Harmonica
N 32 43 W 117 14 12 Sept 00
Hello all,

Those of you following the weather here may be pleased to hear that we are sitting comfortably in San Diego Bay watching the daily weather FAX's as Hurricane Lane is down-graded to a tropical storm. We have read our new book on Mexican weather systems from cover to cover and shall not head far south until the sea surface temperature starts dropping.

Last letter was from Avalon, St. Catalina Isl. The most touristy place yet - we felt healthy amongst the under-excercised ice-cream-eating tourists. We had hoped to take our bicycles out of the town and into the country but that required a permit, and to get the permit we needed at least 18 speed bikes, helmets and US$50 annual pass. Our bikes are only 7 speed! We cycled around locally instead and visited the botanical gardens.

It was close to 24 hrs. sailing to San Diego, so Jan & Dave alternated 3 hr. watches through the night exchanging minimal conversation each time one dashed single-mindedly for bed as the other yawned into action. Had the spinnaker up for an hour in the day, but when we reached 7 knots with thunderstorms around, we took it back down. The US Navy was playing with live missiles somewhere near and we were not sure where some of the rumbles came from. We unplugged the radio & hove to for one storm, but that was probably not necessary (more an excuse to stop for a nice supper).

Within an hour at dock, a dinghy popped up & Barbara Molin introduced herself as a fellow member of Blue Water Cruising Ass. who recognised our burgee. We got a complete run down of the best places to anchor, shop, swim, drink, eat, and be entertained! She has dropped in most days since and is great company. Today Eric & Kris Learz showed up with "Lady Meg" on the same dock. We had not seen them since May in Calgary.

We met Marianne, who was down from Calary for a conference. It was good to meet someone from the old life. She brought us some real maple syrup and pancake mix...what a treat. The dinghy ride back from supper after dark was interesting. We did not have the required nav. lights. We used a feeble flashlight and went the back way under a few low bridges going aground under the last one!

We have spoilt ourselves for the last few days enjoying city life moored at the entrance to Shelter Island Harbour with 5 yacht clubs and numerous smart hotels around us. We have done more than token boat work. We bought a new anchor and rode from Downwind Marine; Jan has had all the chain out on the dock remarking the lengths and painted the 2 anchors; Dave fibreglassed a new divider into the chain locker so that 2 rodes won't tangle; we repaired the dinghy; and sealed some minor deck leaks at the chain plates. That has always left time to reach one of the pools for "Happy Hour"!

The Chandlery store "Downwind Marine" is an easy dinghy ride or cycle from here, and yesterday we borrowed their truck which they keep to lend to cruisers. We came back loaded with plywood, anchor, & rope, so Downwind did OK. The staff are really helpful and we plan to go to a cruisers' coffee and doughnut meet tomorrow morning.

Best wishes from Dave & Jan