Marina Del Rey - The Chitlins

Ever since Izzy was in college at Loyola Marymount Jeff has wanted to bring the boat to Marina Del Rey. Finally that day came. Monday morning June 24th we released ourselves from our mooring ball in Long Beach and made the 36 mile ride up the coast to Marina Del Rey. We hadn't secured a place to stay because there was a big sailboat race and festival in the harbor and the park/marina we wanted to stay at couldn't tell us if they would have a space or not. While underway I called and they told me that they were full and to try back around 2p.m. That wasn't going to work for us because we were arriving at noon. I called another marina and fortunately they had space. We found our slip and got tied up. Neither of us were happy because our stern was facing this loud gross construction site. All we could hear was jack hammers and pounding and faced a giant pile of dirt. Not good. When we connected the boat to the power source it kept tripping the breaker and not allowing power to come to the boat. We tried the slip next to us and again the same thing happened. I thought maybe the office had to manually release the power so we walked up to check in and find out what was going on. The office said there shouldn't be a problem and offered to move us to another slip. We were both really happy about that. No more construction site view and loud noises. I got us untied and we headed back out to the fairway to our new slip which faced all the boats coming in and out of the harbor. Already we were much happier. Again I tied us up and when we connected the power the exact same thing happened. Jeff called the office who said they would send the dock worker down to check it out. He had Jeff try several things like disconnecting and reconnecting and turning things off and on and nothing worked. He told us he needed to get the marina electrician down to take a look at things. By this time we were thoroughly frustrated. Jeff went for the proseco and  I followed right along.

Leaving Long Beach Harbor

Seals Hanging Out

Entering Marina Del Rey Harbor

Jeff Pouring Proseco 

Finally after about 20 minutes of waiting on the electrician he finally showed up. He took one look at our system and how it was wired and told us because they had a new electrical system there it wouldn't work with the way our boat was wired and that if we wanted to stay we wouldn't have power and would have to run the generator. This wasn't an option. It wasn't as if we were at anchor and that was our only choice we were at a place that offered (and we paid for) power. We had no other choice but to move again. When we entered the harbor I noticed that there were slips available at the park marina we wanted to stay at despite what the kid in the office said. I called them back and asked about moving into one of the empty slips. We were told it was no problem and to head over. So for the third time I untied the boat and we headed over. Thank god their power worked with our system (as most all do) and we got retied and settled in. Before checking in we decided to finish our proseco and take a breath. What an ordeal it was just to get a slip. Little did we know where we were and the kind of people who are regulars at this marina. After checking in with he sleeping office worker and girl who pretend to work on a computer that was turned off we went back to the boat to relax and unwind from all the trauma of the day. That's when the real show began. Our marina was full of derelict boats and people who were trying to scam the marina by staying on the temporary dock for free. There was sailboat girl - a rough and manly girl who pretended to work on her sailboat for about 5-6 hours while a guy paddling a dingy standing up and anther guy who showed up on a bike ran around the marina back and forth to and from her boat. Later on there were two more guys who showed up yelling and screaming at her calling her a "whore" and a "bitch" and made a very loud scene. Where the hell were we? Oh and then there was sideways boat driving guy. A guy who sat sideways in his boat driving with earbuds on ignoring all boat traffic passing by including us who almost hit him because he refused to move. We watched the sheriff tow his boat that night as well. 

Sailboat Girl 

Side Boat Driver's Boat Being Towed

Despite being anxious and looking out the window every 5 seconds we both manage to sleep really well Monday night. We were both really anxious to get off the boat, exercise and see the kids. Tuesday we managed to get our bikes down from the top of the boat and went for a long 13 mile bike ride from our Marina to the Santa Monica Pier. It was great to stretch our legs and exercise. We found a great vegan Thai place to have lunch and made a plan to meet up with Izzy near his work for coffee. We went to cute place called Rose and caught up with Izzy for a bit. 

