Finding Time

Wow, it's difficult for me to believe it's been almost two months since I've been on here! Lack of communication is not one of my problems, as all of you know. Well, I've had good reason, while we are not out of the country yet, Scott and I have been putting in the final push to get the heck out. The list of projects is down to need to (short list), would be nice (shorter list), and finish in Mexico (very, very long list). It's been decided to put much of what we were hoping to get done in the USA down and go as we are. The draw back to this is our shopping list has gotten twice as long. As Americans we are spoiled with the diversity and quality of products we can get in the USA. All cruisers start out worrying about food and provisions, but ours is a little more concerning. Will we be able to find the specific stainless steel screws that we need, or the high pressure hose for the water maker (to be finished in Mexico), or any other oddball item that Scott and I feel make our boat more of a home with each passing day? One of our biggest projects we wanted done was the headliner and port lights in. A project that we've been putting off simply because we couldn't decide what we wanted to use. Well, the decision was put off a little longer when what we thought we were going to use ended up a pile of scrap lumber when we cut it wrong. In hindsight, it was a good thing, as neither of us really liked what we were going to use and didn't want to tell the other in fear of delaying our departure.

In addition to all the projects, there have been the constant running around we need to do to collect all the items we think we need. Constant trips back and forth to several of our suppliers. I know when we finally haul out for bottom paint I'm going to have them raise the water line. Scott and I also like to take what we call "Sanity Trips". The purpose is to get us away from the boat, regroup, and allow us to look at her from a fresh perspective upon our return. Usually, they are only a day or two out to Palm Springs, but we needed to run away and Arizona seemed the best. We love Flagstaff, it's another area we could consider settling if and when we decide to. Two lovely days and several nice meals later, we returned and got more done in a week than we usually get done in 3.

We've also either been host or been hosted by a large group of friends wanting to say "Goodbye". We have the most amazing friends. The nicest part is that we've finally gotten to the part where we can host our friends aboard Reisender and share a little of our lifestyle with them. The most common reaction is how big inside she is. Some of the people we've been able to host have been: Sandy, Nicole, Joe, Valerie, Andy, Dan, Jeff, and Harmony in the last few weeks. I want to thank all of them for their encouragement and friendship. Our last surprise was an invitation for Thanksgiving out in Palm Springs. Thanks Gene! It was perfect timing and for the first time in years I didn't cook. That was a strange feeling!

Well, here we sit, waiting. It seems a theme in our life. We wait for Monday, when we take the cats to get their international health certificates. Then we wait for someone to buy the car, which will be posted for sale on Tuesday. If you know anyone in the Southern California area looking for a great 1997 Volvo Station wagon that gets almost 30 mpg let me know, shameless plug I know! Waiting, waiting, waiting! The wait is almost over and then it's on to traveling again. I'm excited, nervous, and prepared all rolled up together. The boat is as ready as she can be. I've got all the goodies we love to eat, and Scott has all the spare parts he can think of. It's time.

One more item, thank you all for your love, friendship, and encouragement as what has taken 7 years of work and preparation finally comes to full blossom for us!

Fair winds my dear friends!

Strictly Sail Long Beach 2012

This was the first year for the Strictly Sail Long Beach in a long time. In years past it was a combination of sail and power. Scott and I are most fond of the Strictly Sail boat shows that are held around the country, with our favorite being the Strictly Sail Oakland show. When it came to our attention they were holding on in Long Beach we decided to drive up for the day, and are we glad we did. It was definitely a smaller show than we'd been to before, but they really made up for quantity with quality. It seemed to be a success from the venders point of view also. We overheard several saying how surprised they were with the number of attendees, especially on a Thursday. The best part for us, were the seminars on cruising Mexico and we think we've found a marina in Ensenada to stay while we check in. The marina was represented by the dock master and they offer to help with our check in with customs, which is very nice considering Mexico is changing it's requirements for entry and it's not really certain what all will be changing. The best we can tell, for those interested, you can no longer make your first stop anywhere in Mexico without clearing in first. For our west coast cruisers, this would mean no more going to Turtle Bay first and then checking in at Cabo or La Paz. You would be required to either check in at Ensenada or go straight down to Cabo without stopping. As of now, that is the only significant change to entry by boat. OK, OK.... back to the boat show: We also found a wonderful North Sails rep who invited us to bring our used North Sail into his loft for a free inspection and quote on putting a sun guard on it. The best thing is his turn around time: THE NEXT DAY!!! That's amazing as most lofts give a turn around of 7 days. I also fell in love with Dufour boats.

