Thursday December 6, 2019
We made it into San Diego after a looooong 23 hour motor sail with light winds on our nose and the current against us. Mark had timed the weather window between two low pressure systems perfectly and we motored into the harbor with blue skies above. The highlight of the trip down from Oxnard were many dolphin sightings. But no photos. Those cute little speedsters appear out of no where and are gone just as quickly.
We got a slip at Cabrillo Isle Marina on Harbor Island–a sister marina to Anacapa Isle Marina in Oxnard. Bonus at Cabrillo Isle: a good deli next to the marina office and we got passes to use the pool, jacuzzi, at the nearby Sheraton Hotel. Yep, we are living high on the hog (for a couple days at least…)
A marine shopping extravaganza awaited us in San Diego. I have never seen so many marine supply stores in one location (outside of Annapolis, MD) than on neighboring Shelter Island–a short uber ride away from Harbor Island. Within walking distance were marine lighting shops, numerous marine electronic shops, a satellite phone store, boat lettering shops, embroidery shops, marine upholstery shops, numerous chandleries (not West Marine), multiple machine shops, welding shops, sail lofts, book stores, consignments stores, and a West Marine the size of Walmart (well, almost).
It was fun to easily pick up the little things that can be hard to find: a rubber end for the swim ladder (which had recently fallen off), a Mexico courtesy flag (which has been ridiculously difficult to find–all sold out in Oxnard), oil filters, multiple clips and hooks that Mark has uses for, and charts galore.
Best of all Heidi got to connect with Gilroy High School BFF, Mary Jennings Mull (Hansch). We had a super time in beautiful Balboa Park–all decorated for Christmas and loved re-visiting the wonderful model train museum. Hadn’t been there since Mark Jr was two years old. And to top off a lovely day, Mary joined us to watch the San Diego Holiday Boat Parade at the marina.
San Diego (Cabrillo Isle Marina on Harbor Island)
Smileys
Deli next door to the Marina Office
Nice big docks, friendly staff, and easy access to laundry, heads, office, etc.
San Diego Skyline
Great walking trail the length of Harbor Island
An uber ride away:
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral: gorgeous and full choir. Bonus: the cathedral is walking distance from Balboa Park
Balboa Park – fabulous, containing the world famous San Diego zoo. It is everything a large urban park should be
Shelter Island – marine shopping mecca
Frowns
No grocery stores within walking distance
Restaurants/Food
Miguel’s Cocina on Shelter Island – Wonderful carne asada fajitas . Parc Bistro on 5th (across from St Paul’s Cathedral – Yummy brunch.
Sailing Estelle 