Freewinds Haul-in

Today the Freewinds was hoisted back in the water after a six-month out-of-the water, major, extensive, project. She is essentially a new boat! For an idea of what was done and to help define 'extensive,' compare the image of the haul-out back in April. The team at CSR has done a super job. Check out more shots on our Photobucket site.

Freewinds 11.7.08

Jack & Woody

Earlier this week Jack was in San Francisco for a training session at the SF Adobe office and was able to hook up with his second cousin – Steve ‘Woody’ LaBounty. Due to the wonders of the internet Woody was able to connect with Jack a couple years ago. Then we were really fortunate last year when Woody and his wife Nancy and daughter Miranda stopped in for a short visit to our house where we met face to face.

Woody runs a really intriguing non-profit in San Francisco called the Western Neighborhoods Project. This is a group dedicated to preserving, yup; you guessed it…the history of the western neighborhoods of San Francisco. This included earning the prestigious Governor’s Award for preserving a number of 1906 Earthquake Refugee shacks. Jack even had the privilege of attending the group’s Monday night Meet-up at the famous Cliff House restaurant. Woody is providing a great service to that community - it is exciting to see history and culture preserved so that anyone in the world can access it.

Goodbeach October 2008

Recently the Brenchley Family spent five days on Whidbey Island at Goodbeach (see also April 07 & July 08 blogs). Here are some links to our adventures captured on pictures and video...
At Goodbeach : Colin in the bay; Caleb and a log.
At Fort Ebey: Playing at Pt. Partridge beach and Battery 248 (aka Used).
At Ebey's Landing: Playing at the beach.
At Fort Casey: Exploring Battery Trevor; Hiking down the bluff to play at the beach.
Video wrap-ups: Rilla & Cian; Colin; Emma; Caleb. See these and more at our Photobucket site.

Fort Casey (with Admiralty Head lighthouse in background) 10.5.08

Meeting Dino Rossi

Last night Gail and I went to see Dino Rossi, who is running for Governor (again) here in Washington State. We voted for him in the 2004 election (…we have to assume that our votes were counted correctly) and after the disappointing election proceedings (or I should say ballot mishandling...how do you find trays of ballots just sitting around?), we bought his book, Lessons in Leadership which gives a unique glimpse into his life. So it was an honor to meet him and his wife Terry last night.

Ashland Lakes Hike

Labor Day this year included a hike to the Ashland Lakes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest accessible from the Mountain Loop highway. The trip included Gail's family: the Ostlings up the street; Beverly; as well as Ray (who is visiting from Pensacola); and Amy our neighbor who is friends with Kyna. The hike was a good, challenging, 3+ mile hike one way. The littlest hikers, Rilla & Cian, did pretty well. Good thing we had the baby carrier - both needed assistance - though it just added to the challenge for Mom & Dad! The wet summer we had didn't make this the family friendly trail that all the reviews insisted on. Overall it was a good hike and everyone had a good time even if in the picture below Jack doesn't look so happy while lunching at a pristine alpine lake ("Hey, we still have 3 miles to hike out ahead of us!").

Ashland Lakes Hike 9.1.08

GC Camp 2008

This year Caleb and his cousin Kara went to the Church's GC camp at Warm Beach. Here is a (very brief) clip of Caleb playing dodge ball.


GC Camp 2008 (Junior High) - Day Two Recap from Generation Church on Vimeo.

Soccer Camp

Caleb, Emma, and Colin, attended the NW Soccer Academy camp this week. Here is Emma's artwork titled, "Go Team!"

"Go Team" by Emma (9)