http://www.dufour-yachts.com/

Quality of craftsmanship really impressed both of us. They actually use solid wood throughout, not pressed or laminates like so many other manufacturers. Their representative was a fountain of knowledge on their boats. Usually when reps find out we already have a boat and are just checking things out we are quickly disposed of, but this guy was wonderful. He was really proud to be with this company and even made sure we saw the other Dufour on display and pointed out all sorts of features and details we would have missed.

We found that kind of pride in the product being represented was pretty consistent with the vendors. We rarely felt hurried or that because we weren't buying we were a waste of time for them. Every vendor we approached was glad to spend time explaining their product and it's uses. We only had one vendor who wasn't on his game. We felt he didn't know enough about his product, but the impression was made that he might have been manning the booth for someone on a break. So, in light of all our excellent experiences we'll let that one slip. We've got the website and address. There was one other wonderful thing about the show, most of the vendors represented companies that were from Southern California. We could go directly to the location within a reasonable drive from Newport Beach. For us this is great because it cuts down on shipping. Well for non -boaters this is all pretty boring, but for the boating geek I would recommend the New Strictly Sail Long Beach show if you are in the area. It's still no where the size of Oakland, but it's worth a look.

Fair winds!

Just a couple of thoughts

With our leaving drawing near there are so many questions that people ask when they find out what we are doing. After 7 years aboard a boat the questions about "what's it like?" begin to get stale. It's my life. Yes it is very different for those who don't live on a boat, but the longer I live on a boat the more that life seems strange to me. The look on people's faces when they begin to talk about something on TV and we look vacant never ceases to amaze me. The idea that TV is not a constant part of our daily lives seems to confound people. I used to be addicted to the noise of a TV. The first thing I'd do when I came home was turn it on, whether I was watching or not. It was the noise I needed. Now I find my life constantly interrupted by noise. Airplanes, traffic, the chatter of people just talking, even the music as I'm shopping seems a distraction. The other distraction is the constant rush of today's lifestyle in America. Scott and I live in one of the most populated areas of the country and when we are out and about we feel overwhelmed at times. Cars rushing by, people in a hurry. Grocery shopping which was so much fun for me has become a drudge of "get in, get out". I've found the crush of people when shopping to be claustrophobic at times. We've slowed down so much over the last few years it amazes me more people don't jump off the wheel and do it. So for me that is what life on a boat is like.

Another of my favorite questions is about "stuff". Where do we put it all? That's a funny one to us. We've downsized and downsized again over and over. We finally look at each other and ask why we even have something. So the question of where we put it all tends to be a funny one when you've done you damnedest to get rid of all you can. It's actually very liberating. My wardrobe is about a 3rd what is once was, but what do I really need? Something warm in the winter and something cool in the summer. A sweater or two for the other seasons. We are both avid readers, but with technology as far as it is that's actually OK today. For entertainment purposes we both have electronic book readers, but for resources we keep hard copies. I am a huge cookbook collector. I've just limited myself to 20, so when a new one comes in an old one goes out. As with my galley, a new tool must have two uses, otherwise there is no home on Reisender for it. I also find that I don't need the gadgets I once found I did when on land. I can chop garlic with a knife. It may take a little longer, but who cares? It's just a little more love in a meal. Tools for Scott is a big one. Most of the weight in Reisender is because of our tool lockers (PLURAL), but where we are going we need to be self sufficient. Who couldn't stand to be able to take a care of themselves a little more independently?

I won't bore you too much longer, but the biggest question we hear is about fear. Aren't we afraid? Actually, yes, often, but do you know of anything in life worth doing that doesn't make you a little afraid? If you happen to be married, was that one of the scariest and nervous days of your life? In my years, I've learned there is no such thing as absolute safety. Earthquakes, fire, car accidents all happen, so we could stay on land and let one of them get us, or we could take our chances out here. While this isn't for everyone, we are happy and love the choices we've made. We are actually very boring people in our opinions. We've got friends that amaze us everyday with their accomplishments. I guess it's all in the seat you're sitting in as to what the other person looks like.

