m/v SCRIMSHAW: ABOUT TIME

YIKES!
It's been a L O N G
time since I updated the blog.

Scrimshaw is on the move!
Early morning departure.

We've been on the move, by land and by sea. We sold the Sierra house. Bought a home in Puget Sound (More boating options). We moved the boat from San Diego, via Catalina Island, to Ventura. We are happily closer to Darrell's daughter and our grandson. Our journeys have taken us up and down the western states, so pinpointing where to restart the blog update is complicated. And yet, in our mobile lives everything always starts with Boating, with a capital B. Before leaving San Diego, we enjoyed the sunny city to the max. Darrell sold boats, we anchored out, we varnished teak, sanded and plugged Scrimshaw's decks, had the kids to the boat, packed up the house, visited our favorite little village on Puget Sound and bought a house, returned to Scrimshaw and headed to Catalina. Whew. Whirlwind.

San Diego is growing, and growing fast. More people, more traffic, even the size of boats is increasing. We love San Diego, the weather, the people, all the water-based activities, but we needed a break after indulging in lots of S.D. activities. First up was our Easter trip to Glorietta Anchorage on Cornonado Island. We have an anchoring ritual at Glorietta. Run Spark, a swim for us if water is warm (it wasn't), head to the Coronado Yacht Club for lunch and a walk around town. Mission accomplished.

Anchor first, run Spark second.

The reason that Glorietta is our favorite San Diego anchorage.

Heading ashore for lunch and a walk.

Coronado yacht Club sailing dinghies.

Easter weekend race.

Back aboard, we got Scrimshaw ready for entertaining. We anchored out with some friends for the long weekend, and wanted to share a meal together. Anchoring is my favorite boating activity. It offers beautiful scenery, exercise, solitude, as well as the company of friends.

Spark takes a nap before our guests arrive.

Sparky the Sunseeker.

Our last night offered us a gorgeous sunset.

Our next big event was Opening Day at the San Diego Yacht Club with our favorite friend, Penny. It seemed all of Shelter Island was geared up for the event. It's one of our favorite things to do on Shelter Island. The event is full of comradery, pomp and circumstance, live music, water sports, good food (chili & beer tasting), and above all else, friendship. The SDYC group knows how to party.

SDYC dressed in full colors.

Taking a spin in the dinghy around La Playa anchorage is a must.

San Diegans know how to enjoy themselves at anchorage,

every floating toy imaginable, including an "iceberg" to climb!

Raft-ups with happy people are everywhere.

It's not all fun and games in our lives, but it's dang close. We spend time not only maintaining Scrimshaw, but are constantly upgrading her. Darrell also works at Cruising Yachts doing what he likes best, messing around in all things boats.

It's hard to beat the surroundings At Kona Kai Marina.
The tropical gardens, pool, and spa are going to be missed.

Spark and I will miss our afternoons on Scrimshaw's bridge deck.

Darrell, Yacht Consultant at Cruising Yachts,
will take his trade with us.

Darrell works hard, at a job he loves, selling boats.

He listed and sold this lovely Hinckley.

He sold this one too.

A Maquire 50'. Go fast, and go in comfort.

She was moored behind us at Twin Harbors on Catalina.

Our favorite times are when Jack and his momma come for a visit.

Jack snugged away in the forward berth.

It's a LONG ride from the Central Coast to San Diego.

Jack makes up for the long trip across the street from our marina.

Papa and Jack take a morning kayak ride before we head to the pool.

Sparky always enjoys Hana's visits!

Their visit was too short, as always. Darrell went back to work. Our mountain house sold, and I packed up some things on the boat that would go into storage until we relocated. We made a quick run up to Puget Sound and bought a house with a lovely view of the water and snow-covered mountains. It was a quick 4-day trip, and we headed back to the Sierra to pack up the house. Hana came up and ran a successful garage sale, and neighbors pitched in to help us move. Selling our mountain home was bittersweet, we had put a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears into remodeling and spent lots of energy landscaping our half acre. At the same time we were giddy about a move to the Pacific Northwest that allows us to have a house in a small community with Scrimshaw nearby so we can explore the literally thousands of islands that stretch to Alaska. We are excited to make new friends, and share the Pacific Northwest with family and old friends.

Sierra scenes we are going to miss.

Our sweet little town tucked away in the forest,

and surrounded by mountains and 50, yes 50, lakes.

Sometimes covered with snow and ice.

Valley View.

The Mill Pond a couple blocks from our house.

Friendly neighbors.

My happy place.

Our lovely home.

The creek with our swimming hole across the street.

Papa keeping Jack soothed.

Hana came to live with us for the last several months of her pregnancy. Jack was born here. They lived with us for 18 months. Some of the best times of our lives. The sweetest of memories. Those moments are the hardest to leave behind, it's why it took me so long to agree to sell our home. When I realized those memories go with us, and Hana and Jack will visit us at our new home, I was able to let go of our house.

Jack's first Halloween. And mine, as Mimi.

Hana and Baby Jack at the Mill Pond.

Papa teaching Jack The Hokey Pokey!

The Sweetest of Times.

When we found our next dream spot on Puget Sound, we made sure to have a big yard and trees for Jack. We also have plenty of room for their visits. We are hoping to have Jack for part of the summer, so we can teach him to sail Viva Yo, and explore the islands and sea life aboard Scrimshaw. Family is really what matters, without family, all of our travels, are just travels. When we share our lives with the kids, we have grand adventures! We look forward to making many more Sweet Memories.

And so, we look ahead to a new horizon, filled with BOATS!

And green gardens.

Adieu San Diego. You've been good to us.

Darrell was charged by a huge German Shepard in our marina the day before our scheduled departure. He broke his foot, and I teased him that he reminded me Jimmy Steward in Hitchcock's "Rear Window". We eventually hobbled off to Catalina. A broken foot in Catalina was less than fun. I'll share more of those pictures in my follow-up post.