Turkey Day Without the Turkey

Just as extended families all over America travel long distances to be together for Thanksgiving, extended members of the cruising ‘family’-  who have already traveled long distances – also come together to celebrate this American holiday. In Mexico, the largest gatherings are in Mazatlan,  La Paz and PV. But there are also smaller rendezvous in more out-of-the way places. Like Isla Isabella, where this photo was taken.

The folks in the photo represent six boats — Snow Goose, Capricorn Cat, Solstice, Eupsychia, La Sirena and Endless Summer. Some were recent participants in the Baja Ha-Ha cruiser’s rally; some were new friends made since the Ha-Ha, which ended in Cabo on November 10. The sailors ranged in age from 22-year-old Heather Corsaro of Eupsychia to 70-year-old Lynn Bolkar of Endless Summer.

“Dinner consisted of fish and enchiladas, fish and crab, fish and fish — and more fish,” writes Cherie Sogsti. There were also lots of other goodies, and one conspicious absence: “The only thing we didn’t have was turkey!

But of course Thanksgiving isn’t all about food. At sunset, the crews of all six boats gathered at the bow of Capricorn Cat and, one by one, each person voiced what they were most thankful for. Subjects ranged from health (beating cancer) to “watermakers that finally worked.” As a group, all were grateful for this very special Thanksgiving, celebrated under warm, star-studded skies while living the cruising dream.

Together for Thanksgiving 2007 were: (Snow Goose – Mapleleaf 50) Mike McIntyre, Greg Retkowski, Cherie Sogsti; (Capricorn Cat – Hughes 45 catamaran) Wayne Hendryx, Carol Baggerly, Mary Forrest; (Solstice – Sceptre 41) John Forbes, Shirlee Smith, Martha Marie, Marzen the dog; (Eupsychia – Cal 36) David Addleman, Heather Corsaro; (La Sirena – Gaff schooner) Glenn Burch, Rick Laska; (Endless Summer – ferrocement ketch) Deloris & Lynn Bolkar, Steven & Jayce Fowler.