Catalina Harbor in sunny splendor during Thanksgiving weekend, 2008, viewed from Ballast point lookout. Note that most of the boats this time of the year are tucked well back into the harbor. During the summer months, we prefer Wells Beach, which is on the Northwest side with more nature and openness.

Catalina Harbor in the off-season months can be still as a stone. Often there is less wind than in the summertime.

Here we are, tending to use the cockpit regardless of the weather. Just keep your weather protection handy.

View of the California Yacht Club (CYC) Ballast Point Station. This is the site where Asian ships would dump their stone ballast. Nearby the wreck of the Chinese junk Ning Po is located.

Patty and I break out our Orcha hats (West Marine), which we find the best protection for our winter waters. You kind of look like a Minnesota deer hunter, but what the hell, you're comfortable. Note also the fog rendering less than one mile visability. Crossing the shipping lanes, we were one mile from big ships but could not see them visually.