Leaving Monterey, Arriving in Moss Landing, and Some GREAT Sailing

Sea Lions in the Monterey Marina - too many!!!!

 We left Monterey this morning, after morning hikes and a short paddle. A PERFECT sail to Moss Landing in cotton candy white fog, with sunshine coming through it. 7+ knots of boat speed in a breeze of only 12 or 13 knots. Low swells, beautiful sailing weather. We heard reports of large numbers of blue whales just below Point Sur, but didn't see any. Maybe tomorrow, when we head for Santa Cruz.

We came into Moss Landing, took a walk, did a little poking around in galleries and shops, then had an early dinner at The Haute Enchilada here in town. Fabulous restaurant, maybe the best Mexican food I've ever had. Great cocktails too.

A new friend tries paddling for the first time. 

We met a local couple in town, and the woman asked us about buying a paddle board for her husband's birthday. We invited them to the boat, and let him take a short paddle, his very first. They brought us a bottle of their homemade Cabernet Franc, and we sat in the cockpit and shared wine, chocolate, and conversation.

Last, herbal and a good game of Scrabble. I say it was good because I won, which qualifies it as a good game for me. Paddy and Leigh may have other ideas.

One last thing about Moss Landing: it's usually loaded with Sea Lions, but there is only one here in the harbor now. It's a mystery to the locals, but a blessing to us after being in Monterey. Scary on the paddle board, a couple of them swam along with me this morning. Tomorrow morning we'll take the two boards and the dinghy into Elkhorn Slough, should be wonderful.