Racing Stormy Weather

Moonrise at Monterey, California  Yacht Harbor 

I continued sailing "Little Lara" southward, arriving at Monterey Yacht Harbor the morning of  October 12th.  There I took a slip in the marina after covering 95 nautical miles in a 24 hour period.  In Monterey, I refueled the boat, caught up on some much needed sleep, and attended church. After church,  Peggy called to warn me of inclement weather north of my position.  A huge winter storm with 25-30 knots of wind and 10-15 foot waves was pressing down on me.  She advised me to get around Point Conception as quickly as possible.  Though I had planned to spend another day in Monterey, I once again dropped "Little Lara's" dock lines and headed out to sea.

Point Conception

Point Conception was first noted by Spanish maritime explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 and named Cabo de Galera. In 1602, Sebastian Vizcaíno sailed past it, renaming this protruding headland Punta de la Limpia Concepción ("Point of the Immaculate Conception"). Vizcaíno's name stuck, and the name was anglicized to today's version.  The Chumash people, who occupied this region well before the arrival of the Spaniards called Point Conception the "Western Gate", through which the souls of the dead could pass between the mortal world and the heavenly paradise.  For modern day mariners, this point is know as "The Cape Horn of the Pacific Ocean" -- a scary place, where scary things happen!

Lost Ships of Destroyer Squadron 11

"The Cape Horn of the Pacific Ocean" is full of maritime disasters.  One of the worst documented cases occurred on a Saturday night, September 8, 1923.  It was foggy and difficult to see.  Fourteen ships of Destroyer Squadron 11 were running south from San Francisco to San Diego at 20 knots in column formation with just a few minutes of sea time between them.  They were too close to each other given the weather conditions. The lead ship, U.S.S. Delphy, mistook the light at Point Arguello as the light at Point Conception, which was twelve miles further to the south.  As a consequence of this navigational error, the Delphy’s captain, thinking he was entering the Santa Barbara Channel, turned inland early.   The other destroyers followed, one after another.  When they realized their error, it was to late. Seven destroyers ran aground on the jagged rock outcroppings close to shore and were lost.  Two ships were damaged.  Only five were able to avoid the rocks. It was the largest peacetime loss of U.S. Navy ships in our history.

Approaching Point Conception in "Little Lara"

I rounded Point Conception just as the sun was setting.  True to its reputation, the "Horn" was cold, wet and gloomy.  The winds were light, the seas were confused, but fortunately it was not foggy.  In the dark, I dropped the hook in Cojo Anchorage just east of Point Conception. I was tired, but I had escaped the fate of Destroyer Squadron 11.

Dodging Ships and Oil Platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel

I was up early the next morning, motor-sailing down the Santa Barbara Channel.  I looked longingly at Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands as I sailed past their inviting bays and inlets, but, that winter storm was still north of me, and closing in fast. Peggy was furiously texting me to hurry and get into a safe harbor.  I arrived at the Santa Barbara Anchorage as the sun was setting on October 16th and the next morning I took a slip in the Santa Barbara Yacht Harbor.  It took me 43 hours to sail the 206 miles from Monterey, but I had beat the storm with its high winds and huge waves by 24 hours.

Storm Wind and Waves
Crashing against the Santa Barbara Breakwater

Sunset at Santa Barbara, California

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

Hallowed Ground

Martin's Cove

The song "Hallowed Ground" was written by Cheryl Davidsen in 2010. It has become the theme song for the Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission and is beloved by all those serving at Martin’s Cove. "As we stand on hallowed ground and sing this song every heart is touched by the sobering sacrifice made by those early pioneers in the Willie and Martin handcart companies."  We hope you too come to love it as we do.  http://www.cheryldavidsen.com/hallowed-ground/


Here we stand on hallowed ground -- hallowed ground,
Where frozen feet have walked,
Where mother's tears have dropped,
While weary hands dug out another grave.
Where trembling knees have knelt
To beg the Lord for help.
Upon these jagged rocks, they fell and prayed.

  Hallowed ground, holy place

Trail of tears -- trail of faith.

    Can you feel them all around,

          As we stand on hallowed ground.

Here we stand on hallowed ground,
Where winter winds have blown
And buried carts in snow,
Where hungry children watched their fathers die,
Where women young and old
Bravely pushed and pulled,
Where boys turned into men and hope survived.

   Hallowed ground, holy place.

Trail of tears -- trail of faith.

    Can you feel them all around,

           As we stand on hallowed ground.

Where snow and ice transpired into refiners fire.
Where angels came and pushed them up the hill.
How God could show his grace
in such a god-forsaken place
And yet, I feel his presence still.

     Hallowed ground, holy place.

  Trail of tears -- trail of faith.

     Can you feel them all around

             As we stand on hallowed ground.

                   As we stand on this hallowed ground.

We have genuinely loved serving at the Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission and will cherish the memories we have made...of visitors, of trekkers, of missionary friends but especially of those valiant  handcart pioneers of 1856.

As Soon As They Started, They Ended

Trekkers Learning the Martin Handcart
Story at Fort Seminoe

As anticipated, this has been a busy Trekking Season. During our busiest weeks we had as many as 14 groups on the trails at Martin's Cove.  Cherry Creek Campground was often filled to capacity.  The missionaries volunteering here were kept busy all summer manning the Visitors' Center, working with the trek groups and maintaining the properties, but most of all, we had fun.  And, that is how it should be.  On several occasions, Peggy and I took the opportunity to get out on the trails to enjoy the youth that came here.

Youth Orientation in the Trek Center

(L-R) Jay, Peggy, Aubrey, Kim and Bruce

We were excited to have Peggy's niece and family among one of the trek groups at Martin's Cove!

A Sacred Sweetwater River Crossing

Trek Group Crossing River Crossing Foot Bridge

Most of the groups trekking at Martin's Cove this year had special programs, vignettes and musical numbers.

Youth Program at the Statues

Youth Program at Dan W Jones Amphitheater

Youth saying Good-Bye after a long day of Trekking

And, as soon as the treks had started, they ended, leaving the trails at Martin's Cove once again empty until next year.

Until Next Year!

By Small and Simple Things...