Mike and Bryan's Big Adventure

Last 3 Logs

<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8' ?>  <rss version='2.0' xmlns:lj='http://www.livejournal.org/rss/lj/1.0/' xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/'> <channel> <title>Our log of the trials and tribulations of S/V Nightwinds</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/</link> <description>Our log of the trials and tribulations of S/V Nightwinds - LiveJournal.com</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 20 Jan 2007 23:01:47 GMT</lastBuildDate> <generator>LiveJournal / LiveJournal.com</generator> <lj:journal>svnightwinds</lj:journal> <lj:journalid>10564037</lj:journalid> <lj:journaltype>personal</lj:journaltype> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/14526.html</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jan 2007 23:01:47 GMT</pubDate> <title>in Ensanada Mexico</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/14526.html</link> <description>Hello All! We are in Ensanada Mexico, we had a great trip except for being COLD with lots of dolphins, a few whales and a boarding by the Mexican Navy for a safety inspection. The boarding went smooth and they where very pleasant. We had a great meal at our favorite Italian restaurant here, when we got in and settled. The guy that runs the place remembered us from when we were here the last time. when we got in and settled. They have the best garlic bread and he kept bring more for us, it was amazing that we had room for the food which was really good! It's really nice to be somewhere again that you can walk to most places that you want to go. On Saturday we walked down to the Port Captains office and checked in. It's real easy to do then over the the supermarket to grab a few things then back to the boat. All without taking a bus many miles just to do the basics. All and all we have to say it's nice to be back in Ensanada at least for a little bit. Mike & Bryan</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/14117.html</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:12:56 GMT</pubDate> <title>There and back again</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/14117.html</link> <description>Alot has happened, or hasn't happened depending on how you look at things. The marina that was supposed to open in September didnt'. They delayed until December. We worked with San Diego Harbor, and they extended our cruising permit so that we would not have to take the boat out of San Diego before the marina opened. However, The marina is now delayed until mid-summer. Harbor said that they would be unable to extend our cruising permit again. So, we took a look at the various options, and decided to go to Dana Point (where we were told by Dana Point harbor that they have moorings that we could tie up to for up to 60 days). We could hang out in Dana Point, and visit LA and Newport Beach as well for the remaining time. We arrived in Dana Point to discover that there are no moorings, and oh by the way the anchorage is only allowed 5 days, and someone has to be on the boat all the time. After reviewing our options, the best one is to sail the boat to Ensenada. So, tomorrow we sail for Mission Bay. Wednesday we check out of the U.S. and sail for Ensenada. Ultimately, this is our best solution. The marina will cost a little more than the average running costs of the boat at anchor. We will both be able to get off the boat, and visit San Diego on occasion. So, all in all, this isn't bad.</description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/14117.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13838.html</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 24 Dec 2006 19:14:24 GMT</pubDate> <title>Twas the day before Christmas</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13838.html</link> <description>Twas the day before Christmas and all through the boat, All the transducers were working, Except one of particular note. With Mike in his birthday suit and I in a shirt crawled in to the engine room praying not to get hurt. Off came the seizing wire, and twisting the cap. Out popped the offending transducer as water spurted in my lap. As quick as can be, I pushed the plug in. But not before 20 gallons of cold water came in. As I bent to my task of tightening it up Mike noticed a leak, and that was over the top. We loosened and tightened and twisted and turned finally the right pop. My how our muscles burned. With the transducer in hand I exited the room Mike followed quickly bellowing for me with a boom. Come get the tools, and trace the wire You would have thought that Mike was on fire. Our job now done, The adrenaline is gone We really thought it had a flap But it really had none. As we sit on the boat happily a float, We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and to all a happy boat. This is a true Christmas story. Our Depth transducer's temperature gauge started reading the water temperature as 102.3 degrees! So, we knew that it would need to be replaced as it was only a matter of time before the depth gauge stopped functioning. And since it is still under warrenty, we needed to remove it and send it back to Larry Smith Electronics who will handle it for us. This was a different sort of experience for us as this is the first time we have removed a transducer in the water (without me being on the outside of the boat holding something over the thru-hole to keep the water out of the boat (and off of Mike)-- wasn't going to happen this time, the water temperature is about 60 