“Marissa, please” Chris pleaded from the “arrivals” sidewalk. He had just flown home from a shoot where he filmed a TV show with Richard Branson in New York City. Despite his week-long absence, I was less than eager to leave our car unattended at the airport to help him schlep camera gear from baggage claim – especially when there are luggage carts for that reason. Somehow he convinced me to leave the car and come inside, where I was completely surprised to see a few duffel bags and my favorite Canadians. Pure shock came over me. Chris is awful with secrets, so the fact that he pulled this off was even more shocking!
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It had been a little over a year since we had last seen Jay and Kenna in La Cruz; our engine still out of commission, and the pair preparing their boat, Sitka, to sail north into the Sea of Cortez. We had promised to see each other again “soon” but “soon” never seemed to come… until now. They arranged this pit-stop on their way back to their boat (now in Chiapas) with Chris way back in July, doing their best to keep me in the dark which im sure was hard at times since I spent a lot of the summer completely bummed out about missing our friends, or having “no community” of my own here in our new land base.
“You are so much taller than I remember!” Kenna said while pressed into my chest. I chose quite the day to wear wedged heels, making my already-tall-body tower over her more. In the car we made our way through Fresno to our little slice of paradise in the mountains, dubbed Runaground Ranch. “Oh, by the way I lied and don’t have any work this week” Chris continued to confess. What other surprises would come to light? He had one more in store, that even our beloved Sitka’s were in the dark about. Time would tell, but right then I was doing my best to digest the fact my best friend was besides me, and would be for the next 7 days.
Day One – Lay of the Land
The morning light poured through our bedroom window as the blue jays screeched their usual songs. Cleo was missing from our bed—likely perched on Jay’s face since, ironically, he used to be allergic. I was still in disbelief that our friends were actually here, in California. After our morning coffee, we all piled into Chris’s truck and headed up the mountain to give them the full tour: Chris’s childhood home, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Lakeshore Resort’s historic Saloon, and finally, White Bark Vista on Mount Tom. While the boys kicked back to enjoy the view, Kenna and I spent our time geocaching and climbing all over the massive rocks.
Lakeshore Resort California
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we took it as our cue to pack up and head down the mountain, opting for the scenic route through Big Creek—a charming little town that feels like it’s frozen in time. Our friends were captivated by the winding roads and the endless valley views. Trying to explain how the forest had changed since the 2020 Creek Fire was nearly impossible. The now desert-like landscape made it hard to remember what it once looked like, covered in dense trees. What remains of the pines are just charred toothpicks, surrounded by the new ground cover that’s finally adding some greenery to the otherwise very beige scenery.
Back at the Ranch, we set up ping pong and darts in the shop, making good use of the new mini fridge I bought for Chris. Golden hour bathed the oak trees, and the wind rustled through the leaves as our laughter echoed from the shop. We took turns making exaggerated, intense faces while serving the ping pong ball, already planning to print and frame a collection of our friends’ best expressions to hang proudly in the shop.
The evening came too quickly, and we eventually gathered inside around the galley—er, kitchen—while I made dinner. It still felt surreal to pick up right where we left off, but this time away from our boats, far from the ocean. These are the friendships I’m so grateful for—bonds forged in salt and struggles, yet celebrated with every great sail and every new memory made.
Day Two – The Ruins
“Kenna found out she can watch Big Brother, so we won’t see her ever again,” Jay joked as his morning greeting. Eventually, as the smell of coffee reached her corner of the house, Kenna emerged, headphones on and phone in hand, fully absorbed in her favorite show. Cleo followed closely behind, like a shadow, waiting for Kenna to sit so she could curl up beside her.
Our semi-feral cat, Mikey, spent the night meowing outside our windows, only to disappear by morning—deciding, as usual, that he didn’t actually want any attention. Meanwhile, Chris was busy puttering around the house before heading off to help his sister move their trailer to Runaground Ranch since their driveway was being oiled. While Chris made himself busy, I found myself between the Canadians, catching up on writing (this, actually) as they watched their respective shows and sipped their morning coffee.
