Christmas 2010

Christmas this year was spent on Ardmachree, and as Rose and Carl had no kids at home or visiting they decided to join us. We were able to get away for 3 days, Christmas eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Also Kath's Birthday).
The first photo is Ardmachree's main cabin decorated for the season, followed by Rose and Carl in the cockpit and dolphins swimming past and under us as we sail to our anchorage.













The last pic is crew/guests working hard to ensure that the boats bottom is clean and ready to go.

A great few days out in the Bay, good sailing, swimming and celebrating the festive season.

Spring Cleaning

Fortunately it doesn't happen too often. Today was an exception when we decided to clean out the cockpit locker. Everything was looked at, considered, and even a few things thrown out. Most of it was returned to a clean locker.

Kerikeri's Christmas Parade

The Kerikeri Retirement Home consistently has one of the best floats in the Xmas Parade. 'Good on them'

First trip out....

During our first trip out for the season, fate was not with us. Shortly after leaving our anchorage a loud and distressing noise was coming from the engine. A little investigate showed that we had sheared a large bolt from the alternator. With the engine too hot to be worked on and no wind our next best option was to call to Andy and Irene for a tow.

In the photo is Ardmachree being towed for the first time in her 26 years. Andy and Irene's power cat got us back to the marina where we were helped into our berth by a cruiser who saw our plight.

Back on board Ardmachree

Shortly after arriving back on Ardmachree it was time to move 'slowly' over to the 'tidal grid' to remove the accumulated oysters and barnacles from the propeller. Once cleaned we can now get over to the boat yard to be hauled out and repaint the bottom.

Airport Surprise

We were looking forward to seeing Bea and Yvonne at the Vancouver Airport during our 3 hour wait between our flight from Kelowna and before boarding our flight to New Zealand. Little did we know that Ruth had planned a surprise trip from Phoenix....yes we were truly surprised when Ruth arrived with Bea.

After recovering we all had a chance to sit around and have a good chat. Ruth, you definitely did a 'Got ya'!

Winter Cover-up

It is the day before flying out of Canada and the day to install our new winter cover. A rather taunting task at first and probably not possible if there was a wind blowing. The cover will protect Dutchess from rain and snow. After the cover was installed, many ties were adjusted to hopefully keep it all in place over the winter. Anita and John were both on hand to give us some very welcome assistance.

Tony and Ruth

After spending a very pleasant dinner and evening with Tony and Ruth we joined them at an Art Show on Sunday before heading on to Vernon.

East of the Cascade Mountains

On the Eastern slopes of the Cascades we drop in for a brief stop in the historic town of Winthrop. Replace the cars with horses and the paved road with sand or gravel and you would have a town from 100 odd years ago.

Washington Highway 20 going East.

After crossing into Washington State, we picked up our new winter cover at Camping World. Overnight in a Casino parking lot, then on to Highway 20 heading East over the Cascades Mountain Range.

Pumkins Galore

In mid October a couple of weeks before Halloween, pumpkins are being
harvested just off Highway 17 between Victoria and the ferry terminal.

It is worth clicking on these photos!!!

Dinner with the Newall's and Millar's

A great evening was spent with Deb & Mike, and Amanda & Steve, with many stories being told, both current and from the distant past!

Thanksgiving Day

A few years ago we would probably have been gathering somewhere in the Gulf Islands to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend on our boats. This year we were on the 'Island' and had the pleasure of spending Thanksgiving with John, Peggy and Nick at their home. Andy, Nick's friend is at the head of the table.

Social Hour in the Park

Our RV Park has a very socialable atmosphere and it is common to see friends and neighbours gathering for a drink and nibbles before the sun sets. At this time we were visiting with Agnes, Ann and Ron.

Dinner out!

We all enjoyed a great evening at Al and June's, dinner followed by a review of their slides from their trip to New Zealand earlier this year. It brought back memories of their trip touring and sailing with us followed by a camper van trip around the South Island.

A Big Year!

It is not everyday a good friend reaches their 7th decade! Derek did it all in fine style with a delicious seafood dinner and of course a birthday cake fitting the occasion.

Motor Home on loan

While Rose and Carl were with us Al and June were very kind and loaned us their Class C motor home as a very convenient 'Bedroom', parked just a short distance away from us at Pacific Border RV.

Dinner with Bob and Nancey

A wonderful dinner celebration at Bob and Nancey's with a special introduction to Louis XIV Brandy. A real treat!

Pub Lunch

On Saturday we had a chance to meet Bea & Rex and Fran & Grant for lunch at Jack's Pub in Richmond. Rex and Carl have been exchanging emails (jokes) for years but this is the first time they have had a chance to meet in person.

Carl and Rose arrive from London

Yesterday Carl and Rose arrived from London on their way back to New Zealand. They had to chance to watch the rugby game when the N.Z. Black Ferns beat England for the Women's Rugby World Cup with Vita as a member of the team.

Yvonne was able to join us for dinner just before she leaves for a month long holiday in Turkey.

Tai Chi in the Downtown

On Sunday all the local Tai Chi Clubs and their members gathered at Jack Poole Plaza at the Convention Center in Downtown Vancouver in an attempt to have a line stretching up to 1 km along the Water Front all doing a Tai Chi 'set' in unison. We joined Bob on the Square as the many participants were heading home.