UPDATE#04 02/14 thru 02/20 daytime   

Howdy Everybody,

The adventures of 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and thru 02/13/2010 have been published on the website.  We continue with the latest edition.

 UPDATE 2010 #04  02/14/10 thru 02/20/10 DAYTIME

At last update, we were in Boat Harbour in beautiful Marsh Harbour, Abacos.  Welcome back to the Bahamas…

02/14/10  DAY  MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

   Valentine’s Day is special for lovers.  Judy and I definitely qualify in that category.  Being in love with Judy makes my life worthwhile!  The boat’s name, AMARSE, is a Spanish word that means “To Love Each Other”, so Valentine’s Day is for us.

     The day had come for Judy’s brother, Dean, to head home in the “frozen land”.  The Kansas weather forecasts blowing snow and temperatures in the teens F.  He left on the noon plane; we miss him already.

     Numerous members of the RMHYC accepted an offer by Angler’s Restaurant for a special dinner.

     We were seated with Dick and Ann (RAGGEDY ANN), Wink and Wilma (JOHN HENRY), and Fred and Sherry (CHIPKA FIRE).

     Judy and I chose the filet and shrimp dish.  The presentation was okay.  I must remember what my Mom taught me, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.”  My lips are sealed…

     Was it wonderful and cute to see the stray dogs sleeping on the guest lounges at the pool?  For some it was, for some is wasn’t.  Controversial?  Oh, yes…

02/15/10  MONDAY  MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

     My big project for the day was replacing the exhaust flappers on AMARSE.  The rubber flappers had become brittle and deformed through time and I was concerned that they might no longer be effective at preventing backflow while backing up or when strong winds drive seawater against the stern.  I used a replacement manufactured by Hardin Marine.  The old flappers needed to be cut away with a razor knife and the clamps pried off.  The new flappers required slight modification by cutting a slot to reduce the mounting ring to fit the tailpipe diameter.  Fortunately, I was able to get smaller diameter clamps from the local National Marine store.  The process required me to lie on the swim platform and work the tools and clamps by reaching under the water.  I was rewarded with a job well done.

     At 3pm, the Commodore called the RMHYC Annual Meeting to order.  Members of the Bridge Committee gave their business reports and general members were given the opportunity to ask questions and/or make comments.  The meeting was well conducted and well received by the membership.  Judy and I offer our thanks and appreciation to the RMHYC Bridge for their commitments and extensive efforts to make our club the very best group of fun loving folks that could ever be found.

     Following the meeting, a poolside reception was arranged for cocktails and the resort made a buffet dinner available. 

02/16/10  TUESDAY  MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JUDY FICKES (SPENDOR HYALINE)

     The weather was turning cooler and the winds freshened as the cold front arrived.  A surprise birthday party was to be held on the docks at Harbour View Marina in Marsh Harbour.  With the weather conditions threatening the success of the outside party, the Harbour View Marina manager, Troy, came to the rescue by arranging a protected location at Wally’s Restaurant.  It was a very generous offering that was key to making the celebration a success.  RMHYC members and friends gathered to make it a very special birthday for Judy Fickes (SPLENDOR HYALINE).

     Judy (yellow jacket) enjoyed sipping wine while visiting with boating friends.

     Judy’s husband, Rich, managed to arrange the big get-together in complete secrecy.  She had no idea that all this would be going on.  All the boaters brought snacks, side dishes, and desserts.  Rich set up for a hot dog feast with all the trimmings.  Being able to have it on the enclosed patio of Wally’s Restaurant made all the difference in its success.  Rich and Judy have been loyal winter boating residents at Harbour View Marina for many years.

     Two Judy’s that now share the same age of youthfulness.

     It took two big, beautiful cakes to feed this celebrating crowd.  Judy blew out all the candles, ensuring that her wish will come true.

     Judy went from table to table chatting with her many, many friends.

     Troy (far left), the manager of Harbour View, laughed and joked about the free food, but a mandatory $10/pp charge for cake.  He is well revered by all who know him.

     Judy chats with Vic (Canadian Odyssey), and Pat and Mike (LIBATIONS IV)…

02/17/10  WEDNESDAY  MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

     Scott and Mary Coles (MASCOT) arrived here at Boat Harbour by airlines.  Our good friends and former neighbors from Dock 4 will be staying aboard ROVING SEAS with Brian and Jan.

