SANTA MAKES SURPRISE XMAS VISIT TO PT. RICH!

Neighbors were caught by surprise when Santa made an unexpected paddle by at Pt Richmond Beach on Christmas day. Santa looked a little on edge paddling near the shore on a day as wind and swells made standing a bit difficult. Chanting words like "Merry Christmas, Meli Kalikimaka, and whoa, ho, ho, Santa made 2 passes along the beach before disappearing around the south point. Several children and adults came out to be greeted by the wobbly legged christmas icon.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

The Next annual Polar Bear Swim to take place on Schedule January 1 2010, 12 noon at the Rees Pilings!

PUMPED UP ABOUT PUMP FAILURE


It finally happened. In the wee hours of August 5 2009 the neighborhood well pump stopped pumping water.

Neighbors seemed to take notice the problem almost immediately. At least six calls were put in to Washington Water complaining of no water before 7am. The pump had last been replaced in 1978 putting it about 15 years overdue for replacement. Water was restored to the system by about 2pm that day. It was noted that the old pumps intake screen was clogged which may have contributed to the unwanted debris found in our water over the last several years. The clogged filter may also have put a strain on the pump assisting in the pumps breakdown.


Some statistics of interest: The new pump is 50% more powerful at 3 HP, has a stainless impellor as opposed to plastic and has an output of 40 gallons per minute, the new pump is warranted a full 30 years - 15 more than the old one (the old pump apparently did not know this). The well was found to be 69' 3" deep and had 10 ' of standing water - which is a good supply.


Pictures show; well crane. closeup of old well pump, neighbors and crew gathered at the well.

2009 SWIM YIELDS FASTER TIMES, GREAT FOOD!











Below are the Official Times for the 2009 swim for the "Cold" vos Passage Rough Water Swim" as Recorded by Christy Bortel, the event timekeeper were as follows:



Kids Swim (distance about 200 yards):
Daniel Rees 6:31 Gig Harbor
Rees Parrish 7:06 Charlottesville, VA
Julia Rees 10:48 Gig Harbor

Survivor 1 Mile Swim :
Steve Rees 28:07 Gig Harbor
Tesa Johnson 30:21 Fox Island
Brett Walter 32:47 Olalla
Rondi Thornton 32:54 Albuquerque, NM
Carol Parrish 35:30 Charlottesville, VA
Jim Gates 39:38 Tacoma (no fins) (did 1/2 marathon that morning)
Peter Bortel 40:37 Gig Harbor (Climbed Mt Rainier the day before)
Scott Huntington 43:33 Gig Harbor

If food variety and quality is any indication of success then this was the best passage crossing ever! Additionally, new records were set as surface conditions were optimal and more swimmers opted to use swim fins. This is the first time that the 30 minute mark has been broken for the 1 mile event. 1 mile swimmers are shown in finishing order left to right above.


After the swim we all gathered for a feast of chili, corn bread, fruit salad, cake, flan, and many other delicious dishes!


Thanks to all the neighbors and friends who helped out in the water and on land to make this event safe and enjoyable!

SIDE STORY------------------------------------------------------

The Importance of Being Warm at "The Pit"
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Below is "Team Brower," father and son known for their unparalleled ability to keep the fire warm when family or guests are being entertained at the pit. Todd and father, Al, are pictured here at their special firewood "prep" site at an undisclosed tax free location. The site is where the right wood is chopped into just the right length and shape in order to achieve maximum heat along with another desired outcome; minimal smoke.

Water "Teeming" with life on 4th Eve'

While some were looking under the surface of the water for amusement,











others, like Peter (below), took to the water surface in order to maintain their cool.


Stand up Paddling was a hit this day.











One found a way to hitch a ride while another was bored paddling, or rather paddling her board.







Peddling was popular.

Others took to a more relaxing pass time... Good dog Lucy!

Child's Point of View
In case you have ever wondered what the view is like from inside the "tree fort," I have loaded a few shots taken recently from within. The first 2 are from the main level; there are 2 levels you know! Not a bad view looking through the moss covered trees over the roof tops and across Colvos Passage! Be sure and click on the photo for a full sized view.












The next photo shows what the children see just before they leave the woods and they re-enter the adult world.
Our new STOP sign...(below) or I might more correctly say,"End of County Road" sign. A Road department supervisor apparently gave the word to remove our stop sign, as they seemed to have decided that it was more important to let drivers know where the county's responsiblity for road maintenance ends, rather than to slow down in an area where vehicles may encounter children.

NOTICE: Escape Swim date changed to Saturday August 1, 2009 at 3:30PM.

Why the Sad Eyes, Big Guy?











It was hypothesised that being Friday the 13th, and all, this Harbor Seal thought his chances of survival might be a li-ttle better if he (or she) spent the afternoon on the beach rather than in the water shared with.. "Orca". Another theory was that he was out drinking Thursday night with his pinniped friends and woke up this morning with a hangover.

NOTICE: Escape to Pt. Richmond 3rd Annual swim tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, July 18, 2009

Polar Bear Plunge and Potluck 2009!
A total of 53 neighbors and friends assembled on Rees Beach for I think, the 6th annual Polar Bear Swim. Food was served potluck style featuring 3 varieties of chili, cornbread, cornchowder, meatballs, chips and dip, tasty desserts. The 15 swimmers could join the others for a hot buttered rum or sip congnac after the swim - if of legal age of course! Rainy weather gave us a reprieve for a few midday hours so that we could spend time outdoors on this 1st day of January 2009.