It’s an interesting sight seeing kids running up and down the docks in La Cruz.  When we first arrived, there were several families getting ready for the puddle jump, and the docks were busy with lots of kids ranging from 4-12 on their scooters.  I call the following picture the Scooter Gang.

Imagine the different education these kids get from sailing, meeting new people, and learning first-hand about life and geography.  How cool would it be for every student to have this chance.

And then there is the one child you get a chance to connect with, and it’s a treat to have this little person around.  For us, this is Quinn.  We first met Quinn when he and his parent docked across from us on their boat, Isis.  Quinn’s dad, Burke, pulled out a mandolin and began playing while Quinn took up his harmonica and accompanied him.  I introduced myself to Quinn’s mom, Kacey, and she said, “You look like you have some music in you” and promptly ran back to their boat to bring out Quinn’s bongo set.    I was a bongo virgin and had never “jammed” with anybody although my claim to fame is 6 years playing bass drum, so when Burke said, “Drum solo!” I almost jumped in the water (and it’s yucky water!), however, I finished my first solo and returned the drums back to the proper owner.  Quinn’s harmonica was really quite good.  We got to know Quinn and his parents well while they were fixing things on their boat before heading out to eventually go to Hawai’i.

On the local cruiser’s channel (it’s like a party line phone for boaters where people call and connect to one another), someone mentioned that the next day was Pi day, so be sure to eat pie on 3/14 at 1:59 (those who know their mathematics know that Pi is 3.1459 plus a bunch of other numbers).  I was discussing this with Quinn’s mom Kacey, and we decided that we should make pie on her boat for Pi day because Thane says I am the best pie baker and Kacey was a willing student.  Another cruiser friend, Liz,  also had a great pie recipe, so great that she made if for her boyfriend–now husband–on their 3^rd date—it worked it’s magic on him.  So the three of us made 2 apple pies with Quinn’s help.  Who says you can’t make pie on a boat?!  The men brought in lunch for us hardworking women and afterwards we all ate pie and went into “pie coma”!

Before Quinn and his parents left, we had a chance to make paper airplanes, paper hats, paper boats, and pinwheels.  We taught Quinn the time-honored game of Pooh Sticks as well.  On their last day at the docks, I made a banana cream pie for them.  Quinn helped with the whipped cream and decorating the pie. 

We were sad to see them leave, but know that Quinn will grow into his wonderful personality with the guidance of his great parents.  Safe travels and fair winds to the souls aboard Isis.