September Cruise - Avalon

Ahoy All!

For September’s Cruise we did a “Around the World” theme featuring food and music from several places around the world including South Africa, France, Italy, Ireland, and Mexico!

Attending our cruise were cruise captains Cindy, Steve & guest(Liquid Therapy); co-captains Milton & Wanda and guests; Mike & Donna Groves & guests(Moist Obsession), David & Monique (Reel NautiToo); Chip & Christie (Panacea); Dell & Barb(Patina); Mike Sandler & guest(Sandbar); George, Sheri, & Staci(Three Sheets); Ron & Cindy(Liberty Bell); Drew, Natalie & guests(Big Wally); along with future members Rod and Tammi(50+’ Cat); 10 boats in all!

Once again, given the Covidrestrictions all our public gatherings were conducted via dinghy and social distancing was honored by all!

Friday Evening

The cruise kicked off Friday evening with a traditional South African Beef Curry provided by Wanda & Milton, which was excellent with just the right amount of spice,  served in traditional style with bananas and a sweet chutney.  Awesome stuff!

Saturday

Saturday morning started with a visit to France & Ireland.  Cindy & Steve, along with niece Lindsey, Carmen, & Grace severed homemade Éclairs, Ham & Cheese Croissants and Chocolate Croissants accompanied by  Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and the crowd favorite, Irish Pancakes (Jameson, Butterscotch Schnapps, Orange Juice and Bacon

The meal was then followed by a South African favorite, Springbokkies, a sweet shot comprised of Crème de Menthe and Amarula(creamy South African Liquor served by Wanda’s niece Carman and friend Grace. Of course a cocktail from Milton wouldn’t be complete without a traditional South African toast and the always familiar shout of “Cocktails!”

Saturday afternoon was lunch in Italy, where everyone enjoyed meatball subs, homemade pasta salad and cannolis.  Just after breakfast Cindy sent out a “Get to know your membership” trivia game, so during lunch we all got to learn something about each other we didn’t before. It was enlightening and little scary!  After lunch the group split up to enjoy some relaxation time……

A few others however, Milton, Carmen, Grace, Christie, and Tammi, joined me on a little snorkeling safari in a area I scoped out a few days before, just off a diving buoy somewhere between Willow Cove and Gallagher Beach, I think just SE of ToyonBay.  

The water was 71° and visibility seemed endless as you could see about 80’ in any direction and down to 60+’.  The area next to the rocks was about 15’-20’ which made it quite accessible to swim down and check out the critters.  It was a stellar day, we encountered lobster, schools of bait fish, garibaldi, a green turtle, and even a harbor seal!  If you’re ever in that area I highly recommend it.

Check out the video at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCta62RUQM&t=17s

Later Saturday afternoon after snorkeling, Chip & Christie kicked off happy hour by hosting an impromptu trip to Mexico with a Tequila tasting…good stuff!!!! 

Given the restrictions of LA county we found it very difficult to make reservations for a large group, so we thought it would be best if we gave everyone an opportunity to do theirown thing for Saturday dinner.  If you haven’t been lately, most all the beach front restaurants have gone native and are now serving dinner on the beach, which honestly they should have done before, it’s very ”islandy”.

Sunday

Sunday morning rolled around early, as it always seems to do.  Everyone made their rounds saying their goodbyes and most headed home safely, though we stayed till Monday and the Latins headed west up the coast to the Isthmus.  

Sawhorses

We awarded one Sawhorse this cruise, and it went to Del.  As Del will tell the story, he got into his dinghy and started to drift away until he realized he forgot Barbie, and more importantly, his cocktail.  What he probably won’t tell you is that he got back to Patina by paddling with his flip flop!  Hmmm???  Did he just want a little exercise or did someone forget the dinghy keys?  The group decided it was the latter and awarded him with him his very own Sawhorse.  

Special thanks to Milton & Wanda for helping us plan the cruise and providing a great dinner.  An additional shout out to the Threlkeldsfor their Tequila Tasting as well!  And last but not least, a big thank you to Lindsey, Carmen, & Grace for all their help and providing service with a smile!

All in all it was a great turn out and we had a lot fun.  Thanks to everyone for participating and making it such a great cruise! 

- Cruise Hosts Steve & Cindy Fiorillo and Milton & Wanda Stone