Log of SV Wendaway

The car is packed to the gunnels, loaded down to the plimsol line. In this dramatic photo the full extent of cargo load is being demonstrated by Lorraine, Wendy’s mum.

Itinerary: I5 to Olympia, briefly meet with San Carlos cruising buddy Grover Jeane from SV Koloakai; from then to Portland for Christmas dinner with brother Paul and Lauren.

It now looks like we will get away Christmas day. Lots of stuff still to do, instructions for the care of our house for Anna and Simon, who are moving back in.

There is still much to do before we can leave.

It will take us about 4 – 5 days to make it down to San Carlos

I estimate we’ll be getting down there by December 29.

If you want to see a bunch of photos of the San Carlos area, Flickr seems to have hundreds. Many with very pasty-complexioned tourists very similar to Wendy and I.

Anna called me on my Mexican cell phone two days before I left for Vancouver.

“We need to have a party for mom,” she said. “She’ll really want to see all her friends before she leaves town.”

a

It was true. We had discussed throwing a party for some time and now we were both approaching a convergence of a handful of endings and beginnings. Wendy retiring at the end of December. Her birthday on the 12th. Leaving Vancouver, at least temporarily. And of course, Sol Mate.

I had been so focused on getting the boat ready I had not stopped to remember our vaguely-plotted plan for this party. But Anna had clearly been brewing up an idea.

Anna went into hyper-overdrive and with a military precision that would have left Don Rumsfeld agog, laid out an incredible, artistic spread of fine wines, foodie food and served it up with a constant smile. Her buddy Bryan from Lumiere Restaurant whipped up amazing dishes.

I think about 50 people showed up. We had a good time. Anna will supply the recipes.