We left Encenada Sat, Dec 30th. With only a few days before Mandy's mom Gean was to arrive in Cabo, we needed to beat foot and get down the coast. We made good time down the coast sailing with two other boats, Ivy a 32ft Downeaster and Special Brew a 34ft custom aluminum Canadian boat. On Jan 1st, early in the morning, the wind picked up to gusts of 40, we hit a new speed record for Boreas, surfing at 15.9 knots. I would be skeptical about this, however I watched the speed gauge rising and saw it hold that speed while we surfed on top of a twenty foot wave for what seemed like ten minutes, but was really only a few seconds. We flew only a reefed jib all night and the next day. In the early after noon we made our entrance to Turtle Bay, and promptly caught another tuna, and then broke my good fishing rod, #$%^&$#!! I'm still suffering trauma from that. The line some how found it's way back to the propeller and saw fit to make a new home, wrapping itself securely around the shaft. We left it in place and made anchorage under sail, after which I stripped down and jumped in. After much coaxing and persuasion, the line and lure, agreed that it would feel safer on deck then in around the shaft. As a side note, we have continued to catch more fish with the same lure, just using a different rod. Some day I'll find another good Tuna Stick. While in Turtle Bay we made friends with John and Lindsy on Ivy. John is English and Lindsey American. They met at Chiropractic school in Iowa. John found Ivy in San Francisco and they decided it would be a good idea to take it to Costa Rica. We shared a wonderful evening on the beach and wished them well, when we left the following morning.

Departing San Diego on Dec 23rd was a great relief. About dusk we were finally in Mexican waters off the Coronado Islands. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a red light, in the distance. When I took a closer look, I realized it was a flair, somewhere between the North and Middle Islands. I called the US Coast Guard in San Diego, via VHF and passed on our position and what I saw, giving an approximate position of the flair. All the while we had changed course and made our way toward the sighting, with the intent to get a closer look. After passing on to the USCG that we were in Mexican waters, they told us not to worry about it, and that they contacted the Mexican Navy. By this time we had traveled several miles, and I could make out a small light next to the Middle Coronado Island. When the USCG told us to go on our way, we changed course heading south. Once we changed course, the little light flashed brightly, signaling SOS. I never thought I would actually see someone signal a real SOS. We turned around again and made our way toward the little light. Sure enough, we found a 22ft Sea Swirl powerboat, with one person aboard, no radio and a dead engine. He had been able to anchor in 80ft, but was getting tossed about quite a bit. We contacted the USCG again, letting them know what we had found. After talking with the person aboard and relaying information to the Coast Guard, we made the decision to go ahead and tow them back to San Diego, Making it clear to them it was out of our way and that we expected to be compensated for our trouble. Hey I'm nice, but not that nice! He wasn't in danger, but he was going to be there a while if we didn't do something about it. To make a long story short, we towed him back, and the Coast Guard dispatcher set us up with a place to stay for the night. It made for a long night as well, and we made just enough cash in the process to pay for our entrance to Mexico, which was good.
We set out again for Mexico on the 24th, Christmas Eve. I was determined to give Mandy Mexico for Christmas. We spent twelve hours motoring and sailing. Finally warm weather! Off Punta San Miguel, making our final approach to Bahia De Todos Santos and Encenada, I whacked two Tuna. Our first fish that we caught this whole trip! We ate one and saved the other, for Armando a friend whom we met in Sand Diego and lived in Encenada. Shortly after catching the Tuna, we were surrounded by at least a hundred dolphins, maybe more. There were so many that the water absolutely boiled with life. I grabbed the video camera and took film of twenty to thirty dolphins playing off the bow of Boreas. Then, as quickly as they came, they swam into the depths and vanished. That night we anchored in Encenada harbor, spending Christmas eve in Mexico and hearing fire works until the wee hours of the morning, and watching Christmas movies on the computer, and decorating the inside of the boat with Christmas lights. I fell asleep to the movie "A Christmas Story."
Christmas Day, we pulled out all our presents which family had given us prior to departure. This was Vianne's first Christmas. She had so much fun opening up all her presents. However, in general I think she found the paper more exciting then anything else. We ate Christmas breakfast and went ashore to contact Armando. That afternoon he and his new fiancé Gezel picked us up in their car and gave us the grand tour of Encenada. We ended up at Gezel's parents house and shared food. Mandy had spent the morning baking and prepared a pumpkin pie, in addition to giving them the Tuna. Gezel's Mother had leftover Tamales from Christmas dinner, which I dare say I've never tasted better! I love Mexico!
