2008 VOYAGES UPDATES

UPDATE#33 12/01 thru 12/10

Howdy Everybody,

The adventures of 2006, 2007, and 2008 through 11/30/08 have been published on the website. We continue with the latest edition.

UPDATE 2008 #33 12/01/08 thru 12/10/08

At last update, we were aboard AMARSE at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in the Bahamas.

12/01/08 MONDAY BOAT HARBOUR

I continue to feel the heartfelt sorrow and loss at the passing of Miriam Grafer. My thoughts focus on George and the moments of sadness well up in my heart for him and his family.

My inner thoughts are deeply bothered that anything might ever happen to Judy, my beloved and my real happiness in life.

Overnight, the heavy and continuous rains had everything in the area soaked. Even the soggy ground and big puddles didn’t stop Judy from her morning walking program with the girls.

Later, Judy and I rode the bikes over to Skagg’s Grocery for our first visit this year. The store was enlarged last year and has a fairly good variety of staples. Although it’s a little closer than downtown, the prices are slightly higher on most items.

As many of you know, Judy is quite involved with her jewelry making and has created many awesomely beautiful pieces. Here are a few recent examples of her artistic talent:

Hues of the Sea of Abaco…

Angel Fins of Mermaid Reef…

The Sands of Abaco Beach done in yellow jade…

One of the greatest things about the RMHYC group here at Boat Harbour Marina is that “you’ve got friends”. These are the kind of friends that are much more than folks just to chat with. These are friends that are much more than folks just to have the good times with. These are the kind of friends that will cheerfully offer their help when you need another hand or when you could really use a bit more mechanical expertise. Wink and Paul are always there and are ready, willing, and able to assist you with whatever you need.

Looks like Tim (POKEY) might be in luck for some of their underwater skills today.

Wink is on his way under POKEY for some zinc checks and to tighten the propeller nuts. Wink, “what a big wrench you have”. “All the better to tighten your nuts with.”

One of the special amenities of this resort marina is their towel service. Anytime we want, we can exchange these dirty towels for nice, clean, and folded replacements. Judy rides the bike over to the activities center every day to get another set of freshly laundered towels.

12/02/08 TUESDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

After walking a couple of miles with the men’s group, Paul and I rode the bicycles to the Yamaha dealer. I had an interest in a small motor scooter for running around the island. We looked at the Yamaha model and another Chinese copy of the same design. My desire was soon quashed as I learned that parts were nearly impossible to find anywhere for the Chinese scooter and that I would not be able to get any parts or support for the Yamaha model back in the USA because that particular model is not sold in that market. In actuality, I think it is better to keep walking and using the pedal bicycles.

12/03/08 WEDNESDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

Judy walked out with the girls’ group while Wink and I took a different route toward town. On the way back, I spotted a plastic chair in the water by the footbridge. Things in the water are generally classed in one of two ways, either “Flotsam” or “Jetsam”. There is a technical difference between the two: Jetsam has been voluntarily thrown or jettisoned into the sea by the crew of a vessel, sometimes in order to lighten it in an emergency; Flotsam, on the otherhand, describes items that are just floating on or in the water without having been thrown in deliberately, perhaps because they have been blown there or washed overboard. We concluded that the chair was definitely Flotsam. Wink quickly formulated a plan to retrieve the chair. I fetched an ideal rock for a weight. Wink lashed the rock to a piece of polypropylene line that he had just bought. Like a well-trained rodeo star, he lassoed the chair leg and dragged it in to where I could lay on the bridge and pick it from the water. The chair was almost new and will be a welcome addition on his trawler, JOHN HENRY.

My project for the day was to work in the engine room. I cleaned all the terminals connected to the two main battery banks with a stainless steel brush. With a thin coat of protective film, the connections should stay clean and corrosion free for quite a while. I replaced the fuel filter on the diesel generator, installed new copper washers on the bleed screws, and replaced all of the absorbent pads under both engines and the generator with new, clean white ones. While down below, I topped off the engine oils to the full marks. Even though these engines don’t use a lot of oil, it is still important to keep them topped up to aid in temperature dissipation and to maintain optimum viscosity.

