Port Orchard
Captains Log
Stardate July 30 to August 1, 2004

Hurricane or Perfect Storm what ever, it hit hard and left complete and total devastation to those in its path.

Those in the hurricane path brought new meaning to the sailing term 3 sheets to the wind but I didn't see any sails.

Winner of the 3 sheets award on Friday Nite was Augie Catalano he either didn't want to or couldn't go for two in a row.  (I think it was the latter)

If the perfect storm didn't get ya, the jambalaya did.  Thanks to Annette Bauer and her galley crew this was an awesome batch of the best Jambalaya I have ever had.

Deco Diva (aka Karen Ashley) was the driving force behind Mardi Gras Sea Rays.  Gold, Green and Purple shimmered off the calm waters of Port Orchard.  A few feathered masks and of course Sylvia the inflatable doll with her red leopard "G" string, beads and mask in true party form.  Poor Sylvia blew a seam, had to leave the party early and eventually ended up in the trash.  Not unlike many in the Sea Ray Cruising club, after too much of a good thing!

You know this boating is all about relaxing, eating, drinking and relaxing again.  Even with the price of fuel rising, let the truth be known I'll bet the booze and grocery bill for any given weekend is more than the fuel.

Saturday evening potluck would have put any Louisiana Cajun BBQ to shame.  The great cooks in this club just keep raising the bar.

Speaking of the bar Mark Daymond tried that ballet thing at the bar, on the sliding door entering his boat.  This guy is a real sailor we know he can drink like one, but he can stand firm footed while the door slides to the side leaving him at a 45 degree list and not fall.  Very cool.  According to Suzanne the rest of the entry into the boat was just a "lot of banging around".

Our spectacular cruise captains Leigh and Annette Bauer and Karie Hamilton and Bill Ruddick set the tone for the weekend.  These are always great parties and gatherings of wonderful friends.  During the summer our cruises are 2-3 weeks apart.  It seems like such a long time not to see such good friends.

Speaking of good friends Nameki one of the many Lhasas aboard the Parry's boat decided to pay a visit to the Hobbs cockatiel Chewy.  Who knew the dog could navigate from the dock to the cockpit of the Missey Moo most of us can't do it sober and for sure not after a day and nite of Sea Raying.  Nameki was happy to see her yellow feathered friend, the feathered friend wasn't so sure.

I'm so happy the bylaws of the club were changed to limit the "Rubber Duck" to humans aboard the boats.  No wonder our dogs wear life jackets all the time.  THEY NEED THEM!  Tee Lee the Parry's middle Lhasa tested the waters and I tested the temperature of her bath water.  The dog is closer to a crew cut than she knows.

Old and new friends gathering at Mardi Gras Port Orchard

Deco Diva and Jeff Ashley
Leigh and Annette Bauer co cruise captains with Bailey and Sam
Bill and Kathy Bock
Jana Brown and the girls Hailey, Hope and Carah
Augie and Nancy Catalano
Mark and Suzanne Daymond with Dibley and Mattie
Charlie Dixon
Jim and Margo Hobbs and Chewy
Bill Ruddick and Karie Hamilton with Grant and NeeCee
Fred and Margot Majewski and Jesse
Bob and Linda O'Connor
Dave and Lynne Parry and the "girls"
Brad and Anya Stutz with Aiden (they say Aiden cries sometimes we've never heard it)
Bob and Heidi Vettleson and "girls"
Steven and Susan Wood
Special old friends the Spragues Bill and BJ with Clancy surprised us at Port Orchard.  Bill and BJ are land yachting these days.


Sunday morning we were treated to pastries and fruit on the dock of course.  The weather was perfect, just like everything associated with this cruise.

Safe cruising to all our friends headed out on long vacation cruises.  Will be anxious to hear the tales of the straights, Desolation Sound and all places in between.

Our next cruise is in Pleasant Harbor hosted by captains Debbie and Phil Freund.  Mexican Fiesta is the theme.  For those who haven't had the privilege of Debbie and Phil's great cooking you are in for a gustatory delight. 

Let the Fiesta begin!

Happy Cruising my friends

Dave Parry
Vice Commodore