degrees). I came in to the engine room from the access door through the starboard head, while Mike went in through the main door aft. Mike unscrewed the transducer and popped it out, and immediately got sprayed with a whole lot of cold water. He's amazed that he really didn't notice the cold as he watched a whole lot of water pour in to the boat. Meanwhile, I was wedged between the generator, its exhaust tube and the wall of the fuel tank with the transducer plug trying to get it in. It's rather hard to do when you can't see what you are doing because your life is flashing in front of your eyes! I managed to get it in, and Mike tightened it up. There was a leak. As the story says, we loosened and tightened and twisted the plug, finally getting the notch aligned, and no more leak. Now we are (more or less) done, the adrenalene is seeping out of our bodies and it is time for a long winter's nap! Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night.</description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13838.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13662.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 23 Nov 2006 20:15:27 GMT</pubDate> <title>Allergies or how over regulated is the U.S.?</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13662.html</link> <description>On Monday, after coming back from Mexico -- We have always passed through Tijuana, but never actually saw anything there other than the bus station, so we decided to take a look around -- We stopped by the pharmacy to purchase some Claritan D. We knew that the Claritan D is behind the pharmacy counter, since we saw the commercials saying so. Ok, no problem. We went to the pharmacy counter to buy some Claritan D. They only allow you to buy 1 box per person per visit! This wouldn't be so bad if you could buy Claritan D in 30 day allotments, or even 2 week allotments! We both prefer the 12 hour version. In the 12 hour version, they only had a 5 day box! Sheesh! Ok, in the 24 hour version, they had a 15 day supply. So, we bit the bullet and bought the 24 hour version. Then, we had to give them our driver's licenses, which they took and entered information in to the computer system. Then, we had to fill out a form with our names, address, and sign! -- we've never had to do this for even heavy duty pain killers! So, instead of dealing with the drug addict problems they have, they make everyone else suffer by forcing us to jump through hoops just so we can breathe! Come on!</description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13662.html</comments> <lj:mood>annoyed</lj:mood> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13325.html</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2006 02:26:12 GMT</pubDate> <title>Month 3</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13325.html</link> <description>We just completed our third, and theoretically final renewal of our anchoring permit. The marina that we were planning to go in to had to push back their opening until January. The last time we talked to them, they were planning to send out a mailing about this. We need to call them to find out where this letter is and what is going on! The anchorage we are in, I've said it before, is a nice anchorage. We have met a few of the other boats anchored here, and a few people in the mooring field that is on the other side of the Coast Guard base. On another note, our 24 volt bank is slowly loosing strength (ok, at this point it is getting close to dead!). We have started exploring purchasing a new set of batteries, but with our current plans we want to purchase a smaller set for 24 volt that will allow us to go sailing when we want to, but since we plan to hang out in a marina for the next little while (and get some work done on the boat), we don't want to do a full replacement until we are ready to leave again!</description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13325.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13265.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:05:06 GMT</pubDate> <title>The goings on in San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/13265.html</link> <description>It's been a while since we last posted. We have been in San Diego approximately 6 weeks now. We have been through one renewal on our anchoring permit, and it turns out to be fairly easy. It just requires a phone call to the Harbor Patrol office. That's a relief, because getting there is a long walk from the closest bus stop, and we are talking about a mile or more! While the bus and trolley system can be mildly aggravating, for our purposes, it is working out very well. The biggest thing to get used to is the timing of everything. Most buses travel on a half hour schedule! Trolleys, in theory run every 15 minutes for most of the day, but I think they actually run on a 20 to 25 minute schedule. That is probably mostly impatience though. We are settling in here. We will see how it goes when our anchoring permit expires though. The marina we were / are planning to go in to has had to delay their opening until January! They were originally going to be opening in September. We were told that a letter is coming out. As soon as we receive it, we will know more. That's about it. As always with us, it is just the same old thing. :D</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12989.