Prior to arriving in Port Townsend, Brian had called and let us know that the whole end of the 'long dock' was set for us. Because it was technically 'first come, first served, Brian demonstrated his terrible docking skills by taking up half the dock. As we entered the harbor, Cindy noticed a lot of folks on the dock, but didn't recognize them. I yelled to the owner of the 'red boat' (Brian)- "if you'd move that piece of crap boat, there might be room for others to dock here!!" I was expecting shock from Cindy... but at that point, she had recognized the 'crowd' as our kids and grandkids.
Cindy's 50th Birthday, Summer 2007
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We catagorize this as a cruise because we were already living aboard when we set sail to Port Townsend with close family friends Roger and Diane Severson. Roger and Diane were aboard their Erickson 35, "Indigo" for the trip. Cindy didn't know it, but Demian and his family were driving up from Portland, Brian was sailing his boat up from Seattle, and Josh and his family were driving down from Bellingham. They were all going to meet us at the dock to celebrate Cindy's 50th birthday in a surprise celebration. We had engine troubles while trying to leave Anacortes, and we couldn't tell Cindy why we really needed to make the trip.
Trying to leave the marina in strong winds, we were putting some power to the engine. Cindy yelled that the cabin was filling with steam. Dock the boat and look for the source. We had a blown wet-exhaust elbow, and no replacement parts available for 2-weeks. What would McGyver do?? Chewing gum, baling wire, and a tampon? We decided on 'JB weld', gasket material and lots of hose clamps. The "fix" lasted the whole trip, and then some.
Josh, Kelsey, and Wa'Lynn
Brian, Brenden, and Rodger returning from an afternoon sail
Teresa, Christopher, Ryan, and Demian
The party starts on the dock
Demian recruits his family to ram and attack Brian's boat. Aaah, brotherly antics...
Tired dogs, fresh crab, and a bit of wine
A full house for dinner and celebration. We had 16 aboard (plus 3 dogs) for dinner, a bit more wine, and a special cheesecake that Brian brought from Seattle
And as the festivities continue, a 'bit' more wine. Happy birthday, Cindy
SV Indigo (Severson's Erickson 35), Victoria Rose, and Brian's (yet to be named) boat at the dock in Port Townsend
Brian heads back to Seattle
