This last week I sailed through a cloud of Covid and spent the week in bed, now I am caught back up on my history of the pioneer’s migration along the California trail between 1841-1869 I’m good to go on a speaking tour. Let’s bring it back to the harbor and one of my favorite trails aboard a Duffy.
The Mai-Tai trial does have its risks, and like the pioneers, the key to survival is maintaining a light load, better yet a designated helm person. A good “Jumping off Point” is at Billy’s at the Beach. I recommend starting my weekend day at 11:00 by pulling into the guest dock then circle your crew around a table just in case the local Indians get riled up. Billy’s world famous Mai-Tais are a perfect start to your three to six-hour journey. One of the keys to survival on this journey is provisioning making sure that there is more than enough water for all crew between waypoints along with serving lunch.
If you're feeling rather adventurous with the sun straight overhead at 12:00 and one of your crew is a member of the Elks Tribe there is always good hunting for parking just north of the lodge. Relationships with this tribe have been strained over the years, with the locals being very protective of their land. Once invited into their lodge you will find they offer the best trades for Mai-Tais.
My next recommended waypoint is Woody’d Wharf keeping an eye on the bridge tops for any falling yutes. It is summer and the local Marshell has been doing an outstanding job discouraging this summer phenomenon. You are still new to the trail so after surviving crossing under the Lido bridge I’d consider turning up the stereo and the fun meter aboard you're Duffy. As you travel southwest you are looking for a bend in the harbor towards the west. Keep in mind that a larger vessel can jump out of their marina on your starboard side as you approach the bend. On your arrival at this waypoint, you should find plenty of parking, if you are already late into the day option two would be to continue into the Rhine channel and use the large public dock at the end of the channel. Your choice will be The Cannery or Bluewater Grill.
Your next waypoint can be the longest leg of this journey. Before you start this leg remind your crew there are no stops or bushes along the side of the path. Your last stop before starting your drive to the east is the public restrooms just up from the public dock off of 21st street. Now there has never been any reporting of any rattlesnakes in these restrooms, yet this area of the harbor has had strange occurrences over the last five years with helicopters falling out of the sky and boat thieves running into moored boats. If you are so fortunate to have a guide that belongs to the elite tribe of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club then this should be your next stop. This is a great place to re-provision your boat and these Mai-Tais are one of the best in town.
At this point of the trial you could be reaching the warmest part of your journey. A well-planned trip might include a swim and deployment of some of your favorite pool toys. Should you wish to consider this decision to split from the wagon train you should contact the Newport Beach Harbor department at 949 270-8159 and ask for a day mooring in F field. You will need to call well ahead of time to sign up. The City’s Harbor department will need your boat’s registration, insurance declaration page, completion of mooring rental agreement, and means of payment. The cost of a day’s mooring use might cost more than a round of Mai Tais at the Elks but it will be less than twenty-two dollars.
After your swim, you have to decide if you want to take the easternmost path or the northern pass. If you happen to be a member of either Bahia Corinthian or the Balboa Yacht Club Tribes then the most eastern path can be your choice. I like the Bahia Corinthian tribe and find myself feeling most comfortable out on the lower deck. For those of you that have decided on the north, path there are guest docks at SOL restaurant or The Tavern House.
On your way back to your berth stay wide of the local water slides at the Bay Club, Bayshores, or Lido Isle Yacht Clubs these Indians are also very protective of the land but it does add to some of your life’s harbor memories!
Sea ya
No comments:
Post a Comment