My last blog was about the trip over. This one completes the stay and return to San Pedro.

I'll just start by saying that if you've not been to Catalina, you have to go. Just beautiful. Far enough away to feel like you're disconnected, but only 20 miles from San Pedro, so not too far (averaging about 6 knots, we were there and back in a bit over 3.5 hours each way). The water and wind on the way there and back are awesome. It was a fantastic sail.

The coves and moorings and anchorages are quite diverse. And if all you can do it take the Express, go to Two Harbors, which has several little coves, Catalina Harbor, and a marine reserve, all within walking distance. It is much more quite, family-oriented, and less "party central" than Avalon (which is also beautiful).

We also sailed down the coast of the island, from Two Harbors to While's Landing (Moonstone Cove, actually) - we being my friend John O, who took the Express out Saturday to join me and sail back. WOW. Bluest water I've ever seen. Amazing cliffs and mountains down to the ocean. Seals, dolphins, etc. all over.

I flew the gennaker for the first time. That was great! Windrunner really sails well; she likes to get in her groove, with well set sails, not pinched or driving too hard. Just give her a good set and a steady helm and wind in the mid- to upper teens, and she will give you a steady 7 knots. She is really fun to sail.

Check out the additional pics I uploaded to the gallery to see what I mean about how pretty the island and ocean are. Then make your plans to go.

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One of the first "truisms" I learned about sailing; find your mark and sail to it. That isn't exactly how this weekend in Catalina turned out. "A sailor can't control the wind, but he/she can adjust their sails." Would be a more appropriate saying. Or, actually, the best one would be, "Damn, this place is pretty."

All of this started when a group of people from F Gangway at Cabrillo said they were going to White's Landing for the long weekend, and I assumed going over there with some others would be a more safe and less stressful first trip. But I didn't want to anchor because I'd likely be single handing the boat, which meant I needed a mooring. That meant I'd have to leave Thursday afternoon to have a good chance of getting one on the long weekend. So, the plan became that I'd leave about the same time as Wil and possibly one other boat Thursday afternoon.

Then, Thursday, things came up at work, etc. and I realized I really needed to be in contact with people Friday and over the weekend. White's has no cell or internet connections. So, last minute course correction, I head for Two Harbors. Solo; no one else aboard, no other boats going with me. I'm happy I did.

I was ready, and Windrunner was ready. The weather was perfect, and I could sail line of sight if needed, since Two Harbors is a visible valley in the island from the mainland. The sail over was perfect; 13-19 knot winds, easy 3-4' swells, and no tacking required, just a close haul the entire way. Windrunner averaged 5.5 knots, and I made it in under 4 hours slip to mooring ball. The sunset was beautiful, but I did get in at dark. No worries, though, as Harbor Patrol met me and led me to my ball, and even put the bow Hawser on the cleat for me. That set the tone for the entire time so fat at Two Harbors - nice, laid-back, mostly families, no party boats moored next to you, beautiful, well protected. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to go to Avalon any time soon...

So, here are some pics so far. 2.5 days still to go!!