Exploring San Diego: Our Last Stop Before Mexico
Avalon to San Diego
Join us as we recount our final days in the USA, filled with exploration, adventure, and preparation for our journey into Mexico.
We spent three wonderful days exploring Santa Catalina Island and left early in the morning on October 6 making our way back to the mainland.
We untied from our mooring ball in Avalon just before 0500 hours, weaving our way through the maze of boats and out into the darkness of the channel beginning our 77 nautical mile journey across the Gulf of Santa Catalina to San Diego.
Our 14 hour trip back to the mainland included a massive cruise ship passing us by around 0600 with the music already pumping and a big screen on the top deck that we could see from a mile away. We watched the sun rise on the horizon and enjoyed white sided dolphins swimming with us for as far as the eye could see, which never seems to get old. Mayday and warship calls bellowed on the VHF and a friendly little bird hitched a ride with us the last 5 hours of our journey to San Diego. Once we could see land the little Yellow-breasted Chat flew away – thinking he must have done this before. We departed early so we could arrive during business hours as San Diego has some strict rules for anchoring in their bay.
Upon arrival in San Diego you must visit the Police dock and have your vessel inspected before receiving a permit allowing you to anchor at the A9 Cruisers anchorage. Your vessel must be seaworthy, have the appropriate number of fire extinguishers, life jackets, have a propulsion system, and operate under its own power. It must also have petroleum-free bilges and a holding tank or port-a-potty. Although a bit of a hassle, we only wish Vancouver would adopt some of the same rules which could help clean up False creek a bit.
Pedaling Through San Diego
Discovering Neighborhoods on Two Wheels
Our time in San Diego was a remarkable journey filled with countless bike rides, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the city’s diverse neighborhoods. From the lively and colorful streets of Little Italy to the peaceful and calming paths that line the waterfront, each ride provided us with a fresh perspective on the beauty of this stunning city. Having cycled over 150 km in San Diego alone we are down a combined 13lbs since we left Vancouver in August. Getting in shape has never been more fun. Can you guess how many districts we explored during our stay in San Diego? The answer will be at the end of the post 😉. We enjoyed steak nachos in Old Town at Fred’s, a place my parents and I use to visit and on another occasion endulged in some craft beer and burgers at Dirty Birds, while waiting for the Padres to play on the big screen at a local pub. Unfortunately the Dodgers beat them in the final round.
Morning and Evening Rituals
The Sound of Respect
Every morning in San Diego, the sound of the bugle fills the air, followed by the national anthem, a poignant reminder of the nation’s pride and unity. As the day draws to a close, the bugle plays once more, marking the sunset with a solemn note of respect. This daily ritual serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude, honoring the service and sacrifices of those who protect our freedoms.
A New Addition to Our Journey
The Arrival of Our Suzuki Outboard
Although we had just recently purchased an 2.5hp outboard to replace our temperamental 2 stoke, it really was just a temporary fix until we reached San Diego. Acquiring our new Suzuki 9.9hp outboard motor was an adventure in itself. We ordered it online, eagerly tracking its journey from Tennessee to the local FedEx station. Upon its arrival, we rented a U-Haul to transport it, navigating the bustling streets of San Diego with anticipation. Once at the public dock, we carefully loaded it into our dinghy.
Back on the sailboat, Alex spent the afternoon getting the outboard set up, ensuring it was ready for our upcoming adventures. With everything in place, we felt a renewed sense of freedom, knowing that longer dinghy rides were now within our reach. The next couple of days were spent breaking in the new motor and exploring San Diego by water.
Reconnecting in Little Italy
A Delightful Reunion
I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with a high school friend, enjoying pastries and coffee in Little Italy one day and making a quick Costco run another. We were incredibly grateful for Tera’s assistance in provisioning the boat before our journey to Mexico. It was so enjoyable to reminisce about the past, especially recalling an unforgettable moment together from about ten years ago in San Diego at Seaport Village, where a parrot gave me a free mole removal. It’s a story for another time, but it never fails to bring laughter to both Tera and I whenever we think about it.
Discovering the History of San Diego
A Journey Through Time
San Diego, with its vibrant culture, has always been a fascinating destination. Founded in 1769, it is California’s oldest town, boasting a unique blend of Spanish and Mexican influences. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the iconic Balboa Park, the city is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be explored. Did you know that San Diego is home to the largest naval fleet in the world? It’s a city where the past meets the present, offering endless opportunities for discovery.
Preparing for the Journey to Mexico
Chores and Preparations in San Diego
Our time in San Diego was not just about exploration; it was also about getting ready for the next leg of our journey. We tackled a long list of chores, starting with purchasing a sturdy new cable lock for the dinghy from Downwind Marine on Shelter Island. Christmas shopping was on the agenda too, as we picked up gifts for the kids. Refilling propane and gasoline was essential to ensure our stove, generator, and outboard motor were ready for action. Best part of running errands was approaching the propane station where the attendant was killing time singing karaoke, as apparently it was a slow day. He was super friendly and provided some great insights on Ensenada, which was where we were headed after San Diego. With everything stored and organized, we felt prepared for our sail to Ensenada.
Thanksgiving in San Diego was a peaceful affair, spent reflecting on our journey and the adventures that lie ahead. We took a moment to wish our family and friends back home a wonderful day filled with love and gratitude. Although we missed the traditional gatherings, the quietness of the day allowed us to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and the excitement of our upcoming adventures. We can’t wait to reunite with our boys and share these experiences with them.
An Evening Under the Stars
A Night with the Marshall Tucker Band
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we jumped in the dinghy for an unforgettable evening on the water. We motored 7km through the San Diego Bay and anchored the dinghy outside Humphrey’s Backstage Live located in Shelter Island where we were surrounded by fellow boaters. Accompanied by the soulful tunes of the Marshall Tucker Band, creating a magical atmosphere. It was a night where music and the sea became one, leaving us with memories to cherish forever.
San Diego Highlights
Our San Diego Adventure in Pictures
How many neighborhoods did we visit? And guess who got a haircut!
We rode our bikes through 14 neighborhoods during our stay in San Diego, each offering something new and unique.
In no particular order, here they are:
Sunset Cliffs, Pacific Beach, Mission Bay, Point Loma, Shelter Island, Old Town, Mission Valley, Hillcrest, The Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Little Italy, Harborview, Five Points and Ocean Beach.
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Your trip looks like a blast Heather. So cool. Have fun!
Thanks for following along Jarett. The journey has been amazing. And big congrats to you and Julianne!!