Position: 34°32.0814 N 120°36.1726 W
Underway
Just rounded Conception and aside from the gentle pitching of 7 foot head seas at 11 seconds it is very very nice out here. Wind at the moment is less than five knots. Visibility leaves a lot to be desired with less than 1/2 mile in fog.
So we had a course plotted to closely follow the coastline at about 1.5 miles offshore as it was our thought that the waves and wind might be less close in (according to computer models). This plan was blown out of the water when we were hailed on VHF 16 by a fast talking south accented military man with the call sign of 'Frontier Patrol'. A closer inspection of the charts reveals that we are in the vicinity of the Pacific Missile Range. Anyway, the fast talker from 'Frontier Patrol' informed us Danger Zones 1, 2 and 4 would be closed today between 0900 and 1700, I repeat Danger Zones 1, 2 and 4 would be closed today between 0900 and 1700. However, neither Kathy nor I could understand what this guy was saying until he repeated himself 3 or 4 times. Hmm, more study of the chart and a call back to 'Frontier Patrol' to confirm the zones and times again... it is a missile test zone so we can't be too careful. Anyway, our plan to go near coastal was shot as we have to stay at least 4 miles offshore to keep clear of 'Danger Zone 1, 2 and 4'. Hopefully, they don't miss their target and blow us up! Remember visibility is maybe 1/2 mile in the thick fog.
Update. 'Frontier Patrol' just called us back on the radio and asked for a description of our boat. Great! I hope we don't resemble today's target!!!
Headed for San Luis Obispo Bay where we plan to anchor for the night.
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