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:17:37 GMT</pubDate> <title>Countries we have visited on the boat</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12989.html</link> <description><img src="http://www.world66.com/community/mymaps/worldmap?visited=PRDODMCOPAGPKKVIVEUVUSANGDMQECAWBSVCMXLC"> <a href="http://www.world66.com/community">create your own visited country map</a> or <a href="http://www.world66.com">write about it on the open travel guide</a> 20 countries or 8% of the countries of the world. Wow. All of that in 7 years. At that rate, it will take us another 87 years at our present rate! No one ever said you had to travel fast!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12759.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 03 Aug 2006 16:13:53 GMT</pubDate> <title>And in the U.S. ...</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12759.html</link> <description><img src="http://www.world66.com/community/mymaps/visitedStates/statemap?visited=CADCFLGAMDNCSCVA"> <a href="http://www.world66.com/community/mymaps">create your own personalized map of the USA</a> That's 8 states or 15% of the country. Of course, some can't be visited by boat!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12475.html</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2006 02:24:57 GMT</pubDate> <title>Life in San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12475.html</link> <description>Tomorrow (Saturday), we will have been in San Diego for two weeks. We are learning our way around the city, and public transportation isn't quite the horror we were dreading. Though, it certainly makes us wish we were in Washington, DC again! We have found that we can get around to most places (with a bit of walking involved at times). Now, we have to find out the places we want to go!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12186.html</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Jul 2006 02:58:44 GMT</pubDate> <title>More on San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12186.html</link> <description>San Diego has done quite a bit to make the folks that have their vessels on moorings more comfortable. They have a number of dingy docks that are easily accessible to the mooring fields, and this, coincidently is convenient for the Cruiser's anchorage where we are now. There's just one problem -- they have a sign posted that limits the size of the dingies to less than 12 feet! Well, ours is just over 13 feet. Once again, we are a foot to big! It was much easier this time. I called, and explained our situation. Harbor was understanding, and told us that since it is clearly labeled on our dingy that it is the Tender To Nightwinds, there should not be any problem. If, by chance, something does come up, they will certainly call us to advise us about it. However, she does not believe that the situation will come up. This time, I can truly appreciate the rule / law that Harbor has posted. And while we are over the size limit, and this could pose some issues in getting to shore, I do applaud the concept behind this. In many of the places we have traveled that have free public dingy docks, we can't tell you the number of times that boats that are obviously NOT dingies, or even tenders to vessels are occupying anywhere from part of the dock to all of the dock. Though, most of the time the docks were large enough to accommodate everyone. Ok, enough of that. There isn't much to write about today. Our 24 volt battery bank is having issues. These batteries were weakened in the lightening strike that we had last November. They are starting to fail, of course, they are also 4 years old (ancient for the way we use the batteries -- our typical lifespan of batteries is about 2 to 2 1/2 years). From what we can tell at this point, it appears that the batteries simply can't take the inverter shock loads when equipment turns on. So, we shifted things around, placing our refrigerator on 12 volt and shifting our main solar panel array so that it is also feeding 12 volt. Hopefully, this will keep our 24 volt battery bank functional (if barely) until we are able to get in to a dock. It will be easier to change out the batteries there. The only other thing of interest that happened was that we got the two new Eileen Quinn CDs. She is a singer that cruises the East Coast of the U.S. and Caribbean. You can learn more about her at <a href="http://www.eileenquinn.com"> her website </a>.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12027.html</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 18 Jul 2006 04:23:11 GMT</pubDate> <title>Anchored at last or life off the Q-Ball</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/12027.html</link> <description>What a difference a Monday can make. We tried at 9:00 this morning to call the Harbor officer; however, she was not available as she was in a meeting. The gentleman that I talked with left me with the distinct impression that we would not be granted an exception for the anchoring permit. I called Mission Bay Life Guard station, who handles the anchorage there. They assured me that there was no size restriction for anchoring there; however, there was a time limit of 72 hours every 7 days. We had also been told that Newport and Long Beach also do not have restrictions on anchoring, but of course, we don't know this first hand. So, we headed to Customs, planning for the worst. We figured that if we were turned down for the anchoring permit, we could go to Mission Bay, and then take a day or two to get a few things lined up and purchased (a cruising guide to California, groceries, etc), then head for the Channel Islands, and then on to Newport and probably Long Beach. Between the 