Cruising Around Newport Bay

After our crazy antics playing games, we all split up to caravan up to Newport Beach for a sunset pleasure cruise.  Mel, Sebastian, and I parked near the pier and Peninsula Park.  We had no idea where the others were and Mel was becoming a little heated.  We started to wander around the area looking for everyone else when lo and behold who did we run into...Charles.  We followed Charles because he was getting directions from Angel.  We crossed the main drag...Balboa Blvd over to Edgewater Avenue where in a matter of minutes, the rest of the gang.  Angel, Erin, and Julz came prepared with provisions for the crew...can't have a pleasure cruise without snacks and RUM right!  Angel even got ice from one of the local snack shops on the boardwalk.

We rented a pleasure cruise boat from Balboa Bay Rentals which is situated right next to the on ramp for the Balboa Island Auto Ferry.  Our boat for the cruise was named The Conductor.  But who was gonna drive this rig?  We had the option of having a driver from the rental shop drive us around or one of us would take the helm.  We unanimously voted for Jamie to be our captain and so he took the wheel.  After a very short instructional speech on how to manuver the boat, we set "sail".  I couldn't help but sing the "Gilligan's Island" theme song in my head.  I hope I didn't jinx our cruise?!?

Jaime...or Cappy did an excellent job navigating us through the waterways of Newport Bay.  Yachts, speedboats, sailboats, pleasure cruisers, and even kayaks were all out on the water.  We passed by huge waterfront mansions...awh so this is the life in the OC!  Unfortunately all good things must come to and end and our hour on the water was almost up so we headed back to Balboa Bay docks.  Angel planned a great afternoon...after a long and hectic weekend, this type of R & R was just what we all needed. 

After our cruise around the bay, we all were feining for some real food.  So we headed to The Old Spaghetti Factory nearby.  Now I am not a fan of The Old Spaghetti Factory because the last time I ate at their Los Angeles location, I got sick to my stomach.  Hopefully this time will be different...crossing fingers!!!

Since we were a large party, we were seated in the back in a semi-separated room from the main dining area.  The seating was actually great because we talked loud, laughed even louder, and took a lot of pictures.  After much mulling over the menu, I went for the lasagna.  While waiting we decided to entertain ourselves.

First on the list of activites was for all of us to sign a going away present (a cute little teddy bear redeemed for all the tickets won from Dave & Buster's) for Sebastian, our "Most Furthest " TravBuddy.   After we all signed the bear, it was up to Sebastian to name him...he eventually settled for Oliver Charles...which sounded very regal and his initials were O.C....how apropos!  I think we made a great impression on our little brother from Germany!

Then came the hijinx.  Charles mentioned that a factoid under a Snapple beverage cap said that humans cannot lick their elbows.  So Charles demonstrated that he was an exception to the rule.  We then all proceeded to try to lick our elbows as well but to no avail.  Kudos to Charles and his secret talent.  But wait...Julz had a talent too...she can lick her nose!  We all were laughing 'til our sides hurt!

Shortly after, dinner was served.  My lasagna was OK not great...in fact the lasagna I make tastes much better but then again I am impartial.  Note to self...don't ever eat at The Old Spaghetti Factory again!

After dinner, we were entertained by Sebastian lovingly playing with his new friend Oliver Charles...it was so cute!

Anyways...it was late and I had to drive Mel back to Glendale before heading home so after a round-robin of big hugs we all bid each other goodbye!  Thank you Angel, Erin, Julz, Mel, Alice, Sheila, Charles, Jamie, and Sebastian for a fabulous day!