Home	Benicia Cruise, June 28 - 30, 2013

(If you like, you can skip down through the prose and go straight to the pictures below!)

A record-breaking hot weekend didn't stop 18 folks representing 10 Islanders from having a great time at the Benicia Cruise and a wonderful dinner at Ruby & Rob Blenderman's fabulously unique house.

Friday's sail up to Benicia enjoyed brisk but not too strong westerlies for the ride up San Pablo Bay and into Carquinez Strait. The fleet med-moored to the guest dock and made a pretty picture neatly lined up alongside each other. Sun shades quickly went up to ward off the sun which drove temperatures to 100 degrees. The normal strong afternoon thermal breeze was reduced to a gentle whisper, then almost died. The solution was to retreat to Benicia Yacht club's air conditioned upper deck with a great view and cool beverages.

Way too hot for potlucks, your ever-practical Islanders sought out an air conditioned refuge for dinner. Where else but Sailor Jacks, where the menu is simple, the food is good, and the history might be a little exaggerated. “Our building, erected in 1868, has weathered the storms of change. It has evolved from a respectable sea captain’s home, to a notorious brothel, to its current use as Sailor Jacks, a place where scrumptious food, inspired libations, warm hospitable service and great times are waiting to be celebrated. Famed author Jack London immortalized these waters in his work “Tales of the Fish Patrol”, drawing upon his personal conversion from a lawless oyster pirate to a law enforcing fish patrol deputy while a resident of Benicia. Legend has it that as he rode the rails across country and traveled to the Klondike, he called himself “Sailor Jack.” He had a profound love for the sea and the bay surrounding this historical site. We invite you to set sail often with Sailor Jacks as we endeavor to provide you with the finest dining experience imaginable amidst the ebb and flow of the tides. As our guest you are always welcome aboard!”

Saturday's main objective was to keep cool! Morning walks around town were good. Lots of shops, glass blowing, and cafes are to be found in Benicia. Even a plaque noting that for a short period Benicia was the capitol of California! When Rick drove up Saturday afternoon, he reported that the car thermometer read 107-108 for most of the trip, and only dipped to 102 when crossing the Benicia Bridge and an even 100 in the marina parking lot! Once again relief was a close as the Benicia Yacht Club upper deck where everyone gathered after 1600 before heading to Rob & Ruby's for dinner.

Now many of you may already know that Ruby is a recently retired welder. Her welding antics I think even included some welding on the Alaska pipeline. When she got the idea to build their house, she got a book and started drawings. Great old wood beams, some as large as 12" x 16", came from the dismantaling of an old industrial elevator shaft. As Ruby put it, "The super didn't like me much and I likewise him, but he said if I was there at 5 AM with a truck I could have them." She was there, a bit to his surprise. Throughout the house there are unique carvings, tile, and brass fixtures. An oversize wooden relief door had been converted into a table, then re-converted to a door, with a massive handle, to hide the refrigerator in an alcove. The pictures below hardly scratch the surface, but you get a good idea.

Rick shuttled everyone the mile between the marina and their house to kick off the evening. Ruby & Rob's hospitality are unmatched, and she had an iced tub of water, wine and soft drinks in addition to her signature sweet martinis. The fleet provided hors de oeuvres that filled the long kitchen countertop stretched below an enormous french clock on the wall. In the courtyard Rob had rigged an oscillating fan with a mister that helped keep things bit cooler. After jaw dropping house tours from Rob & Ruby, including the ladder climb in a closet behind a bathroom to reach the roof, we settled into pleasant conversation. The starters were followed by great beans & rice, with grilled spicy chicken, tortillas, and chili relaneos. Thanks Rob & Ruby for a wonderful evening!

The Sunday plan had the fleet going in different directions. Natural High planned an early start back to the Bay to attend to afternoon chores at home. Snowflower,Califia and Freedom Won would follow in her wake. Solitude and Four Choices were heading the other direction - on up into the Delta for some cruising time.

Here's the list of those attending, and the pictures to enjoy.

Pictures by Rick Van Mell. Click on images to enlarge, click "Back" to return.

Benicia marina ...	Egret guard ...	Islanders fly ...	med moored ...
Snowflower	Four Choices	Freedom Won	Natural High
Califia ...	looks good.	Solitude	Fleet's in!
Lots of shade.	Jay's water bottles ...	Nanci's too.	John's relaxed.
Hi Rob!	Dennis goes for dip	Lynn & Robert	Carl ...
climbs aboard ...	Huck Finn.	View from Benicia YC ...	find I-36 flags?!
One great flag!	Inside BYC ...	Time to relax ...	and keep cool ...
water & iced tea!	Lots of flags.	Rob & Ruby's house ...	welcomes Islanders ...
Cat stroll ...	and preen.	Hi Jim.	Keeping cool ...
great fountain ...	hat rack ...	beverages & bites ...	there's Ruby!
enticing stairs ...	door to fridge ...	master bed (see the cat?)	Ruby's study
roof top build	glistening glasses.	Cool in the mists ...	round the table ...
tucked away ...	cozy spot ...	time for ...	delicious starters ...
and main event.	The End.

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