Well, just a couple of thoughts. Fair Winds!

Scott Say the Best Asian-Orange Chicken He's Had

So I made this the other night and it was a big hit. Scott said he can never go to a Chinese restaurant and order this again. I did make a few changes to the below recipe and I have noted them where I've made substitutions. Let me know if you enjoy it. We like a little spice to ours so I added extra red pepper in the form of Sambal Olek. You can find this in the Asian section. It's a chili mixture with a great kick. I use it a lot.

Asian Orange Chicken

Ingredients

• Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons orange juice(I used a fresh orange)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup packed brown sugar  (I used granulated sugar and only 1/4 cup)
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I used Sambal Olek about a tblspn)
•  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
•  
• Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
3. In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

As the Sea Lion Turns

So Scott and I decided to take a much needed break from the boat and get away to Palm Springs for the weekend. Unfortunately the sea lions did not know it was a weekend off and decided to play a dirty little trick on us. We weren't gone 4 hours when we got the call that a lovely little critter had taken up residency on OUR BOAT!!! Insert all the curse words you want here! For the most part we thought the epic of the sea lions was over and hadn't really been bothered by them for almost a week. They seemed to have been migrating to other areas of the bay. Well, not so.... our saint of a neighbor who called shooed them off only for them to return when he went to the back of our boat. That's when he called us. We don't have any netting for him to throw over the boat and the boat was locked up tight, except for one locker in the cockpit. We told him to use whatever he could and rig up anything to prevent their return. At this point the discussion of scraping our plans and returning to Newport was seriously on the table. Another drink later and we called him back to find out that the little critters had moved on and he'd keep an eye on our boat and call us if need. Weekend saved! It was then on to wine and the rest of our time with friends!

Update on Crusing Thanks to Sandy

Here's some more info on two areas (Newport, OR and Fort Bragg, CA) from my friend Sandy. Thanks Sandy!

Newport, OR: The first marina to starboard as you pass under the bridge is quite nice. Guest dock is the very first dock to port – just across from the fuel dock. Moorage (2008) was $20/day. There are very nice shower facilities and Laundromat at the top of the ramp. Good (free) WiFi in the laundry room. There is also an RV park there. You can walk to the aquarium and the Rogue Brewery (which is at the other end of the marina) but to provision you need to go into town. Fortunately there is a free shuttle to/from several times a day. We were there 10 days waiting out bad weather so by the time we left the shuttle driver knew us by name…sigh…

 

Fort Bragg, CA: I was there long ago taking a smaller (33’) boat from Portland to S.F. The entrance is quite narrow and not particularly well marked. Lots of rock & cement blocks on both sides. Would I go in at night? No! Once inside, the channel is quite narrow and shallow. The boat I was on had a 6’ draft and the middle of the channel was 8’. This is a very “authentic” fishing village and very quaint. Huge population of wildlife and those nasty Sea Lions are quite happy to lie about on boats. The fuel dock is like the one in Eureka. The people are very friendly and there are some great places to eat. I’d have loved to go there again with “Faith” but really didn’t feel like negotiating the tight quarters with that big a boat (41’).

Jerid's Mini-Cruising Guide Part 2

This is from Santa Barbara to Newport Beach. By no means is this a full guide, just the places we've been.

Southern California Cruising

Southern California check in for visitors in many of the harbors is quite different from Northern California and the West Coast. Most, but not all, harbors require the visiting vessel to tie up to the Harbor Police docks to check in and for slip assignment.

Santa Barbara- This is the first harbor that requires checking in at the police docks prior to slip assignment. They are also the first requiring transient boats to show proof of insurance. As of the fall of 2011, the going rate for a slip was 90 cents per foot per night, including showers, water, and electricity. The pump out and fuel dock will be passing on the starboard side of the boat as the visitor is pulling into the police docks. Showers are located through the marina. Laundry facilities are located on shore and require a prepaid card with a minimum purchase. The marina is gated and a key card is required. As of 2011 the rate for the gate key was $8. This is a purchase not a deposit. The key is yours and should you return they will reactivate the key, or pass it on to other boaters coming down behind you. At the marina you will find many restaurants and a small West Marine. Downtown is within walking distance, but they have an excellent trolley system. If you follow Cabrillo Blvd east and turn left on Milpas you will find Tri County Market. This is a great produce stand and market. Following Milpas away from the beach there is a Trader Joes located a few blocks from Tri County. Down town on the corner of Chapala and Carrillo if a Ralph's grocery store. State St is the main street with many wonderful shops and restaurants. There is also a Saturday Market. Ask for time and location at the Harbor Master's Office. To the east of Stearns Wharf is a free anchorage. The anchorage nearest the pier is only available until November 1^st. After that the anchorage is further east. Be advised of all Santa Ana warnings. They can be severe and that is one of the reasons for moving the anchorage further away from the pier during that time of year.

