 for a pack of 8 meatballs. $23 for a chunk of Parmesan cheese. Ouch. But it’s still sunny and beautiful outside. We do not need to wear long sleeves and long pants. First time this year (other than going to Bali)

As we had experienced since leaving Anacorftes, the weather windows were short and few.

After a few days we headed out again, this time to San Diego. Arrival in San Diego was interesting, it was a Saturday morning and there was a regatta going on. 150 sail boats in the channel, jibing and tacking in both directions across the channel and taking full advantage of their “right of way” leaving little room for this 100 tonne behemoth to manouver. We had to do a full 360 to avoid 3 boats all doing something different. Captain was bot happy. The marina was nice and we had a busy social calendar, visiting with old school friends, other Nordhavn owners, potential Nordhavn owners and old boating buddies. I enjoyed San Diego, its a lovely city but we could not dawdle too long, we had to be in Ensenada Mexico for the Nordhavn Taco run kick off party so in the dense fog we set off again. Seas were nice and clam. Luckily because we could not see 100 yards ahead.