The location was a perfect second choice, naturally sailing was our first choice but Mike had a commitment to the class so Michael and I took the Catalina Express over from Dana Point that morning. It was one of those days where the Santa Ana winds were blowing. The hot winds were coming down from the desert racing straight out across the water and we had some wild seas on the crossing. It was great fun as Michael and I stayed inside on the bow looking out through great big windows while this powerboat plowed through the water sending great big buckets of spray up over us. We still got plenty wet because we couldn't help ourselves from going out to really feel and enjoy the true pleasure of being on the sea. WhooooWheeee!!!!

Upon our arrival we rented a golf cart and naturally the President took the wheel. Those things a sooooo much fun to drive!! We had 45 minutes before we were to meet Mike at the hotel so Michael and I went exploring. Heading south along the waters edge then up in the hills through the eucalyptus groves to the Wrigley Mansion. We didn’t have time to take the tour but the view from up there was fabulous. Dropping back into town we made our way over to Mike’s hotel with a few minutes to spare.

You know the neat thing about this group is that we get to know each other fairly well through posting so when we do meet it’s so easy and comfortable. When Mike came out of class we shared handshakes and hugs then we jumped in the go-cart all talking at once, in search of a restaurant for lunch.

We found the perfect place with a deck right on the water where we enjoyed the great show mother nature was putting on for us. Avalon is a beautiful little harbor on the leeward side of the island and usually a good place to pick up a mooring if it isn’t a three-day weekend or the Santa Ana’s are blowing. Well, today we had the wind and it was kicking up surf that was pretty impressive. The harbor patrol was busy checking out all the boats being tossed around on their moorings while four surfers were catching waves next to the pier. Waves in Avalon are virtually unheard of so I made sure to take pictures of that.

We sat in the sun talking like old friends while enjoying fresh sand dabs, calamari, and shrimp. The only bummer was that Mike only had an hour and it went by far to fast. Before we knew it, it was time to take him back up to the hotel. We said our good byes with promises to get together again only next time we will go sailing for sure!

Now that Jonathan, WCS#2, has proposed the great Putzail 2001 I look forward to meeting some more of this motley crew. That should be a great time and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Lady Barbara, WCS#1