It's probably about time I contributed to the blog again. Like Mulan, I feel that I've almost grown attachment to San Diego. Where the past few weeks have gone is something of a mystery, but the days have been busy with learning how to become school teachers, checking off the numerous projects that weren't completed before leaving Blaine, and checking off projects (& repairs) that emerged as a result of leaving Blaine. The book shelf remains largely undisturbed, including (sadly) the books on celestial navigation, weather, and apart from the first few lessons, the learn Spanish books.
The hospitality extended to us by the San Diego Yacht Club has been fantastic, and even if the price is a tad steeper than we are used to, the location within a few minutes walk of all the marine services has been worth the extra expense, I'm told that one can even carry a mainsail on their shoulder from the club to a sail loft without developing a hernia. A slip neighbor offered us use of a motor vehicle, and generously provided guest passes for both the Maritime Museum and the U.S.S. Midway - both of which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
Boating in San Diego is a curious activity. There are thousands of boats - big and small (but big dominate!) - but there are few destinations. San Diego bay makes for a fine day sail, and is excellent for dinghy sailing, which along with the weather, probably accounts for the legions of fine sailboat racers produced locally. After the bay, there is Santa Catalina, the one Channel Island with decent anchorages, but it is a 12 hour sail away, and serves both L.A. and San Diego. A common boating activity, therefore, is to leave the dock and anchor in a designated anchorage (permit required). For SDYC members, the most popular one is right next to the Club, meaning you can row ashore for brunch - although I believe the Club does provide a shuttle service.
We have also been fortunate to have friends like Sheila & David, Canadians who have been living in the San Diego area for a couple of years. Their hospitality and generosity gave us the opportunity to enjoy real beds, to do Costco runs, and to track down surf boards, snorkel equipment, and visit various beaches in the SD area. Their view that the weather is too boring is one that we wouldn't agree with in the near term (not with pineapple expresses bearing down of Vancouver), but maybe desert living may become a tad wearisome after 2 years!
The references to San Diego revisited refer to my first visit - a few years ago, when I saw The Who in concert (their farewell tour!). This time, our dock space was within earshot of a local music venue, so I got to enjoy Roger Daltrey in concert, still cranking out the same tunes, although with a touch less energy than 1983, I'm sure!
Tomorrow, Monday October 26, is the start of the Baja Haha, and we are as ready as we'll ever be for the next leg of the journey. All crew are a touch anxious, but the weather for the first couple of days is agreeable, so it will give us a chance to settle into an onboard routine. Apparently channel 72 has been designated the kids channel for Turtle Bay, so I'll need to show the communications officer the nuances of the radio.
Adios amigos. Hasta luego.