As I sit here watching the monster hurricane Dean heading for the Yucatan, I’m thinking I shouldn’t complain about the rain we’ve had here in central Texas. However, it sure would be nice to get Canyon Lake and our boating activities back to normal. Many thanks to Don, Austin and all the staff at both Canyon Lake Marina and Crane’s Mill Marina for your shuttle service during the last few weeks. Although we’ve lost some of our best summer activities to “mother nature”, there are many more activities scheduled in the coming weeks and months. Check your newsletter or HCYC's web site and join us when you can.

As we enter the last few months of 2007, it is time to start thinking about next year’s HCYC leadership positions. Our Nominating Committee for the 2008 Election is Jerry Hause, Mike Finleon, and Stephanie Perry. (both Mike and Jerry are Past Commodores of the club). These three folks will be soliciting a list of members to be officer candidates for you to select by your vote at the October membership dinner and party (our annual Halloween Dinner and Party). If any of you are interested in serving HCYC as an Officer in 2008, please let one of the nominating committee members know. You can reach them at their homes telephones:

• Mike Finleon – 210-494-1807
• Jerry Hause – 210-479-3904
• Stephanie Perry – 210-490-0956

A couple of weeks ago, on a hot, windless day, Renée and I were the guests of fellow HCYC members Bryan & Joy Lindsey on a jet boat ride up the Guadalupe River. Having never been up-river much past Crane’s Mill, we were looking forward to seeing unexplored waters (for us). With the river up six feet or more over its normal level we hoped to go several miles before shallow rapids turned us back. We zipped along at about 20 knots (which is better than sailing downhill); until we reached a switchback bend in the river that had collected about 150 yards of floating grass, limbs, debris and other assorted “flotsam”. Captain Bryan cut the engine and we broke out the one oar on board (reminds me of a joke) and two water skis to paddle through the muck. After 30 minutes and a couple of trips under the boat by the Captain to clear the jet intakes, we continued on our way. The upper Guadalupe winds through amazing country with high rock cliffs, quiet canyons, rolling farmland and rugged ranches. We managed to go just over 10 miles up the river before we reached a shallow underwater ledge that forced us to stop. We swam for a while in the cool, clear water and drifted by the boat for a mile or so downstream until we heard banjos and decided it was time to head back. It was an adventure we will not soon forget. Thanks, Bryan & Joy for a wonderful afternoon.