Sailors enjoyed snacks aboard the craft piloted by Captain Jimmy Dunne.
Newly-minted Palisades Marina resident Jimmy Dunne had gone to informal Monday “Hive” meetings in the Marina since the Palisades Fire.
He came up with a great alternative for residents, “instead of meeting at the coffee shop,” he said, “why don’t we go out on a boat?”
Dunne and another resident had found an owner who was happy to rent her Duffy Newporter. He said he liked taking it out in the Marina in the morning, just to enjoy the morning and the quiet.
He told people that “ We’ll cruise around the marina at a whopping 7 MPH and wave to the ducks, turtles and seals—and solve all of life’s problems. Or most of them.”
Captain Dunne was right. The 8 a.m. cruise was filled with doughnuts and lovely little croissants filled with cream and of course – great company.
The water was like glass, the skies sunny and the temperature perfect. Before we pushed off, we had to be properly attired, and Dunne provided everyone with a captain’s cap.
The captain and crew stopped to look at the seals.
The Skipper took the group for a twirl by the seals near Fisherman’s Wharf and then it was a ride to the breaker. Ever the perfect host, Dunne had provided a Palisades quiz – everything about Palisades history and answers included Inceville, Abbot Kinney and House of Lee.
Cindy Kirven served as first mate to Captain Jimmy Dunne on the journey around the marina.
This editor tied with Cindy Kirven, President of the Village Green, for the most right answers. Glorious prizes were promised—but the best prize was the ride on the boat with people who understood what one had been through, physically, emotionally and spiritually for the past three months.
As we approached the junction between the marina and the ocean, Dunne said, “look to the mountains and you’ll see the most wonderful town in America, Pacific Palisades.”
One could see the Palisades nestled in the hills and it was a bittersweet moment. On the way back to the dock, Dunne read a poem he had composed. (below)
Once we were properly docked thanks to Kirven who had been on a sailing team in college and knew exactly how to tie up the boat—the next group was ready for their sailing adventure. The crew included Community Council President Sue Kohl and a reporter from KCRW.
Once that group was properly attired with the appropriate yachting caps, they set sail.
After several jokes about Gilligan’s Island (Bob Denver lived in Palisades on the Via de las Olas bluffs and taught P.E., history and math at Corpus Christi School), all those aboard are hopeful that Skipper Dunne will be up for another “cruise” soon.
The second group of sailors settled in for the boat ride.
“Palisades Duffy Days”
by JIMMY DUNNE
A poem as we looked across the Pacific— and spotted the most wonderful town in America…
So here we are out in this boat
A time to pause as we just float
Across the waters—was our town
Where fire engulfed us all around
Now as we drift out in the sea
Our “town”—it’s sitting next to me!
Look at all of you right here
You’re what makes our town so dear
It feels there is no shore in sight
The fog will lift—we’ll find our light
While today we just can’t see the shore
I’m sure of this down to my core
On our blocks—we’ll make new friends
Thinking less of “days back when”
And things we cherished ‘bout our town
Oh, they will blossom—all around
The neighbors, and the caring hearts
Our town will be a piece of art
Let’s raise a glass to what life brings
May kindness be what always sings
Until that day when things are weighed…
Let’s turn “lemons into lemonade”
Lovely poem, thanks Jimmy. I was out of town and missed this fun cruise, but hope there will be another!