Grandkids, Storm Sail, Pups and Old Friends, June 11-22, 2019

World famous "Horseshoe Curve", just west of Altoona, PA

While Karen enjoyed a wonderful trip in Europe with her daughter, Allison, I spent a few days of slow travel aboard the train to visit my grandkids and old friends.  A bonus surprise was a sail with friends as a squall ran over our Catalina 25, trying to drive her onto a lee shore.  More about that later.

I spent the weekend getting reacquainted with Paul, Kelsey, Avery and Jesse, especially Avery as she is now 4 years old and a bundle of energy!

Avery, Paul, Kelsey, Jesse

Avery and Grandpa Murph both had a blast with the tire swing

After a wonderful Father's Day meal with Paul's family, I caught up with sailing friends at Lake Arthur.

Captain Jim Clark's Catalina 25, Magi's Mate

Keith, Murph, Capt. Clark, Bill as we set out on our sail

The Magi's Mate crew had been sailing all weekend, including a Friday afternoon sail and a late night sail on Friday.  Even though rain and thunderstorms were forecast as a possibility, we decided to venture out on Sunday.  It began wonderfully, but after an hour on the water, we could see the storm clouds racing in our direction.  We first thought we could head south and away from the blustery breeze, but the storm was faster than our 5 knot pace.

Bill caught Keith and I on video as we dashed about the boat to prevent the squall from driving us onto the lee shore.  As our efforts proved to be successful, the event felt like an exciting adventure, rather than anything worse.  Since there are no waves on small inland Lake Arthur, handling the boat is pretty straightforward.  Magi's Mate heeled in the strong breeze, but there was no bouncing, thanks to the flat water.

The sailing adventure was brief and fun, especially as we seemed to handle ourselves and the boat well.

On Tuesday morning I caught the train that would make the return trip, but I decided to make a two day stop at D.C. to visit Harry, Narjes, Shirley and their new pup, Cable, in Annapolis.

The "Horseshoe Curve" as the train took me to Philly, then D.C.

During the stopover in Philadelphia, there are impressive displays to help pass the time.  This is called "Spirit of Transportation."

Spirit of Transportation, 30th Street Station, Philadelphia

In Annapolis, I had a blast getting to know Cable.  At 45 pounds, she's still only half her adult size, so I'm certain she'll prove to be an exciting friend in the months to come!

Cable and CaptMurph

Our waitress captures Harry, Murph, Narjes and Shirley

A huge surprise 

Capt Jones, Murph

on the overnight leg of my train journey home took place after breakfast in the cafe car.  I was reading my book and realized someone had stopped at my table.  When I looked up, it was Capt Jeff Jones, a co-worker from Leopard Catamarans!  Although we've kept in touch occasionally at the boat shows, neither of us expected to see the other on this train trip.  Jeff was returning home to Ft. Lauderdale after delivering a sailboat from south Florida to Savannah, GA.  We enjoyed each other's company all morning long until I left the train in Orlando.

My days traveling north were wonderful as I caught up with family and friends, enjoying pups and adventure along the way.