Big surprise tonite (Friday). This BLOWS my mind. Guess who was on worldwide FOX News television from Aruba just now. My sailing and beach buddy, the big chunky redhead Julie Renfro from Orlando! She was a really buffed kid then, just out of high school and the rowing crew, sailing as crew with the Duke clan who were friends of her dad. Julie had her own boats after high school, and did very well with her Hobie 18 and 17 racing hot cats here in Florida. She got married later to Gordon then ran away to the Gorge to be a pro windsurfer. She must have left the Gorge years ago, and is now a magazine editor/ journalist in Aruba. Julie was interviewed on Fox TV network a few minutes ago, and has provided "inside information" on the disappearence of the 17 year old blonde girl from Alabama who went missing in Aruba after High School graduation. (Natalee went went out at night with the WRONG FELLOWS!) Julie said the security camera showed images only just beyond the hotel desk, so it was unlikely to be of help in identifying the BAD BOYS. So she is now a world class expert like Graeme! FANTASTIC!
I'll never forget Julie's last pool party 20 years ago! My New Zealander crew, Graeme Clare, was dead in love with her but too shy to speak... it was too funny!
We are going to Julie's old stomping grounds tomorrow with other A-class sailors- to Daytona Beach for the Summer Sizzler ocean regatta at Treasure Island Hotel. It will be great fun but only 25 boats instead of 200 crazy catsailors like when we were there together. But isn't this a kick in the butt! Far out- Hey that's from the 80s too.
