Through the Golden Gate

Looking Back at Point Reyes and Pt. Reyes Lighthouse

Pt. Reyes Lighthouse

Pt. Bonita Lighthouse outside San Francisco Bay

We made our way down the long dredged channel over the mud flats of Bodega Harbor and out to sea in the early morning. The weather buoy reported 8.9 foot swells every 9 seconds but we found only 3-5 foot swells with occasional 6 footers – this time around, the weather was better than predicted. Of course we had not yet reached Pt. Reyes, the formidable obstacle for boaters headed to San Francisco. Several boaters had told us, “If you can make it around Pt. Reyes, you’re home free.” The headland of Pt. Reyes extends 10 miles out to sea and is the windiest place on the Pacific coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent. We had chosen a favorable weather window for rounding Pt. Reyes, 5-7 foot swells and minimal wind. As we neared the Point, the clouds lifted and we could see the impressive Pt. Reyes Lighthouse (built in 1870) perched high above the sea on a rock ledge surrounded by steep rock cliffs. Once we rounded the Headlands, the seas flattened and the sun shone brightly– a distinctive dividing line between cool and warm. Wow! We could stand on the bow of our boat and feel a warm breeze rather than the face-biting cold wind of the north. The mountainous coastline is beautiful and surprisingly sparsely populated. We were still fifteen miles north of San Francisco when the Golden Gate came into view. As we rounded Pt. Bonita Light, broad grins came across our faces and feelings of joy swept over us; we had accomplished a major milestone! The impressive Golden Gate Bridge was just ahead, a gateway to an exciting modern city, warm weather, and protected harbors to explore. Our arrival fell on a busy weekend with sailboats crisscrossing in front of us, adding to an already dramatic scene. After passing under the Golden Gate, we turned north heading for Sausalito and the Clipper Yacht Harbor Marina. It felt downright hot when I got out and tied the dock lines. The fleece jacket and long-sleeved shirts were quickly replaced with real summer clothes! We found a cute Italian bistro next to the marina, where we celebrate our arrival in San Francisco Bay. What a nice change of pace to eat dinner outdoors in the warm evening air.