The next day we mostly cleared into customs, and trying to meet up with Ryan. It wasn't until the 27th that I was able to sort out the last of the details for clearing the boat into Mexico, and Ryan found me at the Puerto de Capitan's office, which made it much easier to add him to the crew and get everything official. After getting fuel and other supplies, which took two more days to get done, in addition to meeting other great cruisers, we finally made our departure. On every Thursday night the Restraunte Le Vendemia holds a cruisers night, only for those who have boats and are sailing through the area. It's brilliant, two for one drinks and free food! How can you beat that? While there we met up with other cruisers, Adam and Kristina from Estella and Scotty with his family aboard Petra, as well as many others whom we hope to see again down the road! As a side note to any Pirates of the Caribbean fans. If any one is looking to the Black Pearl, it's located in Encenada. No really, the actual Black Pearl that was built for the second and third movies is sitting in Encenada. Unfortunately we forgot to take the camera with us when we drove the dingy over to take a look, so I have no proof of this. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Weather always seems to have a way of changing one's mind! After departing Half Moon Bay, we sailed for about 24 hours when we were hit by a nasty Southerly, that we simply could not make way in. We sailed with a double-reefed main and jib and headed for Monterey Bay. Staying there for five days we met a wonderful couple Jay and Kelly with their two kids Riley and Liam. They were very kind to lend us their car, which we used to make a Costco run stocking the boat with enough provisions to make it to Mexico. Jay and Kelly had cruised Baha for several seasons (before children) and are getting ready to start cruising once again. We hope to see them on the open seas some day soon. Since the weather held us in Monterey we decided to see the sites. Starting with a great little pub that had WiFi just at the top of the ramp. We did take Vianne to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although I thought, it would be a trip for "mom" and "dad" I was surprised how much our eight month old was enjoying the different tanks, especially the half-sphere, windows, set inside the tanks. She could practically climb around inside those bubbles. Ryan's Dad and sister also visited us shortly before they headed off to Hawaii for the winter.
Feeling pressure to get south, we decided to brave the weather. Trying to cruise on the West Coast of the U.S. is not only expensive, it's "expensive!" Once the wind shifted out of the North, we set sail again. This time, we were hit by a blow from the North. Off Pt. Conception the wind blew ~40kts with 15ft seas. Running down wind with full sail, we all took turns at the helm battling the waves. About dark we rounded Pt. Conception, sailed directly North and tucked into a small cove which offered a break from the weather. In the morning we woke to see surfers on the beach, and wishing for surfboards of our own. Instead, we headed for LA.
Sending Ryan off to catch a plane to Albuquerque for the holidays, we left LA as quickly as we could. Seeing our progress increase with good Southerly momentum, we didn't want to stall (afraid that it might be another 20 days before we left port). So, with decent wind and currents to help us along we set off, one crewmember lighter. Merry Christmas Ry, we will see you after the holiday.
We had a good run to San Diego. In the Morning, on our approach to San Diego we encountered a small thunderstorm. Fortunately it stayed south of us. However, it was still close enough for me to see lightning strike the water. Just a little scary.
While here in San Diego we have been making repairs to the engine, and getting the last few things done that we need prior to crossing the border. We are planning on breaking free on Saturday the 23rd, hoping to be in Ensenada, Mexico for Christmas on Monday.

Our time in San Francisco has been crazy. All told we have been in the Bay for 20 days. Mandy Vianne and I made our way north to Vallejo to visit Mandy's cousin Sarah and her husband Jake Fazio, with their lovely two daughters Mia and Ruby. We had a wonderful couple days visiting. Jake introduced me to Striper fishing Thanksgiving Day morning, having just enough time to pick up a couple fish, get cleaned up and head over to Jake's folk's place for dinner. Ah, something to truly be thankful for. Thanks Giving dinner was great, with a house full of people, at the Fazio's, and not a stranger to be found. Every one was so friendly, and very excited to know all about our trip and visit with Vianne.
On Saturday the 25th, Ryan finally rejoined our crew, after finishing up with work in Alaska. It's good to have him back! We picked him up in Oakland and stayed around the area for a couple days. While in Oakland we looked up an old high school friend Herbie, and surprised him at his dorm. I only wish I had the camera out to get a picture of his face! I think it took at least ten seconds for his brain and eyes to register that he did know who was standing in his doorway, yet he couldn't figure out how. This was shortly followed by smothering hugs and lots of laughter. We stayed for a visit and dinner, and left the following morning making our way toward Emeryville.