The weather was cool and windy from the northeast.

12/04/08 THURSDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

Judy and the girls energetically walk at least 4 miles every morning. Wink and I chose a slower paced and shorter 2 miles version.

Susan Harward drove Wilma, Sue, Judy, and me out to Abaco Grocery Wholesale and then to the produce wholesale place. They have a good selection of supplies and some fairly reasonable prices for the islands.

Judy started her decorating for the holiday season. Her choices were nicely done and look very festive.

It is a bit too windy to be comfortable out in the small boats. This didn’t deter Wink from seeking the elusive fish from his hook. Many folks claim that catching the fish around the docks is nearly impossible. Not for Wink, he has the knowledge and technique perfected to snag those little flittering fishes. Today’s variety included dock snappers and grunts. If you had been there, he might have shared his secrets with you. I will only tell you that the guy knows what he’s doing.

The most voracious biters were the Key West Grunts or White Grunts. Although they were no more prevalent than the snapper species, they were much more eager to munch on the bait.

The Mangrove Snappers or Gray Snappers were the other species in pursuit. These fish were much more cautious and resistant to the lure of the bait. Only a few of the Snappers were caught.

Although these are not big, big fish, they are very tasty. We were pleasantly surprised when Wink brought us a bag of freshly filleted pieces of Grunt. The flaky white fish meat is light and mildly flavored reminiscent of the more popular tilapia found in stores. I merely sautéed the thin filets in butter with a squeeze of lemon. Our first experience with Grunt fish was very positive and delicious.

The winds may have been breezy, however, the overall weather was extremely nice and comfortable.

In this typical island sunset tradition, “Hot Lips” Sue is the leading resident “Conch-ette” of Dock 4.

Bette Bauereis (TARHEEL), another member of the Conch section of the Dock 4 Symphony, sounds the sunset tribute. Her husband, Dave, looks on in musical appreciation.

Bette is the faithful and accomplished reporter of all the college and professional sports scores and news on the daily “Cruisers’ Net” that is broadcast daily on VHF channel 68. She is our water aerobics instructor and leader every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Bette enjoys and appreciates life in the Abacos everyday.

Paul “Satchmo” Graham on the tenor conch…

12/05/08 FRIDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

At the initial stage of this morning meet, it looks as if Rita has taken the early lead, Wilma narrowly behind in second, and Judy vying for the “show” position. The puddles attest to the evening rains.

Sue and Vanessa have caught up to the frontrunners as Bob and Vic led the men walkers.

Here at Boat Harbour marina, you can always count on your friendly dockmates to be standing by to assist with your docking lines.

This morning, I messed around with fenders and docklines to improve protection for AMARSE at the dock. I was happy to use lots of scavenged stuff in the process. A flotsam fender retrieved back in Georgia, a discarded piece of rope scavenged at Vero Beach, and an unwanted canvas bumper strip rescued from a vacant dock provided the raw materials. Along with the proper inflation of the existing fenders, a little inventive dockside engineering resulted in a much-improved system that was fun to make.

Wink invited me to join him for a morning of fishing. I will be the first to admit that I know very little about the successful pursuit of the finned creatures. Wink, on the other hand, is the resident expert. He is a natural-born hunter and gatherer.

Today was a special kind of adventure. Now this story is going to get a bit complex so it’s best to pay attention. We set out in his skiff toward a favorite, secret spot. Within a mile or so, the skiff veered sharply left and power dropped. Wink exclaimed that his hood and bucket had blown out of the boat and we were returning to retrieve them. They were quickly spotted and brought back on board. Soon, we were on our way again.

