tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65524224191338198772024-03-19T03:48:31.458-05:00The Retirement Project(or how to move onto a sailboat)
With the advent of our 50th birthdays came the usual sorts of life evaluations that one goes through. At what have I succeeded? What contributions have I made? What do I have left that I want to do before I die? Living on the water was high on both our lists.
For any who share the dream, and for our family members who might not understand, this is our story. We don't know where it will take us, but welcome along for the ride!TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.comBlogger1576125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-79171015896054420492024-02-20T21:19:00.000-06:002024-02-20T21:19:03.303-06:00The Great Tool Debate<p>One of the things that you simply can't live without if you own a boat, whether it's sail or power, is tools. If you own a boat it's going to break. A lot. It doesn't matter if you're a mechanic or not, unless you're independently wealthy you better own tools and learn how to use them. A lot of tools.</p><p>In addition to anchoring tackle and procedures, tools probably hold one of the top discussion topic positions among cruiser gatherings. Types of tools, brands of tools, favorite tools, can I borrow it tools, and what tools are on the buy-next list. There's even discussions about the degrees of list your boat might have depending on where you store the tools. On <i>Kintala, </i>we had a workshop in the aft cabin starboard side that meant she listed about 5º to starboard. If you're really lucky, you can balance out the tool weight with batteries or food storage or water tanks, but in <i>Kintala</i> it was the only option to keep them organized.</p><p>So, you might ask, why the word "debate" in the title of this post? Well, it's because one of the most fevered discussions among cruisers is whether to buy really good tools so that they last, or whether to buy Harbor Freight tools because they're cheap. I'll tell you where I stand on the issue, but I promise there are many that disagree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsexdVLOFxKQ_4Ul9U8LD0yJLdD0WjmSbS756UnEn4kFbtf5P1eE7SEYHcN6LQ6_sHXgJHjTYo0tLnIz8q3HTBBk3v2uraeqgwVN6-fev5lWq9La7lNiWPZU-gwR9ynCapueytzOhI3Pum-_dB4inSskaJ0sXzJYCsRY44p03-1B3VQLgSPmVp6KxRq1p/s290/Image%202-20-24%20at%205.05%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="74" data-original-width="290" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsexdVLOFxKQ_4Ul9U8LD0yJLdD0WjmSbS756UnEn4kFbtf5P1eE7SEYHcN6LQ6_sHXgJHjTYo0tLnIz8q3HTBBk3v2uraeqgwVN6-fev5lWq9La7lNiWPZU-gwR9ynCapueytzOhI3Pum-_dB4inSskaJ0sXzJYCsRY44p03-1B3VQLgSPmVp6KxRq1p/s1600/Image%202-20-24%20at%205.05%20PM.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkGdzyxM06bEcUXNSR8fPsBvUl4G_OdqFUry_2pWywG2LA0Xktxv98vR1YbubSWwsod0k48lnqYvAXv6Cnn0FZjP1mfLeahBgMMxA_FXwUrWopEUXTg70brBHdalC0gjxzYhgxA-Hn03VVgjew9FI2NgjjZDNDCV_6ZG4EWw-5jqzIs_oXJWDqXvdmPa2/s896/harbor-freight-tools-vector-logo-2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="896" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkGdzyxM06bEcUXNSR8fPsBvUl4G_OdqFUry_2pWywG2LA0Xktxv98vR1YbubSWwsod0k48lnqYvAXv6Cnn0FZjP1mfLeahBgMMxA_FXwUrWopEUXTg70brBHdalC0gjxzYhgxA-Hn03VVgjew9FI2NgjjZDNDCV_6ZG4EWw-5jqzIs_oXJWDqXvdmPa2/s320/harbor-freight-tools-vector-logo-2022.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><p>First of all, almost everyone I know has a missing 1/2" socket in their set. Why you ask? Because it's one of the most common sockets and it almost always involves working either over the water or over the part of the bilge under the engine where no man, woman, or child can retrieve it. Tools get lost overboard at an astonishing rate (along with the hardware you were trying to remove) and, at some 50 years in the future when your boat gets dismantled for the dump, all manner of tools and hardware will likely fall out of the bilge. Replacing your favorite Snap-on socket with an original in the middle of the Bahamas isn't even an option, and watching that Snap-on 3/8" drive ratchet that you've had since you were 18 sink slowly into the abyss can bring one to tears rather quickly, as anyone who has ever forked over hard-earned cash for Snap-on tools can tell you.