The Log of Indiscipline III

08/2005 Vacation Cruise

	Working my way into the NW anchorage
	I got the anchor down inside the kelp beds, under the cliffs, in about 20 feet of water. Then the winds started howling. I let out all the scope I had. The mast was shaking, the boat was heeling over in the gusts, and the kelp leaves were dancing in the wind! I put out the 2nd main anchor so I could relax and get some sleep (even though it was not needed). By 9 PM it was flat calm, foggy, and cold.
	Still, I was a little low on fuel and really shaken by the big winds. I abandoned my plans to see more of Santa Rosa and left at dawn. I will not be going back without more fuel (I carried 20 gallons and would have gone on if I had 25). Also I wouldn't go again without a 25 inch shaft motor. Yes, Santa Rosa Island was my "windward mark" everything else should be downwind. I left at dawn for a nice broad reach back across the channel to go see the painted cave. This boat was fishing right in the entrance. The cave is over 90 feet high and 600 feet deep. Its the worlds largest sea cave.
	I was really lucky to meet some other cruisers and get a dinghy ride into the cave.
	In the main chamber
	Looking out. After this, the passage makes a sharp turn and it gets DARK. None of the pictures came out.
	I passed up Hazards anchorage and made my way down to Cueva Valdez.
	I enjoyed exploring the local caves by kayak, but man was this a rough spot in the afternoon - totally exposed to the NW prevailing conditions.
	I was happy to get out the next morning and head to Frys. One of the best anchorages on the North shore. I was getting worried about fuel so I did all sailing from Santa Rosa on.
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