Photo - "Mi Toyota" My primary means of transportation within the yacht club and surrounding area.

It was great to return to LONE STAR late last week, and find her safe and sound. She was moved to the opposite side of the finger pier and a mooring was added to her bow to help hold her off. We are moored near the entrance breakwater and exposed to the wakes from the daily traffic.

I was able to clear my two bags of spare parts including a new injection pump, DVD player, stereo, printer, and numerous other spare parts and equipment. I was charged a hefty fifty percent duty on all parts. I did not have the original invoices so they accepted my moderate estimate of the original value. My attempts to have it pass duty free, fell on deaf ears. It was pay it and get on my way, or leave it. They were not overly concerned about the value, they just wanted something.

The weather has been perfect since arrival. Highs in the mid seventies and lots of sunshine. After opening seacocks, and turning the refrigeration on, I hopped on my bicycle (which needed air in the tires), and peddled my way to the supermarket to load up on a few provisions. Yesterday, I installed the new DVD player and stereo and it works fine except for not being able to adjust the volume on the DVD player. I plan to review the installation and hopefully find the problem.

I will meet with the varnish crew Monday, and start arrangements to move the boat to the work area and get this massive project underway. We plan to strip most all the exterior varnish, repair any open seams, and re-varnish with ten coats. I was told we are allowed to strip while in the water, so long as the peeled varnish does not fall into the marina water. They really keep this place clean, and make sure that everyone else does.

It was great to see so many friends while at home and always nice to have a full social calender. Some of the highlights were spending a week with Paul Bregenzer at the Fort Worth Boat Club helping with the Sundance Cup, an international women's match racing event sailed in J-22's. Joining Matt at the club to give a one hour presentation of our trip around South America. A great afternoon sail with Merv, Jeannie, Doc, Ann, Lori on their boat SEACUPS. Lunch with dear friend Gywn at Ninfa's on Navigation. A weekend with John Geddie on his Grand Banks 42 SOMAT. Ann's 60th birthday party, and seeing her daughters, Nancy and Elizabeth. My nephew Michael's birthday party. Dinner and wine tasting with Doc. Easter Sunday with Bo and his family. Cooking on the grill at my townhouse with friends stopping by. And to top it all off, picking up my Mother and bringing her back home!