Cuyler's Anchorage on San Miguel Island is one of our favorites in this part of the world. It is well protected from prevailing westerly quadrant winds, and you normally have the island to yourself.

There are miles of sandy beaches.

Of course you do have to share the beaches with the locals. These young elephant seals - they are just beginning to grow their trunks - can be noisy. But, in the afternoon, taking in the sun like this, they make good neighbors.

There are stretches of the island that you will have all to yourself.

This pelican was putting on an aerobatics show for us. Makes Steve want to strap on the five-point harness and go pull some "G's" in his glider.

We are often asked about good cruising boats. The Cal 46 is a great option. These are roomy, have an inside steering station, and sail reasonably well as long as you have a feathering prop. They can also be bought for around US$100,000 - a lot of boat for the money.

Another neighbor from Cuyler's. This mature lady is from the 1930s, lovingly rebuilt - frame by frame and plank by plank - over four years by her present owner.

It is time to head for the dock, and the office. We've been gone, after all, since mid-April, and duty calls. This has been a fruitful trip in terms of what Wind Horse has taught us. We are starting to understand her magic. The design ingredients which make her work so well are coming into focus. And the itch is upon us to do something with the knowledge. Stay tuned...