To say we've had a busy year in 2006 would be putting it mildly. We have had a number of memorable trips to some interesting and diverse destinations. For instance, we spent a week in Newport, Oregon and then spent the next week on the Florida Gulf Coast at Destin, Florida. Too many highlights to cover, but I must recommend the Naval Aviation Museum & Flight Collection at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Plan a full day for this one!

In May, we were in El Salvador (in Central America) for a ten day visit while Darlene worked under the auspices of USAid at the U.S. Embassy. We travelled first cabin all the way with accomodations at the Hilton and VIP airport arrangements. Nice! We took an escorted tour through some Mayan ruins as well as a coffee plantation, and lots of scenic countryside. I can tell you we had a wonderful time, but the security situation in El Salvador is a factor to consider when travelling there. For a lower impact trip, you might try Memphis, Tennessee - yep you guessed it! Graceland!!! We were accompanied on this trip by my sister Colleen & her husband Gerry. A mighty fine time (even the Graceland bit) with a wonderful museum of art - which included a special Maxfield Parrish exhibit - and several very fine meals...Don't miss Gus's Chicken

While it may seem that we've been on the road all year, we have actually had a fair bit of company here at Foc'sl Cottage including Darlene's brother Bob & his wife Sue in August, my nephew Tom Gau for Canadian Tksday, followed by Skip & Gail (my older brother) for the American version. Lots of food (and a few cocktails) consumed...there's that food theme again!

Summer of '06 was fabulous; here at Cape San Juan and throughout the Islands - on BOTH sides of the dotted-line . We cruised north in Junovia for about five weeks. We were in company with our good friends Judi and Jack in their boat Majendie. We had wonderful weather and spectacular scenery in Desolation Sound and the areas north of B.C.'s Sunshine Coast. While we were in the area we stopped at Pender Harbour, Quadra Island, and a number of coves and inlets. Most of the time we anchored, with "marina" stops to get groceries, laundry or showers...we met many friends old and new during the trip and rendezvoused with three other sailboats from Canadian Forces Sailing Association at a secluded anchorage in Grace Harbour. Great fun, great friends, and great times! We will be cruising more in the future based on the very fine time we had this summer/fall.

Here are few pictures taken this fall...

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