Ventura- We only pulled in for fuel. When attempting to find a slip the rates were some of the most expensive we'd encountered. $1.60 per foot per night. It was decided to go further down the coast to a more reasonable rated facility. The fuel dock is very convenient and easy to find. Visiting boaters are not required to check in with the harbor police. Contact the individual marinas for guest moorage.

Channel Islands Harbor- Many good options for overnight accomodations but not good for provisioning. You are not required to check in with the Harbor Police. Contact the many marinas for a slip. It truly is out in the middle of nowhere. Not a very convenient place without a car.

Marina Del Rey- $1 per foot per night. There are designated transient slips at Burton Chase Park. The rates there have gone up quite a lot in the last few years. Boaters staying there as recently as 2009 reported it to be one of the most reasonably priced harbors in Southern California. To find the transient slips is very easy. After entering the harbor, you find them just past the first basin on the starboard side. There is a large statue of sailor with a helm in his hand at the edge of the park. The statue is sometimes hidden in the tree foliage. After grabbing a slip head, get your slip number and find the police office in the park. They will require insurance and registration. There is a Ralphs across from the park as well as a West Marine. Showers and restrooms are conveniently located in the park. The moorage slips are gated and a deposit is required for the key. Use cash for the deposit as it can take up to 6 weeks to get the deposit back on a credit or debit card.

Los Alamitos Bay Marina (Long Beach)- Visiting boaters much check in at the police docks. If it is after hours you must tie off at the police docks and wait until they open in the morning. Do Not! Do Not! Move to a slip until you have checked in. This is a very serious offense to the authorities and they do not mind you tying up to the docks for the night. They may or may not charge you for the night on the police docks. The going rate is $1 per foot per night. They require registration and proof of insurance including the amount of coverage. As of the fall of 2011 they required a minimum of $300,000 liability coverage. Once in a slip, you will find this an excellent place to provision and find boat parts. There are two boating stores in the parking lot, West Marine and The Captain's Locker. There are several sets of showers, but we found that if two people are showering at the same time only one of you will get hot water. Slips include water, showers, and electricity. As for provisioning within 2 blocks you will find: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Albertsons, Ralph's and a Sunday Farmer's Market located in the parking lot of the marina. There is a movie theater, Barnes & Noble, Bev Mo Liquor, Best Buy, and many other shops and restaurants within the same two blocks. In & Out Burger is across the street. There is a Passport pickup station at the base of the bridge. Passport is a public bus that will take you all the way to downtown Long Beach for a dollar per person each way, as of the fall 2011. There is an excellent store in downtown Long Beach for charts.