4 places, we believed we would be able to anchor somewhere until the new marina opens in San Diego. At first, the woman at Customs was ... less than friendly. However, after a bit of a rough start, we got everything accomplished. We received our cruising permit, and our documentation back. So at this point, we could go anywhere we wanted to. Just as I (Bryan) expected, while we were dealing with the cruising permit, the Harbor Officer called me back. I stepped outside (No cell phones inside the customs building) and spoke with her. We talked for a few minutes and she agreed that we certainly weren't looking to park a boat somewhere and just leave it, and that was the main reason for the rules. She told me that she would call immediately to authorize our anchoring permit! I went back in the Customs building and pretty soon, our cruising permit was ready. With a few more questions, we had all the answers we needed about our cruising permit, and were set to be on our way. Ok, so maybe we (Mike is questioning the "we" Mike says, there is no "we" in this) overreacted just a tad on Saturday. However, it is absolutely amazing the difficulties that San Diego places in the path of cruisers, especially when the information isn't published anywhere. Long story short, we are now anchored in the 'cruisers' anchorage. It is a pitifully small anchorage that could be, easily, twice the size that it is currently. I have to say, I still believe that San Diego doesn't want cruisers here who aren't in an overpriced marina. Some highlights: The cruising permit issued by the U.S. Customs office is good for 1 year. After which, the boat must exit the country for 15 days. If, as U.S. citizens, we do not demonstrate that the boat is actually cruising in U.S. waters during that year, the next time we bring the boat in to the country, we will be subject to 1.5% import duties for the vessel. On the other hand, if we can prove that import duties have been paid on the boat previously (we bought the boat in the U.S., so someone had to pay the duties at some point), we can get consecutive, successive cruising permits without having to leave the country, or paying anything other than the cruising permit fee ($19.00). One final note, and I assume this is again because we are U.S. citizens, we can opt to not get a cruising permit, and be limited to using the boat in the "San Diego Customs authority area", apparently for an unlimited amount of time. Things that make you go, "Hmmmm." The anchoring permit from San Diego Harbor was free.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11531.html</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jul 2006 16:00:12 GMT</pubDate> <title>Our life on a Q ball, or Our introduction to California</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11531.html</link> <description>We finally made it to California. We are currently sitting on a Quarantine ball next to the Customs dock in San Diego. We are cleared in, but due to the screwed up rules in California, we are to big to anchor in San Diego bay! So, the city of San Diego is forcing us to go in to a marina, or leave. We had a nice trip to San Diego from Ensenada Mexico, especially considering that we were running against the prevailing conditions. We arrived at the Customs dock around 2:45 PM local time. Following procedure I (Bryan) walked up to the 'special phone' to call Customs to come out. Actually, it was a pay phone that allowed you to dial "*82" to reach the Customs office. The person who answered took down some information and told me that a Customs agent would be out shortly. While we were waiting for Customs, we called the San Diego Harbor Master's office, or a branch of the office, to find out what we needed to do to get an anchoring permit. We rang to voice mail, and the message was shocking. In order to get a permit, we had to schedule a boat inspection 24 hours in advance! I called back a few minutes later, and spoke with a young woman and explained our situation. We had just arrived from out of the country, and needed an anchoring permit in order to, well, anchor. She told me that she would check to see if there was anyone available to do the inspection and call me back. Fortunately, there was someone available. They would be happy to do the inspection after Customs came. Customs arrived, and we started doing the requisite paperwork. Surprisingly we were told that San Diego Customs has done very few foreign flagged pleasure vessels entering the U.S. They took the documentation for the boat with them, since it is registered in the British Virgin Islands. To get it back, we would need to go to the main Customs office to get a cruising permit. Having to get a cruising permit for the boat wasn't a surprise, their taking our documentation was. Meanwhile, the Harbor patrol inspectors arrived, and I dealt with them while Mike finished up with Customs. They asked the standard inspection questions, length of boat, where registered, and number of people on board. Then for the inspection, they wanted to verify that we had PFDs for each person on board, a working fire extinguisher, and to verify that there was no oil in the bilge. I thought, wow, this was easy. Once we finished with Customs, I headed up to the Harbor office, located conveniently, next to the Customs dock. I spoke with the young lady there who informed me that we failed the inspection because we were not listed on the documentation, and because we were to big! They do not, and will not issue anchoring permits to boats over 65 feet Length Over