Ocean Echo 1: Avila Beach to Long Beach, L.A., Cal.

Dear friends

We are anchored at Long Beach California behind Island White, inside the Los Angeles harbor. Trip from Avila B. to L.A. was fairly easy, since there was not much wind, motoring most of the time. Point Arguello and Point Conception are well-known for high winds and seas. After passing them, sea got light again. Santa Barbara to L.A. area is sheltered by Channel Islands and curve in the land.
Offshore oil rigs start showing up, when approaching Santa Barbara. It was a surprise finding our, that this area is full of crude oil spills and floating tar. I was told later, that these are natural leakages?! Top sides of the boat got quite dirty, while staying around S. Barbara. Anchoring near S. Barbara is not too good, since there are 2 mixed swells and currents, which makes it rolly even with stern anchor.
Channel Islands are just 25 miles south of S. Barbara and 20 miles west of Ventura. Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands are very beautiful with clear water (visibility 30-40 feet) and rich sea life. Channel Islands are National Park and landing ashore requires a permit. Local Stellar Sea Lions are very friendly, playful and curious. They like to jump around, just like dolphins. I have spent a few days exploring these two islands and it was well worth it. Weather, higher winds and kelp can be an issue around Channel Islands and passages between them.
From Anacapa Island I have sailed to Paradise Cove (Malibu) and to Los Angeles harbor. Port Police issued 2 nights anchoring permit for me at Cabrillo Beach anchorage. After two days I had moved to Long Beach area on the other side of L.A. harbor. Presently I am anchored behind Island White, which is quite comfortable anchorage, but little too far to get ashore. I have used my kayak to land on the beach, but last 2 take off from the surfy beach were not too successful. Today was my worst wash over ("ditch") with one good wave rolling over me. Kayak was full of water and sand instantly. It was a challenge to get away from the beach. Naturally I had a lot of cleaning to do, when I got back to the boat. Mainly getting rid off sand everywhere, even from my pockets! :-)
I am leaving tomorrow to Santa Catalina island for a few days. I have been waiting out some higher winds offshore in last few days. From S. Catalina I plan to sail to San Diego, it will be last US port before entering Mexico in a few weeks.
Southern California harbors and marinas are large, busy and full of regulations. Research ahead of time is necessary. Most of Yacht Clubs are closed on Monday and Tuesday and it is not easy to get reciprocal slip. First come first serve rule applies and there is enough boats going south now days. Private marinas charge $1.00 - $1.80 per foot/night. Getting groceries while cruising can be a challenge (with out car), because most of grocery stores are far away from shore. People are friendly and helpful.
California coast line is very interesting with a lot of beautiful places. I am glad to have a chance to see some of it.
Little note about my photos. Most of them are taken at rolling sea from the boat or kayak long distance away. There for many pictures are not too sharp (fussy, out of focus - zoom). There is not much I can do to improve the quality, while being in the craft at open rolling sea.

Maintaining this blog could by complicated time to time, because Internet signal/connection for uploading pictures, will not be as good/fast as it is in large cities/communities. Please, excuse my poor writing skills and grammar. Google translate does good job converting text to other languages.
I hope, that you will find something interesting in this blog - enjoy.

Jara (JJ) Holcman sv. Ocean Echo 1