Story: Newport Harbor by Duffy-an Underated Southland Gem

Entering the Duffy story at Newport Beach for the first time does not exactly inspire confidence. Instead of projecting the upscale ambiance of its neighbors-it feels as if you walked into a U-Haul office in a slightly off Neighborhood. That feeling goes away to some laBeing that this was my first trip around the harbor and was being treated by friends I have little to complain a bout. However, for such an upscale neighborhood I felt like I had just walked into a U-Haul office, until I heard the price. (Must pay in advance and too rich for my taste.). The bathrooms provided on site were absolutely horrible. There were dirty and there was trash strewn everywhere. The female members of our party would not even use them.

Ok, that is the nasty stuff. Once we got onto the pier the staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. The boats were clean and in good working order and the maps and instructions provided were excellent. It is truly an experience not to be missed if you can just get past the entrance.

Once out on the water it is a true feast for the senses. Since the speed limit is five knots for all vessels the only turbulence is that created by the wind. And there are some amazing vessels on the water. Actually make that a plethera of amazing vessels in the harbor.

Many of them belong to the rich and famous and are identifiable if one knows what one is looking for. One of the most famous is John Wayne's party boats which is still in use by his estate.

Many restaurants line the channel and have access from the water. It is not unusual to see large yachts maneuvering their way to "park" at one of the dining establishments there

Another couple of interesting attractions in the harbor is the world famous wedge for surfing and the giant Catalina Flyer which carries 500 passengers a day between the harbor and Catalina island.

There are not many day a year in that neck of the woods when one would run into bad weather either. And even if one does encounter bad weather most of the units are convertibles, or in Duffy Speak, Surrey tops

The cool thing is that Duffy's go so slow and are so easy to operate that anyone can get the hang of it with five minutes instruction and five minutes practice Although 5 knots seems awfully slow it really is about the right speed to see the harbor.

Of course Newport Beach Harbor is famous for its week-long lighted boat parade during the Christmas holidays. The parade originated in 1908 when Venetian gondolier, John Scarpa illuminated eight canoes and his gondola, the humble beginnings of what is now an intense competition, costing thousands of dollars. It was officially sanctioned in 1919. If you can make it down there on that week it is well worth the trip.

It is a trip well worth the time and money for a special occasion and I would highly recomend it.

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