[Rhodes22-list] First and last sails of the year

[Wally Buck]

I took advantage of the warm weather and decided to mix some sailing/river 
cruising with my New Years Eve Party. Our friends who live about 18 miles 
upriver from my marina were having a big party. They live right on the water 
and I could dock my boat there and have a place to sleep. No driving!

I headed out Thursday and had a great day sailing followed by a light dinner 
and a nice night on the hook. Friday I slept in and then sailed upriver. 
Winds were steady 10 and it was in the low 60s. I had a late lunch while 
watching a Bald Eagle perched on an overhead bluff. I made it to my friends 
house about 4 and helped them get the kegs tapped early. We had a great 
party and I managed to avoid a hang over. After a nice New years brunch, a 
gallon of coffee and a little bit of football I headed down river.

The Blad Eagle was hanging out in the same area, temps were in the 60s but 
no wind. I mean none! So I decided to motor back to Blue Springs. About half 
way home the wind picked up and I managed to get my first sail of 05! I 
decided to take the short cut knocking a couiple of miles off the trip and 
was back at the house by 7.

I hope everyone has a great 2005!

PS - I dragged my cabin cushions down to a foam place and they cut me a 
single 2 inch thick piece of memory foam for the main bunk. I am planning on 
more overnights this year. I just laid the cushions down and marked off the 
foam and they cut it for free while I waited.  I had been using a egg shell 
topper but the foam was a big improvment.

Wally