Benicia adventure.

[Monterey10]

When Vivi and I were weathering the storm last month in Benicia marina, we wandered up the main street and found a Bead shop.(Beading around the bush) I was amazed at the 1000s of turquoise, coral, jade and metal figurine beads. While the wind howled outside, I dug through the 1000s of art pieces for 3 necklaces. Vivi went around and found the pieces to make the accompanying ear rings.

I was surprised that the pieces ranged from .20 cents each to $1.65 for the gold plated clasps.

I particularly liked the locally made gold plated brass metal figurines of sunflowers, stars, moons, turtles, fish, etc etc. I suspected they were made in China. The proprietor said "no, they were made by local artisans in Sonoma". I was impressed at the quality of the work.

Vivi loves her necklaces, the ones her hubby put together one night, on the dinette, while the winds and clouds swirled around our small boat.

Hey! That's pretty good for 3 beers, no reading glasses on a boat that's getting tossed.

 

[c]

Cool! My admiral got a beading kit as a present a while ago, and she has made a number of jewelry items. Her mom, 85+ in Sonoma (thankfully quite healthy) makes clay beads.

 

[Monterey10]

They have zillions of cools stuff at the shop. None of it more than .30 cents each. More of it is around .05 cents.

 

[Flutterby]

I love Benicia! I would have retired there if I'd had more money for a house. The last time I was there, there was a glass blowing place that I fell in love with........ I wonder if it is still there?

 

[UpperDecker]

I lived in Benicia in a Townhouse overlooking the Carquinez Straights. I really loved the place. Have some fond memories.

But I had to sacrifice all that to make money in Silicon Valley. I guess it was worth it, though. It allowed me to buy a boat.

 

[Patrick Griffin]

It has been a few years since we made a trip down to Benicia. I do remember that the Marina was very nice, close to town, and friendly people. But I really remember the trip down the river into the wind waves. I think the waves were a good 5 feet that day. My friend in front of us said all he could see was the bottom of my boat!!! It was a good trip for honing my rough water skills. I learned a lot that day. My wife wasn't happy! I just told her that going home would be smoother. It was!

 

[Flutterby]

A group of five boats cruised to Benicia about 10 yrs ago. We went down on Friday and the water was like glass all the way! This was in April, so currents were running west and with no wind, we made great time.

Our return on Sunday was just the opposite. Broad Slough was the roughest. None of us could be on plane due to the winds going against the currents. A support on the helm seat broke, but no one was hurt. The return trip took 4 hours and we were exhausted by the time we pulled into our slip.

But I'd do it again! Maybe leave Benicia earlier on Sunday before the wind picked up so.