It certainly seemed like a drizzly cold day for the Kingston Tree Lighting, dinghy parade, and dinner at the Ale House.  But is there anything else you’d rather be doing other than say, sailing to a beach in the tropics?

Some of the group crossed over on the 3:15 ferry to Kingston.   We first saw the Kingston Cove Yacht Club sing with the assistance of Elvis Pressley.  Then Elvis performed.  He has improved since last time!  He has grown a bit older, and actually made some jokes in his own voice – like being too old for some of the antics.  He also sang a couple of non-Elvis songs which was refreshing to hear – he is a good singer. Following hot drinks from vendors in the park, and free shortbread cookies,  Santa arrived by flashing lights fire truck, and helped count down to the illumination of the garden lights.  I heard something about a month or two to set them all up, including a Star Wars spaceship, sea serpent, light house, seagulls, and lots of other creatures and flowers.  Soon after there was another count down for the KCYC boats to turn on their holiday lights at the guest dock.  Then 8 decorated and illuminated dinghies escorted Santa around the harbor.  By the time Santa arrived, a crowd had developed in the park to await the tree lighting.  With a last cruiser arriving by ferry, and others leaving back for Edmonds, we headed off to dinner at the Ale House, where we enjoyed a really nice dinner.  Afterwards,  Jerry - CYC cruiser, and also Vice Commodore of KCYC with Ronda joined us to say hello and chat.  There were no puzzles on the ferry, still a victim of the pandemic, maybe next year?

Put the Kingston Tree Lighting Ferry Cruise on your list for next year, just make a note to wear your thermals, and rain gear for the outside events, and then enjoy dinner together in town.

Happy Holidays!

Chris McMuldroch

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