Good-Bye Ventura

Today was a little bitter-sweet.  After twenty months of having our boat in Ventura, we emptied out the Testa Dura of all of our personal belongings and readied her for the cruise back to a yacht brokerage in Alameda, California.  This picture is of us leaving Ventura. 

Well, not really, it is actually John and I taking her to the fuel dock so that when the hired captain arrives to take her north, she'll be ready to go.  But, you get the picture.  It was most likely the last time I will drive Testa Dura after owning her for six years.  We are excited to start our loop adventure aboard Once Around, but we will miss the old gal.

More than Testa Dura we will miss "my particular friend" John and his wife Linda aboard the Poseidon.  John has been part mentor part Godfather and one of my best friends for many years.  Linda's gourmet cooking and hospitality is something we will surely miss as we travel the loop.  One of the loopers we met said always invite great cooks to join you on your trip.  Linda is on top of that list!  If you think I am kidding, just visit her blog and website.  It is linked on our home page under "Poseidon Galley".

Since John and Linda have lived aboard Poseidon in Ventura for many years they have a great circle of friends, who adopted Carrie and me the minute we arrived nearly two years ago!  Bonnie and Curtis, Bobby and Cynthia and all the others are serious boaters and wonderful folks.  We will miss you all.

And Bobby, take care of our buddy while I'm gone.