02/18/10  THURSDAY  BOAT HARBOUR to LITTLE HARBOUR

      Doug and Leslie (HAPPY CLAMZ) put together another fabulous outing for the RMHYC members.  This was just one example of numerous successful programs to enhance our club experience.  We highly applaud their initiative and insightfulness to organize the perfect combination of fun activities.

     At 10am, 30 members boarded the Knowles Bus and 8 more piled into a taxi van for the trip south to Little Harbour.  Our friendly driver, Glender Knowles, gave us a running commentary and history lesson about the important features along our route.

     Welcome to Little Harbour, home of the world famous, Pete’s Pub…

     The van experienced a flat tire, so, after the bus group disembarked, the bus went back to pick up the rest of the group that was waiting a mile or so back.

     The sheltered harbor, with numerous boats on moorings, remained sheltered from the stiff breezes.

     On the other side of the sand dunes, the Atlantic Ocean surf pounded against the coral rocks.

     The treasure hunters combed the shoreline for interesting shells and pieces of sea glass.

     Back on the harbor side, a long dock allows easy tie-up for cruisers dinghies.

     Art lovers are always fascinated by the Gallery and Museum featuring the works of the late Randolph Johnston and his son, Pete.  Works by other prominent artists are on display and offered for sale.  Outside displays are eye-catching and provide focused insight.

     The tranquility and beauty of Little Harbour surrounds…

     Doug and Leslie planned today’s event around a scheduled casting in bronze.  Blasting flames temper the molds at the rear of the foundry room, while metals molt in the furnace at the lower right.

     This bronze casting of a stingray has been significantly worked from its rougher casting.  The results are artistically amazing.

     A budding young artist was fashioning bits of copper wire into small bracelets.  Learning from these great masters, she may follow in the footsteps to become a renowned artist of the future.

In the Foundry, the Johnston’s produce bronze sculpture using the 5,000-year-old Lost Wax Process. This is the only bronze foundry in the Bahamas.  The French artist, Richard Appaldo, gave us extensive insight into the art, science, and skillful techniques of this unique method of casting in bronze.

A sculpture is first created in clay. A flexible rubber mold is made of the sculpture, consisting of two or more parts.

The clay sculpture is then removed from the mold set. Liquefied wax is then poured inside the mold.  After cooling and hardening, the wax replication is removed from the rubber mold.

      With wax vents and pouring gates attached, the wax piece assembly is solidly encased by subsequent dipping and dusting it into colloidal silica and fused silica flour resulting in a pouring mold substantial enough to accept molten bronze. 

     The final investment mold pieces are fired in the kiln oven to melt out the wax and dry the mold.  As the alloy of metals was being heated in the furnace, the group took a break for some refreshment at the famous Pete’s Pub beach bar.

     Back at the foundry for the resumption of our tour, Richard Appaldo was suited up to work with the super hot alloy.

     Glass bottles were introduced into the alloy to help precipitate the slag materials.  Richard is removing the molten glass and impurities.

     Working with extreme heats, Richard dons the appropriate protective apparel.

     The bronze alloy, consisting of 85% copper, 5% tin, 5% zinc, and 5% lead, is melted in a crucible to more than 2000 degrees F.  Set in the pouring station, the hollow investment molds receive the careful pouring of glowing, liquid Bronze. 

     The cooled investment mold will cracked off of the bronze casting. The piece will then cleaned, smoothed, shaped, patterned, and artistically fashioned.  Finally, the delicate and complex art of applying a desired patina, or particular coloration, will be accomplished to produce the desired aesthetics.  Richard conducted a delightfully comprehensive and extremely enjoyable demonstration of the foundry’s expertise.  I certainly have gained significant insight into this rare art form and technique.

      At the conclusion of the foundry tour, the ravenous group scurried over to Pete’s Pub for a delicious lunch and quenching libations.  The famous “Blaster” seemed to be a favorite choice of beverage.

     We shared a table with Scott and Mary Coles (MASCOT) and Bob (CATCH ME IF U CAN).  Judy and I had the seared tuna steak accompanied with pineapple coleslaw.  Fantástico…

     Shirley (M/V TALLY HO) must be singing that old-time commercial song, “You’ll wonder where the yellow went, when you brush your teeth with Pepsodent”.  Maybe you shouldn’t use the new “lemon” flavor…  He-He…

     Posed in front of the eclectic Pete’s Pub beach bar, Sue Graham (ODYSSEY), Leslie Folkerth (HAPPY CLAMZ), Judy Law (AMARSE), and Mary and Scott Coles (MASCOT)…

     With a little sand in our shoes, the group strolled back to the waiting bus.