Wink was all suited up and ready to take the initial plunge. Reaching for his mask, he realized that he had forgotten it back on the boat. Other than a mild frustration at this second situation, the problem could be easily rectified with quick zip back to JOHN HENRY at the dock.

After grabbing up the mask at the “Mother Ship”, we accelerated once again out of the harbor entrance at full tilt. Within another mile or two, the skiff decelerated sharply. The mask was gone from the back seat of the skiff and no one had any idea where it had departed. Now, with this third occurrence, I think that Wink is starting to think that I may be a jinx. I must admit, I was wondering the same thing too. Mild frustration turned to a seriously hampering situation. The mask is no ordinary type. It was a specially ordered mask with prescription lenses that cost big bucks. Our next act was to return to JOHN HENRY where he had another brand new backup mask. Unwilling to accept the loss, he formulated a plan to undertake a search for the missing mask. It started right there at the dock and proceeded from there. I was to operate the skiff while Wink trailed on a towline behind the slow moving boat. From his vantage point in the clear Bahamian waters, he hoped to spot the little mask in a huge body of water. Idling out of the harbor, nothing was spotted. Rounding out around the breakwater, I zoomed in on the close-in scale of the Garmin GPS. There were close to twenty tract lines etched onto the display. Remembering the approximate pathway in good detail, I selected the tract that I thought we had taken. Recreating that route at close tolerance, I hoped that Wink would have the best opportunity to visually search the bottom. Before very long, Wink released the towline and dove into the 10 to 12 depths. With a big smile, Wink surfaced with the valued mask in hand. It was an exciting moment. It felt like we had located the lost treasure of the Spanish fleet. The happy resolution turned the unfortunate series of mishaps into a morning of fun adventure.

The Caribbean Spiny Lobster has a long, cylindrical body covered with spines. Two of their spines form forward-pointing "horns" right above each eyestalk. The lobsters are generally olive greenish or brown, but can be tan to mahogany. There are some yellowish to cream-colored spots on the carapace and on the abdomen. Unlike the Maine lobster, spiny lobsters have no claws. There are two pairs of antennae. The longest pair of antennae are covered with forward pointing spines hinged to thick bases. They are especiallly adept at using these larger antennae like rapiers for defense purposes.

The plate-like structure of the exoskeletal abdomen is smooth and has a shallow furrow across the middle. The powerful tail has pairs of swimmeret fins on the underside that are yellow and black. The lobes of the tail are colored similarly to the swimmerets.

Wink is unquestionably the best hunter-gatherer that I have ever met in this aquatic wonderland. His skills and understanding of the habitat and patterns of the shallow-water fishes and crustaceans assure him of a rich bounty.

The modus operandi had Wink conducting underwater operations while I had the responsibility for on-deck operations. Wink would plop a sea creature on the deck and I would find a way to get the wriggling catch into the cooler. I would no sooner have the boat deck washed down clean before the undersea master would slap another onto the deck and the process repeats.

The next phase of the day’s adventure was for Wink to scour along the length of coral rock ledge in search of tiny, live specimens to be displayed in the aquarium aboard JOHN HENRY.

Wink shows-off the fresh catch of the day.

What’s your preference, the spiny lobster or the fresh Mango snapper?

I finally got around to taking a picture of the Christmas decorations that Judy put up on AMARSE.

She prominently hung my special sign. I like the concept…

Another beautiful sunset…

Dinner was offered aboard JOHN HENRY. You guessed it, the main course was sautéed lobster and fried snapper. Wilma also treated everybody to her famous family recipe for hushpuppies.

Dinner hosts and guests included Wilma, Wink, Paul, Sue, Sherry, Judy, and me.

What a great day! Thanks, Wink… Thanks, Wilma…

12/06/08 SATURDAY BOAT HARBOUR - DAYTRIP to HOPE TOWN

On the morning walk with Wink, the beautiful view of the placid waters of Marsh Harbour presented an irresistible photo opportunity. As time goes by, more and more sailors will arrive to fill the tranquil bay.