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

With Izzy at Rose

Tuesday night the four of us had a plan to go to dinner to celebrate Father's Day since we weren't able to in San Diego. Izzy was excited to take Jeff to an authentic sushi place that he knew of. Sam and I were less excited. We agreed to go to a vegan sushi place before hand and then to the main sushi place after. Well after we all got our acts together and sat in L.A. traffic for an hour to get Sami at Izzy's house we no longer had time for vegan sushi. Instead we found a vegan ramen hole in the wall instead. Time was ticketing and the traditional sushi place said we needed to all 4 be on time or they would give our reservation away. We all were nervous and pacing around the ramen place while they prepared Sam and I's food. We no long had time to eat it at the restaurant we would have to eat in en route to the sushi restaurant which meant hot bowls of ramen in our laps while Izzy drove. I spilled and laughed a lot. 

Sam & I in Front of Ramen Champ

Backseat Ramen Dinner

Somehow we managed to make it to sushi on time. I think I walked in with corn and noodles stuck to my shirt and pants. Either way we were happy to have had good vegan food before the boys chowed down on sushi. The dinner was nice and we were all happy to be together. The kids gave Jeff a nice workout shirt and Izzy bought everyone dinner. All and all a good night. Sam came with us back to the boat and slept over. 

Father's Day Dinner 

Jeff's New Father's Day Shirt

Wednesday morning we took our time and slept in. The three of us made our way to a coffee shop and walked around a bit in Abbot Kinney. Sam got some birthday shoes and Jeff some athleasure pants. Then we went to Erewhon for lunch and to get groceries for the week. For those of you who haven't experienced an Erewhon market, it's incredible. It's like Whole Foods times a thousand. Everything is organic and tons of great products. We first started with lunch from their deli - vegan for Sam and I and Pescaterian for Jeff. Then the shopping began. Despite having a list I could have spent all day there looking and reading the different products. It's such a wonderful place and I wish they existed outside of L.A. After all the shopping and walking around we were tired and decided to just go back to the boat and relax. We sat outside and watched the boats go by, read our books and just enjoyed the day. That night Izzy came over and I made dinner from our nice new Erewhon produce. It was nice being home with the four of us in L.A. 

Heading Out For The Day

Cruising Around In The Zeyda Mobile

Sailboats Behind The Boat

Tiding of Joy in Burton Chase Park

Our final day Thursday would bring great news for Sam. She found out that she got the house that she had seen several days before which she loved. While we were in L.A. she had been seeing places and filling out applications non-stop and finally she had a place. We were anxious to see it right away. After deciding traffic wouldn't be too bad we hopped into her car and made the 55 minute drive to her new home in Atwater Village. As we got closer and closer to her house Jeff and I couldn't believe how cute the neighborhoods were and how charming all the shops and cafes were. I wanted to live there. Finally we arrived and met New Jade, a friend Rachael and Stephen (whose lease Sam was taking over).  All three people we so nice, sweet and hospitable. We toured the charming little house and saw Sam's room and the peaceful backyard. Jeff talked with he guys while Sam and I connected with Rachel who happened to be from the Midwest like Jeff and I. When we left the three of us were so happy we couldn't believe it and couldn't believe all the crazy interweaving of our lives into that house. Finally Sam was getting settled in L.A. 

Sam's New Home

Thursday night we had a plan to celebrate Sam's birthday with her since the four of us wouldn't be together on the actual date. Now that she found out she had a home it felt like a double celebration. Weeks before she chose a vegan pizza place that she knew of from New York that just opened in Venice right by the boat. I was excited for vegan pizza and the four of us made our way there. The place was charming and quiet. The pizza was great and the four of us shared a bunch of food and wine and celebrated Sam. 

Sam's Birthday Dinner 

Vegan Gelato 

Sadly we said our goodbyes to Izzy who had to go back to work and the three of us made our way back to the boat. In the morning we had an early departure so we settled in and went to bed early. Friday we would make our way to Oxnard and stay at our sister marina. 

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

Nice Nice Newport

While not completely foreign to us Newport ended up being a wonderful place to anchor and have a boat. We thought we knew the area because this is where we bought the Joy Ride and spent the night on her before bringing her back home to San Diego. Little did we know there was an abundance of boating to do here. We arrived around 1p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Jeff had already reached out to his old college buddy and fraternity brother Eric who has a place here to get together. After getting settled in Eric called and said he was here and to come over. We dropped the dingy and left for a short ride up the channel to Eric's place. When we arrived he and his girlfriend Lena had the best peach martini's and homemade guacamole and chips waiting for us. We ate, drank and talked awhile and then the four of us dinged back to our boat so we could show Jeff's friends. More drinks and laughs later we were settled into Newport Beach.