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg0GQBq2ZPpLaQOrYPvLzueoCxhkyWT3FIG5BzEBdElrvGsUXv1j1iEcJeOYCP0q_iLGdoHe4Ewmlbb6eOaW3a6tyMApvelanv7nNeaMQgmH-vV0xPWSMn78z9hyphenhyphen4AFRGkf5f1zM_2pBFf2POKdfiXswsNIskGV_w2p1bnPqlnTruH5Pf3RVUnLCCw5cx/s503/Image%202-20-24%20at%205.02%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="503" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg0GQBq2ZPpLaQOrYPvLzueoCxhkyWT3FIG5BzEBdElrvGsUXv1j1iEcJeOYCP0q_iLGdoHe4Ewmlbb6eOaW3a6tyMApvelanv7nNeaMQgmH-vV0xPWSMn78z9hyphenhyphen4AFRGkf5f1zM_2pBFf2POKdfiXswsNIskGV_w2p1bnPqlnTruH5Pf3RVUnLCCw5cx/s320/Image%202-20-24%20at%205.02%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>In addition to losing tools, the salt air is brutal to all things metal. Unless you have nothing but extra time to sit and polish and lubricate all of your tools at least once a month with WD-40, they will rust. Salt has no respect for the fancy Snap-on logo. It is an equal opportunist when it comes to destruction. This brings us to the power tools.<p></p><p>Power tools will rust inside the deep, dark depths of their inners, and there is very little you can do to stop it. The corrosion lifespan of power tools seems to be exactly the same whether you buy the $400 drill or the $38 drill. There's also the discussion of cordless vs corded power tools. We have a cordless drill onboard for ease of use, but we also have corded tools of every other variety—sanders, drills, multi-tools, angle grinders. They tend to be more powerful dollar for dollar and last exactly the same. Yes, powering up the Honda generator and lugging a 50' extension cord to do some work can be an inconvenience, but much less of an inconvenience than running out of battery before you finish a job.</p><p>So you can see where I'm going with this. Yes, Harbor Freight is our favorite tool store. And while we have had a couple tools fail early on in their lives, for the most part the tools are very sturdy and do the work well. The one exception we had was their 1/4 sheet palm sander. The brackets that held in the sandpaper wouldn't hold and after exchanging it twice we went to Lowe's and bought one of their less expensive sanders to replace it. Harbor Freight is also the best place for buying consumable supplies—sandpaper, grinding disks, tie wraps, buffing pads, electrical connectors, tapes of all sorts, zoot suits, masks, vinyl gloves, foam brushes, chip brushes, plastic sheeting, blue towels, safety glasses, knee pads...The one thing that I won't get there is hardware. While their hardware is fine for my household applications, the stainless isn't of good enough quality to survive boat life.</p><p>I do have to add a caveat—we did bring some tools to the boat that Tim has owned for half a century from his days as an aircraft mechanic. Most of our hand tools and sockets came from those tools, as well as specialty items like compound dikes, a gear puller, a tap and die set, hose cutters, tin shears, safety wire pliers, punches and chisels, easy-outs. These were from his original Snap-on and Craftsman sets that he bought for his aircraft mechanic school and the 40 years of being an aircraft mechanic in shops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlLI3asVW2lX7COUKb_-SDP0CH1OsTHfxBflfMrVewX6jEmltlOlRKbJzemF56WwlbS9F6JsSZYwWyJFxzPaiFqLhg5FH77RoGPfangHWMHcclyBl3TmvQFxukTTOdqsQ8UJw-vUuC2SFptjRVTf-3YIP0oaX3GDbhasiVn1Rs9lXEd6uUSWKAb4jiKyB/s553/Image%202-20-24%20at%207.02%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="553" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlLI3asVW2lX7COUKb_-SDP0CH1OsTHfxBflfMrVewX6jEmltlOlRKbJzemF56WwlbS9F6JsSZYwWyJFxzPaiFqLhg5FH77RoGPfangHWMHcclyBl3TmvQFxukTTOdqsQ8UJw-vUuC2SFptjRVTf-3YIP0oaX3GDbhasiVn1Rs9lXEd6uUSWKAb4jiKyB/w200-h153/Image%202-20-24%20at%207.02%20PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p>Harbor Freight is also the place I buy my <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/20-bin-medium-portable-parts-storage-case-93928.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMTc2NjAxMTYiLCJza3UiOiI5MzkyOCIsImlzIjoiNi45OSJ9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21024240154&campaignid=21024240154&utm_content=161809486751&adsetid=161809486751&product=93928&store=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAuNGuBhAkEiwAGId4ah-JTKzxtaj0aCUFH4foKlW93wR9CvX8u1g0nwt45k0dmf2M_fdxkxoCx9wQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">hardware boxes</a>. We use them for small parts, hardware, sewing supplies, and even for snack boxes on overnight trips. They come in several different sizes. The thing I really like about these boxes is that instead of dividers inside they have individual little boxes that you can lift out. So when you're up working on a rolling deck, you only lose the contents of the one little bin instead of the whole hardware box. Ask me how I know...