Santa Catalina

After Santa Barbara we headed out to the channel islands, with the first stop at Santa Cruz. Dropped anchor just before dark, did not go ashore as a surf landing and getting dark and an early start tomorrow. Fantastic view sailing around the island, mostly motoring that is, as little wind all day.
Up at 3am next morning to try and get to Santa Catalina before dark, 68 miles. There is a strong current until almost noon keeping our speed down. Arrived at 5pm and dropped anchor in Catalina bay. The weather is always sunny with a few fog patches in California, warm days and cool nights, perfect. Several times today we had dophins swimming under our bow jumping and dodging, put on a great show.
Using our small water maker (Katadyne 40E) to make drinking water now, as the water from Santa Barbara tastes awful and we just us it for cooking and cleaning.
Did a hike up a 1800ft hill up a steep footpath near the anchorage for some much needed exercise. then walked across to Two Harbors for coffee and scone and a look around. Beautiful place, lots of palm trees. A treat for us people from up north. We are doing this blog at a picnic table on the beach under a shade palm, what more could you ask for.
Today (Oct 25 Sun) did a hike up another 2000ft hill got 50cent showers afterwards.

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Content below added by the couch potatoes on land back in B.C.

Nice video tour of Santa Catalina Island is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTuZOtI0Fg

Here is the video of the dolphins that Brian didn't manage to get:
(you have to beat this video with your new camera Brian, that is your challenge this month)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmI25wIL_oY
(added by GV for Brian)
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