Out of tens of thousands, not one of these fingerlings (below) could escape the voraciousness of a dozen mackerel.  Within minutes of taking this picture these little fellas were no more.  Chula Vista Marina

After evaluating the hazards and arrival times for the trip from Long Beach to San Diego Bay Erika and I agreed that an early departure would be imperative. The decision to set off at 12:30 a.m. wasn't our first choice but if all went according to plan we would be safely navigating the last of a very narrow channel near Chula Vista Marina by late afternoon.  Erika and Mason gladly volunteered for the first watch.  By 1:30  in the morning Steadfast settled into her motor-sailing groove and I into my warm and cozy bunk, leaving the "dim" witted duo at the helm.  And by 3:30 a.m. I was back on deck sending my mariners to their mattresses.  Through the ages sailors have venerated the coming of dawn.  So, with a fresh collection of music filling my head,  I weighed the last hours of darkness, all alone, sailing easterly into the coming sunrise (pictured above).  

After navigating around Point Loma's extensive kelp hazards, Steadfast turned north towards San Diego Bay.  By 2:30, the 18th of October, we were sharing the bay with a crowd of San Diegan sailors enjoying a sunny and breezy Friday afternoon.  But we weren't done yet!  It would be another two hours and twelve nautical miles before we would reach our destination, Chula Vista Marina.  (Right) The blue dot located at the south-eastern side of San Diego Bay indicates our final position.  Here we met up with our cruising friends aboard "Dawn Treader."  In anticipation, and celebration, of seeing "old friends", especially Sophia,  Loren and Elliot dressed up for the occasion (Below).