     Glender Knowles, our driver, told us a humorous tale of her adventure to a Florida Wal-Mart store.  She had everyone rolling in the aisles.  A group sing-along followed…

     On our return to Boat Harbour, we visited on S/V ADAMAS DE MARIS.  Beautification is a strange process.  Seeing Madeline at this stage was enough to “curl” your hair…  Eileen was having a good laugh about it too…

     Captain extraordinaire, Joe DeMaris (S/V ADAMAS DE MARIS)…  Joe and I have been the closest of friends and sailing buddies for over 25 years.  I continuously thank him for all he has taught me over the years and for all the fun times we’ve enjoyed aboard his wonderful vessel.

     As if the day hadn’t had enough excitement, someone organized another great dock party at the picnic table area of Boat Harbour Marina.  We have all been enjoying this new addition set up for our gatherings.

     The herb and vegetable garden is sprouting wonderful results.  The green-thumbed members have done a remarkable job of fostering the plant growth.  Anyone need some fresh basil, parsley, or chives? 

     Friends being with friends; that’s what the RMHYC is all about…

02/19/10  FRIDAY  MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

     A positive weather window surfaced and Fred and Sherry (CHIPKA FIRE) availed themselves of the excellent conditions to commence their voyage homeward.

     Loving waves goodbye and well wishes for fair seas were the focus of their departure.  This wonderful couple will always be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all…  Bon Voyage, mes amis…

      Eileen manned the foredeck of S/V ADAMAS DE MARIS as they eased outward for their several day cruise of the nearby cays.  Their guests, Tom and Madeline, are looking forward to enjoying the sun, sand, and sea during their visit.  With great weather forecasted, it should be a wonderful time…

     If you might like have fun, if you might like an enormous variety of activities, if mike like making friends with the warmest, most wonderful folks in the world, if you might like morning walks, if you might like water aerobics in a heated pool, if you might like yoga exercises, if you like planned social events, if you like extemporaneous events, if you might like any one of a thousand other things happening, then the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a group that would love YOU to belong.  In my lifetime, I’ve never experienced anything more fun and rewarding.  It’s easy and very reasonable for you to be a part of our membership.  Please take a look at the club’s website at www.rmhyc.com or email rmhyc@yahoo.com for more info.  Okay, so much for the proud dissertation and on to more fun stuff.

     The fabulous “Commodore’s Ball” was held at the Marquis Tent facility at the Abaco Beach Resort.  200 ticket holders had been priming and primping themselves for the gala event.  The theme was “FIESTA” and it was just that. 

     Complete with castinettes, Chiquita Sidonia and Señor Fred (SHEARWATER) were dressed to the “nueves” (nines) for the optional costuming.

     Señorita Judy and Señor Fredo (AMARSE) looked magnifico…

     Señorita Shirley and El Guapo, Señor Eduardo (M/V TALLY HO)…

     Señorita Leslie and Señor Doug (HAPPY CLAMZ)…

      Señores,  Señoras, Y  Señoritas Leslie, Doug, Fred, Sidonia, Judy, Fred, Shirley, and Ed…

     As we entered the Fiesta tent that was decorated like a fancy cantina, we found our table assignments prominently displayed.

     El Padre, Milt, and la Señora elegante, Kathy (LO KEE)…

     Señor Roberto Y Señora Rita (MAGNUM OPUS)…

     El Matador, Señor Tom, Y  Señora Pat (LISA MARIE)…

     Could that be Panama Jack or Panama Frank?  It must be Panama Frank (SEA SMOKE).  No one would ever guess that behind the “Mask of Zorro” was Señor Henry (OH HENRY)…

     Panama Franko Y Señorita Mary (SEA SMOKE)…

     Ay Caramba !!! La Mujer Bonita, Señorita Vanessa (S/V TALLY HO) Y el caballero Señor Fredo (AMARSE)… Ay Caliente !!!

