Spreckles Lake

Spreckles Lake is a man-made feature located in Golden Gate Park. It has a large attendance from all kinds of model boats, both sailing and power, with a club house to store some of the fleets, and organized races.



Being a man-made lake, it has some features not found in the wild, like the large turtle sculpture these snapping turtles have hauled themselves out to sun themselves upon.



This RC (radio controlled) model was a present received over the holidays by a friend of mine.



As you can see, it is not very large.



It comes with auxiliary power (see the outboard engine) in case the wind dies.



She sailed quite well, both upwind and downwind, but we have no idea how it would compare with other models.



Traffic was light today, but a few other boats showed up. This one, on the opposite tack, was twice our size, and therefore probably a lot faster.

Year of the Dog

Here are some shots of the The Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. I arrived late as we were sailing until sunset.



I am not sure what are supposed to represent, but they sure are having fun.



This drum corp displays a lot of enthusiasm as they approach the judging area in front of Union Square.



Numerous characters on stilts.



The energy of these young ones, choreographed flag waving.



No opportunity for a good view is lost.



A little self conscientiousness from this beautiful young lady.



A part of one of the very colorful dragons.

Sailing 2-11-06

Light early, filled in later, so we went sailing later.



Jeff stretches the staysail outhaul.



A fairly classic design, with here racing stripes hanging over the side.



Jeff got quite a workout, we made him take the helm.



This sealion wasn't working very hard, though a partner that was up there a few moments before took a dip.



Jeff has a fancy new watch, here he is checking his altitude above sea level...or was he checking the watch?




Anytime sailboats are headed in the same direction, they are racing by definition. Bigger boats go faster than small boats by definition. But we managed to hold this one off, right to the marina, and he got no help from the full moon.



The sun sets as we round into the marina.



Some sunsets can create fairly dramatic opportunities.



And the full moon reflects in the marinas' calm waters.

Pacifica Run

Not a great day for sailing, so we took a run down to Pacifica to v iew the surf, but first.



Fishing fleet with thier nets out in China Basin, an unusual place to fish.



San Pablo rock on the Pacific Coast.



Surf crashes over the seawall next to the Pacifica Pier.




The was from the waves leave different patterns each wave.



See the tongue of wash on this one?



Surf breaking under the Pacifica Pier.