It's a shame about the Wawona -- we'll certainly miss her. Watching her gradual decline over the years has been heartbreaking. In recent years she had deteriorated badly enough that I can at least understand why some people saw her as an eyesore and a potential hazard.

Over the years, some of the decisions about her restoration and upkeep have been questionable. I recall hearing a story over 25 years ago, about a lot of restoration money being spent on a new set of sails. The sails had to be stored and they eventually were ruined by either rats or rot. I can't say for sure that this story is true, but, if so, it indicated that poor Wawona was in for a tough time.

She was host to many wonderful concerts and shanty sings on her deck and in her fo'c'sle over the years.