Our trip to The Graduation

Well, we made it to Oregon & Washington and back again. It was way too short a visit, yet we were glad to be back to our floating home and Captain Josie. We had a great visit with Matt (Dorothy's youngest son) and we were very sorry that Zak (Matt's brother) and Lynn (DT's sister) were unable to join us because of work and family issues. They were definitely missed.

Our flights went well and the weather was beautiful (blue skies & 70+degrees) for 5 of the7 days we were there. Flying into Portland, we had gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and Mt. St Helens both covered with lots of snow. Portland was our "shop 'til you drop" stop. Two days of driving around (thank you Kendall for bringing your Garmin!) picking up the West Marine order, renewing my driver's license, getting a new, lighter, non-Vista computer, camera (Phileta's died), and visiting with our wonderful friend Kendall who schlepped a suitcase full of orders that we had sent to her in Bandon.

Our drive to Tacoma included a speeding ticket for me, (who ever heard of a police car being a red SUV!) and more beautiful scenery. We overshot Tacoma to visit Liz and Michael of s/v Saoirse who are now land based (for the summer) in Ballard, WA. They had taken our AT 130 SSB tuner with them when they left La Cruz and sailed on up to La Paz where Saoirse was hauled out for the summer. Then hand delivered it to the ICom factory & picked it up when it was fixed. Thank God for friends. It was a great visit although way too short and the views of Puget Sound were inviting.

Matt's girlfriend's (picture of Matt & Katelyn "should" be to the left) mother & grandmother gave a wonderful pre-graduation party with delicious Thai/Chinese food that both Phileta and I enjoyed immensely. We met nearly all of Katelyn's family and the views of Puget Sound from the living room seemed to be calling. Darn, Tacoma doesn't seem to have sailboat rentals.

The next morning they had us all over for brunch with Phileta's favorite, Mimosa's! Matt's dad's brother was there with his son. They are from Buffalo, NY and had rented kayaks to paddle around the sound the day before. They were impressed with the beauty of the area and vow to come back.


Mom & Matt






Matt's family support at the pre-grad brunch. Uncle, dad, Matt, Mom, cousin Anthony, & Phileta. As my mother used to say "the whole fam damily", except for those loved ones who were busy with other responsibilities. Originally Phileta and I were not going to be here. We were suppose to be in the Marquesas and flying Matt to Tahiti for a graduation present.


The University of Puget Sound graduation ceremony was great, inspirational speakers, mild weather, and only 600 graduates, with just the right amount of silliness on their part to keep things from being too somber.
The graduate

Mortar boards take flight at the end.

Thank you to everyone for such a memorable time. So many parties, so many new people to meet and stories to share, so much love and friendship. We are both so proud of Matt and all that he has accomplished in the last four years. May he continue to feel the glow of success.

That's it for now. Love to you all,

D & P