Upon his return, we got into the car and made our way back up the mountain, but this time to one of my favorite places, located just 25 miles from our home, Runaground Ranch.
McKinley Grove, nestled in California’s Sierra National Forest near Shaver Lake, is a peaceful and lesser-known grove of giant sequoias. Unlike the more famous groves in Sequoia National Park, McKinley Grove offers an intimate experience with these ancient giants, some of which are over 1,500 years old and tower more than 200 feet. Named after President William McKinley in the early 1900s, the grove was spared from the logging that devastated much of the region thanks to the giant sequoias’ low timber value and brittle wood. Now protected under federal stewardship, McKinley Grove is a sanctuary for these majestic trees.
Visitors can stroll along a short, easy walking trail that winds through the grove, offering close encounters with the giant sequoias. The peaceful setting, along with picnic areas, makes it a perfect spot for families and nature lovers seeking a break from busier tourist destinations. Nearby, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, and other outdoor attractions provide even more opportunities for adventure in the Sierra Nevada.
McKinley Grove’s quiet beauty, historical significance, and awe-inspiring trees make it a hidden gem worth exploring. Whether you’re there to admire the towering sequoias or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings, it’s a perfect place to reconnect with nature and California’s natural history.
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- Jay and Kenna
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- Giant Sequoia!
After walking around the grove and enjoying the contrast between Kenna’s shortness and the Giant Sequoia trees grandeur, we found a Geocache then drove down to another one of my favorite places, one that made for an excellent spooky photo shoot.
The Dinkey Creek area in California’s Sierra National Forest holds a rich history tied to logging, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Named after a mule called “Dinkey” that played a role in a local expedition, Dinkey Creek became a bustling hub during the height of the logging era. At the time, vast forests of pines, firs, and cedars were harvested to meet the growing demand for lumber in California, fueling the expansion of cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Logging camps were established in the area to house workers who lived in the mountains for weeks or months at a time. These camps were self-sustaining communities, complete with bunkhouses, mess halls, and blacksmith shops. Workers relied on steam-powered machinery, horses, and mules to haul the logs out of the rugged terrain to nearby sawmills. Railroads were often built specifically for the logging industry, making it easier to transport the timber to market. The Dinkey Creek area played a significant role in this regional logging boom, with timber from these forests being vital for the state’s growth.
As logging practices changed and conservation efforts gained traction in the mid-20th century, the Dinkey Creek logging community faded. Today, much of the area is protected within the Sierra National Forest, and the Dinkey Creek area has transitioned from a logging hub to a popular recreational spot. Visitors can explore the historic remnants of logging operations, hike through the beautiful Dinkey Lakes Wilderness, or relax by the creek itself, which remains a cherished destination for camping, fishing, and swimming. The history of Dinkey Creek stands as a reminder of California’s logging heritage while celebrating its natural beauty and preserved wilderness today.
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- Inside the Silo
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- The old school house
“In Canada, this would be so crowded and so expensive,” Jay commented as we strolled through the old logging camp. Our favorite spot? The silo, now worn with holes that create a starry atmosphere inside—an unexpected beauty in this quiet space. After exploring the area, we hopped back in the car and headed to Runaground Ranch, where Chris had a huge surprise waiting for us…
¡Bienvenidos!
Kenna and I were buzzing with nervous energy, trying to guess who was making a guest appearance that evening. Chris had left us, along with Jay and his brother Jon, gathered around the bonfire before heading down to the valley to pick up the mystery guest(s). “That’s it, we’re going to the shop,” I announced, leading the way to darts, ping pong, and a creative attempt at building a birdhouse—though it ended up looking more like an A-frame fit for a squirrel. We tried our best, okay?
