Oxnard - Our Sister

After several days in L.A. with the kids it was finally time to head out. 7a.m. on Friday June 28th we said out goodbyes to Sam and left Marina Del Ray for our 51 mile cruise to Oxnard. Neither of us really knew what to expect in Oxnard. We had both only been there once on a long train ride to the winery for my birthday but never saw the water or the town. The cruise up was uneventful- light fog, small seas and low wind. Jeff enjoyed following the coast along Malibu and remembering times from his college days. Our arrival like the cruise was uneventful. Anacapa Isle Marina (our sister marina) was nice and clean. The office staff was friendly and it was a nice change from the park at Marina Del Rey. After all the go-go-go it was nice to be in a quiet place to unwind.

Tidings of Joy Entering Oxnard Harbor

Oxnard Harbor

Friday afternoon and evening we didn't do a whole lot. We walked the property and got the lay of the land. Anacapa Isle Marina was really nice. It had a pool, gym, locker rooms, boaters lounge and laundry facility. Everything a boater would need. We took a dip in the pool and just enjoying being in our new spot. That night I made dinner on the boat and we relaxed. 

Saturday we were eager to start exploring. We took a really long walk all around the harbor and saw all the restaurants and shops. It was such a peaceful nice place that wasn't over crowded but had such a nice vibe to it. We saw families handing out in the park, couples taking a walk. It just felt sweet and mellow and a nice contradiction to Marina Del Rey.

Pool at Anacapa Isle Marina

Fishing Boat in Oxnard Harbor

Custom Duffy Boat 

Saturday night Jeff wanted to go to the pizza place that was right outside our door. Pizza Palace. I was less then excited but figured there was probably wine so who cares. It was a funny place the Palace. There was a wait out the door and when you were called you were to walk to the counter and order an then be seated. Employees ate in full uniform at the tables while patrons waited outside. The place was humongous- two stories hollowed out in the middle so you could see between the levels. My wine was gross but Jeff liked his pizza so I guess it was alright. Defiantly an experience. 

Pizza Palace - Our View From The Stern

Sunday morning we were told there was a farmers market access the bridge. I love a good farmers market so I was excited. We lowered our bikes from the boat and rode over. The ride was short and easy and there was a good place to tie up the bikes. After a less then a 5 minute walk through Jeff and I were both done. It was just a standard run of the mill farmers market - produce, clothes, jewelry and some food. Nothing out of the ordinary or special. We were hoping to have lunch there but that didn't pan out. We continued our ride towards the beach. Oddly enough there isn't a boardwalk in Oxnard so we rode on a street that paralleled the beach and looked between the houses as we rode for a glimpse at the ocean.  During a walk the previous day Jeff saw a restaurant that he wanted to try so we went. Another order at the counter place where Jeff got a Swordfish sandwich and I got a salad. Nothing special and neither of us really liked our lunch. I'm learning unless it's a place people tell you to go or we have read about I can usually make better food on the boat. Oh well. Just another meal as Eddie likes to say. We hit the pool and the jacuzzi for the final time that afternoon and settled in for a quiet night. The next morning we would leave for a short cruise to Ventura. 

Sunset from Anacapa Isle Marina