Sean, from Lion's Paw was in the area of Emeryville, visiting family for Thanksgiving, with his wife Audrey and their six month old son Van. We were glad to get a chance to meet the whole family, even if it was for just a couple hours. We all wish them well. While at the Emeryville Marina we wound up visiting with Chris, who was interested in our dodger and how I built it. After several hours of chatting, the sun disappeared. Chris, introduces us to Ed the security guard, who also has a boat in the marina, and forced rum upon us! Several more hours later, after dinner, and more rum, we decided we should probably stay another night. At this point, I'm convinced that I have stumbled upon the makings of a time machine! Its components consisting of two parts conversation, amongst neurotic boaters, mixed with one part Rum...... and Coke. (or the other way around depending on who is performing the majority of the conversing). This mixture seems to have the strange affect of projecting persons through time into the future, where one knows that all the answers to life the universe and everything were discussed, yet certain solutions to conversations are lost in the passage of time, with all the answers to world hunger and an end to war. This whole process ends in a conclusion of one question...."Why is the Rum gone?" During our time in the Bay discovered that we could anchor off the backside of Treasure Island with our paying moorage, and decided that was a lovely idea and transited the following day.
Ryan had an appointment on Thursday with the Passport Agency to replace his stolen Passport. He and I made it there in time and had surprisingly little trouble getting everything taken care of. By three o'clock in the afternoon he had a new Passport in hand. Yea!
On Friday we made our way back to Oakland to pick up our old friend Herbie, who is going to Bible school there. He stayed with us for the night and we sailed for Angel Island, having just enough time to step ashore and watch the sun set. Saturday, we went ashore and saw a Civil War era military hospital that was built for the Calvary. Unfortunate, our reunion was cut short, as Herbie needed to get back for a prior engagement. We sailed south to San Francisco and moored in the Aquatic Park, taking a moorage under sail. (ohh, what skills!) There we said our good buys and Ryan went with Herbie to get him back to Oakland in time.
Our last couple days in SF were spent visiting uncle Andrew and Aunt Tres again, and getting the ever so important, Presents From The Grand Parents, which were sent there in preparation for Christmas.
Having no more reasons to stay in the Bay, we decided to set sail with the tide on the morning of December 5th. It seems that no matter where we go, we stay quite a bit longer then intended! So much for schedules. Off to Half Moon bay and the Channel Islands!

Passing Drakes Bay in the morning, the wind was perfect from the east. We sailed under full canvas making over five knots and sailed toward Bonita channel. The tide shifted to an ebbing current had picked up quite a bit by the time we reached the channel to Golden Gate. Attempting to make our turn into San Francisco, we were making two knots forward headway and five knots sideways. There was no way we were going to be entering the channel till tide change. We sailed around in a big loop and re-entered Bonita channel just in time to catch up to Pacific Cloud, Surprising Bill and Laura in the process. Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge, I was determined to sail under. Making way and passing close to Pacific Cloud, I hollered over to Bill and told him my intentions. He wanted to do the same, yet they couldn't make the head way into the wind. About five minutes later, Bill called on the radio telling us that they lost propulsion. We quickly dropped all our canvas and Made way to Pacific Cloud and took her in tow, pulling her out of the traffic lanes. So much for sailing under the Golden Gate! We anchored briefly determining what our next course of action should be. Once we found out that the shaft had actually slipped out of it's coupling, and we would not be able to fix it at anchor, we towed her into the bay and tied up and South Beach Marina. In the Morning, we checked in with the harbor office.
After performing a hull dive inspection, Mandy Vianne and I spent the day with Mandy's Uncle Andrew and his wife Tres. We had a lovely time visiting the Museum and had dinner with them. We'll be here a few more days and are planning on spending thanks giving in San Francisco.

We sailed for two days. This is the first overnight transit with just Mandy, Vianne and I. Mandy and I worked out a decent watch schedule allowing each of us to get some sleep and still take care of Vianne. Having a baby on board brings a whole new element to a cruising lifestyle. Having such a perfect kid makes it all the better. (Not that I'm biased) Mandy and I worked out a watch schedule that allowed us each to get a decent amount of sleep, sort of, and it followed Vianne's eating and sleeping schedule. I take the late night watches, Letting Mandy sleep till Vianne wakes up for her midnight feeding. After she eats and goes back to bed, Mandy relieves me at the helm and I get about four hours sleep to relieve her for a couple hours sleep before Vianne needs to eat again. Vianne will stay up in the morning for an hour or so and then take her morning nap. Depending on who needs the sleep more, Mandy or I will take the nap with Vianne. During the day we trade off duties of kid, food, playtime and sailing. It's going to take more practice, but I think we are starting to get a hang of this cruising with a kid thing. It is very difficult trying to balance out all the needs for Vianne, the boat and mom and dad. The first day at sea is a little rough, trying to get everyone used to new schedules. However, we all adjust quickly and by the second day, we seem to be able to get a decent sleep pattern. Vianne seems to like hanging out in the cockpit with mom and dad, and seeing the birds and water. Her favorite toy while under way is any rope she can get her hands on.

