Boats Boats Boats

This post is a very late, but the last couple weekends have been boating weekends and lots of fun. Saturday a couple weekends ago, I finally got the girlies out in Poppy's boat for a cruise around Discovery Bay. It was a beautiful day and was nice to cruise around the bay and out around the point.

Then it was onto boats that are powered by the wind and what fun it's been. Bruce is one of the Parents friends and he is an avid sailor with a really cool Tri-Maran called Sea Puppy. The first time out with him was a few Sunday's ago (pic below). We went out in the afternoon for a quick sail around Sequim Bay and I got used to the boat and tried to learn a little about sailing. Then this past Saturday, I spent the better part of the day 6+ hours on the boat participating in 3 races outside of the Port Townsend, what fun. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing and certainly need a lot of direction. It was great to have Alan aboard as the 1st Mate, and I learned a lot from him. I did have a couple jobs on the boat, Ballast (weight) to move around as needed, Hallyard (sp?) duty for the spinnaker, and furling/unfurling the jib. Not a lot of wind during the races and ended up mid-pack. Lots more to learn, but having a great time doing it. "Get ready to Tack!"

Day 18 - I Struck GOLD!!

Not Gold in the literal sense, but a gold mine of Mountain Bike Trails. The great thing is that they are just a short ride from the driveway. There are epic trails all over out here on the Olympic Peninsula, but these I can ride to these from my house. Its about 10 minutes ride to the trailhead and then the options abound. The trails flow all over the State Park area and along bluffs, amazing forests, and the great thing is there is nobody else out there. Watch out for Explosives and don't fight explosive fires (Josh).

The first day I was out for 4 hours just exploring, but now I've got a couple different routes depending how much time I have. The trails are part of the Miller Peninsula State Park and have to be some of the best I've ever ridden. They go forever, are maintained, flowy, and just plain fun. Single track, double track, soft ground, awesome. Check out the pics.

Week 2 - Back to Work & Memorial Weekend

Week 2 came quick and it was time to go back to work. Vacation was over. The week went by fast trying to catch up, etc. Working from home when my office takes up half the house is posing some challenges for the family. I need to spend some time working on alternate solutions and getting the Shedio setup for my office. The weather changed and got a little cooler with off and on showers all week. The days almost always have sun, but then showers as well with highs around 60 and lows around 48 or so.

The 12th Anniversay of our marriage was this week as well and our lovely friends/neighbors, Lucy and Elouise, watched the girls so Alison and I could get out for a nice dinner. Its hard to believe we've been married that long, time flies. Our anniversary also marks the one year point from Alison's accident. Its a great feeling to think we made it a year past that horrific day. Broken neck, brain hemmorhage, and all the other stuff she went through is a year behind us and she is doing great. I'm so thankful for her.

Initially we had grand plans to go camping and do some outdoors stuff with the kiddos for Memorial weekend. That idea faded as we found out most campgrounds were booked. It was for the better as we could just hang out, take it easy and not fight the crowds. People flock to the peninsula for camping, hiking, boating, and all types of outdoor activities. It rained most of the weekend, so it would have been a soggy outing with the kiddos. We did make it to the Brinnon Shrimp Fest, picked up some Hood Canal Spotted Shrimp (missed the shrimp season, doh), ate some carnie food, and checked out a cool place for oysters, clams, and the like at Dosewallips state park.

Mem Day BBQ at the Beach Clubhouse

Week 1 - Arrival and Getting Settled

The journey from Kansas City to the Pacific Northwest began about 10 days ago. We took off from KC planning for a 3 day drive, which ended up being 4 days due to the stops associated with cross country traveling with 3 little children. Luck would have it that Uncle B drove the Eurovan packed with kiddos and I drove solo in the Monty pulling the trailer. The Eurovan broke the wind and I drafted close (nascar style) within one car length to keep the speed up.

Day 1 KC to Sioux City, IA

Day 2 Sioux City, IA to Gillette, WY

Day 3 Gillette, WY to Missoula, MT

Day 4 Missoula, MT to Sequim, WA (Finally!!!) 2050 miles later

Dogs ride on top in Montana

Now that we've landed on the Olympic Peninsula, it has been an effort to get unpacked and organized at the house. Most of our "stuff" was put into storage back in KC, so we are living somewhat minimus for the next 6 months, but it seemed like we had a garage full when we unloaded. The weather has been very nice the last week with mostly sunny days, although some clouds and rain inland and up in the mountains. Life on Diamond Point is great.... beaches, sun, amazing views, and ultra nice neighbors. Lucky for us, Glen and Sharman know Everybody out here and we've had quite the welcoming.