August in the States is supposed to be warm, but we were in for a rude awakening in San Francisco with temps in the 5o's and many layers necessary. Once in Baltimore, things were a little better outside so we took a pool day to play with the kids. It was our first time on a diving board in decades and we had fun with it... Michele finally remembered why speedo bikinis are so tight, so they'd stay on when diving!
We have some big projects in mind for a Reach refit this year, so packages were arriving daily with goodies for us to carry or ship back with us to Guatemala.
She'll be getting new cockpit canvas, dodger, settee cushions, water maker, outboard & bottom paint.
We even ordered new dive fins, since our old ones had split after much use.
Our stay in the States went by quickly, as usual. Of course, we got in some good local food and beer fixes ~ including Bateman's wings, real bagels, pulled pork and of course steamed crabs and Loose Cannon IPA!
Daily dog walks with Koko & Ike kept us in shape for all of that food. Like the dogs with their treats, we endured each 4 mile hike in the woods for the reward of a post-walk gin & tonic!
Visits with family were full of fun, whether at home, the pool, park, movies, restaurants, playing corn-hole or running relay races around the yard.
Plus, they were the perfect subjects for us to try out our new Panasonic FZ200 superzoom camera, along with the local osprey perched mid-way up on the radio tower.
We also got in great visits with several dear friends that go waaaay back... but the years seem to just roll back whenever we get together. It appears that we're tasting a different beer in each of these gatherings. Did I mention how we much we miss good beer?! Hope to see some of you out on the water in the future too!
Thanks for letting us crash in on your summer once again. Love to all!