SailFest 2015

A lively group of ten donors sailed with us this afternoon on Gitane in the SailFest 2015 Boat Parade.  This year, 25 boats participated by taking out over 200 guest donors.  Our guests were vacationing from Michigan, Washington and California and four of them were repeat guests who had joined us on Gitane in the 2014 parade.  We enjoyed catching up with them and were delighted to welcome them back for another five-hour sail around Bahia Zihuatanejo, then over to Ixtapa, and returning to Zihua around 3:00 p.m.  It was a full day of sun, light wind and delightful conversation.

Over the week-long festival, donors contributed more than $90,000 US to the disadvantaged kids of Zihua through the “Por Los Ninos” program.  The money will be used to build classrooms, kitchens and bathrooms as well as contribute to the school lunch program.  (www.porlosninos.com)

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our guests.  We hope to see you next year! 

Our Precious Cheng

When Cheng came to live with us in 2003, I told him that his name meant ‘Most Precious Kitty’ in Mandarin. He adjusted quickly to his new home and living up to his name, he graced us with his calm demeanor and became our precious friend.  

This afternoon, the Sirens of the Sea welcomed the body of our sweet Cheng into the warm, clear water five miles west of Zihuatanejo, Mexico.  They will forever protect him on his journey.  We sent him off with bouquets of chamomile flowers and a sprinkling of catnip.  A large group of dolphins circled our boat as they also welcomed him to their beautiful, watery world. 

Cheng’s 20 years were filled with adventure afoot and afloat, from Florida to San Diego to Anacortes to Mexico. He was a wonderful traveling companion.  We’re grateful that he spent his last 12 years with us, infusing our lives with his gentle personality and the contented gaze of his big blue eyes. This morning, I promised Cheng that he would be romping in plush fields of green grass and eating catnip to his heart’s content in kitty heaven.