After a couple of hours, my best friend Kris arrived just in time to witness the moment we’d been waiting for—Chris pulling up with the mystery guest(s). He got out of the car, walked up to Kenna and me with a grin, and handed us The Cleopatra book—the same one our beloved Max and Karen used as a continuous scorecard for Farkle. We immediately dropped the book (and our drinks) and bolted to the car, throwing open the doors to give our favorite La Cruzians the biggest, most heartfelt hugs. I still have no idea how Chris was able to keep these secrets for FOUR months, but I was incredibly proud and overwhelmed with love. It was about to be one hell of a week!
Kenna’s first In n Out
Day Three to Five – Cambria
Times like these make me so grateful we opted for the third row of seats in our car. After a slow morning recovering from the previous night’s celebrations, the six of us piled in with all our luggage and headed west toward the coast. Naturally, we made a pit stop at In-N-Out for Kenna’s first experience, complete with the iconic paper hat. She didn’t quite understand the hype and said she “prefers Five Guys”—I guess you just have to be a Californian to truly appreciate it.
Full and a little weary from travel, we eventually arrived at Mama Neely’s beach house in Cambria, where we settled in and quickly put her wine glasses to good use.
A couple of hours (and half a charcuterie plate) later, we had an impromptu visit from our friends Garrett and Ruth, from SV Rediviva. “The Leftovers” were reunited, and I swear I could feel our matching tattoos tingle with the closeness. It turned into another long night filled with laughter and memory-making.
Hearst and Goth Babe
It was a slow morning, and we were all desperately in need of eggs benedict and coffee. Our group of eight made its way to my favorite breakfast spot in Cambria, Redwood Cafe. After a hearty meal, we parted ways with Rediviva, while the rest of us ventured to one of Central California’s true gems: Hearst Castle.
Nestled in the hills above San Simeon, Hearst Castle is one of California’s most iconic and awe-inspiring landmarks. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947, this sprawling estate sits atop the Enchanted Hill and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding countryside. Designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is a stunning blend of Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial styles, filled with European antiques, art, and lavish architectural details.
The estate consists of several structures, including the main house, known as “Casa Grande,” and three guesthouses. With over 165 rooms, the castle boasts ornate bedrooms, grand dining rooms, opulent sitting areas, and Hearst’s famous private theater. The outdoor Neptune Pool and indoor Roman Pool are architectural marvels in their own right, featuring intricate tile work and sculptures, making them two of the most photographed pools in the world.
Beyond the stunning architecture, the estate once served as a private retreat for Hearst and hosted some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, politicians, and dignitaries, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and Winston Churchill. Hearst Castle’s grandeur and its history as a playground for the elite give it a special place in California’s cultural heritage.
Now a state park, Hearst Castle offers guided tours, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the lavish lifestyle of one of the most influential figures in American history. From the magnificent architecture to the incredible art collection, it’s a must-see for anyone exploring Central California.
It was safe to say we know where we will raid and fortify if there is ever an apocalypse – Hearst Castle was extremely impressive! Afterwards we drove 5 minutes north to see the elephant seals, and give Kenna another chance to test out her new-to-her camera, a hand-me-down from the Neely archives. We took some photos, logged a geocache, then returned to the beach house to get ready for one of the best concerts I have ever attended.
Two seasons ago, we met Griff down in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. His boat at the time, Lola, was docked next to Lusty, and although we didn’t know his music then, we quickly fell in love with his laid-back yet high-energy vibes that became the soundtrack to our cruising in the Sea of Cortez. Griff, who performs under the name Goth Babe, and his bandmates are incredible performers, and we were beyond stoked to catch their show in San Luis Obispo with the crew.
The show was at the iconic Madonna Inn, and I originally bought tickets back in March for Chris, Kris, and myself. Thanks to Chris, our friends were also able to snag tickets, so we could all enjoy the experience together. It was, hands down, one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Check out Griff’s music and support sailors doing amazing things both on and off the water!
