Lopez Connection
Johanna’s Lopez ties go back to her childhood. Her folks, Lynn & Marlys Waller,
bought property on Lopez Sound in the mid 1960’s. The Waller kids grew up camping,
canoeing, clamming and cutting firewood on Lopez. Once retired, Lynn and Marlys built
a home on the property where they lived year-round for nearly 30 years, 1986 – 2014.
Our own kids grew up coming to Lopez, many times every year. Lopez brought our
extended family together. Johanna’s folks sold the property to move off island for their
final years. However, we kept returning for visits, including their Celebrations of Life,
respectively. Their final place of rest is Lopez Union Cemetery. Meanwhile, we took up
sailing, beginning 10 years ago, out of Bellingham. Every year, we’ve cruised the San
Juans, or Gulf Islands, and as far North as Desolation Sound. In the Fall of 2023, with
retirement on the horizon, we purchased our current sailboat, “Night Owl”, a Shannon. “Night Owl” is moored right on Lopez, year round. Now retired, we have time to
come to Lopez, for many days each month. We’re excited about connecting with the
Lopez community.

Boating Interests
We want to increasingly explore the Salish Sea islands, making both short and long
cruises. We’re eager to deepen our knowledge and experience of the inland waters of
Washington State and British Columbia. Although we have a fair amount of cruising
experience sailing in the San Juans, we want to do a lot of local sailing to get to know
our new (to us!) smaller boat. We’d like to take part in flotillas. Boat maintenance is
also a strong interest—what with our 40+ year old boat. DIY projects are a constant.
We want to be part of the Lopez boating community, developing friendships and
contributing as volunteers. We hope for many years of adventure as we keep improving
our sailing skills.

To the Membership:

Please say hello to Johanna and Paul and welcome them into our club.

In accordance with the club’s By-laws, they have completed all the requirements of sending in their application, initiation fees, photo, etc. Publishing their photo and bio is the last step in the process. After ten days for comments from the membership, the governing board will vote for membership.

Members can send comments to our Commodore, Bi Christensen.

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