                                                    Jeff and Eric "the fish" Spitz on the Tidings of Joy

Thursday we had a nice slow morning and stayed in p.j's until after one o'clock. Finally we decided to motivate a bit and went for a really long dingy ride exploring up and down the endless channels. We ended up on Balboa Island which is a tourist destination full of shops and restaurants and a charming "main" street. We strolled, stopped for a snack of proseco and fries then dinged back to the boat. We were debating on what to do with the rest of our evening - go out, stay in, what to do? Then out of the blue what seemed like a thousand tiny sailboat all appeared around the boat. A nice man in a pontoon asked if we minded if he anchored behind us and their yacht clubs sailboat race could take place all around the boat. We were thrilled. Of course! We grabbed another bottle of wine and settled in for the show. Boats of couples, older men, young guys all zipped and plotted around us. It was thrilling. 

Newport Harbor Yacht Club Sailboat Race

We were so happy that we had decided to stay in for the evening to watch the races. When they finally concluded after the wind died down around 7p.m. I made dinner and we went to bed. 

Friday was our final day in Newport. Much like every other day we slept in, lounged around until after lunch, played our summer gin card tournament then decided what to do. Today's activity needed to include some movement. Too much laying around and not moving isn't good but super easy to to while long term cruising. Again we hopped in the dingy and headed towards the beach. Unlike San Diego, Newport's boardwalk is a long way from the ocean and the water isn't visible from the walkway. We thought this was so bizarre but managed to get a nice 4 mile walk in anyway. 

End of Newport Pier

After our long walk we took a long dingy ride and checked out all the boats and the incredible houses here in Newport. I am so amazed that they get to have a huge house and a dock with a huge boat right in front. Those kind of places don't exist in San Diego. We love just cruising around looking at boats. Many hours later we returned to the boat. We hoisted the dingy back up top of the Tidings and got all ready for our departure Saturday morning. Another quiet night with dinner and a movie and lots of boat watching. Here we are now underway heading to Long Beach where we will grab a morning ball for a couple of days. 

Back At It

After a long cruising hiatus it's finally summer vacation and we are back to boating again. Since the loop we haven't really gone anywhere outside of San Diego Bay and Ensenada, Mexico. Yesterday morning we left our marina on a cool June gloomy day. Despite knowing we are from a military town its as very obvious yesterday. As we made our way to the ocean we passed a trimaran, a war ship and a submarine being towed back to the basin. We were amazed.

Trimaran Passing Port to Port With Us

Submarine Being Towed By a Tug

The six hour and forty five minute cruise north to Oceanside proved to be uneventful. We had smooth 2-3 foot seas with quiet 7mph winds. About halfway to our destination we were entertained by some dolphins who found it amusing to play in our spray. 

When we arrived we were told that there wasn't any guest slips available but we could tie up at the coast guard dock. What did we care? We just wanted to check out Oceanside and be there. Little did we know that the coast guard dock is a bird haven where they make themselves at home laying and pooping everywhere. I got off the boat to tie up and was submerged in poop. The lines, my shoes and my hands were covered in bird poop. The entire dock looks like it is white from the sheen of freshly laid tracks. I felt so gross and took everything off and jumped in the shower immediately. Welcome to Oceanside!

Tiding Of Joy Tied Up At Pooped Out Coast Guard Dock

Fortunately a few weeks prior Sam had given us the name of a good Sushi restaurant which offered both the real thing and a nice vegan menu as well. We hopped into an Uber and headed into town. The driver was bizarre but we figured just part of the the Oceanside ambiance. The Wrench and Rodent (I know, gross to add rodent in a restaurants name) was great. We both loved all of our sushi and a little Saki and beer made us forget all about the bird poop. We Ubered back with another weirdo driver and sat out on the aft deck taking in the view and the bird poop aroma. Despite being by a launch ramp and the beach we had a very quiet night and could hear a pin drop it was so still and peaceful. After a slow morning we took a nice long walk and saw the rest of the harbor. Tomorrow we head out for Newport Beach on the hook with hopefully no bird poop.