City of Angels
While we’ve been here for over five weeks now, it seems like a whirlwind tour. So many people, places and experiences to talk about, such a short attention span (yes reader, I’m referring to you!). A “collage” theme has been selected to steamline this post and mimic LA’s frenetic pace.
The Spinks Clan
Let’s start with Family. The Spinks family is a long lost branch from Mama Ross’ side of the family, the Cuilleriers. Rollie (Edie’s sister) and Bill Spinks moved to LA seeking to avoid shovelling snow; they put their extra leisure time to good use and had four daughters: Sandra (Tim; Amanda and Ryan), Sharon (Chris; Sean and one on the way), Susan (Geoff; Lauren and Nicholas), and Shelly (young and single). The Spinks clan have been the most fun and gracious hosts imaginable, putting up with us for over a month (thanks Geoff and Susan!). Bryan Burns was the last cousin that came from Canada to “visit” the Spinks clan in 2000…he is still here! We’ve had a total blast getting to know Aunt Rollie, Uncle Bill and all the cousins.
Long lost friends: the Golds and Dennens
Next the Friends. Duff Gold and Bob Mann did their PhD’s together at McGill in geology. Their future wives traveled from South Africa together by ocean liner. They were all roommates, best men, bridesmaids, and great friends. The Golds are like family. Two of the Gold kids, Kerry (John) and Rob (Maureen; Kenna and Shawn), now live in LA. Kerry, who lives right on top (literally) of the Santa Monica range, hosted a BBQ to send us off. We saw Kerry and John a couple more times. On each occasion Kerry would add a “can’t be without item” (e.g., a lifetime supply of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy, 3 tubes of Chapstick with sunblock, Trader Joe's canned chicken, and some cool hair stuff for Lo to prevent damage) to an ever-growing care package. It was great catching up with this side of Gary’s family after such a long time. We also had a great dinner on the boat with Gary’s childhood friend Jim Dennen and his wife Anastacia; that was a blast from the past!
What a Blast!
Now the Sights and Sounds of LA. Movie studios, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Blvd, Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, East LA, Dodger Stadium, Famous Bars, Karaoke, Limosines…we’ve done so much (thanks Geoff, Bryan and Chris for your tourguiding). We tried to get on the set of 24, but they were shooting the last two episodes of this season so the set was closed. Thanks to Shelly, we did get hats and an autograph (Keifer was going to sign “Thanks for the tips on how to be a bigger bad ass” but he didn’t have enough room on the card…hence the “all my best”). Sharon got us VIP passes to Universal Studios…straight to the front of the line (we almost felt bad being escorted right onto the rides in front of the waiting masses…almost!). Tequila…let’s not even go there. Geoff took us to see the Dodgers whip the Giants (I almost bought a hat while in SF…good thing I held off since I would have been killed [literally] by the unruly fans [now I know why they call them the cheap seats]). Bryan took Lo out for a night on the town…dinner at Firefly, dancing at White Lotus, drinks at the Beauty Bar (get your nails done while getting hammered), and après at 4:30 am at Mel’s Diner. Shelly’s 30th birthday bash was definitely a night to remember…a huge stretch SUV limo with “fish tanks”, full open bar and room for 20 picked us up and took us to a private karaoke bar (thanks Shelly!).
Yes, some work was done! (we just didn't take pictures)
Oh yeah, the boat. We nearly forgot completely about that. Our major tasks included repairing the wind generator regulator (it blew out in the gale we experienced just before arriving), modifying the windlass (you can see the tooth is slightly off center in the upper left part of the photo; see last post), adding new speakers in the cockpit, adjusting the rig, babying the engine, buying some sails (used storm trysail and light air gennaker), finishing the ice box lid (pain in the @$$), and a million other small things needed to leave (see the chaos down the companionway). Thanks to Bryan and Sharon for helping out with various tasks. Provisioning was scary…while we planned amounts carefully, the sheer mass of it conjures up visions of eating pails of fruit salad trying to keep one step ahead of the rotting. On a completely unrelated note, Sean, Sharon’s son, inadvertently squared Gary with a sharp kick to the groin (had to show it; how often do you catch that on film?).
The Spinks Clan
Let’s start with Family. The Spinks family is a long lost branch from Mama Ross’ side of the family, the Cuilleriers. Rollie (Edie’s sister) and Bill Spinks moved to LA seeking to avoid shovelling snow; they put their extra leisure time to good use and had four daughters: Sandra (Tim; Amanda and Ryan), Sharon (Chris; Sean and one on the way), Susan (Geoff; Lauren and Nicholas), and Shelly (young and single). The Spinks clan have been the most fun and gracious hosts imaginable, putting up with us for over a month (thanks Geoff and Susan!). Bryan Burns was the last cousin that came from Canada to “visit” the Spinks clan in 2000…he is still here! We’ve had a total blast getting to know Aunt Rollie, Uncle Bill and all the cousins.
