“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.”
Mary Davis

It seems like a miracle that 2020 is finally coming to an end, but here we are!

Miraculously, scientists have worked at lightning speed to create the vaccines that are being distributed as I write this. I can finally see the light at the end of the long, long tunnel and a start back to normalcy. It won’t happen overnight, and I am continuing to do my part by limiting social contact, wearing my mask, washing my hands, and getting in line for a vaccine as soon as it is available to the general public. I am moving forward into 2021 with an attitude of cautious optimism and a goal to get out and move!

When Covid-19 began, we were heading into spring, a more conducive time to being outdoors. Now, as winter begins, we find ourselves typically more homebound and doing more inside activities. I am guilty of staying indoors during the darker winter months in any given year. My 2021 New Year’s resolution is to get out, get moving and explore nature this winter.  I think we all have to — for our mental health!

The Olympic Peninsula offers so many beautiful beaches and trails to enjoy.  We are lucky to live in the PNW where we have a moderate climate year round. Washington Trails Association’s website offers a plethora of Olympic National Park trails, whether you’re looking for a day walk or a vigorous, heart-pounding hike. Continue reading →

“Home for the holidays” brings to mind images of our family and friends gathering together, sharing feasts, giving thanks, and celebrating with our own unique traditions.  As a child, I remember special days at grandma and grandpa’s house with cousins, aunts and uncles.  As a young adult, home for the holidays meant my parents’ house, the hustle and bustle of meal preparations, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games on the TV. Now, in my senior years, it means our kids arriving home, bringing their own kids, to honor old traditions and make new ones.

This year, “Home for the holidays,” has a new meaning– staying home and staying safe.  We can find creative ways to stay connected to our loved ones and put a fresh spin on our beloved traditions- that could be sharing a slice of pie over Zoom, making sure the Menorah shines in the window for others to see or putting a stocking stuffed with toys in the mail. As we look to ring in the new year and the prospect of a vaccine glimmers on the horizon, we can choose to focus on staying healthy and keeping everyone safe. While not something we can wrap in paper or put under a tree, these are real and true gifts. Continue reading →

Any seasoned sailor will tell you, that no matter the course plotted or what the expected weather report may be, there comes a time where you may need to adjust the sails to accommodate a shift in the winds.

After attending Fleet Captain Elizabeth’s Zoom Cruise Planning session on October 10th, I’m excited and ready to sign up for ALL of the cruises planned.  Pivoting our Cruise Planning to the fall allows more opportunities for locations and successfully getting reservations for the dates we wish.

Your health safety was an important factor while planning these cruises (besides having fun, of course).  We will abide by whatever the CDC guidelines and recommendations are at the time of each cruise.  Since the future of large gatherings is still unknown for 2021, we will not plan any large potlucks that PTYC typically funded on our past cruises.  Instead, we will call the 2021 cruising year, “Organized Buddy Boating with our PTYC Friends.”  Your Buddy Boating Organizer will make the reservations and plan the activities.  Continue reading →