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGS-V0KgF8WEDsnC6TfMITFkPraocW9ZvZ8-vGWvLHC2wCvy-e5bs_FmW7l1GDFotT62wbKq2lvnMEE1JSeLwfqfACAM0xI8LpkYpUmoLYkU2FZA0BrQcp5lovhem8ZOXDxA2UMQFeytSl8KO9pU-MXWiFUBx9D5DEFkZCRgQ7fDbfS3yw5JN6aOGA2DX/s525/Image%202-20-24%20at%206.59%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="525" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGS-V0KgF8WEDsnC6TfMITFkPraocW9ZvZ8-vGWvLHC2wCvy-e5bs_FmW7l1GDFotT62wbKq2lvnMEE1JSeLwfqfACAM0xI8LpkYpUmoLYkU2FZA0BrQcp5lovhem8ZOXDxA2UMQFeytSl8KO9pU-MXWiFUBx9D5DEFkZCRgQ7fDbfS3yw5JN6aOGA2DX/s320/Image%202-20-24%20at%206.59%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>So I thought I'd add here a list of the tools that we've bought at Harbor Freight that we have found indispensable, or just plain useful, and have stood the test of time.</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Absolutely at the top of the list is what we call "<a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/3-amp-variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-59163.html?_br_psugg_q=oscillating+multi+tool" target="_blank">The Magic Tool</a>". It's an oscillating multi-tool with many different heads that allow for grinding sanding, cutting, plunge cutting, and scraping. We use it <i>constantly</i>. They carry all the attachments for it as well and if you watch their coupon sales you can pick them up pretty cheap. We always have a supply of both wood and metal cutting blades on the boat.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/63-amp-12-in-variable-speed-drill-59519.html" target="_blank">Corded drill.</a> A good, basic, variable speed drill.</li><li>Drill Bits. We have four different sets: a <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/brad-point-wood-drill-bit-set-29-piece-61618.html" target="_blank">drill bit set for wood</a>, and <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/drill-driver-bits/twist-bits/135-split-point-cobalt-drill-bit-set-29-piece-61885.html" target="_blank">a better one for metal</a>, a set of <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/spade-bit-set-10-piece-63388.html" target="_blank">spade bits</a> and a <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/1-in-2-12-in-carbon-steel-hole-saw-set-10-pc-57523.html" target="_blank">hole saw set</a>.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/grinders/angle-grinders/8-amp-4-12-in-trigger-grip-angle-grinder-64742.html" target="_blank">Angle grinder</a>. We don't use it very ofter but when you need it, you need it.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saws/jig-saws/65-amp-orbital-variable-speed-jig-saw-with-laser-64290.html" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a>. We use this all the time.</li><li>Screwdriver sets. We have 2. <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/cushion-grip-screwdriver-set-12-piece-61344.html" target="_blank">A cheap one</a>, and <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/professional-mechanics-screwdriver-set-8-piece-56508.html" target="_blank">a better one</a>. We have the cheaper ones in places like the galley junk drawer (doesn't everybody have one???) and the more expensive ones in Tim's tool box in the engine room.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-11-amp-dual-temperature-heat-gun-56434.html" target="_blank">Heat gun</a> Ours came in a box with a <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/heat-gun-accessory-kit-9-piece-59470.html" target="_blank">tool kit </a>but they don't offer it together anymore. Honestly, we rarely use the accessories.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical/electrician-s-tools/soldering-guns-irons/100-watt-soldering-gun-kit-64056.html" target="_blank">Soldering iron</a>. We don't use it very often but boy when you need it...</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/1-amp-10-in-random-orbital-polisherbuffer-61898.html" target="_blank">Buffer</a>. This is the 10" but we currently only have the smaller <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/07-amp-6-in-compact-palm-polisher-69487.html" target="_blank">6" polisher</a> onboard.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/31-in-pvc-folding-sawhorse-350-lb-capacity-61979.html?