L.B.C.

Many months ago when Jeff and I were planning our itinerary and starting to make reservations we were told that every marina in Long Beach was sold out the weekend of June 22nd due to a huge sailboat race. Jeff's first thought was let's just skip it. But after having left on many cruises and having seen the vast amount of commercial traffic that comes and goes from Long Beach I really wanted to stay. After a little research and reading I found a place called Island White (Oil Island) which offered morning and anchoring. It looks like a short dingy ride into Long Beach and good option. The morning master seemed nice enough so we made a res. As we made our approach we could see oil rigs for miles and then tons of commercial boats anchored out waiting for the harbor master to allow them in to empty their freight. It was quite a vision.

Oil Rig Drilling

Commercial Boats Waiting to Enter Harbor

We made our way through the traffic and the massive sailboat race that was going on - nearly colliding with several of the sailboats because there was no way around them. Island White was already busy with boats moored and anchored. People were fishing, playing music and just enjoying their Saturday.  We lowered the dingy so when ready we could head into town for dinner. I loved sitting on the back deck watching all the boats go by. Close to dinner time we hopped into the dingy and headed for Shoreline Village where there is a Village Hat Shop and several other little shops and restaurants.  I was excited to revisit the hat shop and walk around. The last time we were there was close to twenty years ago and where I first met cousin Bucey. Shoreline was quaint and charming and we revisited the hat shop and the yard house and had some dinner and libations. 

The Village Hat Shop - Shoreline Village

The Yardhouse Shoreline Village

After a slow quiet morning we decided we would venture out again this time heading south to Alamitos Bay. The night before after sending some hat shop pictures to cousin Zach, Jeff found out that he and his family were driving south towards Long Beach after a vacation and there was a chance we could meet up. Our plan now was to hop into the dingy and meet up with Zach and group. Naively we got into the dingy for the 3 mile ride without checking wind or sea state. Normally for a big cruse we would check diligently but thought since it was just a dingy ride across the bay we would be fine. Boy were we wrong! It was gusting wind and stiring up the seas like we had never seen before. It was like being in a washing machine - tossing and turning all around and with every other wave Jeff got completely soaked. I felt nauseous and sea sick which I never feel. When we finally arrived at Alamitos Bay all the boats tied up at the dock were rocking and rolling around. It was difficult to even hold onto the dock and tie up. I was ready to be on land and to stop moving for awhile. As we were tying up Zach let us know that he, Maria and Sesame would be arriving soon. I felt and looked green. At the restaurant (some little crappy Irish pub) - The Zach Belinsky's arrived. It was really nice that we could coordinate the time to meet with them for a little while. They all ate and drank and  I played with Sesame and drank water trying to get over my nausea. 

Dingy Tied Up At Rolling Dock

Maria, Zach & Sesame 

Finally after sitting for an hour or so I was not so nauseous but we continued to worry about the winds picking up and the seas getting rougher. We said our goodbyes and climbed back into the dingy for another rough ride. This time I was on the incoming wave side. Full rollers came in over the boat soaking me from head to toe including my underwear. Not fun. Back at the boat I immediately hit the shower in an attempt to warm up. The rest of the night was quiet because we would leave early in the morning for Marian Del Ray. 

Island White (Oil Island)

Sunset from Island White