"25 Miles Across the Sea"



The "Jon-Dee II" at Catalina Island

"Santa Catalina is the Island for me." Great song, and it can't be said any better.  The Island is an absolutely  delightful getaway place along the west coast of the US.  Once we became 'boaters' we were nothing less than avid about it.  Of course hunting season still had priority over everything, but all other weekends were open, no matter the weather or sea conditions, we loved cruising the Pacific.



The 25 mile crossing can be smooth as a pond or wild with 'following seas,' the first being delightful, the last being pure horror.  Although 'JD' always took all precautions before leaving our Newport Beach dock, as well as all the boating classes available, and making sure our boat was always well maintained, there were times that really tried our nerves.  We as parents never wanted to put our children at risk and we never dared show our own fears during the most hectic crossings.  And, no matter what the crossing conditions we always arrived at Catalina safely, and arrived back to port safely.  Sometimes of course, a bit worse for the wear.



Day trips were generally confined to fishing the kelp beds for 'Kelp Bass' just off shore, shallow enough for anchorage. As our boat gently rose and ebbed just beyond the surf, our deck-top bar-b-q was made ready so as the fish were brought on board they were quickly prepared, wrapped in aluminum foil with a pat of butter, grilled and ready for munching within minutes.  Now, my father was not a fisherman so I had to learn the tactics from 'JD' who had grown up fishing.  However, even he would get frustrated with a fishing line tangling in the kelp which often let the fish get away.  Just out of boredom, I found myself strumming with my fingers on the taut line.  Lo and behold, this strumming apparently urged the fish to swim back out of the kelp the way it had gone in.  From that time on I never lost a fish in the swaying kelp.  

JR on a badly damaged "Jon-Dee II"

One early morning while anchored and fishing the kelp beds, we experienced the awesome 'instant fog' where we couldn't see beyond the outline of our boat.  All of a sudden a huge Italian made Baglietto yacht loomed out of the fog crashing over one corner of our stern.  'JD' the kids and me were all thrown on the deck and we feared we would surely sink there and then.  Of course the Baglietto kept right on going as if nothing had happened.  After our boat stopped crazily rocking 'JD' pulled anchor, revved up the engine and since the fog was lifting took out after the culprit.  We passed another boat just heading out to sea from the inlet and the skipper told us "I think the boat that hit you just headed in.  He has your paint and pieces of your boat on his beam."

   

We had to drop our speed once inside the inlet or get ticketed and fined for causing disruptive wakes.  The fog had cleared entirely now so we spotted the Baglietto pulling into their slip. We pulled into the empty slip next to them.  'JD' jumped off onto the floating dock and banged on the side of their yacht with his fist.  "A man on board came to the railing: "What seems to be your problem?"  "You just damn near sank my boat out there and didn't even stop to help us.  We have our kids on board, you  b-----d!"  "So, get a lawyer," and the man turned and walked back to his cabin. 

New "Jon-Dee III" at dock in Newport Beach



 Well, when we got back to our home in Claremont, we called our lawyer: "Sorry to say, but there are no laws out at sea.  Over the years sea-going freighter corporations made sure no maritime laws could be passed covering accidents at sea,"  not what we wanted to hear. Our lawyer finished with, " It's just survival of the most fit out there."  So, our boat insurance took care of our repairs and then 'JD' traded it back to Owens for a bigger craft with twin engines and a flying bridge.  The problem herein lies:  when you're all alone in the middle of an ocean every boat, no matter the size, is very small indeed.

 

 Certainly, the good times anchored either on the east at Catalina Harbor, or on the west side at Cat Harbor, the water is crystal clear, the Island is a welcoming sight, and the fish, lobster and abalone are ready for the taking.  And, you can't beat going to sleep with the gentle rocking of  your boat.