THE AMSTERDAM ARMY ARRIVES

The Admiral and I spent the afternoon on the water with our wonderful friends from the Land of Tulips: Amina, Sailor Cedric and two adorable and fun-loving deckhands Thijn and Thieme. Our weather was perfect, the wind was light and the conversation and catching up was the best. Add to that a few sea lions and some lazy pelicans and you have the perfect afternoon.

Thieme looks like he can get into this sailing lifestyle.

Thijn was right at home aboard Serenity Now.

Now here's a good lookin' crew!

Time for a little thumb-wrestling contest.

All smiles at the end of the day.

WE FINALLY MADE IT!

Here it is late April and we've been dying to sail somewhere this year but the weather has not cooperated at all. At last, we leave the harbor headed to Avalon for Easter week. Thirty minutes out the engine begins to OVERHEAT, foiled again! Back to the slip. Not happy. Removed and boiled out the heat exchanger, replaced a hose and coolant. Five hours later, we're back in business. We decide to leave the next day. FINALLY!

The island is as green as it gets, the reservoirs are topped off and the wild flowers are in full bloom. It was another great week, the air was still a tad chilly and the water was in the low 60's, but the conditions made for some super hikes.

We moored on #57 right in front of the Tuna Club.

Willow Cove

Sad sight between Hamilton and Willow Coves

LIFE ON THE ROCK

...can get expensive. Check out these recent gas prices. No wonder most locals drive electric golf carts.

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

Today's rigging inspection revealed a few fix-it items that needed attention. The VHF antenna, at the very top of the mast, was the biggie.

BEFORE

AFTER