Captains Log
Captain Dave Colker
July 17th – 20th, 2025
Video of the weekend
Video from Tales and Tacos at The Channel Islands Maritime Museum
Captain’s Log — Weekend Adventures Afloat!
Dates: Thursday July 17–Sunday July 20| Weather: Sunshine with a sprinkle of sass
Ahoy, me hearties! Captain Dave here, reporting in after a weekend so full of salty tales, soaring birds, surprise dolphins, and harbor happenings that even Poseidon himself would’ve needed a logbook to keep up.
Thursday – Feathered Friends & Fishy Tales
We kicked off our seafaring saga with Thursday’s tour under bright skies and some friendly low clouds (they waved as they passed). The ocean was alive with winged wonders — seagulls squawkin’, blue herons struttin’, cormorants diving, and pelicans gliding like feathery torpedoes.
Not to be outdone, our sea lion buddies popped up for a quick “howdy” and a few dramatic flops onto the rocks.
After docking, I swapped my captain’s hat for a historian’s for the Tales & Tacos event at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum — a tasty tribute to the harbor’s grand opening in 1965. That original celebration was called the “Fish Fry”… and let’s just say, this version was a lot more taco than fry. I snapped some pics and soaked in the vibes of what’s sure to become a new annual tradition. Stay tuned, fish fans and historic buffs.
Friday – Lovers, Gulls & Goodnight, Mr. Sun
Friday’s tour brought aboard a lovely couple celebrating their anniversary with seabirds, sunshine, and sweet sea air. The wildlife showed up dressed to impress — including the first sighting this season of the Herman’s Gull (cue the dramatic birdwatcher gasp). The snowy egrets practically threw a parade in their honor — they were everywhere.
Now the sunset cruise… that was one for the books. My Aunt Sherry and her amazing friend Debby made the trip down from Morro Bay, and it was a full family affair. We had crew legends Shawnie Depp and Tukker onboard, plus Diver Don, who brought the enthusiasm of a caffeinated dolphin.
We waved goodbye to the sun in true Captain Dave fashion — with smiles, sea breeze, and a chorus of “Goodnight Mr. Sun!”. Just as twilight hit, a mighty 96-foot Viking yacht rolled into the harbor like it owned the place. The Harbor Patrol gave it the ol’ flashlight escort, and we saluted as it passed. Big boat energy.
Saturday – Locals, High-Horsepower & Birthday Dolphins
Saturday? Oh boy. Started at 1 PM and barely slowed down. First up, a joyful crew of locals took to the sea. Spirits were high, sea breeze was perfect, and we even passed their neighborhood — where we gave a wave to the landlubbers back home.
Next, a wonderful family staying at Zachari Dunes climbed aboard, wide-eyed and ready for adventure. We spotted the elegant Great Egret, marveled at some frolicking sea lions, and then — outta nowhere — we saw a guy wakeboarding by the breakwall, followed immediately by a cigarette boat with 2,000 horsepower. If horsepower had a volume setting, this one went to 11.
Fishing boats came back in with so much catch they were anchored at the breakwall, fish floppin’ and proud smiles all around.
By 5 PM, we had a spirited birthday cruise with the Channel Islands Yacht Club crew — and right on cue, dolphins showed up at the harbor mouth to crash the party. One might’ve winked. Can’t confirm.
We wrapped up the day with two local legends aboard for the sunset finale — and guess what? The dolphins showed up again, just to make sure the weekend ended on a high-fin note.
Captain’s Closing Words:
It was a weekend full of joy, squawks, splashes, and some truly golden sunsets. Captain Dave stayed in a jolly good mood the whole time (it helps when dolphins keep photobombing your harbor).
Until next time, my adventurous crew…
Keep your eyes on the horizon, your heart full of salt air, and always remember to wave back at the birds.
— Captain Dave, Over ‘N Out 😉
