Happy Mother's Day...and Very Happy Boating!

Gig Harbor

Mexican Wine

 

Mac

Where to begin...

This was not the winter and spring of our first year of retirement that we expected...but a lot is unexpected these days. Since we last boated, in January, we made a ten-day trip to Florida (Captiva Island) and a three-week trip to the American Southwest. Both trips were wonderful experiences. The trip south began in San Diego, and included 3 days of wine tasting in the Valle de Guadelupe (highly recommend this!), Palm Springs, the Grand Canyon, and Arches National Park. This was in March, as the pandemic escalated. We had planned to drive to Las Vegas and fly home but quickly decided that getting back on a plane was not in our best interest. Instead, we drove from Moab Utah to Tacoma Washington in one day. It was brutal but we just needed to get home at that point.

After keeping our distance for a couple of weeks, we began caring for our grandson so his mom could return to work (at home). Their chosen daycare facility had closed at that time and we decided that since we couldn't do much else, we'd be the daycare for a while. One of the best decisions we've ever made.

We just completed week six of 40-hours per week with Mac. He'll be 8 months old next week...and he's a delight. Again, not what we planned but a pleasure and a privilege. 

We've been missing boating very much, so when the partial opening began and local boating appeared to be a go..and the weather cooperated...we got an early release on Friday and headed to Gig Harbor.

The weather is gorgeous. Even heat-seeking-missile (my nickname for Nick, as he can't get enough sun and heat) Nick felt a little overheated yesterday. Gig Harbor is a zoo. My photos don't really show just how crowded this harbor is. We've certainly never seen this before, and even a "permanently anchored" local said this is about as many boats as he's ever seen.

After anchoring on Friday afternoon, we cracked open a bottle of our very interesting Mexican wine from the Valle. Our friends on Stay Awhile are here as well and we've been able to spend time with them while responsibly social distancing.

Today is Sunday, Mother's Day, and we'll head back to the Foss later this afternoon. We think we'll watch Mac for another couple of weeks or so, and then our plan is to head north on Europa for some real summer boating on or about June 1.

Plans can change...especially now.