San Diego in November

Harbor Island

I had to go to San Diego for a number of reasons but it gave me the chance to visit a number of old haunts. I always go out to Sunset Cliffs, my old surf spot and a favorite spot to just sit and look out over the ocean. While I was there a good swell was in and I had the chance to surf a little, nice to be in warm water and warm sunshine.  

Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs has many nice surfing spots, all have interesting names and the locals may name a spot by a geographic marker or personal event. Some spots are Osprey’s, Ab’s, Garbage, New Break and many others. A street running down and ending at the cliff could give a name or a pile of rocks or a spot were something happened. One spot we called Contacts because a friend lost his contact lens while surfing. We know the spot but no else would, kind of a way to talk of a place yet not have anyone else know where it is.  

Surfing at "Garbage"

I also like to head over to Shelter Island, a nice view of the downtown from across the bay and it has a nice walking path. At the end is the harbor police office and there are many boat docks in the protected areas, yacht clubs as well, the San Diego Yacht Club is there.  At the southern point you can look out of the bay channel and see the Coronado Islands, which is in Mexico, and always boats of all sizes moving in and out. Sometime large ships head out or in and this is a good spot to see them.

A view of downtown

Nice boat on Shelter Island

If you like to sail, San Diego is a nice spot. The weather makes for good relaxing sailing, the conditions are nice so you don’t get beat up and cold, but if you want to race, it can be a little slow… I would like to sail on the bay but the ocean is always fun and with so much open space you aren’t confined by the narrow bay. Boats from all over spot in San Diego, it is a jumping off point for Hawaii, Mexico, or other points. The annual Ha-Ha to Baja starts from San Diego every October, the 750 mile run down the Mexican coast is an easy sail, coming up is the hard part… But you can find boats from all over at the docks and meet sailors from all walks of life.