Our first weekend rendezvous of the season was well attended in Des Moines. Members joining the festivities by boat were:
Tom & Debbie Jardine and Dog Chelan aboard Alibi
Tom & Kersten Hubbard plus their Son Ryanand his Girlfriend Tayloraboard Tiburon
Court & Kim Krumvieda and Dog: Diamond aboardEagle’s Wings(new members)
John & Kerstin Hilton, accompanied by Jeannine Bramstedt aboard New Shoes
Jeff & Laura Condit aboard Noname’
Duane & Gina Rubash and Dog: Maggie aboard Salish Mermaid
Russ & Bonnie Opthof and Dog: Abby aboard Vaya Con Dios(new members)
Pierre & Terry Michel and Dog(s) Rex and Cruz aboard Wild Duck
Mike & Ruth Murray and Grand Dog: Twilight aboard Wings of Gold
Members joining the festivities by land were:
Brian & Mary Scott
Ben & Emmelie Stewart
Carol Jones accompanied by Chris and Sonny Jones
Ray & Debra Valpey and Dog: Clover
Buzz & Tish Greenman
Jim & Vicki Carey
Friday’s Meet and Greet began about 1600 hours in the activity shelter. Conversations were buzzing as members snacked on a variety of hors d’ oeuvres and beverages. Visiting was such fun that no one wanted to leave for dinner so a large order for Chinese food to go was placed. Pot Luck to go, you might say, as members passed around their orders for everyone to try.
In a heartfelt moment, Jeannine Bramstedt was presented with a certificate of lifetime membership for the service to HAPS that she and husband, Billperformed over many, many years. Jeannine brought a photo board that shared with us many of the activities Bill was involved in. A few stories were shared, and Mike Murrayreminded us that the Bramstedt’s boat, J. Michellehad the notable distinction of being one of the few boats ever struck by a deer. As a trailerable vessel the J. Michelle is exposed to risks most of our fleet is not. As many of you know Bill passed away this year in March and will be greatly missed.
The evening was capped off with a showing of the classic seafaring film, Captain Ron. “If anything’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen out there…”
Saturday began in the activity shelter with coffee and a continental breakfast. The shoppers in the crowd made a beeline for the Des Moines Farmer’s Market held in the parking lot above the marina. Lots of beautiful fresh fruit, jewelry, and clothing were on display, and plenty of full shopping bags made their way back to the boats.
Meanwhile Gina Rubashinspired the model builders in the crowd to paint and assemble little sailboats from the Dollar Store. The creativity was marvelous! No paint by the numbers in this crowd. The painting and conversation went on for hours.
Some members ventured out in the afternoon for a several mile walk to explore the old church camp grounds that are now known as Beach Park.
While we were blessed with favorable weather, the only sails hoisted were for maintenance purposes in the marina. Nonamé was having some issues with her main sail being difficult to unfurl, so a number of the technically inclined gathered to problem solve and grease the furling mechanism.
Saturday night’s dinner was a potluck. The sheer number of crock pots filled with tasty entries was impressive. And let’s not forget dessert!
Sunday morning was a bit overcast and cold, so we were slow to rise and shine. Continental breakfast was again served, and we began to say our good byes before an early departure to catch a favorable tide.
A great weekend was had by all, and a big thank you is in order to hosts, Duane and Gina Rubash.