The variety of colorful flowers is so eye-catching. Note the tiny white blossoms nestled in the brilliant red leaves.

An orchid tree, how island tropical is that?

Wink loves to scavenge hunt during the walks. He scoured the shores of this little inlet in search of treasure.

The calm wind and tranquil state of the Sea of Abaco beckoned. Barb and Dave Bluto (CHABLIS) thoughtfully invited us to join alongside them for a dinghy trip to Hope Town on Elbow Cay. We lowered the dinghy from AMARSE’s sunroof for the first time this season in the Bahamas.

As you can see, AMARSE still had the telltale signs of travel evidenced by her “waterway smile”.

Using a time tested and environmentally friendly remedy, Judy sprayed bottled, concentrated lemon juice on the stained areas. Miraculously, the stains vanish before your very eyes leaving the hull a beautifully white again. Before learning this great trick, we tried expensive cleaners and scrubbers. Nothing works better than the lemon juice in our opinion and experience.

Look, Ma, No more ugly stains…

Then, it was playtime…

I love these mirror-like conditions seen in the marina basin…

As we glided past, Bob Williams signaled his greetings from the side deck of SHADE MOR, a gorgeous 65-foot Hatteras motor yacht.

First to idle out was Dave and Barb (CHABLIS) with Rita (MAGNUM OPUS).

Zipping along with us in their tender, Wink (at the wheel) and Wilma (forward) were happily enjoying this sunny day with Sherry (center).

Quaint island buildings and residences dot the island at Hope Town.

The docks at Lighthouse Marina with the historic Hope Town Light…

During the 1860's, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service built this lighthouse to mark the Elbow Cay Reef. At the time, Hope Towner's resented this and vehemently opposed the project seeing it as a direct threat to their wrecking trade. The wrecking trade involved the scavenging and salvaging of supplies and everything thing else of value from the unfortunate ships that founded on the hazardous reefs. Reports are that the local “Wrackers” went as far as to sink a barge being used to transport building materials during the construction stage. Despite their interference efforts, the landmark candy-stripe lighthouse at Hope Town flickered into operation in 1863. Today, it is one of the only two remaining lighthouse beacons in the Bahamas that have survived automation, a conversion opposed by the residents. Currently, the locals are involved in vigorous efforts to secure spare parts for the light apparatus, most of which are no longer manufactured.

Harbour View Restaurant offers waterfront dining in a casual setting…

We continued along the harbor rim to dock at this spot reserved for dinghies.

Using their reserved dock, we passed under the entryway and up the stairway to the Hope Town Harbour Lodge.

Out at the ocean beach edge, the bar invites a relaxing crowd to imbibe a chilled tropical cocktail.

Team CHABLIS, starring Barb and Dave Bluto with a special appearance by the lovely Rita Wieczorek, peruses the menu selections for lunch.

If the Chamber of Commerce could pick the perfect weather day, this would have been it…

I must admit that the Pina Coladas were good enough to entice more than just one…

I am not able to tell you what kind of flower that this is, but, as you can see, it sure is fabulously beautiful.

This small, rustic building is the meeting place for members of the Hope Town Burial Society. Its members pay a small annual subscription to the society, which handles undertaking and funeral details for the tiny community.

Atlantic Ocean view from the North Beach area…

The extensive mooring field located in Hope Town harbor…

Worker bees buzzed and flittered between the blossoms of these colorful flowers…

Vernon’s Grocery store is almost a landmark site around here. Vernon is also the island pastor for many of the inhabitants. If you are hankering for some sweets, their home-baked pies are renowned throughout the local area.

The return dinghy trip back to Boat Harbour was just as great as the trip over. Soon after our return, we got the signal to visit Jim Fenn (FENNDERS) over on Dock #5. Jim and his group had just returned from a hugely successful deep-sea fishing day out on the Atlantic Ocean ridge. Already filleted out, big slabs of fresh Wahoo were packed on ice in a large cooler. Jim generously filled a big Ziploc bag to share with us. Thanks, Jim! Jim said it was the most Wahoo that they’ve ever caught at one time aboard FENNDERS. Congratulations on a great day of fishing, Jim.

