Winter Wonders

In the last few days of run up before the end of 2017, it is a good time to reflect on the good times of the past year and look ahead to 2018. Feet up, hot beverage in hand, watching out the window as the inevitable winter freeze takes a hold of the landscape, the mind goes back to the warm water and steady breeze of the summer.

It is easy to forget the days of rain in the spring, the stifling heat of July, the air choking smoke from the forest fires, and the endless hours sitting on the beach or on your boat waiting for the wind to blow at some regatta. Ah, but remember that big blow at Osoyoos in '07 when, as you sailed downwind, the spray from crashing into the waves soaked everything on the boat all the way to the top of the mast as you hiked off the rear doghouse, toes barely hooked in the straps, rudders singing, and how the bow tube would smash into the back of the odd wave bringing everything to a momentary, screeching halt only to release and begin the whole sequence again?

[caption id="attachment_801" align="alignnone" width="533"] Race start just before the big blow in '07[/caption]

Maybe the pirate battle comes to mind, a giant water fight with the junior sailors at Lake Newell in '13 as we waited for wind in the heat of that July day. Cooled everyone off and kept the adults away from John's wine.

[caption id="attachment_799" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Pirate battle of '13[/caption]

Around these parts, winter has slowly arrived with ski hills now open but eagerly awaiting the "big dump" of snow in order to really get going in time for Christmas break.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season and have a Happy New Year.

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