THE VAN DER MEULENS HAVE ARRIVED

It was our pleasure to host the Dutchman, Amina, Carla (Cedric's mom), Thijn and Thieme for an afternoon sail on a beautiful SoCal day. They're here on vacation from Amsterdam. The sea lions and dolphins did not disappoint and the weather was near perfect. Thijn and Thieme (pronounced Tine and Teema) had a blast as did the rest of the crew.

The crew

The Dutchman and Sailor Thijn

Mama with her boys

Sailor Thijn with a little assist

Cedric showing how it's done

Our youngest ukelele player ever

A MAGIC MOMENT

Nesporado Van Bro on the hunt

"LIVE FREE OR DIE"

We always enjoy visiting the Granite State and the Admiral's family and this trip was no exception. Most of our time was spent on Bear Island in Lake Winnipausakee. The only way on or off the roadless island is by water. If you saw "On Golden Pond" with Henry Fonda, you'll have an accurate idea of the beauty of this place. In fact, the movie was filmed on a neighboring lake.

This was the view as we first approached the dock upon our arrival. The cabin is tucked away in the trees.

This sunset set the tone on our first night.

The view from the cabin on a still morning. The mainland, at the top of this pic, is about a mile away.

THE 13TH ANNUAL

For the past thirteen years, Nesporados from all over the globe reunite for a Catalina adventure. This year the ranks were thin but Jackpot and the capt made the best of it. The warm water and sunny days made for some great snorkeling and lots of time to wet a line. Jackpot even started the trip by hooking a marlin and giving it a battle before the 20# test broke. The aerial display was quite impressive. We anchored in Eel Cove and dove Johnson's Rock, Parson's Reef, Indian Rock and Eagle Reef. Actually, Eel was as good if not better for snorkeling than all the others.

Jackpot hooked to a marlin

Eel Cove sunrise with Ship Rock and Saddleback Mt.

The 2015 Official Nesporado group photo

ANOTHER HOT ONE

The Jensen brothers and their families were scheduled to go out but a last minute accident prevented Bill and his side from joining us. We hope and pray for a quick recovery. And good luck to you Marilyn on your foot surgery this week.

Neil was right-at-home behind the helm. Actually, he sailed competitively for USC during his colligate days. Fight On! It was warm day and the air was light but it all added up to a great afternoon on the water. We even had a parade of tall ships slide by us at the end of the day. The rake-masted America was leading the way. 

Deckhand Luke keeping a watchful eye on the dolphins.

Skipper Neil at the helm.

The Jensen crew; Luke, Neil and Marilyn (the boss).

IT WAS A SIZZLER

One of the World's Best Crews.

How's this for the end of a great day?

The temperatures soared as we searched for some kind of breeze on the water. It was a hot and humid day but once underway, all was good. Plenty of conversation and stories made for a very pleasurable afternoon.

A LAZY LABOR DAY

Today's crew, Captain Cabo and Senora Debbie, recently returned from their five-month stay at La Abundancia on the east cape of Baja Sur. We had plenty of time to catch up, stay in the shade and not leave the slip on this extremely hot and busy day in the marina. At least there was a breeze.