Visiting Jerry and Wanda

This past week, we flew down to San Diego to visit our dear friends and former neighbors Jerry and Wanda.  We stayed with them for 3 days, enjoying their generous hospitality.  After we moved to Oregon, Jerry and Wanda purchased a sailboat, which they have lovingly fixed up, and we looked forward to them sharing the sailing experience with us.

 Jerry hoisting up the mainsail on the Four Seas, a 30 foot Catalina sloop.

We headed out of the Oceanside Harbor under sail, with, guess who, at the helm...

Gail took the wheel (note Jerry's concerned expression).  There was a lot to learn - we barely scratched the surface. Gail is watching the jib for luffing, and the wind vane and compass.

The harbor is adjacent to Camp Pendleton, and there was much training activity going on around us.

Captain Jer takes his sailing seriously, instilling confidence in his crew.

I had a nice long turn at the helm beginning to get a feel for it.

After sailing around offshore, we returned to the dock where Wanda opened up the galley for a fun happy hour.

On Wednesday morning, we all took a leisurely walk along the beach and pier in Oceanside. This Snowy Egret was very acclimated to people.

After an early dinner at the Jolly Roger, we went for a sunset cruise on the sailboat, using motor power instead of sail.

We motored out to the bell buoy, a favored sea lion resting spot.

In the harbor were some outrigger canoes.

In this tree next to the Jolly Roger is a heron and egret rookery.  You can see the birds in the top of the tree. 

The harbor became magical as the sun set...  warm air, glassy water, red sunset, and dear friends.

It was a tropical evening.

It was great to see our friends Jerry and Wanda, and spend time with them on land and water.