California Harbors of Refuge

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

Cojo, and other kelpy anchorages make me glad to have the folding prop!

Ann

Another reason I like my long keel, rudder attached and prop I can lift out! Just slide over everything.... except its sometimes seductive.... there are places that have shallow rock outcrops hiding in those kelp beds!

[gjordan]

The first time into any anchorage can be difficult to make a positive ID. Much like your first overnight sail. It is far easier the second time. On my first trip down the coast I also anchored behind (if my memory is correct) Piedras Blancas. The local Monterey fishermen told me about it. I only used that spot once. I met the owner of the house up on the cliffs above Pfeiffer Cove and he said that in a big NW blow he would see half of the Monterey fishing fleet sitting it out in the cove. The Big Sur Coast is such a magnificent sight , that it seems a shame to pass it off shore at night. Just another opinion. ____Grant.

[Yellowtulip]

My understanding of the phrase 'Harbour of Refuge' is that it's a harbour (not anchorage, though you may well anchor in a harbour) that it is possible to enter in all conditions. All the others are just harbours.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by gjordan

The first time into any anchorage can be difficult to make a positive ID. Much like your first overnight sail. It is far easier the second time. On my first trip down the coast I also anchored behind (if my memory is correct) Piedras Blancas. The local Monterey fishermen told me about it. I only used that spot once. I met the owner of the house up on the cliffs above Pfeiffer Cove and he said that in a big NW blow he would see half of the Monterey fishing fleet sitting it out in the cove. The Big Sur Coast is such a magnificent sight , that it seems a shame to pass it off shore at night. Just another opinion. ____Grant.

Boy do I agree. Did you ever try the cove right under Point Sur? I haven’t but a friend did long ago and said it was fine. One of these days with good weather and plenty of time I’d like to poke along the coastline from San Simeon to Monterey and check out all the fishermen’s coves... maybe even sneak into Whalers Cove... always wanted to do that....

[JPA Cate]

When Jim and I started cruising full time, back in March of '89, we overnighted in Stillwater Cove, under the Pebble Beach Golf Course. The next morning was magic. All the harbor seals got to rushing around, the water was seething with them, and then, suddenly, as we watched, they all surged out to sea, apparently on a migration. We got the hook up, the entertainment being over for the day, and headed out and then south. There was fog, and I saw a "fog bow", my only one in all these years, like a silver arch over the land which we were leaving..... It was like a blessing on our life style change, our new life to come.

A.