saying farewell to my many C-Dory friends

Y

Yellowstone

New member
As the vicissitudes of old age have visited me, ( I turn 80 in about a month - July 8) , I decided last fall that it was time to let the Far West II go to another boater. A gentleman living on San Juan Island bought it and trailed it back to the island. My decision was based solely upon my health (heart and diabetes) and I thought taking passengers with me on the water could put them at risk since my defibrillator smacked me last July and rendered me unconscious for several seconds.

My first Far West II was purchased in 1996, so I have been part of the C-Dory family for nineteen years. My second one, a 1999 model, was purchased in 2001. During this time I have made many friends whom I value very highly.We were first called the Sea Dogs and then later came the title, Sea Brats.

The Far West II(s) provided me and my wives (Ursla died in 1997) and later Edna with many adventures, from the Pacific Ocean to Key West Florida, Lake Powell several times, and numerous lakes and rivers throughout the United States and Canada.

Yellowstone Lake became my final destination for the past 6 summers. I had first visited the Park in 1948, and in 1953 fresh out of high school, I worked at Fishing Bridge pumping gas that summer. Because I lived near the Park, it became my family vacation spot for many trips, mostly by canoes. My late son and I circumnavigated both Yellowstone and Shoshone Lakes by paddle before I was able to afford a small outboard motor.

Over the years I camped at every canoe camp on Yellowstone Lake. Many of those campsites no longer are in use, saved mostly for the VIPs who curry favor with the park bureaucracy. At one time canoe campers could stay at Peale Island. Not anymore.

Many changes have occurred in Yellowstone Park, most of them not positive.

The 22' C-Dory is really an icon. It gave me and my family and friends much pleasure over the years. So in saying good bye to my many C-Dory friends, keep your keels wet and your skegs intact.

John and Edna Dracon
 
John (and Edna),

You've certainly done the C-Dory line proud! I enjoyed reading of your adventures.

I hope you feel free to stick around here as long as you'd like to though (and go when you'd like to as well, knowing we've all benefitted).

Sunbeam

PS: I believe you gave me some really helpful advice on binoculars, too -- thank you.
 
Yellowstone":2es1o0y8 said:
my defibrillator smacked me last July and rendered me unconscious for several seconds.
Click to expand...

Now your scaring me, my cardiologist just recommended that I get a defibrillator! :shock: :shock:

As we get into the golden(rusty) years we may have to say goodbye to our boats but you don't have to say goodbye to your Cbrat friends. 8)

Regards, Rob
 
John and Edna, now you know you are not allowed to leave this family ever for any reason. We simply cannot allow it. It is the same as with the many schools you served - once there you are always a part.

Didn't you also achieve some fame in a small port called Cathlamet on the Columbia River a few years back?

I admire you greatly, John. I have told you that before. I understand your reasons for staying ashore and hope you remain standing upon it for many more years.

Mike
 
John and Edna,

I have enjoyed your comments here for since I started looking at C-Dory's. Have enjoyed the stories, pictures and posts. Many have said this place is like the pub where you can come and go as you please. True, but for some of us it is more like the family where we just belong. Over time, our friends here, come, move through and move on, but are always remembered. You have been an inspiration here and I just want to say thanks.

It's not easy to make that decision. but it takes fortitude, true, and we can still benefit from your presence. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

3_Bellingham_Line_of_C_D_s_2009_917.highlight.jpg
 
John and Edna,

Karen and I enjoyed meeting and boating with you in 2008 at Lake Yellowstone. I still remember some of your stories.

We wish you all the best.
 
John, when Myrna and I bought the MOOSE in 2002 and joined the C-Brat society, you became a friend to me. You offered us advice on modifications, many of which I incorporated and which still serve well. We have spoken of you many times over the years and still value our association with you.

After a somewhat delayed launch last week, we are setting out on our 2015 inaugural cruise on Rainy Lake later today. We always take a bottle of bubbly along on this first-of-the-season adventure and you can be sure we will be toasting you and Edna. Know that if you ever venture out our way, we would be honored to host you both and give you a tour of our home waters.

Best regards, my old and dear friend.
Al
 
John, I passed your farewell post along to Bill and El. Bill is in the hospital, small heart attack (his words), looks like he is going to be fine. I am sure he will want to chime in here just as soon as they let him have a laptop!

BTW, I saw Far West II in a slip at the Friday Harbor Marina when we were there for the CBGT! I wondered about that!
 
John-You are part of the foundation on which the C-Brats has been built. It's not goodbye, its 'welcome to C-Brat Emeritus status. As our patron saint Yogi Berra has said, "It ain't over 'til it's over"..
 
Say it ain't so - cause if you say goodbye I would too. I was always told, once a Brat always a Brat. Heck, I am looking at an RF and don't feel one bit like the step child of the group. In fact, I would feel and plan on bringing the new RF to Ladysmith where I know we'll fit in just fine. Being a Brat is more a life style choice. If things don't work out with the RF I have my eye on several CD 25's.
My point, we all share a bond. We made a choice at one time to purchase a C-Dory. Have owned or do own one of the best boats made. And part of that history are the people that have owned those boats. You are a part of the brand and family here.

