 |
| Roger - SV Rosebud boat dog |
We had to pass up attending both BCA rendezvous this summer in May and August. With INTREPID II on the hard far away in Mexico, we're basically land based and focused on house and yard projects. However, our friends Linde and Ken and boat dog Roger (SV Rosebud) invited us to join them last weekend for a Sea of Cortez "cruisers rendezvous" in the town of Cathlamet, WA. This is the 16th year for the gathering of mostly Portland based cruisers and we were happy to have a chance to reconnect with the Rosebud crew and meet new people.
Cathlamet is a small town on the Columbia River in a picturesque setting, about a 4 hour drive once we crossed to Port Angeles on the Coho Ferry. We received a warm welcome from our friends on arrival late Friday afternoon at the RV park/marina which was the base for the gathering.
 |
| Historical description of Cathlamet |
 |
| View of marina |
The main event was a Saturday afternoon potluck, held in the Pacific Northwest version of a "palapa" and there was good food, good conversation, telling of tales and a great deal of fun. Our thanks to Kim and Chris who have organized this event for many years. We now have our names on "the list" and an address book of contacts, with hopes to attend future gatherings.
 |
| Off to explore the town |
 |
| Let the competition begin! |
 |
| Cutting it close |
The town was hosting its second annual "Cathlamet Corral" - a long boarding event - and several groups of cruisers made the short walk in to watch the trials and finals of the events down the steep streets. Hay bales were strategically placed for both the viewers and riders benefit. On Monday we said our farewells and headed back home along the eastern edge of the Olympic National Forest. This is a curving, winding, drive which should have been enjoyable. However the First Mate had lost her sea legs and found herself wishing for some Stugeron! Our crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca was an easy one and highlighted by the sighting of two humpback whales as they spouted and flipped their tails several times to ensure everyone had a chance to view them. All in all a much needed break from the list of things to do and we were on the water for a time!
 |
| MV Coho - ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria |
