Official Notice received via e-mail Wednesday:

BEACH PARTY – Thursday October 21, 2010 –  Celebrating Birthdays & Anniversaries Aboard: CRISTATA, BARE FEET, INTERLUDE, etc.
Playa Francesca West – Petonque Tournament begins at 1500 hrs

Bring: Your Own Beverages, Plates, Cups & Utensils, Dish to Share,

Supplied: Cake, Music, Games

ALL CRUISERS WELCOME

As we have a family birthday in two days (Sarah) it was inevitable that we had to return to Playa Francesa and partake in the celebration.

There are 30+ boats here, flying flags from around the world.

Some are just starting to cruise.  Others have been at it for a decade or more.

On shore it is fun for all.

Including a large group of cruising kids who, with shipboard school in recess, are having the best time of the group.

There is serious competition.

And a lot of sand being shoveled.

And as promised in the invitation, a variety of food.

There are dinghies to check out.

Photos to take.

And warm water to enjoy with contemporaries.

Meanwhile, the adults are seriously into petonque.

Janine, the eventual champion, checking her balls.

Some of the kids are playing petonque as well.

While others are into being kids.

There are a variety of dinghy landing techniques to study. All come laden with bags of goodies

Beer, pizza, a brownie, warm water, a group of gregarious cruisers, what more could you ask for.

The Interluders, event organizers and bon vivants.

Cruising is a wonderful experience for parents and kids. But it is nice to have someone your own age with whom to play. Gathering spots like Francesa provide a chance to connect with other children, and then match itineraries so the kids have someone to hang out with as the cruise continues.

Of course some kids prefer to play on their own. A sandbox as big as the world, a cool car, heaven at three.

Not mentioned in the invitation was there is a full moon.

All the more reason to celebrate the cruising lifestyle.

Are your plans in the clouds? Election cycle got you down? Worried about the various central banks and politicians with their plans for “quantitative easing” (a euphemism for taking from the savers in society and rewarding the profligate)?

We’ve got a better idea. Get your boat (or get a boat) and join the party at Playa Francesa.