We left Catalina Island on Tuesday after a great day of diving and headed for a few days at Newport Beach. We got a mooring ball next to Balboa Island and proceeded to explore the beautiful homes that plaster the area. The homes on Balboa Island are quaint, meticulous and look like they are out of the pages of Sunset magazine while the homes around Newport harbor area are quite grand with lavish boats and toys in their front yards.

While in Newport Beach area we had a great evening at Bahia Yacht Club, where we were guests of fellow Willamette Sailing Club member Tim Mulvaney. Thank you Tim! We also had a chance to meet up for lunch with long time friend of Kent's, Dawn Surber (formerly Eudaly) and her adorable baby who live in nearby Costa Mesa. Then Saturday evening we opened a bottle of wine and sat in our cockpit listening online and cheering as the Beavers pulled out an upset over Cal! Go Beavs!

We plan to head towards San Diego next to complete our preparation for the Baja Ha Ha race and to catch up with friends of Kent's from his years of living in San Diego. What is the Baja Ha Ha you ask? The Baja Ha Ha race is a 750 mile cruisers race that leaves San Diego and ends in Cabo San Lucas. There are 2 stops along the way for the 180 or so boats that choose to participate in the race each year. We are excited to be a part of the 2007 Ha Ha race and share in the adventure with some friends from Portland who will be joining us onboard. For those interested in the Baja Ha Ha race more details can be found at http://www.baja-haha.com.