Amongst a whole bunch of other snack goodies, tonight’s specialty item was piping hot conch fritters direct from Sue Graham’s galley. Sunset cocktail hour… (L to R) Dick, Wink, Andrew, David, and Vanessa.

Dick and Ann Cunneen (RAGGEDY ANN)…

John and Gail Thomassen (OUR TIME)…

Four more member boats arrived today on our Dock #4. Several others were assigned to other docks. The marina is filling up fast with member vessels. On the other hand, we are seeing far fewer boats arriving on the non-member side.

It should be clearly evident that this is how a really fun-loving group should look… Cheers…

12/07/08 SUNDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

PEARL HARBOR DAY... 1941, SUNDAY, “A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY”

67 years ago today, an unprovoked, surprise military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the U S naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii caused a disasterous loss of life, ships, aircraft, and equipment. The anger raised would later result in the United States becoming militarily involved in World War II. The Japanese intended it as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war Japan was planning to wage in Southeast Asia against Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers.

The unexpected attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships (two of which were raised and returned to service late in the war) and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused US personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded. Japanese losses were minimal, at 29 aircraft and five midget submarines, with 65 servicemen killed or wounded.

USS ARIZONA…

USS CALIFORNIA…

Hickham Army Airfield…

USS WEST VIRGINIA…

Judy and I observed a few moments of silent remembrance for the terrible loss of life, the injured and wounded, and for the sorrows endured by their loved ones.

I am aware that Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, however, our day turned out to be anything but restful. It became a very busy workday as we scraped, taped, and re-sealed the outside seams of the main salon windows. Additionally, we applied a moisture sealing bead of 3M brand 4000 sealant to the entire eyebrow panel seams.

I accomplished the tedious chore of scraping out all the old caulking. Judy did an expert job of blue taping the edges to ready the job for me to re-caulk.

Jim and Judy Howenstine (THE SILVER FOXES) (R) contributed to raising the feelings of the season by erecting a huge, inflatable snowman on the upper deck of their Mainship trawler. John (OUR TIME) (L) lent a helping hand. John is a Canadian and although he has had lots of experience with all that frosty white stuff, I’d be willing to bet that this is the first snowman he’s ever put up wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt.

While in the work mode, I decided to reseal a few suspect screw heads.

All too soon, the setting sun brought our work program to a close for this day.

Delightfully, we were invited dinner guests aboard MAGNUM OPUS. Robert and Rita Wieczorek hosted a magnificent evening featuring friendship, food, and drink. Other guests were David and Audrey (JAFTICA) and Ted and Brenda (BRENDA J). Everyone enjoyed the fantastic selection that included Filet Mignon. Continuing late into the evening, we thoroughly enjoyed sipping some specialty Port wines and chatting as only friends can do. Thank You, Bob and Rita!

12/08/08 MONDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

Although wide-awake much earlier, I was out of bed at 5:30am. Brenda (BRENDA J) has “schmoozed” me into doing the announcements for the RMHYC Commodore’s Ball and Mardi Gras Party. That gala event will be held on February 13^th here in the Marquis Tent facility at the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour. All kinds of thoughts were running wildly in my mind about how to handle the broadcast. Perhaps I will call on my old Cajun friend, Boudreaux LeBlanc, to help me with this one. Who knows? The radio spots begin on January 14^th at 8am on VHF channel 78.

After the morning walking program, we had our first session of water aerobics in the resort swimming pool. Under the direction and leadership of Bette Bauereis, we learned and practiced the basic, preliminary moves. The water was a bit chilly and it took me a while to warm up afterwards.

