Cross Country Begins

 You know school is just around the corner when cross country begins.  This year again, all three kids are participating.  The great thing about THAT is I can watch all three race... in the same place!  WOO HOO!  Less running around for the mama!  Except that Colby is working a whole lot, and missed this first race at the Kilpela farm.  But theoretically, they should all three eventually be in one place.   I get verklempt watching them run.  They work SO HARD, and it's good to see.

Here they are.  An almost 7th grader, and an almost senior.  

Rest In Peace, Cousin Chuck

 

Equipment Loans for Kids

Troop 457 is helping us organize our "desperately in need" loaner closet!  YAY!  One young scout is working on his Eagle, and we just happen to have a project for him.  It warmed my heart to see all those young men out there working and organizing, while I did nothing but chit chat and watch it all happen :).  We've got a ways to go before the project is complete, but it's a start, and I'm thrilled!

Purging.  This felt good!

 

Raising the Gennaker

 Some friends of ours that are experienced sailors offered to show us a thing or two on Second Wind, and it was super helpful. We went out for what we thought would be just a short sail, but ended up being five hours.  We learned how to reef the main, what all the lines are for, and the very best part?  How to rig the Gennaker!  It took awhile to figure out, and when we tried to hoist it the first time, the wind suddenly switched directions and it was a bust.  But later?  On our way back to the bay, right at sunset?  We tried it again.  And it was SPECTACULAR.  So so so so pretty.  Oh, it was just such a lovely evening, and I enjoyed every last second of it!!!  

 

Committing Chases' Ashes...

 ... in the way he would've wanted. 

Shadow Racing

 Rob and I went out to watch the yacht club do their sundowner race.  It was hot, and the breeze was near non-existent for the first go.  It was like watching snails race.  We jumped off the boat to swim and cool off, which was heavenly.  The second round, we thought we'd try to follow behind, just to see what it was all about.  Rob may have been bit by the racing bug.  There were awfully big smiles as we "unofficially" caught up to some of the others.  We have a lot to learn about sailing, but I think these little races will be a good way for us to do that!

At one point, we sailed out past the end of a point.  Our sails were out all the way, as the breeze was so light, we wanted to catch as much of it as we could.  Unexpectedly, a huge gust heeled us WAAAAAYYYYY over, nearly putting the jib under water!  Cue mama panic mode!  I pulled on that sheet as hard as I could, as Rob steered us into the wind to let off some air.  UGH.  There is no relaxing on a sail boat!

As we were heading back to the bay to moor the boat, our battery died... yet again.  SOMETHING is draining that battery.  We need to figure that out.  Not that big a deal, except this time, there was a HUGE boat coming directly at us.  They weren't about to change directions - that would be up to us, but our sails were put away, and the battery was dead!  We tried to stay calm and work the problem.  Luckily, Rob was able to jump the battery in the nick of time.  My plan B was to quickly unfurl the jib to move us out of the way.  Yet again we discover that sailing is simultaneously idyllic and terrifying, even on a protected lake!

We got out of this beast's way, just in the nick of time! Not a good feeling to be dead in the water with this headed straight for you!