May 27, 2014

Our memorial day was extra special because my ‘pseudo-estranged’ brother, Mike, and his mistress, (..okay girlfriend) 😉 Jessica, hung out with us in Boulder for a few days after their whirlwind 2-week binge through the American Southwest. Just like anyone who visits, we always try to give a little taste of the ‘Jake and Jill’ experience.

We woke up early to get a head start on cleaning the place (we are kind of pigs when left to our own demise) and get out to the rez to prep the boat and go for a sail. It was a perfectly warm and sunny morning, a little light on the wind-side, but still enjoyable. At around noon, we headed back to meet Jess and Mike, get their gear unpacked, clothes in the washer, and jump right back in the car to get on the water!

For a true ‘Jake and Jill’ experience, we need somewhat less than ideal conditions. That means inclement weather, lots of wind and rain…and we got it! I took Jess and Mike out to brave the wilds. Within about 20 minutes, the weather peaked to the limit of our little boat; meaning 15-20 MPH winds and whitecaps on the water. We were forced to drop the sails (which my novice crew performed splendidly) and paddle back to the dock.

 
After tying up the boat, we hung out on the dock as waves crashed and the storm brewed. We rode out the brunt of it in the scant foul-weather clothing that we brought, since we weren’t planning on rain. Sure enough, like most typical Boulder weather, the storm passed within just 25 minutes and the sun came back out…and so did we.

Since conditions improved so significantly, I thought it’d be fun for Jess to helm (steer) while Mike handled the jib and I managed the main. Soon Jess was tacking and jibing like a pro (under my expert instruction of course.) Jilly had to take one for the team (because 3 is the max our boat can sit comfortably) so she snapped some pictures of us; though apparently we were not very exciting to watch because she ended up with a slew of amazing wildlife pictures instead!

 
After we had our fill (and were sufficiently hungry) we went back home to whip up a delicious Indian feast of curry, veggies, tofu and homemade Naan and tea service for dessert. Yes yes yes…I know we are so lame…uhem I mean awesome! It was a really great night of food and great to catch up with the fam!

Until next time…Jake out.