Last month in Vero Beach, I had to replace the main batteries aboard AMARSE. This has had me thinking about the electrical system layout and ways that it might be improved upon. Wink Thornton (JOHN HENRY) is a bona-fide ‘whiz-kid’ about this kind of stuff and he cheerfully offered to help me begin the process of tracing down wiring and creating a diagram. We concentrated on the dc system for the batteries and charger circuits. Some things are just plain mystifying, for instance, why would anyone wire up the charger unit using a black wire to the BATT 3 POS post and a red wire to the DC NEG post? Perhaps they thought it would be better to delineate the Generator start battery bank even though the scheme defies convention. If you can think of another reason, please enlighten me.

Wink was fantastic at organizing the preliminary diagram and format. I really enjoy learning from his wealth of knowledge.

Over the next while this winter, I hope to develop a more organized and efficient schematic plan for handling the mishmash of cables attached to the battery bank. Although it is operational, I know that there’s a better way.

After gently broiling some of the fresh Wahoo filets, courtesy of Jim Fenn, I made some wonderful “Wahoo Salad”. Similar to Tuna Salad in composition, the flavor and texture of the Wahoo version is even more delicious. Charlie, The Tuna, let me introduce you to Willie, The Wahoo…

12/09/08 TUESDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

Every morning, some of the folks from the various docks gather at 8:30am to commence their exercise-walking program. Even though some are fast and some are slow, everyone seems pleased to be doing something for their health and longevity.

Two more boats arrived today at Dock 4 to meld with the RMHYC fleet. On our starboard side, PROPINQUITY, a Morgan sailboat with Paul and Mary Shidlowski, and at our port side, another TALLY HO, a Gulfstar trawler with Ed and Shirley Zellers, are our new neighbors. Welcome, y’all…

Anticipating a fun evening, I snuck in a bit of an afternoon nap. All too soon, it seemed, it was time to get all primped for the RMHYC Annual Christmas Holiday Dinner Party at the Angler’s Restaurant. Limited by reservations for 95, the celebrants began to gather at 5pm for cocktails on the patio. Judy looked absolutely stunning as she sipped gently on her Bahamian Rum Punch. I just gotta tell y’all, I am one very lucky and one very happy dude.

Past Commodore Dave Bluto and Barbara Bluto (CHABLIS) toast to us all with a little of that fruit of the vine…

Smartly casual, yet elegant, the amiable group of RMHYC members visited, chatted, and just enjoyed each other during the cocktail social time serviced by two outside bars working at full tilt.

Cheers to our recently elevated Vice Commodore, fisherman extraordinaire, and genuinely great all-around guy, Jim Fenn.

With the sunset and oncoming coolness of evening, the party began to move inside to the main dining room of Angler’s Restaurant.

Sherry (CHIPKA FIRE III), Judy (AMARSE), and Wink (JOHN HENRY) enjoyed being together by the festively decorated, holiday tree.

Fred Reed and Judy Law (AMARSE)…

The traditional Bahamian Santa Claus came by to see if Wilma and Wink had been a good girl and good little boy… I don’t know if Santa believed them or not.

Santa said that he knew by the twinkle in her eyes that Judy had obviously been very, very good.

Judy and Wilma…

Rick and Karla Allen (ISLA RIKA)…

Bette and David Bauereis (TARHEEL)…

Wilma and Wink Thornton (JOHN HENRY)…

Following a wonderful spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, the wait-staff served the chef’s special preparation of stuffed chicken breast, roasted baby red potatoes, and green beans in almond butter sauce. Everything was so right-on.

The dessert specialty of lemon meringue pie with raspberry drizzle was seasonally decorative and simply sensational.

No evening would be complete without a few kind words from our Commodore, Robert Wilson.

The Commodore presented our newly appointed Vice Commodore, Jim Fenn, with the burgee proudly depicting his RMHYC officer position.

