SailingKnitter

So, here we are staying at the Howard Johnson's in Puerto Vallarta while the trusty Niki Wiki get's her bottom sanded, scraped and puttied and the hotel doesn't provide washcloths! What's a gal to do? Well, if you're a knitter with a large stash of yarn you know exactly what you'd do - go knit!!!

And as long as you're knitting - write up the pattern for all of the nice folks over at the Holiday Mystery Gifts Yahoo! and call it something special like "Simple & Elegant Spa Cloths". Yep, no dishrags here - although that's what they'll probably end being used as back on the boat, but "spa cloths" sound so much more inviting, doesn't it? I've actually finished a 3rd cloth, but won't be posting the photo here as it would ruin the "mystery" for the group. So here are photos of the Basketweave and Gansey Style designs.

For our future transportation pleasure, we bought a used kayak from a retired cruiser! This is going to be so much fun when we (finally) get out cruising next week. Last season, we just had the dinghy, which is fine, but it got a little scary when we had to land it through the surf. I don't mind getting wet as much as I mind getting the engine's prop running anywhere near my fleshy body!! Folks have been killed by their dinghy props this way.

This is a 2-man kayak and we have the paddles and the seats for it - all ready to go. Of course, the best part is that now we really look like cruisers with the kayak lashed to the bow. Well, Jonesy says we do look like cruisers (sailboat trash) if you get up close. But the kayak adds bonus points.

Also note the fine blue hatch cover made from Sunbrella fabric on the bow near the kayak. It was one of my jobs last summer to sew up an assortment of covers for the boat. It was so extremely hot and humid, I whined, and Jonesy got the local canvas guy to whip up some covers! Yeah, I know, the windlass up at the anchor is still exposed metal - I've got some pieces cut out and just have to sew them...I'm working on it...I swear...right after I knit this last row...