Santa Barbara, California USA

The story of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, begins with the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, this “Queen of the Missions” stands as a testament to the area’s rich cultural heritage. Its twin bell towers and stunning architecture have become synonymous with the city’s character.

The city’s tumultuous history includes Zorro, the 1969 oil spill, the California Oil Spill and the burning of a Bank of America branch in Isla Vista in 1970, a reflection of the era’s social unrest and anti-establishment sentiments.

Venice Italy

Venice, Italy is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, art, culture, and stunning architecture, making it an ideal destination for a week-long stay. Here’s why you should consider spending a week in Venice and what you can expect to experience: Attractions and Activities Venice boasts numerous attractions that make it worth…

Panama Canal and Ballard Locks

From Panama’s tropics to Seattle’s bay, Two locks stand proud, in their own unique way. One spans oceans, a global trade key, The other links lakes to the Pacific’s spree.

Panama’s grandeur, a feat of its time, Gatun and Miraflores, engineering sublime. A pathway for giants, through jungle and heat, Connecting two worlds where oceans meet.

Ballard’s charm lies in a smaller scale, Freshwater to salt, boats set their sail. Fish ladders climb as salmon persist, Nature and man in a delicate tryst.

Both locks rely on gravity’s might, Raising and lowering vessels in flight. Water flows forth from reservoirs vast, A testament to progress that continues to last.

The Ring Cycle Operas

In Seattle’s halls, where Wagner once did reign, Frank and Lisa yearned for Ring’s refrain. From Rheingold’s depths to Walküre’s might,
Siegfried’s tale and Götterdämmerung’s light.

To Neuschwanstein they journeyed far, Where Ludwig’s dream touched every star. Wotan’s wisdom, Fricka’s grace, In stone and paint, each found its place.

Donner’s thunder, Freia’s youth, Loge’s cunning, Erda’s truth. Through arches round and towers high, Wagner’s world did touch the sky. In halls where Parsifal once sung, And Lohengrin’s sweet tale was spun, Our couple walked, their hearts aflame, With Ring’s grand vision all the same.

Now back in Seattle, hope burns bright, That opera’s stage will soon ignite. With sets as grand
as Ludwig’s dream, May Wagner’s Ring once more gleam. In this decade, let it be, The cycle whole for all to see. From Neuschwanstein’s lofty height,
To Seattle’s stage, Ring’s pure delight.

Tiquilla and Boys in the Boat

Below is a discussion of UW Husky rowing, a film and the director’s Tiquilla. History of the Pac-12 Conference The Pac-12 Conference, originally known as the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC), was founded in 1915. The PCC was the first iteration of what would become the Pac-12, with initial members including the University of California (Berkeley),…

Tinsley’s Summer Serenade

In the Delta’s embrace, an island awaits, Where the St. Francis Yacht Club celebrates. Tinsley Island, a boater’s delight, Beckons with promise of summer so bright.

The lighthouse stands tall, a beacon of old, Guarding memories and stories untold. Sailboats dance on the sparkling tide, As friends gather ’round the poolside.

Kayaks glide through the tranquil bay, Paddle boards balance in the sun’s warm ray. The grill sizzles with savory fare, While laughter and cheer fill the air.

From bunkhouse to floating home, Adventures await, no need to roam. The Rolex Big Boat Series near, Brings excitement as autumn draws near.

So come to Tinsley in twenty-four, Where summer’s joys are yours to explore. An oasis of fun in California’s heart, Where memories are made and friendships start.

Washington State, Best Economy in the USA

Washington State is considered the best state economy in the USA for several reasons, as highlighted by a WalletHub report. The state excels in various economic indicators, including GDP change, exports per capita, and the share of jobs in high-tech industries and STEM fields. Washington ranks first overall in economic performance, second in economic activity…

Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett is a well-known musician and avid boater. He is the owner of the sailing yacht “Drifter,” a custom 15.24-meter Pacific Seacraft built in North Carolina1. “Margaritaville” is a famous song by Jimmy Buffett, and it has also become a brand associated with his laid-back lifestyle and business ventures, including restaurants, hotels, and merchandise4.…

Sacramento California, USA

In Sacramento, the sun shines bright, Tourist season brings a wondrous sight. Beneath the dome, history unfolds, A city rich in stories, legends untold. Cal Expo’s lively, with events galore, A place where excitement always has more. The yacht club beckons, by the river’s flow,Boaters and dreamers, a tranquil tableau.

Brunswick an Edson Legacy

John Orin Edson was a visionary entrepreneur who founded Bayliner Marine, a company that revolutionized the boating industry. Born in Bellingham, Washington, in 1932, Edson grew up boating with his family on Lake Washington in Seattle12. He started selling used boats and soon realized he had a business going. To feed his growing retail business and what he foresaw as the demands of first-time boat buyers, Edson began building his own line of boats. He needed a snazzy name and purchased the brand name “Bayliner” for $100 from a local boat builder in Tacoma, Washington. Bayliner became a huge success, and the company was incorporated officially in 1972.