Kathy Sales (LO KEE) (L) and Kathy Fenn (FENNDERS) (R) did a magnificent job planning and organizing the whole event. Here, they assist Jim with the drawing of names for the table decorations.

Judy Williams (SHADE MOR) (L) was another planner and organizer for the gala event. She presented Sherry (CHIPKA FIRE III) with a cuddly little elf for her winning ticket.

Carl Lantz (PUFFIN) led the group in several holiday songs…

Paul and Sue Graham (ODYSSEY)…

David and Audrey Crone (JAFTICA)…

Andrew and Vanessa Benjamin (TALLY HO)…

Carolyn Wilson (SEA ISLAND GIRL)…

It was the kind of festive gathering that had everyone raving accolades for days. RMHYC is really a wonderful part of our life.

12/10/08 WEDNESDAY BOAT HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

OUR FRIEND, GENE WILLIAMS, PASSED AWAY THIS EVENING AT 7:35pm.

We had lots of exercise today. It was kind of like being in a Triathlon. The first of the three events started with the walking group. Judy jaunted the full 4-mile course and I chose the slower 2-mile route. Immediately following, we plunged into the chilly swimming pool for almost an hour of water aerobics. The final challenge put us on the bicycles for almost 10 miles of pedaling. We rode out further than ever before to near the airport. Of course, we made several stops at various stores to pick up provisions and supplies for the boat. I’m sure glad it wasn’t a sanctioned meet as we were merely enjoying a fun time just moving about.

Tupp’s is a purveyor of fine wines and spirits here on the island. They have a great selection in a very nice setting. They host an annual holiday party and wine tasting every year at this time. Judy and I had the opportunity to mingle with many cruisers and islanders while sampling several very nice wine selections.

Bette and David suggested extending our evening at Curly Tails Bar and Restaurant.

The open-air, upper deck bar seemed like the place to be. In the picture (L to R) are Judy, Rita, Bette, David, and Robert. Robert is holding up a roll of paper towels, humorously reminding everyone that the drink waitress had just spilled a whole tray of icy cold drinks directly in my lap. Now, that was cold and wet. With barely an apology, she returned with the roll of paper towels and another tray of fresh drinks.

When we returned to AMARSE, we received an email bearing the sad news of Gene Williams’ passing. After many months of suffering, the cancer that had invaded his body claimed his life.

Gene was a dear friend in our Texas Chapter H group of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA). Gene drew us all to him with his endearing personality. Quiet yet strong, knowledgeable and friendly, and reliable and supportive are just a few of his traits that made him so loved. On many a motorcycle ride, Gene would cover the “drag” safety position guarding the riding group. His family and his motorcycle were the focal points of his love for life. Gene faithfully served our country for over 23 years from 1970 to 1993 and retired as a USAF Master Sergeant. His devoted love for his wife, Raguell, his pride for our country, his respect and concern for his many friends, and his spirit for the open road were just a few of the admirable traits that drew him close to us. Although our motorcycling adventures are on temporary hold while we cruise, we are sure to feel his presence when we ride again. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Raguell, Lisa, and the entire family.

Although we will be unable to join his motorcycle escort, we will be honored to ride alongside him in our thoughts and in our memories. This photo of Gene was forwarded to us from a ride in 2006.

CONTINUING UPDATES ARE IN PROGRESS…

WATCH FOR THEM, COMING SOON…

POST SCRIPT:

We sincerely hope that you will review the previous years of compilations to give context to the current editions. Please let us know if you have any special suggestions and thoughts.

REMEMBER: The website is now fully active and you can visit it at any time. You can review any of the 2006, 2007, or 2008 logs and learn more about the crew and our plans. Enjoy.

ATTENTION: SPECIAL NOTE:

You may contact us via email anytime.

Thanks for allowing us to share our life and adventures with you.

Lotsa Luv,

Fred Reed and Judy Law

AMARSE

MT40

"AMARSE" is pronounced "AM-ARE-SAY".

Our website is: www.amarse.net .