Long lost friends: the Golds and Dennens
Next the Friends. Duff Gold and Bob Mann did their PhD’s together at McGill in geology. Their future wives traveled from South Africa together by ocean liner. They were all roommates, best men, bridesmaids, and great friends. The Golds are like family. Two of the Gold kids, Kerry (John) and Rob (Maureen; Kenna and Shawn), now live in LA. Kerry, who lives right on top (literally) of the Santa Monica range, hosted a BBQ to send us off. We saw Kerry and John a couple more times. On each occasion Kerry would add a “can’t be without item” (e.g., a lifetime supply of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy, 3 tubes of Chapstick with sunblock, Trader Joe's canned chicken, and some cool hair stuff for Lo to prevent damage) to an ever-growing care package. It was great catching up with this side of Gary’s family after such a long time. We also had a great dinner on the boat with Gary’s childhood friend Jim Dennen and his wife Anastacia; that was a blast from the past!
What a Blast!
Now the Sights and Sounds of LA. Movie studios, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Blvd, Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, East LA, Dodger Stadium, Famous Bars, Karaoke, Limosines…we’ve done so much (thanks Geoff, Bryan and Chris for your tourguiding). We tried to get on the set of 24, but they were shooting the last two episodes of this season so the set was closed. Thanks to Shelly, we did get hats and an autograph (Keifer was going to sign “Thanks for the tips on how to be a bigger bad ass” but he didn’t have enough room on the card…hence the “all my best”). Sharon got us VIP passes to Universal Studios…straight to the front of the line (we almost felt bad being escorted right onto the rides in front of the waiting masses…almost!). Tequila…let’s not even go there. Geoff took us to see the Dodgers whip the Giants (I almost bought a hat while in SF…good thing I held off since I would have been killed [literally] by the unruly fans [now I know why they call them the cheap seats]). Bryan took Lo out for a night on the town…dinner at Firefly, dancing at White Lotus, drinks at the Beauty Bar (get your nails done while getting hammered), and après at 4:30 am at Mel’s Diner. Shelly’s 30th birthday bash was definitely a night to remember…a huge stretch SUV limo with “fish tanks”, full open bar and room for 20 picked us up and took us to a private karaoke bar (thanks Shelly!).
Yes, some work was done! (we just didn't take pictures)
Oh yeah, the boat. We nearly forgot completely about that. Our major tasks included repairing the wind generator regulator (it blew out in the gale we experienced just before arriving), modifying the windlass (you can see the tooth is slightly off center in the upper left part of the photo; see last post), adding new speakers in the cockpit, adjusting the rig, babying the engine, buying some sails (used storm trysail and light air gennaker), finishing the ice box lid (pain in the @$$), and a million other small things needed to leave (see the chaos down the companionway). Thanks to Bryan and Sharon for helping out with various tasks. Provisioning was scary…while we planned amounts carefully, the sheer mass of it conjures up visions of eating pails of fruit salad trying to keep one step ahead of the rotting. On a completely unrelated note, Sean, Sharon’s son, inadvertently squared Gary with a sharp kick to the groin (had to show it; how often do you catch that on film?).
posted by G.Mann at 8:42 PM
5 Comments:
Hi Lo and Gary- Sounds like you had the same problem with your wind generator regulator as we had with ours. Good luck with your repairs and with your sail to the Marquesas. We're guessing that's where you're going.
Unfortunately by the time you get to NZ we should be in OZ. We'll be heading off to Fiji in June.
cheers
Angela and Basil
Hi Guys!
Rob following the voyage from London. I'm blown away that you are already in LA (though apparently not as blown away as Demelza on the way there). Though I'd see if you can give us a rough idea [i know you're voyaging] of your intinerary over the next 6-12 months so I can sart looking for flights to Bora Bora [please, please!]
Best wishes
Rob [and Karen]
Hi GaryLo,
sorry to miss your call prior to departure. Don't know if you are able to check these before the Marquesas, but want to wish you well....MAYBE see you in NZ!
Love,
Mamasita
Happy Birthday Gary. Your sailing trip sounds spectacular. Will you ever eat fish again after this trip?? Bryan told me of all the fresh foods you bought. Hope you were able to make those last a long long time. You will have to teach me how to do that when you come to Mexico. Here it is very very hot at the moment and we are all praying for rain. Keep safe.
Love. Aunt Jackie and Uncle Wynne
Lo and Gary, Words cannot express how grateful we are at having you visit LA. Your spirt is full of adventure and you left apart of you spirt with us. I am still running with the songs you both helped download to my Ipod. Geoff loved it so much, had to get him an Ipod! You have your priorities straight and thank you for "grounding" our family before you set on to new adventures! We think of you everday and Lauren especially. You passion for life is contagious! Love ya!
- Susan
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