So here's the boat being more complete. Just a few more strips to go. I'm using shorter, narrower strips to make fitting and bending easier. Maybe someday I'll learn to steam the wood for easy bending.
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.
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.
Snow clings to everything and low temperatures keep it there. 
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. 
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. 