All (LOA)! Had I known that the documentation was an issue, I would have provided them with the letter that states we have open use, control, etc of the vessel. That was easy to fix. However, we are 67 feet LOA. There isn't much we can do about that one. The woman said that we would have to go in to a marina, and that we could appeal the decision by calling the main office on Monday. It was now 3:30 pm on Saturday. I returned to the boat and we spent the next hour calling every marina in San Diego bay, courteously provided by the Harbor office. There was absolutely no space at all. I walked back up to the office, and again spoke with the young woman and explained there was no room, anywhere. Her initial response was an attitude of so what, it's not my problem. I explained that we had to go to the main customs office on Monday to get a cruising permit for the boat, so we COULD NOT leave San Diego as we have no documentation for the boat. She finally went to talk to her supervisor when I asked her what I was supposed to do with my boat between now and Monday, take it out in to the bay and just float around? She took our information and went to the officer on duty. She came back a few minutes later, and said that the officer, understandably, would not countermand the main office, but we could use the quarantine buoy until Monday morning at 9:00 am, at which time we would have to call the main office to make an appeal to get an anchoring permit. I asked her directly about the fact that we still needed to go to the Customs office Monday morning. She said that we would have to wait to see what the main harbor office said. Welcome to San Diego where, if your boat is over 65 feet LOA, you obviously don't know how to anchor your boat. We did not come up to San Diego completely blind. Knowing that there were issues with anchoring, we checked websites, and no where did it mention a size limitation, other than for mooring balls. No where did it mention that you have to give 24 hours notice to schedule getting a permit. It seems to us that San Diego, and California in general just doesn't want people visiting by boat. Save your time, and money, and avoid the place, they really don't want you here unless you want to stay in an overpriced marina. In 7 years of cruising, this has been the single most painful governmental experience we have ever had.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11319.html</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:47:19 GMT</pubDate> <title>Changing the Courtesy Flag</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11319.html</link> <description><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904055/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/64/190904055_936e1873ea_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904055/">Changing the Courtesy Flag</a> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/svnightwinds/">svnightwinds</a>. </div>Somewhere, close to the Mexico/U.S. boarder, Mike took down the Mexico Courtesy flag and put up our "Q" flag to indicate that we have not cleared customs and immigration in the U.S. (or any country we are entering). </description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11319.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11139.html</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:47:18 GMT</pubDate> <title>Vistor</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11139.html</link> <description><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904037/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/190904037_c95f2c7b27_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904037/">Vistor</a> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/svnightwinds/">svnightwinds</a>. </div>There was a whole pod of dolphins swimming towards us. This was the best shot though. </description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/11139.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10886.html</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:47:17 GMT</pubDate> <title>On The Way to San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10886.html</link> <description><div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904025/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/59/190904025_8b6cbbfc94_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/svnightwinds/190904025/">On The Way to San Diego</a> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/svnightwinds/">svnightwinds</a>. </div>It was FREEZING on the trip from Ensenada, Mx to San Diego, CA! Yes, Bryan really needed a blanket. </description> <comments>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10886.html</comments> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10553.html</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2006 20:51:02 GMT</pubDate> <title>Back in the Water</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10553.html</link> <description>Well, it's 1:30 PM local Time (PDT) and we are back in the water with all things checked for leaks. We have reconnected the back stay, pulled the Jib sheets out. We have a few more things to do, take on water check the deck, etc. Then Tomorrow Saturday we will be off to San Diego. We can not say how glad we are, it's such a nice feeling to be floating again. On a funny note or sad depending how you want to look at it we asked the new boat manager here at Baja Naval what he did before working here - he's only been here two weeks and what boat experience he had. Well --- Drum Roll Please ---- He was a manager at McDonalds and doesn't know anything about boats! This should give you all a clue as to the fun we have been having! Thankfully he was not our boat manager, our's had at least a couple of months here at the yard. Would you like a happy meal with that launch!