For years (and years and years), we contemplated the cruising lifestyle, and at one point thought about just quitting our jobs and heading south. Either fear or anxiety or both got the better of us (ok, Jody) and we decided it would be prudent to do a test run or a “Shakedown.” Since we (ok, Randy) had done a fair amount of work to prepare Free Luff for this journey, we decided we should test things out – new electronic systems, overhauled rig, reinvigorated water maker, etc. So, Jody asked for leave from work and we planned a mini-tour of southern California waters. Even though it was years in the making, the Shakedown seemed to arrive faster than Jody expected it to and about 10 years later than Rand would have liked. But it was on.
Recent Posts from Shakedown:
Easing into Reality
Location and Moorage: Mariner’s Basin, Mission Bay; three nights at anchor We made it back to our home waters. It felt very strange to be in MB and still goofing around — seems like we … Read More »Dana Point Reprise
Location and Moorage: Dana Point Harbor; two nights at anchor Now it’s really starting to feel like we’re on our way home. Our second stop in Dana Point would allow Rand to work a bit, … Read More »Not All Fun and Games (but Mostly...)
Location and Moorage: Newport Harbor, Lido Isle Anchorage, four nights at anchor Even though we probably would have laid over in Newport again on the way back to San Diego regardless, we made this stop … Read More »Decisions, Decisions
Location and Moorage: Long Beach Harbor — one night dockside; and Alamitos Bay Marina, two nights dockside Well, it would seem things are beginning to wind down for us. Once we decided to bail on … Read More »Another Go at MDR and Catalina
Location and Moorage: Marina Del Rey — two nights dockside; and Catalina — three nights on mooring, two nights at anchor After a fabulous week with Sierra and Haven, it was time to get back … Read More »