We welcomed Captain Marty O’Toole and his crew, Maureen, Mike, & Becky aboard.  After a short briefing about her preferences, we left Perception in the care of this capable crew.  Jim and I packed out and drove to Yakima, (the Palm Springs of Washington!) and continued on to Boise the following morning.  After a couple of days in Boise celebrating my father’s birthday and a drink with the Steins to celebrate Frank’s retirement, we drove down to watch our third crewmember graduate from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.  Grace graduated Magna Cum Laude, earning  her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, as well as a BA in International Studies, a BA in Latin American Studies, and a minor in Spanish.

After a quick lunch to celebrate with her roommate, we all piled back in the cars and returned to Boise to celebrate with our Boise village. We saw lots of loved ones we hadn’t seen in a long time, and celebrated our departure and Grace’s graduation until the wee hours.  Jim left to relieve the temporary crew just hours after the party was over; returning to make some final repairs on the boat while Melinda and Grace remained in Boise another 5 days to prepare the house for our extended absence.  On Friday, May 12, we reunited back in Bellingham to begin the arduous task of provisioning. (Melinda)