Jul 24 2008
Birthday Cruise - Smith party
To celebrate my birthday, I invited a group of friends to join me on the San Diego Boat Tours yacht for a sunset tour of San Diego’s Big Bay. Everyone brought food … including Corbin’s gourmet baguette sandwiches, Karen’s homemade Bailey’s chocolate cupcakes (with a candle for each one), Frances’ de-lish sausage balls, fruit and vegetable trays, and appetizer-sized wrap sandwiches. I am sure I’m missing something, but I’m equally sure that I sampled everything! Oh, and of course there was some fabulous champagne flowing.
Before sunset the captain took us over to the bait docks to check out the sea lions who lounge about – seemingly all day, either catching some rays or hoping for leftovers from the fishing boats as they load up. We then cruised to the edge of the channel, just before the open ocean, in an attempt to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, a marine layer had rolled in, obstructing a clear view – but it did create an amazingly colorful “cloud show,” which we all enjoyed.
Next up … the aircraft carriers docked at Naval Base Coronado. No matter how many times I see these gargantuan ships, I am still amazed when we pass by and think of all the tidbits of info I’ve learned about them, such as the fact that they carry a crew of some 5,000 troops! These things are huge and there is nothing like seeing them up close and personal from the yacht.
We leisurely meandered over to Glorietta Bay for a look at the magical turrets of the Hotel Del as it got dark. I also love how the lights of all the moored boats twinkle as they gently bob around in the easy wake the yacht leaves behind.
The party was in full swing by now; some people stayed on the sundeck and got into the music. I had made a couple of CDs with my favorite tunes! Other friends hung out on the fly bridge, and some – including me – went out onto the bow to feel the warm evening breeze while we passed the USS Midway museum, the Star of India, the HMS Surprise (the ship used in the Russell Crowe movie “Master and Commander”), and all the other cool sights at the Embarcadero.
A few of us stayed a while after we reached the slip to enjoy the atmosphere of the quiet dock and the sound of the water lapping against the boats. The night was a huge success; everyone left happy. A great time was truly had by all!
What a great night at sea it was! San Diego sights, great company and the ocean breeze…what else could you ask for?! El Capitan made sure we saw everything there was to see as we passed by….a fabulous time!