The STRIKE ONE, 'Ultimate Fishing Machine' was out for the month of September for yearly maintenance.  This is a very popular boat and her absence was felt by all of us, particularly by owner Bill who maintains the STRIKE ONE to perfection.    When October arrived and the reservations were coming in great numbers, the parts to complete the boat had still not arrived.  Bill was able to put some charters on his new boat, the LIRON but the STRIKE ONE has a following of return customers that will settle for nothing less that this magnificent boat. 

Laurie and Tony Valerio had tried to reserve the STRIKE ONE many months in advance.  Their attempts to send a bank transfer for a 12 hour day  turned out to be one of the most difficult things that they have ever done.  Their deposit floated around the USA and Mexico for at least a month until it finally reached it's destination.  How ironic that people would try very hard to pay for something and have their money sent back time after time.  Well, two days before Laurie and Tony's charter, the 23rd of October, Bill discovered that his parts were visiting China, compliments of DHL and had probably picked up a few frequent flyer points along the way.  This could put anyone in a bad mood. 

So, Laurie and Tony had their reservation changed to the 26th of October and were anxious to do some fishing.  On the 25th, Kenna sent a wave crashing through their room at the Krystal Hotel and made a big mess of their belongings.  They also lost Phil's telephone numbers.  Phil frantically tried to locate them at the Mayan Palace in Nuevo Vallarta where they were to spend the remainder of their vacation the night of the 25th, but we know from experience that this hotel is incapable of taking messages.  (Bernadette and John Madonia can vouch for this)  So, Laurie and Tony arrived at Marina Vallarta at 5:30 am to spend 12 hours on the STRIKE ONE unaware that the port was closed.  There wasn't much early morning activity on the day after the hurricane so it was 8:00 am before Bill Peterson realized that they were waiting for their charter.  If you believe in destiny, it is very clear that there is NO WAY that Tony and Laurie were meant to be on the STRIKE ONE for a charter this October.  They finally spent the 28th on the LIRON and landed 4 Dorado. 

And guess what?  NO PHOTOS!  Phil was on an overnighter and Bill Peterson's did not turn out.  Thank goodness that this group was fun loving and tolerant, we have never had such a difficult time getting a party out on a boat.  We are waiting for their photos and will update when they arrive.  Thanks for your patience Laurie and Tony and we are happy to know that you experienced the Hurricane in a good frame of mind.