Our 24 hour passage from Monterey Bay to Cojo Anchorage was a pleasant one.  As promised, the seas were big and wind speeds were up in the high 20s, but it was manageable.  Cojo anchorage is the place to stop for southbound boats after making the often difficult crossing around Conception, and for northbound boaters waiting for a good weather window to continue up.  We rejoiced as we peeled off our layers and soaked up what was left of the afternoon warmth.  After chatting with Terry & Diane on the radio, we decide to hit the long awaited Channel islands for a few nights before heading into Santa Barbara.  So with our next days plans in place and after a few rounds of 31 (our favorite card game), we head to bed, excited for what tomorrow will bring.

The next morning we woke up to a spectacular view of beautiful sunny southern California and calm seas.  Oh it's going to be a good day!  We pulled the anchor and headed out at 8:00.  With our sails out and the engine off, we enjoyed one of the best days of sailing since owning Endeavor.  With 18 to 22 knot winds, broad reach, and following seas, we sailed 35 miles in 4 1/2 hours.  As dolphins swim along with us, we see Santa Rosa & Santa Cruz islands fast approaching.  Soon we will be around the tip, drop the sails, and find the perfect place to anchor.  

Generally speaking, when entering an anchorage, you count on the winds calming down to nothing, not excellerating to gale force winds.   Are you kidding me?  And I wonder why there are no other boats on a beautiful Saturday afternoon?  We struggle to get our sails down and quickly begin to think this may not be the best option.  But we continue to beat it in.  If we just get past and around the park service dock, surely it will calm.  Look at that beach!  It's gorgeous! 28..30..32..28 says the wind meter.  Geez.  Finally, the meter plummets to 17.  Then wavers between 12 & 17.  Ok.  This might work.  We set our hook and Rick puts out about 175 feet of chain.  Sydney is salivating at the beach.  But we need to wait this out for an hour or so to make sure our anchor is secure and we don't drift.  We got ahold of the Emighs, who were about an hour behind us, and gave them a heads up.  About 15 minutes later, the wind began howl.  It was up to 32 in no time.  Well I guess a beach excursion is out of the question.  We kept saying "it's got to die down soon!"

I'm pleased to announce that our anchor passed the test.  For 12 straight hours it blew 29 to 35 knts.  At 1:45am, "It turned off like a switch!" as Rick put it.  We slept until 7:00am, made some coffee, and got out of there while the gettin' was good!  Santa Barbara here we come!

No disappointment here!  70's and sunny on the beach....a little breezy, but not bad. We've decided just to kick back for a few days and take it all in.
  
Last night as I snuggle into our aft cabin and open the  port holes above our bed for some fresh air, I lay listening to a seal splash and play in the marina right outside the windows.  With the exception of a squeaky dock line, its the only sound I hear.  No wind.  No rolling of the boat.  It is completely still.  Aaawwwww! And as the sun barely comes up this morning over the hills, I  wake up to the sound of the waves,  a few seagulls, and our squeaky dock line.  Life is good.