Have you ever tried crossing a busy road trying to time it right when cars in both directions were far enough away that you can bomb across safely? This was us today except for in a boat crossing the Port of Long Beach Shipping Channel entrance but only going 8mph. En route to Alameda Bay you have to pass by the Port of Long Beach the largest port in the U.S. filled with lots of container ships anchored out waiting to be called in by the port master. The sun was shining (of course) and it was humid as hell which is not the norm in Southern California. It was Jeff's shift and as we watched the boats on AIS and with our eyes we noticed one container ship was making it's way out of the port just as another with a tug in tow was heading in and we seemed to be the little guy in the middle. According the plotter we had over 500 yards which if you think about 5 football fields it seemed like more then enough for us but doubting our course and our eyes playing tricks on us decided to slow down allowing both ships to pass by. Well, the outbound ship did not like this and laid on the horn so loud that I screamed. It scared me and took me by surprise. Jeff veered hard to port out of the way and watched as both ships passed by. Good Morning Long Beach.
With Long Beach in the rear view mirror (if one existed) we made our way into Alameda Bay around 1300 just in time to meet with Nacho and pick up the flopper stoppers he made for us. We were really excited to see them and get them onboard. After some adjustments were made they were hoisted on the flybridge and secured and we could make our way to Catalina in the morning. That was more then enough action for one day for us. We took a peaceful stroll around the canals, made dinner and went to sleep early.
Watch Out!
Long Beach Light
Port of Long Beach
Cruise Ships Anchored Long Beach
Business complete and west coast cruise nearly over it was time for some rest and relaxation and what better place to do that then in Catalina. We threw lines promptly at 0800 and joined the parade of boats heading to Catalina. Once again we had to cruise through the freighter anchorage which wasn't fun but with the mainland astern and Two Harbors in sight we immediately started to feel relaxed. Not too soon after that feeling came it quickly left. We noticed a go fast boat inching closer and closer to us. Wondering what their intentions were we hailed them on the radio and got no answer. As they inched closer and closer we were baffled as to what the hell they were thinking. Again we hailed them and got no response. At one point we were so close we could see the guy throw his hands up in the air as if we had done something wrong. We again hailed with no answer. I had had it. I went outside and made a phone sign with my thumb and pinky finger indicating a phone and put it to my ear and pointing to him. Finally he understood and we called him for the fourth time and he sheepishly answered Jeff's call. We explained we had been hailing him for a good 10 minutes and wanted to know what his intentions were. He apologized, slowed and passed us astern. Jeez. We needed to get moored asap. People are wild out here. Upon arrival the harbor patrol met us and assigned us our mooring ball which coincidently was right next to another DeFever our friends Ron and Cheryl on Lazy Days. Perfect. Mooring went smoothly and it was as if we had just done it. Like riding a bike. After we got secured we said hello to Ron and Cheryl and made a plan to have cocktails later. Shew! Time to relax. Finally.
Approaching Two Harbors
Moored Next to Lazy Days
It was great catching up with Ron and Cheryl and after sundowners on their boat Jeff and I continued on to shore and had dinner outside at the bar and listened to some music and watched the dancers. Good old Two Harbors it's always the same which felt comforting and familiar.
We slept in the next morning. It was nice not to have to go anywhere. We made breakfast and decided to get a little walk in before it got too hot. Dingy got us to shore and we walked around the perimeter checking out the other mooring fields and also Cat Harbor. I forgot that there are zero trees or shade on the walk and I was really ready for a break from the sun. We made our way back to the boat and spent a relaxing afternoon on board taking in the mooring field and the views. Later that night we went to shore and had dinner with Ron and Cheryl at the waterfront restaurant. Good drinks, good food and good friends felt so nice after cruising so long alone. We felt so happy to be with other cruiser and especially ones who have such extensive knowledge about Mexico and the Panama canal. It was the perfect end to a couple of good day at Two Harbors.
Two Harbors Mooring Field
Tidings of Joy
Taking a Walk
After two days with Ron and Cheryl it was time to move along down the island to Avalon, what we call the big city. The 13 mile cruise was easy and we enjoyed seeing the island and all the different anchorages we once spent time at when we circumnavigated the island several years ago. When we arrived we were assigned ball 212 the exact same we had been on in years past next to a moored ball owner Lucky Duck who sticks a stuffed animal duck out of his port window. Another transient boat to our starboard was filled with a bunch of old frat boys looking like they were trying to relive their glory days. They were shouting and taking shots and at one point a guy walked on deck buck naked. Not the relaxing time I had in mind but luckily they pulled out shortly after noon. Thank god. We decided to just laze around the boat and not head into town until tomorrow. We read, swam, napped and just soaked in our new surroundings.
Goodbye Ron
Cruising to Avalon
Avalon Casino in Distance
Approaching Avalon
Avalon Mooring Field
Night Time Mooring Field
There was a huge heat wave hitting all of southern California and today was supposed to be 90 degrees. For some reason we thought we could beat the heat and walk early enough that it wouldn't effect us. Big mistake. In the past we've enjoyed walking to the top of the hill to the old Wrigley mansion and enjoying the view. Tourist who come by ferry rent golf carts and drive this route. So we made our way. Holy Hotness 10 minutes in and we were sweating our assess off. At one point walking uphill a lady on an electric bike shouted, "I'm impressed." As I got hotter I got crabbier and at one point thought I was having a stroke (heat) and had to stop for air several times but somehow we made it. On the way back down I started talking to Jeff and it sounded like I was speaking in tongues and Jeff just looked at me confused. Get this girl inside in the air conditioning. After much time inside and a regular core temperature we took a dink ride around the mooring field to scope out the rest of the boats and eventually into town after sunset to stroll and see the town. It looked like we remembered it and we enjoyed pointing out and remembering the familiar haunts.
Walking in the Heat-Top of Avalon
Avalon
Avalon at Night
The next four days would be much of the same — long lazy mornings followed by swimming or going into town and lazing around on the boat reading and napping. Catalina is a lazy, relaxing island full of charm and a paradise for boaters. It really was a great way to conclude our 1,000 plus mile journey south and a nice distraction for what was to come, the end and arrival in our homeport.
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