HAPPY 2018!

Shadows and canyons

Only January 2nd, yet time is flying!  We hope this 2018 New Year is off to a very good start for everyone.  For all our family and friends in the truly Frozen North - you are amazingly stoic and resilient - weathering those frigid temperatures - even before the wind chill was factored in.  The temperature appears to be climbing upwards; fingers crossed for you all that the deep freeze is over for this winter.  The joy and excitement of birthdays, retirements, anniversaries and the challenges of health issues - we have you in our hearts and thoughts.

The INTREPID II crew enjoyed a quiet Christmas here in San Carlos.  The Community Christmas Luncheon was a treat and we are pleased we attended this fund raiser in support of Castaway Kids; specifically funds are being used to sponsor young people in university.  It was a chance to meet cruisers new to us and share our sea stories.

New Year's was intentionally low key, as it is at home.  Preparing our own chicken enchiladas, rice, beans and avocados and served with chilled white wine was an enjoyable way to see out 2017.

Home made enchiladas!

There was music coming from every direction, but surprisingly did not last far into the night as expected.  New Year's Day - we welcomed it with a tasty slice of quiche from Ruth & Rudy's Bakery and mimosas made with fresh squeezed orange juice and vino blanco expumosao Champbrule Brut, from Baja California.  Salud!


Boat projects continue, but at a slower pace than intended.  The mainsail was hauled on deck, then returned below as we puzzled over missing sheets and lines.  Things are mostly ready, but the winds tend to blow up inconveniently.  So on to the removal of hoses in the head, to be replaced with those we purchased in Portland.  Except as all boaters know, there is extremely limited access in the such a small closet-sized space!  Kelly has had to twist and turn, saw and drill, wrench and pry.  Today he located his hacksaw and is attempting to intimidate yet another stubborn hose.

Back at our rental casita, Carol has been hand-washing a variety of canvas and checking for needed repairs; it's lovely to have the sun and breeze take care of drying the fabric, lines and sail-ties.  The planned curtain replacement project is underway - so far, measuring and cutting and soon the Pfaff machine will be in use.

Our casita has fantastic views and local flora and fauna- the camera is always close at hand.

A sunbathing Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) surprised us recently.  We had spotted a pair crossing the road as well as in the nearby vacant lot.  Sibley's Guide indicates the birds "require open ground for running to capture preferred prey of lizards and snakes". Let's hope our pair are diligent about their responsibilities!

Roadrunner resting on wall

Cactus in nearby field

Plans?  We are hoping to extend our stay at the rental apartment until INTREPID II is actually liveaboard-ready, which could be another two weeks.  If we can negotiate a pro-rated rent based on the monthly fee, the additional amount will be more reasonable than moving to a motel or finding a storeroom for all the 'boat stuff' we have stowed to keep it out of the way.  We have moorage at Marina San Carlos until the end of January.  We are still hopeful there will be cruising on the horizon!

A special thanks to our house-sitter, Lorraine, who has had to deal with unanticipated adventures.  Thanks also to Bjarne and Barb who have agreed to bring down a much needed package - we look forward to seeing you shortly.