We left San Diego Harbor around 1:30 a.m. on Monday, November 7 and arrived in Ensenada Harbor around 2 p.m. that afternoon. It was a slow ride down in 12 foot swells much of the way and a slight head wind. We were able to do a little bit of sailing the last hour or so, but still had to motor to get us into the harbor before it got too late.

Check in was a breeze, other than the fact of the FUBAR making things a bit busy. I recommend that anyone that is planning on cruising Mexico, get all of your paperwork done ahead of time and then check in here at Ensenada customs. After that you will be clear for most ports throughout Mexico.

We got a slip at Cruiseport Village Marina for a couple of nights and will be heading out tomorrow to head further south. In the meantime we are enjoying our time in Ensenada.

We went for a kayak paddle around the harbor and watched a huge cruiseship come into dock. Very impressive!

We are taking a week break before heading off on our next two weeks of sailing down the west coast of Baja California and around to La Paz. I'm not looking forward to the long nights but once we get to the Sea of Cortez it will be great to jump into some warm water.

Made it to San Diego without a scratch. We will be getting all of the last minute preps done to the boat and then heading onto the Mexican waters around November 6. First we have to make a quick trip to Detroit and then onward.

Had a great time taking Dane out for a quick sail today and then off to dinner to meet his beautiful girlfriend Mignon. Great times.

We left Ventura Harbor on Monday, October 24 2011, at 12:30 in the afternoon. It was an overcast day with about 3 miles visibility, light wind, and flat seas. We decided to go only as far as Yellowbanks anchorage on Santa Cruz Island just to take a deep breath and relax. Our plan is to hang behind the Baja Ha Ha and enter Mexico just before the FUBAR. Hopefully we will avoid the congestion from either "gaggle". Nothing against either group...... just want to go down the coast at our own pace.

The night in Yellowbanks was one of the calmest that we have ever experienced. No wind, no waves, no rockin' and rollin'...... as Bill would say, "I wasn't rolled out of my bed in the middle of the night." We awoke around 4 a.m. and headed out of the anchorage by 5, into a very dark southeastern horizon. The fog layer was pretty thick and there was absolutely NO moonlight. We pointed our bow to a heading of 115 and proceeded to motor our way to Santa Catalina.

We arrived at Cat Harbor on the island of Catalina around 4:20 p.m., pulled into a mooring, and settled in for the evening. It was still pretty overcast so there was no real sunset to speak of.

We are enjoying the two days of kayaking and hiking before heading to San Diego where we will dock the boat at Cabrillo Isle Marina for a week or so while Bill goes on a trip and I head to Detroit to visit with family for a few days.

Party today...... going to be some tears I'm afraid. Oh well.... that is part of saying "farewell".

Last minute preparations are being made. The Bon Voyage party is scheduled for Saturday at 3 on "D" dock at Ventura Isle Marina. If the weather cooperates, we will be heading out of Ventura Harbor for the last time and venturing south on Monday morning, October 24.

The plan is to stop at Catalina Island and spend a couple of days relaxing before continuing on to San Diego.