The Big Left Turn

Richardson Bay Anchorage
Looking Toward Sausalito

On October 11, 2019 I left Richardson Bay where I anchored near Sausalito for the night.  I have always liked this  anchorage.  With a cloudless night, full moon, and starry night skies; the lights of San Francisco can be seen off across the bay.  I wished Peggy was here to enjoy the beautiful scenery with me.

Little Lara Passing Under the Golden Gate Bridge

The next morning I was up early to prepare "Little Lara" for sailing offshore.  This mostly entailed organizing the boat, securing any loose items and setting out food (crackers, snacks, drinks) that can be easily grabbed.  I left the anchorage around 10:30 am with the hopes of passing under the Golden Gate Bridge at slack tide, then catching the beginning of an outgoing ebb tide. Once the anchor was stowed, I was off. Initially, with the favorable tide I made 6-7 knots, but upon reaching open waters "Little Lara" slowed to 4-5 knots.

U S Navy Stealth Ship

As I was leaving San Francisco Bay several "US Navy Stealth Ships" were entering.  We passed each other under the Golden Gate Bridge.  With Coast Guard Helicopters flying and Coast Guard Fire Boats spraying water, I felt very privileged that the Navy would think enough of "Little Lara's" to give us a spectacular send-off!

Coast Guard Fire Boat

Coast Guard Helicopter

These modern naval ships have radar cross section reduction features incorporated into their design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks. They are constructed entirely of steel, possess better sea keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time. They are powered by four diesel engines, cruise at 18 knots, but can achieve a top speed of 27 knots. At 376 feet long and 53 feet wide, these ships do not look like traditional naval ships, but more like floating boxes.  Plus, their size make "Little Lara" look -- well little, very little! Plus, they look very odd compared to the design, appearance and function of "Little Lara".

Turning Left and
Leaving the Golden Gate Bridge Behind

Turning Southward, I sailed "Little Lara" wing on wing (the head sail poled out on one side of the boat and the main sail boomed out on the other) in 2-3 foot seas. During the day, the winds lightened, "Little Lara" slowed, and the seas flatten out.  Soon we were making 2-3 knots as the sun began to set. The night air grew cold and dew settled on the decks.  Soon a large harvest moon peaked up over the coastal mountain range and the stars began to appear one by one.  I could see the North Star behind me, Orion overhead and warmer days ahead.  We sailed on throughout the night with the moon as my only sailing companion.

A Sailing Adventure Awaits!

"

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.

"Good morning!" said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green. But, Gandalf looked at him from under long bushy eyebrows that stuck out further than the brim of his shady hat.  "I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone." Bilbo: "I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!  I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth" -- by which Bilbo meant: What am I going to get out of it? and am I going to come back alive?  Gandalf: "You’ll have a tale or two to tell when you come back".  To which Bilbo replied, "You can promise that I’ll come back?” "No", responds Gandalf, " And if you do, you will not be the same."

What is an adventure? It can be described as engaging in an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous experience or activity. An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks: both physical and financial.  An adventure is about leaving your comfort zone to open yourself up to the experiences and beauty that life has to offer, regardless of the outcome.  It is about heading out to explore the world with no particular destination in mind. A sailing adventure is all about heading out into the unknown with its beautiful sunrises, spectacular sunsets, star-filled nights, wind and waves despite the perceived dangers.   After all, "It’s a dangerous business, walking out one’s front door", Gandalf points out.

Water is a totally different environment than what we are use to.  A sailboat is constantly moving, even when you are at anchor or in a marina. Our “land habits" become obsolete once you come aboard:  You quickly learn,"One hand for you and one for the boat!".  You learn to tie knots --  bowline, half-hitch, reef knot, figure-of-eight -- because knots are essential to ensure that the boat is secure and everyone is safe.  You learn to become self-sufficient because you are responsible for repairing any minor malfunction or breakage while at sea.  You learn to read the wind and the waves so you can reef the sails and secure the boat.

Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge
Before Turning Left!

So, what are we hoping to get out of this sailing adventure?

"There is no certainty, there is only adventure."(Roberto Assagioli).
“What is life but one grand adventure?”
 "Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” (Amelia Earhart)
"You weren't born to just pay bills and die."

We are willing to share our adventure. Adventure awaits. Lets find it together!

They're Doing Whaaat?

Winter in Idaho or in Mexico?
Which will it be?

Yes, it is true! Peggy and I have decided to escape the cold winter days of Idaho and sail "Little Lara" south, down the California coast and on to Mexico.  Our plans are to once again sail the warm, crystal clear, aquamarine waters of the Sea of Cortez. If you have followed our blog posts in the past, you know that we made this trip in 2014.  We intend to revisit many of our old favorite anchorages and to discover new ones.  

"Little Lara" Tugging at her Dock Lines

Its All Spit and Shine on "Little Lara"

We have spent several months preparing "Little Lara" for the adventure.  This includes renovating the bowsprit, rebuilding the exhaust system, refinishing the cabin sole, waxing the hull, and varnishing the teak. It seems like we are always varnishing the teak! Recently, we bent (a nautical term for "attaching") on the sails for the first time in two years and provisioned the boat with food. "Little Lara" is straining at her dock lines -- she is ready to go -- we are ready to go. 

Sailing Across  Grizzly Bay

 Our plans are for Jay to leave the Suisun City Marina October 9, 2019 and take Little Lara down Suisun Slough, out into Grizzly Bay, past the US Navy's "Ghost Fleet", through Carquinez Straight and into Richmond, California -- a 42 nautical mile trip by water.  There Little Lara will be hauled out, the bottom cleaned, zincs replaced, and rigging checked.  From Richmond, he will sail the boat through Raccoon Strait, past Angel Island, to anchor for the night near Sausalito, California in  Richardson Bay.  This will place Jay in a perfect position to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and out to sea on October 10th.  From there he will do some offshore single-handed sailing (a nautical term for "sailing solo").

US Navy "Ghost Fleet"

"Little Lara" Sailing Under the Golden Gate Bridge
Before Making the Big Left Turn South

Where will he sail to? -- Half Moon Bay, Monterrey, Morrow Bay. The goal is to make it to the Channel Islands to explore San Miguel and Santa Rosa before meeting Peggy later in October in Santa Barbara.  Then we will be Mexico bound, wherever the wind blows! We are certain it will be another adventure of a lifetime.  Hopefully, you will be along for the ride.

Second Star to the Right
and Straight on Till Morning