Crissy Field to Half Moon Bay and on to Monterey Bay
October 12 -18, 2007
Irwin "Scotty" Scott
(Click on a photo to enlarge, click on the enlarged photo to return)
Our plan was to rendezvous off Crissy Field at 9 am on Friday. However, it was raining hard and the wind was blowing - not the ideal weather for a leisurely cruise down the coast.
After a lot of phone calls and radio transmissions it was decided that those who wanted to venture out of their marinas should meet at Ayela Cove on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay.
We docked at the Angel Island State Park marina and immediately huddled in the boats with the best heat where we discussed the coming day's forecast and came to the conclusion that we should scrub the whole cruise plan. With that taken care of, we all boarded the newest NT in the fleet, Wayne and Linda Farris' Buoy Toy and headed across Raccoon Strait to Sam's Cafe in Tiburon for an enjoyable lunch.
Upon our return to Ayela Cove after lunch, it was a surprise to see the docks "undulating" in the now rougher waters. That did it! Everyone headed back to their home marinas and Cathy and Cal Robie made arrangements at their marina in Alameda for those of us who came from outside the Bay. Wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres aboard Emiko and Riley completed the day.
Saturday morning was sunny and calm and the weather forecast had changed to good weather for the next two days so the boating urges returned rapidly. It wasn't long before a fleet of five Nordic Tugs passed under the Golden Gate Bridge and headed south for Half Moon Bay.
Jim and Charmaine Moore aboard Riley (foreground) and John and Mary Muff aboard Jeanie Marie III heading south from San Francisco.
What a difference from Friday! The weather and the water were great for the 3 hour cruise to Half Moon Bay. After a lot of getting caught up on what everybody's been doing lately we were all off for dinner in El Granada.
The Pumpkin Festival was in full swing in Half Moon Bay so we were fortunate that Bud Sheble, our cruise organizer, could find a restaurant within walking distance from the marina that could seat a group of our size. Was a very nice meal!
Kim Krampf (Sea Dog), John Muff (Jeanne Marie III), and Jim Moore (Riley) aboard Jeanne Marie III discussing how nice the seas and weather were on the trip down.
Sunday morning began with a need for hot coffee and long pants. Appears that everyone didn't get the long pants message! Bud Sheble provided his now famous "Bud's Boiled Bag Breakfast" for everyone. Shortly after, it was departure time and everyone except the Three Jeans left in order to avoid rough water. Scotty and daughter Jean stayed to spend more time at the Pumpkin Festival (have you ever seen a 1,400 pound pumpkin?) and left early afternoon. Turned out the sea conditions were the same as in the morning - perfect!
(L to R) Jim Moore (Riley), Bud Sheble and Jim Hart (Eternity), Kim and Ed Krampf (Sea Dog), Mary and John (barely visable) Muff (Jeanne Marie III), Jean Scott (Three Jeans) enjoying Bud's Boiled Bag Breakfast on the Half Moon Bay Marina dock.
Due to the weather forecast, the decision had been made to cancel the Monterey Bay leg of the cruise. Several fronts were forecast to arrive during the week making the two day return trip questionable. With one minor exception, everyone headed for their home marinas on Sunday.
It's always a pleasure to see the Golden Gate Bridge at the end of an ocean cruise. The low clouds that we'd experienced all day stop at the other side of the bridge.
After spending the night in the buoy field in Ayela Cove on Angle Island, the Three Jeans met with Buoy Toy for a trip up the Petaluma River to the Petaluma Turning Basin. The predicted rain storm threatened us the whole trip but never was a problem. Fun to watch!
Looking South at Lakesville on the Petaluma River
The Half Moon Bay/Monterey Bay Cruise didn't go at all as planned but everyone made the best of the situation and enjoyed getting together in a rather piecemeal fashion. Last year the weather wasn't a problem, this year it was, so it must mean that it will be good next year.
Buoy Toy leads the Three Jeans up the Petaluma River below threatening skies.
After spending two days in the Petaluma Turning Basin, Buoy Toy and Three Jeans headed to their home marinas.
Looking East at Lakeville on the Petaluma River