Avalon- Amongst the cruisers we know it is hit or miss whether they like Avalon. We loved it. This is another mooring ball situation which is the easiest we've ever seen. Go to cityofavalon.com for details. When approaching Avalon wait outside the harbor, the harbor police will come to you. As of 2011, they require cash in advance for mooring, but we have heard they now accept credit/debit cards. Call (310)510-0535 to verify this. The rates are posted on the website above. It is expensive considering the only amenities are water, pump out, and the mooring (they also have trash pick up off your boat), but if you travel off season there are substantial discounts. After November 1^st rent two nights get the next consecutive 5 free. There is also a deal between September 15^th and November first (if you rent Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun, you get the consecutive Mon, Tues, & Wed free. If staying longer than 2 weeks you will be required to put the City of Avalon on your insurance. The mooring is fore and aft. There is a map of the moorings on the website that is very helpful in finding the assigned mooring ball. The harbor police will give you directions or if it is your first time, if you ask they may guide you directly to your assigned spot. To pick up the mooring have a person the bow and one at the helm. The bow hand will pick up the pennant that is floating and pull it up until you find the first loop. Wrap it around the bow cleat and hand over hand the line to the stern cleat, being careful for hooks that may have gotten hooked in the line. Once at the stern wrap the loop around the cleat. It is recommended to have some form of a chaffing guard. If a Santa Ana occurs during your visit the harbor police may ask you to move and if possible ask to use a double mooring if the one next to you is available. They want your boat safe and not breaking free and heading towards town. Once mooring is complete the harbor police will come on board and put a dye tab in your holding tank to prevent pumping overboard in the harbor. When you are there you will see how clear the water is and really appreciate this pre-caution. There is a water taxi to take you ashore, but it is expensive. It is $5 each way per person. That can rack up quickly. It is more convenient to have your own dinghy for coming and going. There are well marked dinghy docks through out the bay. Please observe the marked rules at each dock. The docks can be crowded and it is common to climb over other dinghies to get to the dock. Showers are located across the street from the Tuna Club. You can't miss the club. The showers are $3 for 5 minutes. Water is a premium on the island. They are hot and clean. There is a laudromat in town and well as a grocery store. The grocery store is a Vons (Vons is the same company as Pavilions and Safeway, they will accept both a Safeway & Pavilions card for discounts). Because space is a premium in town, the Vons is in two locations with one housing the produce, meat, can goods, etc and the other with the bakery & deli. Both are within walking distance of the harbor. There is also a Radio Shack, Hardware, and the post office is located in the center of town. The post office will accept general delivery should the need for mail arise. Tourism is the heart of Avalon and the locals will go out of their way to be friendly and helpful. One more piece of advice, go to the Marlin Club for a drink. The locals are very colorful and no where is this more evident than the Marlin. Drinks are good, the bartenders lively, and the live music on the weekends is excellent. You never know who could be playing there.

Newport Beach- This is an excellent place if you need parts or to get work done on your boat. If is another harbor that you need to go to the harbor police docks before mooring. When you come in the entrace they will be off the starboard side of the boat. You can tie off to either the pumpout station or just past the police & life guard boats there is a temporary tie off to check in. If you choose to use a slip they are right next to the pumpout. Just grab one and head up to the office. They include water, electricity, trash, and showers. There is also a beach at the top of the ramp. The showers are not our favorite. They never seem to get warm and they are timed. You'll need to get the code from the harbor patrol office when you check in. As of 2012, the slips are $40 a night for any size boat that can fit into the slip. Somewhere around 40 feet, but if you hang over a little we've never seen evidence that is is a problem. If you are a more budget minded and if you have a dinghy, they also have mooring. The moorings include water, pumpout, and showers. The bay has public docks throughout that are extremely convenient. I would suggest if you have a choice to opt near Balboa Island in mooring area B. You will be further away from some of the tourist area and there is a laundromat on the island. Pavillions is also within walking distance, as is one of the two West Marines. If you go to the other end of the bay there is a public pier that will take you to Newport Blvd. If you follow Newport Blvd you will come to Minney's Yacht Surplus (Think Disneyland for Boaters). Minney's is a second hand store with just about everything you could imagine. It might take some digging, but if you are looking for a used sail, prop, or anchor you're gonna love this place. There is also a sail loft and engine supply store right next to Minney's. If you can't find it at Minney's there is also MMI but it's a bit of a walk. Minney's is already close to a mile and a half from the dinghy dock. If you don't mind walking, you can get fresh produce at Grower's Direct. Excellent and cheap! There is a public transporation system that looks really convenient. Sprouts, TJ's and Fresh & Easy are all good for finding provisions as well. There is no Walmart within reasonable distance. If you go over to the pumpout dock near the police docks you can make your way within walking distance to Corona Del Mar. In CDM there is an Ace Hardware and an Albertsons.

Additional Newport Beach info: We've been here long enough to add a few more details. MMI can be found at
www.mmimarine.com

They are another boating supply store in the area. MMI is a long walk from the bay, but if you can't find it at any of the other alternatives give them a call and make the walk! LOL! 

Also if you need the bottom scrubbed off try Kim Ozolins from Atlantis Dive Co. (949)722-8693 or cell (949)233-DIVE. He does hull cleaning, zincs, inspections and recoveries. He was a great guy and did an excellent job. He also will give you quite a lot of advice about keeping your hull in good shape here and in Mexico.