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10405.html</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2006 03:27:02 GMT</pubDate> <title>So close to launching</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10405.html</link> <description>It didn't work out. Between tides, and not being able to find the captain of the Nordhavn, we are still on the hard. However, we have a firm time for launching tomorrow! 11:00 in the morning! It will be really nice to be floating again. Then, if everything is a go, we will be in San Diego Saturday afternoon.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10002.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 2006 05:05:48 GMT</pubDate> <title>Prop zinc</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/10002.html</link> <description>The zinc came in and went on today. It was supposed to be completed by 10:00 am local. It wasn't. The truck carrying everything finally arrived around noon, and it was put on sometime later. When we were heading out, we took a look. There are 3 bolts that hold the zinc on. You would think that they could get 3 bolts correct. Nope, they got two. Now while it is easy enough for us to correct this, we are paying good money to a lousy yard to do half assed work. So, we need to hold their hands and guide them on even completing this simple task! Come on, it's not rocket science it is tightening 3 bolts. They are easily accessible, with no other issues. Heck, these zincs have been changed under water with less trouble before!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9751.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 13 Jul 2006 01:40:13 GMT</pubDate> <title>still on the hard</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9751.html</link> <description>There's good news, and bad news. The good news is that all of the work is done on the boat! The bad news is that due to the fact that a boat did not vacate the slip right in front of the haul out slip (really great planning there!), we are unable to launch the boat. We could work around the boat in the slip, it would mean some careful maneuvering, but we could do it. The second half of the problem is that high tide is right around the time that the wind picks up here. Of course, it blows from a direction that pushes us toward the boat in the slip! So, besides starting from 0, we have to contend with wind drift and another boat! Nope, just a little too much for anyone's comfort. So, tomorrow the yard is hauling a Nordhaven 72, which is also must be hauled at something above mid-tide. If they haul this boat faster than they hauled us (it would be hard to haul it slower!), get it blocked and release the travel lift, they should have time to launch us. Of course, if the boat in the slip in front of the haul out doesn't leave, we are STILL stuck! If they had intelligently planned out their docks this would not be an issue. Thanks again Baja Naval. Hopefully, we will be floating at this time tomorrow.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9567.html</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2006 03:14:56 GMT</pubDate> <title>Last minute melt down?</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9567.html</link> <description>I had a melt down tonight. It was the oddest thing. We were headed up to the showers, and I didn't want to go, I didn't want to be on the boat, I didn't want to do anything. I wanted to be anywhere but here, and I hated everything. How about that? I think it had to do with the final task that we asked Baja Naval to do on Saturday. They said that it would be no problem, but they would not be able to do it until today (Tuesday). That was no problem, after all, we weren't launching until tomorrow. We talked to Mario this morning, and he assured us that someone would be out before lunch to start the work. Lunch rolled around, and we had a really bad lunch at this little place that we had never eaten at before. At 3:00, when no one had shown up, we called Mario. Finally, someone showed up about 3:30, and began assembling what he would need to do the job. At 4:00, he still wasn't working! When he did finally start the job, his equipment wasn't functioning properly! Just another normal day here at Baja Naval. So, now, instead of having a relaxed morning (hah! We are launching, there will be NOTHING relaxing about that), we have a final job that needs to be completed, before the travel lift rolls over to us at 10:00 AM. As if we can count on that anyway. Never mind the fact, that NO ONE HAS EVER SHOWN UP TO WORK ON OUR BOAT BEFORE 9:00 AM despite the fact that the yard is supposed to be doing work at 8:00 AM! So, I guess, all in all, it's par for the course, and I guess it is more amazing that I haven't had a melt down before now.</description> <lj:mood>grumpy</lj:mood> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9323.html</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 11 Jul 2006 19:34:57 GMT</pubDate> <title>Monday ... 3 days to launch</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/9323.html</link> <description>We completed the work that we needed to finish. We changed out the fuel return lines to both the generator, and the starboard engine. We double checked the port engine, and could find no problems, or indications of degradation in the fuel line, so left that one in place. After showering, we headed out for lunch, and then to the grocery store for a few things.