We dropped anchor in Forney Cove, Santa Cruz Island, Monday afternoon (34-03N 119-55W). Just beyond this delightful refuge is full exposure to wind and seas, but inside, it is tranquil. The cove is formed by a small, grass-covered peninsula, a reef and a string of large, bird-covered rocks. The seashore is managed as a conservation refuge. As a result, it appears pristine. Today, we will do a little bottom maintenance on the boat and be ready to head around Point Conception on Wednesday morning for our journey north to Alaska. An offshore high and an inland low, caused by hot weather inland, has brought fog to Southern California and wind in the interface between the two weather systems. It looks like it will moderate Wednesday and improve further, afterward. Kind regards, Dick and Gail Barnes Aboard Ice Dancer II Nordhavn 57-28