Bash 7
07/04/15

Well, it is the Forth of July and we decided to spend it in Mexico. Most marinas in the U.S. are crazy with boaters on the 4th, and I was afraid we wouldn't be able to get a slip in San Diego or elsewhere. We spent the day relaxing by the pool and getting ready to leave tomorrow. We joined our new friends and dock mates Charles and Brenda, from the boat Vanquish, for cocktails aboard and then dinner out. After a lovely dinner at a place with great food and an ocean view, we returned to Odyssey. There was a wedding taking place nearby with a DJ and blasting music, so we decided to head out for San Diego at 11:00pm instead of waiting until 2:00am, which was our original plan. We had some wind and waves but we made good time, crossing the border at 9:30am and arriving in San Diego about 11:00am.

We tied up at the Police dock and made arrangements for Customs agents to meet us so that we could be cleared for entry into the U.S. They arrived about an hour later, filling out forms, and making throw away a bunch of food items. Just like clearing out of Mexico, lots of paperwork that nobody will ever ask to see. We continued on to a slip in Kona Kai Marina belonging to our friends from Ensenada, Charles and Brenda. They loaned it to us because they would not return until a day later. Thanks guys! We all wanted food so we put on our walking shoes and headed out. Unfortunately, the marinas are located at the end of Shelte Island, a large T-shaped peninsula, so we ended up walking a couple of miles before finding a pub. After lunch, Shorty and I took Uber back to Odyssey for much-needed naps, while Billie and Mark stayed to watch the World Cup Soccer final with USA versus Japan. After the game, which the US won handily, everyone rested in preparation for yet another night passage. We pulled away from the dock at about 10:00pm, and were soon back in the ocean heading north towards Dana Point harbor, our next stop.