As others have said,
"Once a Brat, always a Brat."
 
John,
I met you at Yellowstone about four years ago at the boat ramp at the Bridge Marina in Yellowstone. You gave my wife and I some good advice about laying low on drinking any alcohol our first night in Yellowstone. We enjoyed talking with you and have fond memories of the Yellowstone trip that you were apart. I hope you still make some posts on the C-Brat site. You were always ready to answer questions and help folks plan their trips to the park. You can’t forget the memories of owning a C-Dory even after you no longer own it. My hat is off to you.
Sincerely,
Dave and Ginny Deem
 
John- You'll always be a brat just like me, and for more reasons than one!

We first met in person on Lake Shasta back in about 2004 or so, after having been friends for several years on the old C-Dogs site.

You're a great friend and very interesting, knowledgeable, and endearing person and I'll always be proud to consider you a fine acquaintance.

Hope you don't feel too bad about stepping away from the boat, it's something we all must face in our later years. I'm almost there, myself.

Stay in touch, bud, I'' be watching for you!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Hi John and Edna, as TyBoo says, you never leave the family! Be sure and still stay in touch!

Heck 80 is not that old--I'm a year off..I fully understand giving up the C Dory. (On the other hand, my pacemaker hasn't gone off lately)

Our family, Marie, daughter Robin, Grandchildren Maya and Deven will always remember your taking a full day to take our gang on a tour of Yellowstone Lake, on Far West II--and letting the kids fish.

You are a fountain of knowledge of the lake and back country. Thanks!
 
Hi John and Edna I always enjoyed the time we have spent together at the lake. I hope you will get a chance to come up this summer and go to dinner at the cafeteria. You are welcome on my boat anytime.
 
Finally got home from attending my oldest grandchild graduate from high school. And started to think of how blessed I've been to see her (and the rest) grow up. Or at least one get through HS and go on to college

I also turn 80, in September. And there's 2 sides to that coin. I have seen my kids grow up and have families of their own and that's wonderful. I thank God for that and the DNA my parents gave me and my brother (he'll be 82.) My dad never saw me graduate from high school and my mom never saw all her grandchildren. And I've got Judy who's keeping me going. So, I've gone beyond any expectations I ever had.

And of course, there's the other side, I am (almost) 80. This isn't going to last forever. Good health, able to go out on the boat, started riding a bicycle. So how long does this last? Not a clue, but I get to take the boat out this summer and I'll worry about everything this fall. I figure 5 more years.

So, John, remember that you did get to 80, enjoy the trip and enjoy the rest. You're able to get around, see your family. To your and my health. I'm amazed I got here.

Boris
 
Sorry John and Edna but I can not accept your "farewell". As they say in the Marine Corps, "once a C-Brat, always a C-Brat", or something like that! Sounds to me from what you have said, there will be many more good times coming your way. Just stay positive, active, and get down to the waterfront as often as possible.
 
John, I have to agree with the others here who've said you're not really allowed to leave your Brat pals. Yes, the boating part of your involvement may have ended with Farwest II's sale in Friday Harbor. But you have too much to contribute here and maybe on land at future gatherings.

You and Edna were two people I met early in my C-Brat experience. I think it was 2001 or 2002 at Blake Island on a cold and memorable rendezvous. (I could check my scrapbooks, but I'm too lazy.) And I'll never forget your stay at our house and how you educated me about binoculars and many other things. They still give me a thrill, by the way.
At any rate, I look forward to more of your shared experiences and opinions on this site, because I've always had such respect for you and your intellect. BTW, I also saw Farwest II at our recent gig and I was confused for a minute until my light went on. Hey, that's John and Edna's boat, isn't it? Fortunately the new owner was on site and we talked at length about his new boat and the upgrades you devised. Farwest II is in good hands, and I'm gratified to know it's former owner is still an active participant!
 
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Above photo - Yellowstone John, Far West II and his famous sailing canoe, Plover Point, Yellowstone Lake, August 2010.

I learned this week that John Dracon passed away in December. John (AKA Yellowstone John) and I had exchanged several emails over the last few years. His daughter in Great Falls, MT was caring for him. As noted at the beginning of this thread, John had a long love affair with Yellowstone National Park, lasting over 50 years. He was a volunteer ranger historian for the park at one time. He loved taking folks into the back country of Yellowstone Lake in his C-Dory 22, and also in his big canoe, with its sailing rig and out riggers. He was quoted in the book “Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park”. He often invited total strangers aboard to join him on the lake. Here is a short story of one such encounter- https://bearcruzer.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... ture-day-2. John was a very active contributor to C-Brats. The good times with John will live on in our memories forever.
 
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