    Señor Fredo Y Señorita Judy (AMARSE)…

     Dos Corazones en Amor Verdad (two hearts in true love)…  Yo te quiero para siempre, mi amor ; abrazos y besos para ti siempre … (I love you for always, my love; hugs and kisses for you always)…  Fred Y Judy, siempre juntos (always together)…

     Nuestro Amigos Especial (our special friends), Señor Paulo Y Señora Sue (ODYSSEY)…

     La Pachanga (the party)…

     El Hombre de Música (the music man), DJ Ray (LAST DANCE)…

     Past Commodore, Dave Bluto (CHABLIS)…

     Come Y Tome mi amigos (eat and drink my friends)…

     La Bella del Baile (the Belle of the Ball), Judy Williams (SHADE MOR)…

     Mamacita Señora Judy W. (SHADE MORE) and Señor Fred (AMARSE)…

     Papa Ray (LAST DANCE) and visiting daughter, Christine…

     Un buen puro (a good cigar)…

     Ellos bailan la macarena en la fiesta (They dance the Macarena at the party).

     Baile, baile, baile (dance, dance, dance)…

     Una Mujer Bella (beautiful woman), Señora Lily and El Zorro, Señor Henry (OH HENRY), with El Caballero, Señor Fredo (AMARSE)…

     Charlie and Rose (WILD ROSE); Could she be singing her favorite song about someone called “ALICE…?”

     Panama Frank (SEA SMOKE)…

     The “Chicken Dance”…

     Los Muchachos (the kids), Señorita Jane and Señor George (TIME OUT)…

     El Charro, Señor Fredo (AMARSE)…  The authentic folkloric outfit came from Guatemala.  The pants feature handwoven panels as do the red waist and shoulder bands.  The handmade leather belt is inlaid with natural horsehair.  The hat is an official “Fiesta” hat from San Antonio.

     Las Amigas, Señoras Penny and Sally…  It is an honor to be with them.

     Señora Diane and Señor Rick (LADY DI)…

     Los danzadores suave (the smooth dancers), Señor Mike and Señora Pat (LIBATIONS IV)…

     Juntos enamorada (together in love), Señora Judy and Señor Jim (THE SILVER FOXES)…

     The fantastic collection of music played on to the delight of the hardy dancers until the wee hours well past cruisers’ midnight.  Our special thanks to all of the organizers, helpers, and especially to the chair-couple, Dick and Ann Cunneen (RAGGEDY ANN).  It was another fabulous event for the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club.

02/20/10  SATURDAY MARSH HARBOUR, ABACOS, BAHAMAS

     At 10:30am, the harbor came alive with humming dinghy outboards.  At least nine dinghy loads of RMHYC cruisers putt-putted out of Boat Harbour heading for Man-O-War Cay.

     The tender to JOHN HENRY carried Grandpa Wink, Grandma Wilma, daughter in law Toni, and granddaughters Amber and Emma…

     The tender dinghy from SHEARWATER was loaded with Sidonia, Fred, their son Mike, Diane, Wally and Joan (FANCY BREAD).

     Other dinghies carried Doug and Leslie (HAPPY CLAMZ), Ed and Shirley (M/V TALLY HO), Carl and Lois (PUFFIN), Paul and Sue (ODYSSEY), Dennis and Georgia (NJORD), Jonathan and Judie (DOUBLE JJ), Bob and Sharon (CATCH ME IF U CAN), and Bernie (MOON DANCER).

     One of the dinghies had engine trouble and was towed in by a fellow dinghy.  Our destination was the Dock N’ Dine Restaurant located at the harbor side docks at the Man-O-War Marina.  Unfortunately, they were out of fish for lunch.  The grouper fingers are usually the best we’ve ever had.  We chose the “Cracked Conch” with French fries and coleslaw.  It was quite good too, although we would have preferred the grouper fish.

     After lunch, we walked casually through the street of the cay.  The flowers were absolutely beautiful in this sleepy, little island paradise.

     After returning to Boat Harbor and AMARSE, I took a relaxing nap.  Judy was like the energizer bunny and kept going and going and going…  Not feeling all that well, I elected to stay in for the night.  Judy joined a bunch of neighbors to walk to the evening Annual Junkanoo Event.  The next update will be dedicated to the pictures that Judy took at that parade event.  We hope you enjoy…

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 also review any of the previous logs from the years 2006, 2007, or 2008 and learn more about the crew and their many adventures.  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   .

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