Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito CA.

August 8 - 11

Leaving Emeryville Cove Marina at 10:00 a.m. at high tide we travel past Treasure Island and out towards Alcatraz Island.  After taking numerous pictures we continued on to Sausalito and Schoonmaker Marina.  We had called the day before thinking that the weekend would be difficult to find a place but there was plenty of room on a side tie outside of the marina.  Locked gates from 8 p.m. - 8 a.m.  There are some very nice and big boats in this marina.

On saturday we walked in a northerly direction to see what was there.  We came to a grocery store for more bread.  It was an extraordinary store in that the produce section was a work of art.  The vegetables and fruit were stacked so neatly.  The whole store was immaculate.  On the way back to the boat we stumbled upon The Bay Model.  It is a model of the bay and delta with working tides.  In 1956-57 the US Army Corps of Engineers built it to be able to study the bay for any changes that may take place, with the last project in 2000.  Now all studies are done with high speed computers.   It was built in a building that was used during WWII to build the Liberty Ships.  Well worth seeing if you ever come to Sausalito.

Old man and dog of the Sea

Yoga anyone?

On sunday we walked in a southernly direction.  This brought us into the heart of Sausalito and the crowds.  We walked along the waterfront were there are a bizzillion boats.  Ice cream cone was the treat of the day,  I have to say we where not the only ones with Ice Cream, it was a nice warm day.  After about 4 hours of walking the boat and hammock were a welcome sight.  Tomorrow the plan is to move down the coast about 30 miles to Half Moon Bay.  See you there!!!

Old man relaxing on boat 

Family

July 26 - 27

Leaving Glen Cove Marina on the high tide we did not hit the bottom.  Traveling back out through the bay to Paradise Cove anchorage (close to Angel Island) we anchored for 2 nights.  This time we rigged our flopper stoppers to stop the rolling that we had last time.  I had two pieces of aluminum 3' x 3' x 3' cut in Coos Bay this last year to use.  These are placed at the end of the boom on on side of the boat and at the end of the spinnaker pole on the other side.  With these flat surfaces in the water away from the boat, they stop the rolling motion.  Much better sleep at night, even walking around in the boat was much easier.  The anchor held well with the 25 knot winds that each afternoon would bring.  And once again had lots of clay on it as we pulled it up.  Off to Emeryville Cove Marina.

Lots of chop at anchorage

High Winds at anchor

Computer Anchor Watch red circle, with boat track

Flopper Stoppers with the Richmond San Rafael bridge in the background

Flopper Stoppers

Flopper Stoppers

Flopper Stopper with the Richmond San Rafael Bridge in the Background

July 29 - August 5

After spending a few days at Emeryville Cove Marina, we headed back to the hot San Joaquin Valley.  My mom and dad drove up to the marina to pick us up (thanks mom and dad).  They allowed us to use one of their cars for a week as we stayed at Susan's mom and dad's house and visited with my mom and dad.  Dad and I were able to go fishing one day and did well trolling and casting for bass.  Susan painted a shed for her folks and did a few other jobs around the house she grew up in.

Barbara & Richard Neer

Returning back to the boat I wanted to see if I could get someone to look at the windvane at the top of the mast as it only seemed to work when the wind would blow over 10 knots.  As luck would have it, the rigger was scheduled to be in the area the next day and would have time for us.  He found the bearings were giving out and the direction rudder had almost fallen off.  He was able to install a new one the same day and it seems to be working just great.  We were told by the office worker that we were very lucky as normally they are 4 - 6 weeks out on their jobs.

Having the wind vane replaced

Glen Cove Marina, Carquinez Strait

July 25

Up before the sun, but not before the birds start singing, we depart at 5 a.m.  It is very still on the water.  As the sun rises, so does the breeze.  Coupled with the ebbing tide makes for some rough water.  We're zipping along with a 3 knot push at times.  Going under the railway bridge is a little daunting still, but we proceed with confiddence and don't even slow down.  By 08:30 we arrive at our destination.  Glen Cove Marin is across from the C&H sugar refinery at the Carquinez Bridge.  Threading the entry is tricky with the current on our starboard.  No sooner did we enter then we nearly come to a stop as the advertised 10 ft depth evaporated to 4.  With full throttle Brad pushed our 6.5' keel through the mud as there was no other option. Winding our way through the marina, to the guest dock, Brad turned the boat around in a very small space and I stepped off to secure the lines.  Once again the temperature broached 100 degrees.  No longer able to tolerate the heat we brought a water hose up to the shade on the grass and drenched ourselves.  As point of interest, this marina was created when a man bought a light house for a dollar from the coast guard at nearby Mare Is.  and barged it up the river,  under a bridge to its current location.  This former lighthouse is very decorative and may be rented for events.  Glen Cove Marina is 40 dollars a night with a Boat US membership.  Although quiet, there is not much close by to do with the exception of a fine walking trail.  We will be moving on tomorrow at high tide to hopefully a cooler locale.