After breakfast at Pine Peaks, we launched the boat and I made my little contribution to the effort by driving the Traverse and trailer back from the ramp to Manhattan Beach. This is the task that filled me with terror as recently as two years ago, so I'm inordinately proud of this achievement that could easily be managed by a new driver.
We were eager to get out on the lake, empty now, except for a few fishermen. Ever optimistic, I wore long pants and several jacket layers over my swimsuit (how crazy am I?), I took my favorite spot in the bow. John, Trudy and the boys soon joined us, but by then the sky was totally overcast and while the boat ride was fun, we were all chilled and returned to the dock before noon.
We all -- Bob, Scott, Meggan, John, Trudy, Adam, Mitchell, Chris and I -- spent the afternoon on the grass on chairs borrowed from the restaurant patio. In the early afternoon, we were joined by Matt Beam and his girlfriend, Leann. Scott and Adam hauled over a portable fire ring We gathered firewood and Scott built a fire; the resort dock staff weren't working in the inclement weather but there were plenty of boats looking for space, so Mitchell entertained himself with dock boy duties that earned him $13, as well as a good education in customer service. One of Mitchell's customers, a former dock boy himself, taught him to tie what looked like a clove hitch. I was disappointed not to be on the water, but the afternoon was very pleasant and entertaining.
We woke up to more rain and I don't think the forecast of 80+ degrees is accurate. Everyone else is packing up to leave but we are scheduled to stay another night. With wind, more rain and T-storms in store later in the day, I would rather go home, but of course traffic may be horrendous and we may stay the night, as planned.