Leoma Update Santa Cruz Island

[JD-MDR]

Since I got away from the boatyard I've been across the channel 4-5 times.. Usually if its just an overnighter I go to Little Scorpion cove only 4-5 hrs. There is a campground and park service station. Its very easy to land on the beach. Good hiking trails. I haven't been using the motor much . I still have the old worn out reduction gear installed. If I want to use the rebuilt gear that I bought on Ebay, I would have to pull the engine and reset the motor mounts.. I don't want to talk about it. I'm not wasting any more time and cash on it.I haven't had any problems getting in and out of the marina. Today I motored back home from Fry's Harbor, about 30 mi, when I shifted out of gear it didn't want to go back in.. I worked it back and forth and it finally went in gear.. Obviously that clutch is going . I ordered a new Beta 16 . They can't give me an estimated delivery date.. I hope it can be installed by Christmas otherwise I might have to go back down to Mexico with the old gearbox . I will carry the rebuild one as spare. Here is some screenshots of the route.. Just for your entertainment.. Sorry I can't do it as nice as some others

[JD-MDR]

On the chart above . I leave Ventura (San Buenaventura) for Santa Cruz Island. Sometimes I can get to Scorpion on one tack but other times I get pushed too far south. A lot of boats go south to Smugglers cove, a wide open anchorage. I think it is too rolley and often hard to land on the beach without getting wet. I spent the night anchored at Scorpion Cove, the #3 position.. The next morning I tacked out for a while till I could tack back to Fry's Harbor, 5th position ( not numbered)
Here is a copy of the island chart with the anchorages mentioned circled..

[John Stone]

That's some fine sailing JD. SOCAL, especially Ventura and Oxnard areas has a great feel to it especially on the water. Cool temps. Some morning fog. Fabulous afternoon sun. Just a great place. I loved sailing there though I did not do a lot of it when stationed at Camp Pendleton.

I would live there if I could afford it. There is no better scenery anywhere in America IMO especially when measured against year round weather. Coast line, mountains, desert. Of course I am ignoring cost of living, EPA regulations, forest fires, water shortages. I'm just talking about geography and weather as a combination. An amazing place.

I hope you can keep that engine and tranny going till you get the new Beta. You're going to love it.