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Homeward Bound
Chris, Karen, Kenna, and I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. after the concert, chatting away in the hot tub—probably why we were both tired and relaxed the next morning. Before hitting the road, we deep-cleaned the house for Mama Neely, grabbed breakfast, and picked up some lottery tickets. Exhausted from all the excitement, I slept the entire drive back to Fresno, where we had the best Hot Pot dinner ever. We had so many leftovers that it continued to feed us for three days!
Afterward, we made a stop at Target (or Tarjay for the fancy folks) across the street, where Karen and I had the honor of taking Kenna on her very first Target adventure.
Home sweet Runaground Ranch… What a whirlwind few days, and the party was far from over!
Day Six – Lusty on Lake
a hat for you….a hat for you…. a hat for you…. Max and Karen came to the States with swag to share. New Lusty hats, fresh off the press with various designs all for their friends to wear proudly in every corner of the world. We thought the lake was the perfect place to break them in and take plenty of photos while we listened to music, drank decent tequila, and hula hooped until the sun went down then we retreated back to Runaground Ranch to make use of those delicious Hot Pot left overs before driving down to the local casino where Chris and I lost $120 and Max won $400.
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- Three Nations
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- Lusty on Lake
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- Amigas
Day Seven – Oopsies
“How did this happen?” Jay and Kenna questioned the universe, eyes glued to their screens as they tried to make sense of the massive mishap that had just unfolded. They thought their flight was later that day, but in reality, it had left at 12:00 a.m., leaving them stranded in the States. Fortunately, our group is well-versed in travel triage and quickly helped them iron out new plans. Even with a solution in place, they were still understandably bummed. But Chris knew how to fix that—with a little manual labor.
It was too hot to stay at Runaground Ranch, given our old house’s lack of insulation and air conditioning. So, we headed up to Shaver Lake and moved into Mama Neely’s house while she was off in Italy and Jon was working on Sea Castle in Ventura. Chris and I took her room, Jay and Kenna moved into Jon’s, and Max and Karen settled into Chris’s old room—one big, happy family.
Chris showed Jay the project he and Jon were working on at Mom’s house and got to work prepping for the next day’s tasks. Meanwhile, the rest of us stayed inside, played games, and made quick work of a handle of vodka.
Midway through the day, the boys paused their project and joined us for lunch at Pub n’ Grub, our favorite spot in Shaver Lake. Jay had finally shaken off the missed-flight blues and developed a newfound appreciation for American job sites, which he noted are much more relaxed compared to Canadian ones. This even inspired him to consider joining us next off-season to work alongside Chris and make some of that sweet, sweet American money.
The boys worked hard the rest of the day, and afterward, we strolled over to Aromas for drinks and appetizers. It was our first time there, and we were thoroughly impressed! The waitress not only put up with our antics but also joined in on the laughter, even sharing a wild story about a couple who had just left and propositioned her for a threesome—which she politely declined.
As we were enjoying the evening, an older woman approached, asking for help with a flat tire. Naturally, the boys sprang into action while us ladies stayed behind and ordered a cheesecake to share. There’s truly never a dull moment in Shaver Lake!
We ended the evening at the Short Horn, our local dive bar with a single pool table and a menu that sticks to just beer and wine. Our longtime friend Graham greeted us at the door, quickly hitting it off with Max, while Chris held his own at the pool table. A visit to the Short Horn is a rite of passage in Shaver Lake, and we were thrilled to bring our friends there to experience it before heading back to Mama Neely’s to party the night away. Jay and Kenna may have missed their flight, but they certainly weren’t missing out on making unforgettable memories!
Day Eight – Work, Play Eat
Chris and Jay were up bright and early to help Chris’s brother-in-law, JT, on his job site, earning a little extra for the cruising kitty before heading back to Mom’s to knock out more work on the new deck. While they worked, the rest of us cleaned up and packed, then made our way back to Runaground Ranch to get ready for the BBQ with Chris’s sister, JT, and our youngest nephew, Hansin.
It was great to finally introduce our friends to Tess, who has heard so much about our newfound family, while we all enjoyed a delicious feast: tri-tip and chicken expertly BBQ’d by JT, with roasted veggies, bread, and salad prepared by yours truly. A meal fit for kings! We also tried to decide on our plan for the following day, eventually settling on something mellow but taking our friends to one of our favorite not-so-hidden gems.
Day Nine – Indian Pools and Bar Hopping
Just a short walk from China Peak Mountain Resort, Indian Pools offers a scenic, family-friendly hike and a perfect spot to cool off in crystal-clear natural pools. The 1.5-mile trail winds through lush forest along Big Creek, leading to beautiful granite-framed pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. Of course, we hiked there in style with a bottle of champagne, deli sandwiches, my trusty hula hoop, and a deck of cards for a few rounds of Bullshit—all while Jay napped peacefully beside us.
Chris was brave enough to take the plunge into the water, which, as the Canadians aptly put it, was “f**k you cold.” They weren’t wrong—even dipping my feet in felt like pins and needles. Despite the icy water, we had no trouble enjoying the warmth of the granite rocks, which became our cozy spot for the afternoon.
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Cheers from Lakeshore Resort
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we packed up and headed to Huntington Lake, where we proudly showed off the inspiration behind Chris’s tattoo. We capped off the day with a visit to the historic saloon for a round of drinks and fried green beans. There’s nothing we love more than sharing these cherished places with the people we hold closest to our hearts!
After a (disgusting) round of Jaeger bombs, we closed out our tab and made our way down to Shaver, where we stopped for one more drink at the Trading Post. Chris ordered pizzas from Shaver Lake Pizza (the best, hands down), and we dove into the never-ending “Pineapple on pizza” debate. Are you for it or against it? Let us know in the comments!
Back at Runaground Ranch, the boys played pong in the shop while I entertained myself by hula hooping and skateboarding at the same time (quite the combo!). We eventually transitioned to darts, but as the night wore on, we all got tired and headed inside to get ready for bed. It had been quite the journey, and sadly, our friends would be leaving the following day to reunite with SV Sitka, who was eagerly awaiting the return of her beloved crew.
Day Ten – So Long, Farewell
The morning came all too soon as the sun bled into our bedroom window. Cleo was no where to be found on our bed, meaning she was probably sleeping with Jay and Kenna again. I rolled out of bed with the smell of coffee luring me to the living room where Karen was still snoozing on the couch, but Max was typing away on his computer working on publishing his book. Chris was pouring me coffee, his sweet smile greeting me before passing over my mug – one of the four we bought in Guadalajara with Max and Karen a few months prior. The Canadians eventually hatched and joined us with Cleo running close behind. It was our final morning together, and we would squeeze every last moment.
Since we all came together, I hatched the idea to take a family portrait that Chris and I can hang on our barren walls. It’s ironic, coming from a family of photographers that we don’t have a single photo hanging in our house yet – but I had a plan to fix that.
Our photo shoot wrapped up and Sitka’s bags were packed. Cleo got one last big snuggle and we were off to Fresno for one more round of Hot Pot, Target, and Menchies frozen yogurt before dropping our Canadians off at the airport. It was a tough “see you later” with laughs, tears, and hugs but… I am more confident than ever that we will truly see each other again soon. We watched our friends enter the doors of the busy airport, followed by an “I love you” text on our group chat. In 48 hours they would be back on Sitka, kicking off season 3 and we can’t wait to cheer them on and you should too! Subscribe to their channel, and give them the love they deserve. 
Annapolis, Here We COME!
The Sitka’s weren’t the only ones catching flights. The “Lustocets” were just days away from hopping on a plane and heading east to attend the Annapolis Boat Show where we would catch up with other sailing friends and make more sweet memories. Let the good times roll!
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