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8941.html</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 09 Jul 2006 04:08:03 GMT</pubDate> <title>Relatively quiet day</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8941.html</link> <description>The only thing we are waiting on is the zinc. So, it was a nice quiet day today with no workers coming on the boat. We took advantage of that to do engine and generator inspections, and decided that it was time to replace the fuel return lines to the small generator and the engines. Mostly, this is preventative maintenance. So, we set out to find the Auto Zone, and wound up finding a Car Quest and a NAPA. We bought hose for the generator at one, and hose for the engines at the other. On our way back to the boat, we passed by a small restaurant and picked up a half a rotisserie chicken for lunch. This turned out to be a good idea, the chicken was superbly done. We decided not to install the new fuel lines today, instead spending the rest of the day being lazy. We napped, we watched TV, we played online. All in all, an enjoyable day.</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8372.html</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 08 Jul 2006 01:38:12 GMT</pubDate> <title>Baja Naval</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8372.html</link> <description>Well we were told that maybe we would be splashing on Saturday if our prop arrived on Thursday. Even through the prop came back from the shop on time, we still are not launching! THE IDIOTS HERE DO NOT HAVE A ZINC FOR IT, told us that they ordered it two weeks ago, since they could not find it in San Diego. This we find hard to believe. Had we known we could have picked one up in San Diego while we were there yesterday. We told them that we were going! If this was the only thing it would be one thing, but this entire haul has been full of screw ups, starting with the haul out of the water. We will be so glad to go back in the water, hopefully Wednesday or Thursday and get out of here. Out of the 7 or so things they did, they only managed to get TWO 100% correct without major oversight. This is not a boat yard that I would return to for more than simple bottom paint and I would have to think twice about that, since they painted over two patches of barnacles that WE HAD TO POINT OUT TO THEM!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8174.html</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 07 Jul 2006 04:08:09 GMT</pubDate> <title>Trip to San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/8174.html</link> <description>Yes, today was a success. But, after doing everything, we are tired and going to bed! Up early, running around all day, including walking about 5 miles, and riding back on an airport shuttle bus has taken its toll. Gnight!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> <item> <guid isPermaLink='true'>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/7841.html</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 06 Jul 2006 04:03:15 GMT</pubDate> <title>Marina hunting in San Diego</title> <link>http://svnightwinds.livejournal.com/7841.html</link> <description>In our effort to get a slip at a marina, we have to make a run to San Diego TOMORROW because a new marina is opening, and taking applications for AVAILABLE slips right now (normal wait time is 6 months is normal, for a non-desirable, non-liveaboard -- liveaboard can be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years!!!!). We found out about this new marina as we were making calls 2 months ago. I put our name on the waiting list, and was told at that time we would be contacted when the marina was taking applications. Well, since I hadn't heard by e-mail (my preference for contact), I called today. They sent out applications 3 weeks ago (ours went to our mail service, and we don't get our mail often). They said we could get an application from their website. Their website wouldn't come up, otherwise we would have DHLed the paperwork. We called back; they tried to e-mail the application but it never arrived. We want to make sure to get a spot. So, it's the 5:45 AM Mexicoach bus (similar to Greyhound) to the boarder, catch the SD trolley to Old town. Then we catch a bus to the marina to drop off a $50.00 check (that is an APPLICATION FEE!!!!!) before we eat lunch and head back to the boarder, then another 2 hour bus ride back to Ensenada. And, to top things off, we may be splashing in 2 days! AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH!</description> <lj:security>public</lj:security> <lj:reply-count>0</lj:reply-count> </item> </channel> </rss>

The Warnings

The adventures contained on this site are ours. There for they are skewed by our view on life in general.

If you don't agree with the way we see or view something - get over it. It is our interpretation of the event or area.

How It All Started

All good stories have a beginning, and this one is no exception, and since the beginning is a good place to start, that is what we will do. At some point in our lives it dawned on us that we would like to sail (air is cheap), possibly, around the world.

That is what this site is about, our voyages both on board S/V Nightwinds and our personal journeys, as we grow and learn from these experiences.

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