LEAVING LAS VEGAS

Leaving Las Vegas is a bitter sweet experience. Starting the new cruising chapter is very exciting! Leaving the family, friends and creature comforts of "home" for eight months seems like a very long time. Now that we've accomplished everything necessary at home and are back on the boat, I'm realizing how valuable having family close is. Before we departed there was still some quality time to be had. While at home, we attended Gavin's 14th Birthday party, visited with Kally and saw her new car. I went to Taytem's school for their 2nd grade music program, and attended an important gymnastics meet with Makenzi and her parents, Seth and Kristin.  There was also time with all our children, not mentioned, Johnny, Shay, Michelle and Zane. 

Gavin 

Gymnast Makenzi took 2nd Place "Overall" 

 Makenzi with proud Mom and Dad

Shay & kids made boat blankets

Dinner with Michelle and Seth 

Johnny and Shay (her Birthday)

Zane crabbing with us, San Juan Islands 

We are missing our kids and grandkids. Times change. One of the trade offs of being is Portland is being so close to John's side of the family. Brother Mat, Liz and Audri live in Vancouver, Washington and John's Dad and brother Dave live in Moses Lake, WA. Each time we return to the boat we all get together. Those are wonderful visits. Once we pull out of Salpare Bay Marina, we will be relaying on guests to meet us at various and yet unknown destinations. 







With the trucked packed to the hilt, we pulled out Wednesday, 24 FEB 16 at the break of dawn. We won't be returning to Las Vegas until the winter. Making the 17 hour drive stright through this time. The sunrise offered up a full moon ver the Las Vegas mountain ranges, however the Skipper was not about to slow down for a photo op. We breezed past Goldfield and Tonopah, NV. First stop was in a quaint little town on the Toiyabe Mountain Range, called Austin. 320 miles later the summit is 6340. 

Main St.  Austin, NV

Northern Nevada Sunset