Meet Metallica – the newest vessel in our fleet. She is built by James’ dear friend EJ of Johnson Custom Van Solutions. She has everything we need for our land adventures – two refrigerators, induction stove top, sink, shower hose with warm water, two pull-out beds, swivel front seats, two round tables, solar panels. The woodwork is gorgeous, custom built by the talented EJ. My favorite feature is the top rack, our deck for evening sunsets and sleeping outdoors in warmer weather. She’s a beauty! We picked her up last Wednesday from EJ’s compound in Jamul, just east of San … Continue reading The Land Yacht

James has been telling me about his love of Mammoth for years, and having only been there in winter I didn’t get it. Now I do. Mountains. Lakes. Rivers. Waterfalls. Bike trails. Craft coffee. Gourmet food. So much beauty. A few weeks ago we decided to road trip in our 2003 Sprinter van and go east through Mammoth on our way down to San Clemente to James’ fathers memorial service. Day one took us from home to Yosemite to camp for the night. I had a conference call at 6:30pm and was expecting cell service at the park entrance. But … Continue reading Magnificent Mammoth

On the way in from the airport the taxi driver told us that many artists come to Madrid because of the beauty and quality of the light above the city. And it’s true. Madrid has a most spectacular horizon because … Continue reading Hola Preciosa Madrid

As most of you know Captain James delivers yachts for a living. In fact it was on a yacht delivery for our friend Rand that we first met. He was sailing Rand’s Mason 53 sailboat down to Santa Barbara from Sausalito. By twists of fate we met on the dock, and the next day as he headed out of the Golden Gate he hit 15 foot swell so had to turn back and spend another day with me in Sausalito. Clearly the ocean gods were pulling strings on my behalf. We’ve spent the last four glorious days delivering his client’s … Continue reading A Delicious Delivery

We biked back up Tam yesterday, this time high enough to enjoy the views. Coming down we rode by lovely Lake Lagunitas. I love the spattering of tiny wildflowers peering through brown blades of grass this time of year. And the way the morning light filters through the trees, shining its spotlight on the ferns and creeks. How fortunate we are to have this natural wonderland in our back yard. Continue reading Mt Tam & Lake Lagunitas

One of the things James missed most during our month away was his mountain bike. Every time we landed in a populous harbor he toyed with the idea of renting a bike, but would alas decide to wait to get home. Yesterday we took our first ride up the backside (northeast) of Mt. Tam from Natalie Coffin Greene Park in Ross. Here we ride up to Phoenix Lake, the smaller of the two lakes in the park. This route is perfect on a warm day because it’s shaded with sections cooled by small creeks that are miraculously still running in … Continue reading Back to the Backside

Despite the wonder of our time on the water, by Friday we were both ready to get back onto dry land. Our favorite memories are captured perfectly in this photo James took of me while underway. Nothing quite compares to the immersive joy of feeling the warm Adriatic breeze on our skin with our feet dangling in the cobalt blue Adriatic waters. We spent our last evening in Milna on the island of Brac. Here we finally discovered a traditional Croatian meal to love: Black Squid Ink Risotto. Rich and creamy yet not at all fishy. A cautionary note: wear … Continue reading Time to Split

Seems to be a recurring theme, no? Were nearing the end of our two weeks in the Adriatic Sea (were back to Split Friday and fly home Saturday). Just when we think we’ve become almost acclimatized to the beauty and splendor we happen again upon something most remarkable. Yesterday it was on the island of Korkula. After breakfast we set sail from Lumbarda and just around the corner we happened on Franciscan Monastery Badija where we dropped anchor to swim and bask in the beauty. The monastery was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. After WWII the communist authorities … Continue reading Cliffs, Coves, Churches, Caves and Castles

Amid all the sailing, swimming, eating and honeymooning I have had the pleasure of reading two delightful novels with badass women characters. The first reignited my appetite for beautifully written well crafted fiction. As soon as I turned the last page I set out ravenous for the next great novel to devour. While the second satisfied my appetite, it was almost but not quite as delicious. Now I’m in search of a third and have tried thrice and have abandoned them a chapter or two in, not willing to settle for something less satisfying. So please, if you have a … Continue reading Two Great Books with Feisty Heroines

ju·ry-rigged /ˈjo͝orēˌriɡd/ adjective (of a ship) having temporary makeshift rigging. This one goes out to my dad, Jerry, who utilizes duct tape, chewing gum and twine in the most ingenious and inspiring ways. What does Cocktail Kate do with a yacht without drink holders (besides spill cocktails and ice?) It’s not pretty .. but it works. Right Dad?? Just sayin .. I am my father’s daughter after all. Love ya Dad❤️ Continue reading Jerry Rigged

You might wonder how we choose our spots to stay for the night. Like this glorious cove, Tri Luka on the Kocula Island region, where we cooked a yummy dinner of chicken and rice. (A much needed break from fish, fish and more fish.) Our evening destinations are quite fluid, and guided by Captain James’ intuition, which almost always finds us the perfect spot. On the charts the black anchors represent anchorages, and the pink sailboats represent marinas, where there is usually mooring and restaurants and groceries. Of course he takes into account the weather and prevailing winds, making sure … Continue reading Safe Harbor

We got to the Split harbor early to pick up our next sailboat, Gala, a 35 foot Beneteau Oceanis 35. Check in was a breeze and they had our boat cleaned and ready to go by 1:00. The yacht manager who briefed us on the boat, Ivan, suggested an itinerary is off we set to our first harbor in Stari Grad, a quintessential historic Croatian sea village. To call Stari Grad charming is an understatement. We docked on the quay with a view out to traditional limestone buildings, hanging gardens and a busy promenade filled with shops, restaurants and bars. … Continue reading Stari Grad