We departed Half Moon Bay about 6:45 am just as the sun was rising and the morning light was breaking through.
Once we were safely out of the harbor and we were ready to hoist up the sails, I looked up and saw another incredible sunrise over the mountain peaks. We were both looking forward to a pleasant day on the water and to be sailing again.
I learned a valuable lesson today. I decided to take my scopolamine patch for sea sickness when I got up - at 5 am. But we left 1:45 minutes later and the directions said to take at least 4 hours prior. So while I didn't get sick, I found it difficult and uncomfortable for the sail until at least mid-afternoon. This felt pretty discouraging for me, as I really do want to cruise, but not if I am always feeling sick. Then it is no fun. I will put the patch on the night before we depart next time.
We had a pleasant sail and Dan helped to explain some techniques for trimming the sails. Plus, I got to do some tacks all by myself with using the auto-helm. I have so much to learn. With a southerly wind, we had to tack a lot and as we got into the afternoon, Dan and I both decided we should not try for Santa Cruz as we do not like to enter harbors in the dark. Instead we would go for Monterey an additional 40 miles. The wind diminished and the fog rolled in about 2:30 pm which slowed down our progress even further. Here Dan is taking a little nap in the cockpit amongst the fog.
For some reason, this night watch was difficult for me. It felt very tiring. The fog had made everything damp and cold. The wind died down so much that we had to motor the rest of the way. I am happy to have a motor, but I really do not like to use it. It is a waste of diesel and it is noisy. I much prefer to be sailing, but then we do need wind and there was none.
Part way through the evening watch, I noticed a bright light on the horizon - which turned out to be the moon rising! It was no longer full moon, but it was orange and then white and sparkled on the water and waves. I tried singing, did my arm exercises and moved around a lot stay awake so that Dan could have a good 4 hour sleep. Then it was my turn to sleep.
He woke me up just prior to getting into Monterey Bay. I felt rested enough to face the day. I put out the fenders and dock lines on both starboard and port sides. We never really know what side the tie up would be, so we cover it all. We were also aware of a very large passenger vessel that was totally lite up approaching us from the rear. Once it passed us, I was in total amazement as to how large this ship was.
Then we got to see them start to unload smaller boats that they transported the passengers in to spend the day in town. The cruise ships are so big, they could not possibly make it into the marina. Below you can see the smaller boats waiting to pick up the passengers.
This is the harbor we are in now. They certainly pack them in very tightly. It is still a pretty marina and there is lots to do and see in Monterey, California. Because of a weather system that is coming in, we will probably be here until Saturday - 3 more full days.
After taking naps to catch up on some needed rest from the night passage, we decided to walk about a mile to visit the Monterey Aquarium that is so famous. It was without a doubt the best marine aquarium I have ever seen. It was amazing! Here are just a few of the pictures I took of the tanks that held the sea life.
Intersting Jellyfish!
On the way back, we saw the outside of the Pacific Biological Laboratories where Edward Ricketts did much of his work to study the interdependencies of tide pools to marine life and more.
As we got closer to our dock, there was a couple putting their double into the water. Of course I had to take a picture of this interesting way to launch a boat off the Fisherman's Wharf. I also felt a longing to row myself.
I enjoy reading the names of all the boats on the various piers. Today I noticed one which was sort of named after my sister Carolyn, yet it was modified a bit to Caroline. (I've not seen one to honor my other sister Marjorie, but I will keep my eyes open.)
Here is a fixer up boat, rather interesting the way they use all the tires as fenders. It needs some TLC is anyone interested?
This is an interesting marina because all of the boats have their own slips. You can see where Malo is happily docked: second boat on the left.
That is all for now, stay tuned for more....
Bev
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