We arrived in San Diego the same day we departed Catalina, at 830 pm. We tied up at the fuel dock, filled our diesel, propane, and outboard gas containers, and then proceeded to our marina at the Marriott.

The following morning, I got a ride to West Marine, where I stocked up on parts needed for projects, and then picked up the new autopilot and E80 charplotter/radar unit. All this cost, by the way, an embarrassing amount of money. I keep reminding myself that the old hardware I removed will have a good market value after I've had them refurbished.

Back at the boat at 230 PM, I started the installation of the new autopilot. I got that done at around 7 PM. The only thing remaining is to calibrate the new autopilot. This new autopilot includes a gyro, which the previous one lacked, which should make its performance much better. I'm looking forward to sailing with the new autopilot.

Then from 7 pm to 9 pm, I installed the new Raymarine E80 chartplotter/radar display. In the process, I raised the height of the instrument pod by three inches which will make it eaqsier to view and use the instruments.

Tomorrow, my big projects are to:

- install a backup engine start switch, for those moments when the cockpit engine start switch doesn't work. It'll be better than having to put a screwdriver to the starter solenoid to get it going.

- install a bigger, better fuel filter.

- unclog the aft head (oh, joy). I bought device that you can hook up a garden hose to the head to force open any blockages. This will either end up very well, or extremely badly. I can just imagine this device blowing up in my face.

Plus a million other little projects that we'll probably end up doing underway.

Pascale, the boys, and John enjoyed themselves at the pool at the Marriott while I worked on the boat all day installing the autopilot. I'm not bitter or anything, just tired, and looking forward to my chance to relax sometime soon.