After several nasty lows, bringing floods of rain, followed by wind, we had a weather opening long enough to sail to Humboldt, CA. Departing at 0400 Pacific Cloud and us, set sail in the early morning darkness. Mandy and Vianne slept during the early hours while I navigated out of the harbor and set our course south. I was very pleased to see that all our hard work refitting Boreas in Crescent City has paid off. She is much more trimmed out and handled the seas beautifully. We encountered a large westerly swell, as predicted by the weather service, however it wasn't a violent motion on the boat. As the sun rose over the mountains I could see that the swells were about twelve feet. Mandy woke and relieved me at the helm. Vianne had been sick. However, when Mandy brought her up from below, she was smiling as usual and happy to be up. We motor-sailed all morning, averaged five knots. By the afternoon, we passed Trinidad Head. About 1600 we crossed the bar to Eureka. Though a bumpy ride, Pacific Cloud followed shortly behind. Unfortunately we missed the high tide and were forced to fight an ebbing current, making only a couple knots up the channel to Humboldt. The sun set about five PM and was beautiful, and we found a spot to moor on the outside wall of the Public Marina, after sticking the keel into the mud trying to enter the main Marina. Upon tying up we were joyfully greeted by Tracy and Cathleen from Magic, whom had made their transit a couple weeks earlier. Tracy found a spot for Pacific Cloud, and I called Bill and Lori on the Radio. By this time we could see their mast lights approaching. Come to find out later, Lori has said that I was taking on "a god-like status". Apparently, with reduced visibility Bill and Lori were just asking each other where they were supposed to go? About then I was calling on the Radio instructing them to move "toward the bright light" which Tracy was so kindly providing with his flashlight.
The following morning Mandy and I checked into the harbormaster. We've had a wonderful time here getting to know several of the live-aboard and fellow cruisers. However the weather here has been fluky to say the least. Our second night in the harbor, the wind rose to gale forces out of the North; whipping the bay into a frothy mess. Boreas was pounded against the dock, flattening the fenders completely. About the same time we realized the keel was also pounding on the bottom, in the mud. Mandy and I jumped to action. She ran to Magic, to get more fenders. I double-checked the tides, fearing it was still going down and we would suffer damage at the dock. Fortunately, the tide had just turned and was on its way back up, and we only touched the bottom. Upon returning with more fenders, Mandy and I with Bill and his son Billy secured Boreas with more fenders and doubled the lines. After a while, completely soaked, we went below to weather the remainder of the gale. It calmed after a short while and we went to bed for a restless night. Vianne however, slept through the whole event. Oh, to be seven months old!
On Wednesday there was a tsunami that came from Japan and hit Crescent City with a six-foot wave causing damage to the piers there. I'm thankful we left in time! However I'm not sure what it means to have a Tsunami hit the marina we just left? Humboldt Bay Police decided to take the opportunity and have evacuation drills for the marina and forced everyone to leave their boats. Unfortunately, the nearest high land is five miles away, and I was left standing on the beach with the crews from Pacific Cloud and Magic! Mandy and Vianne were already in town checking E-mail, and I knew they were safe. If the tsunami had been significant enough to cause damage to Humboldt, we would have been safer on our own boat in the channel then on the beach. On Thursday we departed and made way for the entrance channel, with Pacific Cloud and Aquila, a 42ft Mariner ketch. The USCG called Pacific Cloud on the VHF giving a warning for hazardous sea conditions. Aboard Boreas, we decided to take a look and see if it was doable. Making our way into the entrance channel, the sea conditions were worse then those we arrived in, so we decided to wait a couple hours and let the tide change, hoping it would calm down a bit. All three boats, Pacific Cloud, Aquila, and Boreas anchored north of the USCG station and waited for the day. It actually wound up being a nice day of relaxation and reading. I was starting to get a sore throat and felt a cold coming on, so it was good to get some rest.
We hoisted anchor at 1700 and headed out. At the channel bar we found the seas to be quite high, yet the roll pattern was very long and made for a comfortable ride. After sun set and across the bar, we had good wind and set sail for San Francisco.