Morro Bay Harbor Festival 2010

Go For Broke docked in Hawaii today!  I was happy to report to family and friends that Truman is back on dry land safe and sound.  He will be home in 2 days.  Meanwhile, I went to my first Harbor Festival! 

Garlic and Butter!  Hmmm. . . .

Two Notables: Morro Rock and the Power Plant

The two most recognized landmarks in our town--and in the Bay--are the Morro Rock and the Dynergy Power Plant.  These sisters have quite the history. 

The Morro Rock is 581 foot tall volcanic "plug" located at the mouth of the bay.  Climbing on the rock or disturbing its wildlife is strictly forbidden.  The Chumash tribe considers it sacred ground.  Birders love the rock for the peregrine falcon reserve.  Winds change direction erratically when travelling around the rock, creating difficult sailing conditions immediately around the rock.  This means that sailboats must motor in and out of the bay.  Sailing out of the bay, beside the rock, is difficult. 

The Power Plant was built back in the 1950's by Dynergy.  It was previously owned and operated by PG&E.  Currently, it creates reliable power for the central coast by natural gas.  The future of its tall stacks are unknown.  New plans to modernize the plant include removal of these "eye sores".

Neighbor "Wilson" and Dock Drama

We've grown kinda attached to our dockmates.  One man, we have named "Wilson" for blog purposes, has been particularly endearing.  He offers pearls of wisdom on a daily basis.  He owns a 27' sailboat in the slip next to us.  He is all the crusty mirth one would hope for in a neighbor!  Wilson loans us all kinds of stuff: lines, ladders, polish, twine, tools. 

He has even taken up our battle with the FINCHES!  Can you believe it!?!  The finches made a new nest in our sail!!!!!  This would be the 3rd nest!  Count them. Three.

We're afraid we've created a monster.  Are they like homing pigeons?  I think it is time to get the sparkly used car saleman lot flags!  What did you call them, Captain V?

A Weekend Out of Town!

Sorry, we have been delinquent bloggers recently.  The Captain ran his first marathon, the Big Sur International Marathon!  It was a well organized event on the Central Coast.  Lots of spectacular vistas and amazing ocean scenery! 

And we went to the marina in Monterey!  Lots to share!  The next couple posts will be about this marina visit.  We saw some pretty funny and interesting harbor and dockside life.  Look and see for yourself.

We walked the board walk and got lunch on the sunny, warm patio.

And we found a potential buyer for our extra outboard motor!  Just Kidding.  But, it was a funny sight:

Happy Sailing, Mizzen!  One day we may meet on the ocean blue! 

I will post more on our Monterey visit.  Stay tuned!