08/06 - 08/12 - 18th Annual Catalina Off-shore Adventure

[colbysmith]

Woke up to a foggy morning with some light mist. And then it stayed cloudy most the day. The NautiCat crew headed over to the other side of the Island to a local's favorite cove. I'm not sure what the crews from Sea Spray and Pounder did, but after lunch I hiked around the area looking for geocaches. And just enjoying the scenery. Colby


View of the mooring field here at Two Harbors.


The tall ship, Irving Johnson. You can read more info on this ship at this link: https://tallshipsamerica.org/vessels/irving-johnson/


The jet skii group that comes in from San Pedro, departing from Two Harbors. They seem to come in daily for just a few hours. Some kind of ride experience outfit.


Another view of the harbor.


Close up view of the jetskiis in front of us.


A view of the town and the harbor.


Jim or Kath captured this photo of a Black Crowned Night Heron on their bow line.

 

[colbysmith]

Today was our last day at Catalina Island, and I think we all just kind of relaxed on our boats, or dinghy'd around. (I mostly read.) We all enjoyed supper together at the only restaurant in town (at least at Two Harbors) The Harbor Reef Restaurant and Bar. Tomorrow morning bright and early, at 7am, we'll head out, back to Marina Del Rey. At least most of us. NautiCat will head back to Dana Point, near where they live. This has been a great trip. Thanks Jim & Kath for another fun cruise in the books!



Jim & Kath (Pounder)
Maddy & Sean (NautiCat)
Karen & Steve (SeaSpray)
Colby (C-Traveler)

 

[colbysmith]

After a safe crossing back to the mainland, we'll close this adventure out as another great time with Jim & Kath! This time crossing the major shipping lane, we did have to alter course about 30 degrees to give a bit more separation from the Maersk container ship, "Charleston". I just looked it up and see it's a brand new ship, built this year. It was on its way back to Japan. Rosanne's flight into LAX is running a half hour late out of Chicago, so more time to kill here at the guest dock for me. (I'll load out about 90 minutes before her flight lands. And yes, I'm towing through LAX to pick her up. Hoping for light traffic! lol.) Colby


My AIS said our CPA was 2 miles. It would have been around 1 without the turn. Just a bit to close for this big guy, since we were going in front of him!


Pounder and SeaSpray ready to load out.


Karen and Steve loading SeaSpray


Steve cranking up SeaSpray


Jim and Kath loading Pounder


It's a quarter a minute for fresh water to wash down the boats.


I doubt this guy/gal paid it's slip fee!

 

[Jim Gibson]

Dear All.

We arrived home safely last night at 10 PM, after a 400 mile trailer back to Sacramento from Catalina Island.The 18th Annual Catalina Adventure has come to an end. We already miss the relaxation and solitude of Two Harbors.

By the time it gets to Friday, I am totally relaxed and not wanting to go home. I have always vowed that one of these days I am going to take my boat to Two Harbors and just sit on it for a month! One week is not long enough to amortize this trip.

For a variety of reasons five C-Dorys did not show up and were not coming at the last minute. Yes, it is a lot of work to get mobilized to go to Catalina and to return. We certainly missed all that did not attend. But even more so we are thankful for those few hardy soles that did attend.

Though our group was small this year, I would have to say that we enjoyed the Adventure as much as ever. These trips are all about the people who do come and not necessarily about the destination.

We are honored that Colby on C-Traveler came out to California from Madison twice this year to two of our events. That wes a huge effort on the part of Colby. Colby is extremely helpful to the group. He is a knowledgeable seaman and is great with diagnosing engine problems. He has a multitude of parts on his boat to borrow when needed. He is always there on time and ready to do anything.

Steve and Karen on Sea Spray are two of the kindest C-Dory soles. Steve is also extremely helpful with things and is a great dingy companion. I have been on many trips with Steve and truly enjoy his company.

Sean and Matty on NautiCat were new to us this year. What a fun couple they both are. Sean is a real party animal.

Until next time.

Jim & Kath

 

[colbysmith]

We are honored that Colby on C-Traveler came out to California from Madison twice this year to two of our events. That wes a huge effort on the part of Colby. Colby is extremely helpful to the group. He is a knowledgeable seaman and is great with diagnosing engine problems. He has a multitude of parts on his boat to borrow when needed. He is always there on time and ready to do anything.

Aw shucks! :embarrased: Just enjoying my retirement! By parts, you must mean ice cream! Colby

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks Jim, we also enjoy our time with you and Cath. Thanks for for putting these trips together.

Steve

 

[colbysmith]

After 4000+ miles on the trailer, C-Traveler arrived home with us yesterday afternoon with no major events. We had one issue with the fresh water pump. After a week in 100+ degree heat, in Goodyear, Az., the thermal protection / pressure switch took a hit. Water pump didin't work when I went to wash my hands after having lunch the day we left Goodyear. I was able to wire around the pressure switch temporarily to get water flowing again! New pump from Amazon arrived yesterday evening, along with a new pressure switch to fix the old pump and keep it as a spare!

While very minor, after arriving at Marina Del Rey, I noticed that the bushings around the trailer caliper slider pins, on the right side, on the bottom, had all disappeared. I was able to temporarily fix this by using some red silicone and filling in around the pins. (Thanks for the silicone, Jim!) Sometime this week I will be pulling the calipers, cleaning out the silicone and replacing the bushings. But my question is, why is this happening! If you remember, I had both right side calipers come off, only being held by the tire rims, on that same side earlier this year when I drove out to Rio Vista for the Delta Cruise. That was because 3 of the 4 pins had broken off, with 1 pin completely gone. The bushings were all gone in that case as well. I suspect that the bushings came out, as this time, and allowed the calipers to break off the pins. At least this time I caught it before the pins were broken off. I'll move this discussion over to the earlier thread regarding brake caliper problems. Colby