Back in San Diego

On Monday, 10/17, we returned from our trip up north. Rich and I flew to Portland to visit with Jesse, Rae and Sarah. It was fun to hear them talk about their jobs. Jesse is busy doing software integration at Thetus. Sarah is a lab technician at Revolt Technologies where they are developing zinc air batteries for cars. Rae is working at a lab at OSHU doing research with flies. We are very proud of them. Jesse tried a new recipe involving a hollowed out pumpkin, bread and gruyere cheese. It was very tasty.

We also took the opportunity while we were there to do some shopping. I picked up 6 containers of the coffee I like that they sell at Costco in Portland but not in California. Rich got some shorts at the Columbia Sportswear outlet store. We looked at inflatable kayaks but decided we were not ready to buy yet.

We also splurged and bought an IPad 2. We have been thinking of getting one for a while especially after seeing how Tucker and Victoria Bradford of SV Convivia are using it for their navigation.  They are using the IPad app, iNavX, with a Brookhouse imux that takes NMEA 0183 data and transmits it wirelessly to the IPad. Navionics Gold charts are available for a lot less than on other systems. iNavX also overlays gribs and AIS data. We purchased a wireless transmitter from DMK Yachts Instruments which supports NMEA 0183 and 2000. When I get it running, I will write more about it.

We also drove up to Tacoma to visit with my mother, Leah. She was not feeling well so we stopped by another day to check on her. She does not remember us but on the second visit she was pleasant and in a good mood even though our conversations a one sided for the most part, I talk and she sometimes asks a simple question.

In Seattle we made the rounds picking up our mail, dropping off and picking up stuff at the storage unit, shopping at the marine stores, and visiting with friends, etc. We also had doctors’ appointments for annual exams and shots. Poor Rich suffered an allergic reaction to his pneumonia shot which gave him the chills and shakes. He is glad you only have to have the shot once.

There is still no word on the Subaru. We rented a car to drive up to Seattle with and Sarah took the train up to Seattle to meet us. She attended a Steampunk convention in Bellevue. We exchanged the rental car to her so she would have a vehicle until they find the Subaru or not. Rich and I took the train back to Portland and a visit before our return to San Diego.

Now we are back and it is time to get the boat and ourselves ready for the Baja Ha-Ha rally which leaves on Monday, October 24.