Another Kind of Cruising

We got a new set of wheels!!

A 1984 Honda Goldwing GL 1200 Interstate.

School Daze

We're gearing up to start school again on Monday and we have pretty full loads this semester so our adventures will be few and far between for the next few months.  On our way home from Mission Bay last weekend, Mo-C experienced a little engine trouble, so Ben ordered a new carburetor and head gasket and once the parts arrive, he'll put on his grease monkey suit and take care of business.  Since summer came late this year, we're hoping it will stick around a little longer so we can take a few more weekend sailing trips before winter creeps in. 

This is a picture of Mother Culture at anchor in Mission Bay last week. 

Summer Sail

Yesterday we sailed from San Diego Bay to Mission Bay. I'm always a little nervous when sailing because I've always had a fear of the ocean. My fears have subsided a lot over the past two years but I am still very aware of the power of the ocean and I try my best to stay out of Mother Nature's way. Yesterday's sail was pretty awesome for beginners. The seas were pretty calm but we had enough wind to make it there in good time. And we even saw a pod of dolphins crossing our path!  Here are a few pics and a video...

This stealthy, wealthy boat was anchored off the edge of the mooring field when we left

I'm always a fan of the seals and sea lions on the buoys

Steering

Relaxing

At anchor

I also added a panorama shot of the anchorage at the bottom of my page.  Scroll all the way down to the very bottom of my blog to check it. But first, check out this quick video of the dolphins!

Summer Highlight

Could it be our own Pirate Bob from the Laurel Street mooring? You bet it is!

"GROUNDED SAILOR RESISTS ASSIST

San Diego lifeguards tried to help a man whose boat was grounded Monday south of the Ocean Beach Pier.  The man did not want to get off the boat, but lifeguards were able to walk him to shore, lifeguard Sgt. Troy Keach said.  He was suspected of public intoxication and arrested, police Officer Dino Delimitros said."

(source: San Diego Union Tribune, Tuesday, August 10, 2010 issue, page B2)

Day Two

It's day two of August and the sun has graced us with its presence once again. Here are a couple pics of the blue sky and the sunset we enjoyed yesterday.

Sunday Sun Day

As typically seems to be the case, when I open my mouth I usually end up sticking my foot in it. Everyone that lives in San Diego knows about May Gray and June Gloom.  We expect those months to be cool and cloudy (and we try to schedule vacations during those months for that reason).  Ben and I went to Costa Rica in June and when we returned at the end of the month to a still-cloudy San Diego, we bit our tongues and tapped our fingers in anticipation of the hot, sunny weather July would produce.  The first week of July came and went and still no sun.  So we got out of dodge and motored over to Michigan to bask in their glorious rays.  We knew by the time we got back to San Diego, the sun would be in full force.  But when we returned at the end of July, still no sun.  It was my fault.  It's that old self-fulfilling prophecy.  Last July, I distinctly remember complaining about the heat and the ever-present sun.  I recall wishing the sun would disappear forever.  I even complained about it in a blog post.  I'm ashamed of myself, really.  I took the sun for granted and this July the sun decided to teach me a lesson. 

According to news reports, this July was the coolest in 77 years.  The coolest July since 1933!  There were only four clear days here in the Bay.  FOUR!  And I'm guessing they happened when we were in Michigan because I'm not sure I could have counted four clear hours.

Today is August 1st and if today is a precursor to what the rest of the month will bring, I'd say summer has finally arrived here in San Diego.  But I'm not counting on it.  I will, however, keep my fingers crossed.