Crossing Paths in California

We must be the luckiest travelers on earth! We continue to visit places all over the United States and enjoy the wonderful opportunity to run into friends along the way. Some are old friends and some are new, but each experience is overwhelmingly special.

We are in Los Angeles for the West Edge Trade Show. We're staying at the Inn at Playa del Rey, close to the beach and away from the bustle of the city. Yesterday, I had lunch with one of my oldest friends, Shelley Wood. Shelley and her partner Peter took us on a crazy sailing adventure from Bermuda to Mystic, Connecticut after the Newport to Bermuda race in 1985. We had a memorable voyage which included a "storm of the century" 50 miles off of Montauk Point We survived 20 foot seas with a whole lot of prayer. The storm almost derailed my desire to cruise on a sailboat again. After many years reliving this trip through repeating the details of our crossing, it has become an impressive tale of our courage and prowess instead of a terrifying one of a near death experience. We spent a lot of time with Peter and Shelley at their homes in Noank, and North Stonington, Connecticut.

Shelley and Kathy Wood with Beth

Shelley & Kathy at the Inn
at Playa del Rey

We really enjoy our visits to microbreweries when we travel. Here in Playa del Rey we make a stop at Firestone Walker Brewery. Both the food and the brew are great! The Buffalo Cauliflower and veggie pest pizza are fabulous!

http://www.firestonebeer.com/

The other microbrewery we enjoy the Santa Monica Brew Works. One of my oldest friends, Bobbette Barber Clapsaddle has a connection. Her son, Dominic, is the assistant Brew Master. We arrived right after it opened and went up to the bar to order a beer, both choosing a lovely light porter. Dave mentioned that we would like to talk to Dominic and were directed to his table just a few feet away. I walked up to him and introduced myself, "Hi, I'm from Mystic, Connecticut and I know your mama!" Dominic was so friendly and welcoming, offering us a tour of the brewery and spending a lot of time chatting with us. He reminded me of his mom, especially his warm, eye twinkling smile! I met Bobbette in 7th grade at Cutler Junior High School. She has remained one of my favorite people of all time. I was so excited to send her a photo of me with Dominic! Visiting with Dominic and Santa Monica Brew Works was a treat!

http://santamonicabrewworks.com/

Bourbon Barrels

Dominic and Beth
Santa Monica Brewing Works

We were able to connect with Billy Wildman this trip. Billy sold us his Alberg 35, Tractatus in 2012. We discovered that she'd originally been named Mystic, so we renamed her, in part, so we could say we were going to "Mystic" each weekend. Billy lives in Malibu and runs a fabulous yogurt shop with his wife. We drove up to Malibu along the Pacific Coast highway and stopped in for a frozen treat. We sat outside enjoying the ice cream and the sunny day when who walks by but Bill! I recognized him right away and yelled "hello"! He shot us a beaming grin then joined us in the sun to catch up. It was so good to see him!

Dave with Billy Wildman

Billy with Beth
at Malibu Yogurt

We cherish each experience, connection and challenge we've faced on this journey. Our year has been filled with a lot of gifts, mainly in the form of friendships! Life has been very kind to us!