Bottom Scrubbers

The seals and sea lions are everywhere. It hasn't gotten old. I can't imagine it ever getting old. It still surprises me when we walk down the pier and they are stretched out on the benches. They seem so human. Today I had to walk around a mother as she was nursing her baby seal....in the middle of the side walk. They seem to be stretched out whereever they can find a nice piece of shade or some sun to bask in. All of the old abandoned boats in the bay are covered with them. Yesterday Gromit gave us a call and let us know that it looked like we had a vistor in our kayak. We all ran out on deck and sure enough there was the cutest baby seal sitting in it. He looked right up at us as if to say, "Can you pass me the paddle?". We were so pleased to have him as a vistor. Unfortunately this morning when the kids went to get in the kayak it was punctured all over the place. The seals must of been biting at it. It is beyond repair. So sad, we really enjoyed the kayak.

The kids have been scrubbing the bottom of the boat the last couple of days. There is a thick layer of green hair all around and mixed with that is tons of barnacles. They had to first scrub at the seaweed and then take a scrapper to the barnacles. The water is pretty cold and it has been pretty windy. They have been real troupers but I think it is only because Graham said he would pay them $25 bucks. It is hilarious to listen to the two of them. Alex just wants to get it done and Amelia is nervous about the seals. She keeps freaking Alex out and then they fight and then Graham yells, "The reason I am paying you is so that I don't have to listen to you guys fight". I am just thrilled I don't have to get in, so I am staying out of it!

The other night we had the Gromits and a couple of other boats over for happy hour/evening. It was great. We all made appetizers and had a feast. We had so many new dishes to taste....cruisers love to cook and eat.

Today we leave for Isabella. It is only an over night sail. Artemo is all ready to go. We will only spend a couple days there before leaving for Marquesas. I can't believe it is only a few days away til we do the sail that has caused me the most sleepness nights and worry, since Graham came home with this idea!!!! I feel so differently about it now but it is still occupying my thoughts. I do actually feel excited. Kinda like that feeling you get on your way to the airport. I keep reminding myself about all the good parts, like the fact that you get to relax underway and no more shopping or running around or spending money. Life gets a whole lot easier.