Into San Francisco Bay

The final leg of the ride into San Francisco was bumpy (as the depth is less than 50’ and the pass is narrow). Just as we were going under the bridge, we were “buzzed” by a Coast Guard Boat (see picture). I think they were giving some Cadets a “ride” and using our wake to give them a few bumps. However; I think Jim was a little disappointed that we were not “boarded” as this would add adventure.

It is quite a sight to come into this Harbor with the monstrous red bridge and crisp sky line of San Francisco. There were wind surfers all around (this is like being a bug on the highway with Mac Trucks whizzing by). See the Cargo Ship.

We rounded Alcatraz and then were stopped by the Oakland Police in their Police Boat as we were just about to head under the Bay Bridge.

They hailed us, “Fishing Vessel attempting to pass under the Bay Bridge, Fishing Vessel attempting to go under the Bay Bridge, TURN IMMEDIATELY TO PORT. The Bay Bridge is closed to commercial traffic.”

Hm? OK. This entire part of the Bay is closed? We see boats and activity on the other side. This will be a problem for us as there is no other way to get to Alameda which is where we are headed to berth for the weekend and to pick up parts.

Jim called the Coast Guard for additional information. They said the Bay Bridge was closed to commercial traffic. We explained that we are not a commercial vessel. So the Coast Guard radioed the Oakland Police and told them to let the “Fishing Vessel, Antipodes” to pass. Kind of an insult considering we have didn’t catch a single fish on this trip!

The unmarked route into this Marina was nerve wracking because the depth finder was reporting as little as 3’ under the keel for most of the way.

We found our spot and tucked her in for the weekend! Hurray - the first leg of our “Shake Down” is behind us and we weren’t too heavily shook down!

This weekend we will have a new Radar installed. We come to find out that the current radar is more than 8 years old and it must be shipped off to the factory for repair! Since not having a radar system is not an option for us and sitting here for the 4 months they estimate for a turn around on repair, it is time to open the boat kitty and shell out the “boat bucks”. Whatever! You can’t take it with you and we have kids that will take care of us in our old age!

Some of you may have done the math, how does a 4 year old boat have an 8 year old electronic system on it? I think this is also why we have a funky old style Kenmore Refrigerator! Not wanting to skimp on the important things, we will upgrade this weekend (radar, not refrigerator!).

A repair part is also due in to Svendson’s and will address the vibration in the crankshaft pulley. Jim admitted that he “PROBABLY, MIGHT HAVE, MAYBE, SLIGHTLY” bent the pulley during one of his many forays into the dungeon. Oh well, the fix is pretty easy....just liberally apply more “boat bucks!”

The Murrays depart this morning. They were excellent boat guests. It was fun to have a private chef aboard! He NEVER once used a recipe and the meals were magnificent.

Jim is worried that it will be back to “Salted Pork and Hard Tack Biscuits” for the rest of the journey.