September 14 - On the way to Monterey

We spent five nights at Pillar Point. It is a large harbor with an inner and outer set of breakwaters. The marina is inside the inner set, but there are lots of boats anchored out in the larger area between the two breakwaters. Pillar Point sits at the northern end of Half Moon Bay and there is a lovely trail that runs along the coast between Pillar Point and the town of Half Moon Bay. Earl unpacked the bikes and, after considerable examination and consultation with the company that sold them to us, he came to the conclusion that mine would need to be returned to get the electric parts fixed. In the meantime, however, it works quite well as a traditional bike, so we had a lovely ride down the coast and back. (I got more exercise than Earl).

I am beginning to think that there are more sea lions than people in California. They are all over the breakwaters and docks here. The harbor master shoots them with paint ball to discourage them, but they come right back. They are dirty and noisy. Right now there is a good bunch or herring in the harbor and everyone is enjoying them – seals, sea lions, gulls, pelicans and local fisherman who are jigging for them(not very successfully.) The harbor is a mix of older commercial boats, cruising boats and charter fishing boats. We tied up next to a charter boat owned by Jackie and Dale. We got together for wine and cheese on evening and Dale told Earl how to catch Humboldt squid while Jackie told me how to cook them. We are looking forward to eating them!

On Sunday, Gabriela, Damien, Ramsay, Andrea and Sarah came for brunch. We all enjoyed it and afterwards they came down to see the boat. Daisy was a big hit with Sarah, and totally broke the ice with her. The rest of the visit she teased Earl, who would oblige by tickling her. They left promising photos as soon as the babies show up.

We left at 7 and are now on our way south to Monterey where we are planning to spend a couple of days. Once again, the seas are wonderful.