This gallery is the result of one of those in-jokes that got out of control.
I guess if you have to explain it, it's not funny, but here goes...

It started in 2004, when some of my friends and I were planning a kayak crossing
of the Sea of Cortez. Our route was a rather exposed one, hopping from one
island to another in the Midriff Islands group. Before the trip, Fred started
making "exposed midriff" jokes (Britney Spears was quite popular at the time).
This went on, and when we finally got to Baja to start the paddle, Fred opened
up one of his drybags and pulled out a small box. "Guys, I'd like you to meet
Tanya". He'd really wanted to get a Britney doll, but she cost too much - he settled
for Britney's cheaper sister Tanya instead.

Tanya came with us on that trip and many others, even tagging along to Le Conte Glacier
when Fred was unable to go. Sadly, she did not return with us from that Alaska trip.
When Fred learned of her demise, he composed the moving eulogy which appears in the
captions of these photos.