Cathlamet

I realize I am way behind on blog entries but, quite honestly, I have been so busy since we left Vancouver, I just haven’t had time to write anything beyond email. Now that Chris has written several blog entries I guess I’d better get busy. So…here’s number one:

Our stop in Cathlamet for the “Sea of Cortez Cruisers Rendezvous” was a welcome respite after 6 weeks of an asphalt pad in an RV park where no one wanted to get acquainted. I have been very surprised at the difference between those who “cruise” on land and those who cruise on water. As I have mentioned in previous posts, “boat cruisers” form very strong, intimate connections almost immediately when they meet. When they see each other again it is like “old home week” as if you had been separated for years. On the other hand, RVer’s tend to pretty much keep to themselves. After 6 weeks of living in an RV park…in the long term area…we had met only 2 people and that was just because I walked over to the clubhouse one morning and barged into their conversation. Still, after that, there was no further interaction with these folks. I like to think I am a fairly fun person but this foray into the RV world has left me wondering if, perhaps, I am just pushy.

We had a great time catching up with several friends we have cruised with in Mexico and meeting others who are on their way. Everyone was suffering a little from the chill as it is clear that fall is in the air and, those of us who spend winters south of the border seem to have thinner blood. At any rate, all were getting excited about the warm days coming up in Mexico before long.

Our friends, Mike & Pat, from Vancouver, sailed in on their boat, “Somehow”, while we were in Cathlamet and we were able to share a couple meals and play a game of Mexican Train with them.

If you haven’t been to Cathlamet, WA, it should go on your bucket list. It was an easy walk to town which is quaint and a little funky. The residents are friendly, helpful and sometimes a little quirky as is typical of most small towns. I would guess that this is one of those places where the residents still leave their doors unlocked.

The views from the trailer were stunning and wildlife abounds. For us, it was especially interesting to see the entrance channel (at low, low tide) from the land side after we had negotiated it by boat 2 years ago. Quite a few of the cruisers went out kayaking one beautiful morning on glass smooth water. If only I had my new kayak I could have joined them. Sigh… Well, maybe next year.