Randy

Randy, give me a call sometime at 619.709.1163 and we can get together for lunch at Southwestern Yacht Club. Roy

Randy,
Thanks for the tip about the ssca, I've got friends that are members, they have been asking me to join and now I definitely will.
I love Texas weather 8-9 months of the year it is great and the other 3-4 months of "Africa hot". Most people only remember the heat

Erika

Thanks Randy, My hospital has a good medical missions program. It is great that you are looking into how you can help, with the world wide economy trouble, many charities are suffering.
If you are looking for a simple local project, making homeless packs are very good. I just make a pack with a couple days of food, a tarp, socks, really anything you can put in there. I keep a couple in my car and when I see someone that could use it I give it to them. If it is not a safe time or place, I just drive ahead a few yards to a safe distance, drop it onto the ground, and leave it for them. I NEVER get out of the car, just plop it down with a friendly wave and go. I had to stop doing this around my Hospital because they were starting to get to know my car, I don't think I was in any danger but ya never know, as a whole homelss people are just down and out, harmless, most have mental illnesses. But there are some that may be dangerous so I don't recommend approaching them.
Erika

Randy,
Good to hear from you. I have already talked to the mercy ships ( their headquarters is here in Texas - go figure ). They always need nurses and doctors. I have used all my available leave time for the year, but I do want to sign up with them in the future. One of the reasons I bought a fixer upper boat is to keep my debt low to nil (no bank note), that way I could go off for a few months on a medical mission without pay. When I go cruising I'd like to do the same. I am sure there is a way to use your crewing skills with a charitable organization, I will keep an eye out for you
Have a great day,
Erika

Thanks, I was a complete boat nut all through my twenties. People use to joke that there wasn't a boat I didn't like in one way or another. I have forgotten a lot of it during my 8 years on land but it is coming back to me more and more each day. Thanks for the encouragement, this forum has been a gold mine of resources and especially for making friends that have that same spark when it comes to boats and the sea.
Erika

Randy, Sorry for not getting back to you, I didn't realize I had any messages. Let me know when you are going to be in San Diego.

Roy

Randy, You're welcome to see my boat. Just let me know, ahead of time, so I can carve a pathway through the debris and uncompleted projects. The next couple weeks are, unfortunately, out of the question, though, as I am finishing a mast overhaul for a customer, and working 7 days a week.