<![CDATA[s/v IRON MAIDEN - Sailing Adventure 2009...

Co Captains log: Star Date - Jan 1, 2009 – 34:02:0560N 119:42:0310W

We were jettisoned into 2009 aboard "Space Mountain" the rollercoaster at Disneyland… the countdown was on as we boarded; it had taken till the stroke of midnight when everyone fled to Cinderella’s castle for the celebration of fire works to finally be freed of the 2 hr wait that seemed to be the norm for the day no matter the ride. Our friends Jeannette and son Ryan braved the blizzard up north to drive down to spend the holidays with us… we had decided it would be fun to ring in the new year together at what is often coined as "The happiest place on earth"… I have to chuckle a little remembering a frustrated mother trying to calm her small child down in the midst of what seemed to be the West Coast version of New Years Eve at Times square; the mother stating "I’m sorry this is no longer the happiest place on earth". We had a great time together… just check out the look on the Captains face riding space mountain in our photo log… in the craziness of the whole experience it say’s it all. Jeannette and Ryan had to say goodbye New Years day; they had a very long drive ahead of them… as it always is it was very hard to say goodbye; they have become a part of our family over the 28 yrs that we have known them.

We originally were going to leave for Mexico on the 5th of Jan. but instead Bill spent the next few weeks on repairs and additions of new equipment…We have been here so long we are growing a barnacle and sea weed garden… the ducks make their daily visit to the salad bar compliments of "The Iron Maiden". We finally decided it was time to have the bottom of our boat cleaned to the ducks dismay; and also the rudder checked since Bill didn’t like the sound it was making on the trip coming down the coast from Santa Barbara. It was discovered that of the six bolts holding the rudder on, all but two were sheared off or hanging by a thread… Bill said "it was amazing that those two bolts hung in there with the pressure"… on a rudder and a prayer… only by the grace of God.

Bill was able to replace them without hauling the boat out; using his hooka system, he dove down with tools in hand and replaced them all. Apparently the boat yard that had installed them used the wrong kind of bolts for the rudder.

We have grown quite fond of Oxnard, being here as long as we have; we’ve made some new friends and the marina here is beautiful; palm trees line the walkway and 2 blocks over is the beach with spectacular views of Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands. In the evenings we ride our bikes that take us on a route that meanders for miles along the beach communities of Channel Islands and Mandalay beach… As the sun sets down behind Santa Cruz Island the day gives way to its final show with a symphony of colors… I will miss these rides and the islands that sit offshore.

The Santa Ana’s seem to be a frequent visitor here; last week they blew over 70 miles an hr all day and into the night and today they seem even stronger… they’re great for blow drying your hair…I guess there’s an upside to every downside if you look hard enough.

Capt. Bill and Laura in the front with Ryan riding solo just behind

Ryan his mom Jeannette on Main Street Disneyland New Year Eve. 08

Capt. Bill and his mischievous elf Binky

Feb 12, 2009 – A Special Day!

This day is a very special day for us; our granddaughter Aussie Eden came into the world… she weighed 9 lbs 4 oz… she’s gorgeous! I wish we were there… that’s the downside to cruising on a budget. We’ll be looking forward to meeting her where it’s sunny and warm.

Our time here in Oxnard and the Channel Islands has come to an end; we will be heading south on the next weather window… should be within a few days… catch-up with you then… God bless