This proa is pointy at both ends and will have an outrigger for stability.

The top will be partially enclosed to hold styrofoam floatation. The eighth inch hull will be glassed inside and out.

Boat in the basement

I have been wanting to build a sail boat for years now and just like anything else, "if you don't start, you'll never get it done." So after years of looking at photos and designs I finally started putting wood together. It is about 15 feet long and two feed wide and deep so far. The outrigger will be attached later when the weather warms up.

Cold fun

A quick visit to the beach on a winter day lets us see some alternatives to surfing in cold waters. Strong winds hitting the line of dunes diagonally give thrilling low and fast rides. John, a highly experienced paraglider, makes his way back to the launch area in this shot. He says onshore winds would put more people in the air and allow for much higher flying. In some areas, people make flights as long as 100 miles.

Think warm thoughts

Snow clings to everything and low temperatures keep it there.

Think warm thoughts by creating a packing list for travel to a tropical beach.

What items would make it to the top of your priority list?

How would you spend your time there?

What steps could you take to make the most of your trip?

Snow blown dunes

Frozen dunes will give way to warm powdery sands in just a few short weeks as we make our way to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Members going on this trip must get the last payments in over the next two pay periods. Reminder to all to bring extra money to cover purchases of gifts, snacks, tips and exit fees.

Think warm thoughts.

Pray for surf.

Winter days

Due to the cold and general lack of sunshine, blogging about the beach tends to get neglected. December 21st delivered these nice rollers with horse heads and back spray.

Checking my email from peace corps friends led me to this site where a former volunteer now resides. Having lived in that area as a young teen, the photos stir up those old memories. My parents recall it differently stating that despite appearances, there is no paradise. Perhaps paradise is where we make it.

Morning after the storm

This beautiful morning after the weekend storm shows a flattened beach and a shallow bar offshore. The waves at high tide caused slumping of the dunes and littered the beach with seaweed and huge amounts of fishing gear. New additions to my collection include three fishing floats and a huge fishing ball to make a perfect ball swing.

Every day moves us closer to our surf club trip to Costa Rica.