Sailing overnight from Morro Bay, we reached Point Conception in the morning and found a calm anchorage just off a beautiful little right point. We stayed for a week in this magic spot and had peeling headhigh waves that went for almost a 100 yards on most days. And, in the hills we were able to hike thru meadows with wild flowers, wandering deer & grazing cattle. This scenic area is the Hollister / Bixby Ranch with miles of privately owned, coastal CA ranchland.

After 8 days, we set sail for the Channel Islands, 24 miles away. While crossing, we were visited by pods of Humpback whales, dolphins, sharks & sunfish. We arrived at San Miguel Island, Cuyler Harbor and dropped anchor inside the little bay. Ashore, we walked right upclose to a sleeping group of elephant seals and then hiked up into the hills and found the monument / burial place of Joao Cabrllho, the man credited with finding California in 1542, whom we refer to as Juan Cabrillo.

After 2 windy days, we set sail again for Santa Rosa, but could not find a settled anchorage so we continued on to Santa Cruz. For the first time in almost 3 years, we've arrived at calm, beautiful destinations that we are already familiar with. We've caught waves at More Meadows, and snorkeled its clear waters & kelp forest. Anchored at Yellow Banks, we revisited the spot from where we first fantasized about sailing the Pacific together. Lingering in these majestic California anchorages of the The Ranch & Channel Islands have been a special stops for us as we begin to come full circle again.