_br_psugg_q=saw+horses" target="_blank">Saw horses</a>. As cheap as these are we never expected them to last but they have held up dramatically well and they are super lightweight, a big benefit on boats. They fold flat and store easily in our lazaretto.</li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-WM125-Workmate-350-Pound/dp/B000077CQ0/ref=asc_df_B000077CQ0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312115148598&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11476455073304942489&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9022873&hvtargid=pla-383605210285&psc=1&mcid=d05553d572e4356da249d47d8cf750b6&gclid=CjwKCAiAuNGuBhAkEiwAGId4atZHSMqNFMOZMUP8A0ueA5eC6yAwyfUuF0m0P7Z0MWGkLBbfIVFunRoCMPAQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Work bench</a>. Harbor Freight doesn't carry the one we bought anymore but this one on Amazon is the same although it's ten dollars more than we paid at HF.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saws/circular-saws/58-amp-4-12-in-compact-circular-saw-56164.html" target="_blank">Circular Saw.</a> We don't own this one yet but plan to own it soon. </li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/28-amp-5-in-random-orbit-palm-sander-63999.html" target="_blank">Sander</a>. This orbital sander has worked well. This <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/10-amp-orbital-14-sheet-sander-61311.html" target="_blank">square sheet sande</a>r is the one we returned. This <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/11-amp-cornerdetail-sander-63976.html" target="_blank">detail sander</a> has also worked well for us, although the dust collector tends to fall off so we have to tape it.</li><li>Knock-off <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/13-amp-variable-speed-rotary-tool-kit-31-piece-68696.html?_br_psugg_q=dremel+tool+kit" target="_blank">Dremel tool</a>. We also bought their <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/rotary-tool-accessory-set-276-piece-62440.html" target="_blank">tool kit </a>which is a fraction of the price as the Dremel brand and does an equally good job. It comes in a nice storage box.</li><li>Clamps. We have three different styles. The <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps-vises/36-in-aluminum-bar-clamp-60539.html" target="_blank">metal screw type</a>, the <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps-vises/24-in-high-power-trigger-clampspreader-64992.html" target="_blank">ratcheting plastic ones</a>, and the <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps-vises/2-inch-capacity-steel-spring-clamp-39529.html" target="_blank">hand clamps</a>. We use all of them all the time.</li><li>Rulers. We have several and use them all the time. the most used is this <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/measuring-marking/12-in-combination-square-69361.html" target="_blank">combination square</a>.</li><li>Spotlights. We'll be replacing ours that died before this season with this <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/home/electrical/6000-lumen-rechargeable-waterproof-led-spotlight-59224.html" target="_blank">rechargeable waterproof version.</a></li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/home/electrical/590-lumen-tactical-led-flashlight-black-59362.html" target="_blank">Flashlights</a> we have several of these in various locations on the boat.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/home/electrical/50-ft-x-123-gauge-outdoor-extension-cord-orange-62942.html" target="_blank">Extension cords</a> these are super heavy duty 12/3 outdoor cords. They also carry a heavier 10/3 with a triple outlet head on it.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-ratcheting-crimper-58325.html" target="_blank">Crimper</a>. The ratcheting type like this one is the best type. We also have this <a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-wire-crimping-tool-64044.html" target="_blank">hydraulic crimper</a> for heavier cables like battery cables.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/17-12-in-hand-riveter-with-collection-bottle-58612.html" target="_blank">Rivet Gun</a>. We love this rivet gun. Everywhere we go it gets passed around the boatyard.</li><li><a href="https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/tool-set-with-case-130-piece-64263.html" target="_blank">Tool Kit</a>. This is a very cheap kit of very cheap tools, but we keep it under one of our settees just so that we have a complete tool kit for very quick jobs. It also goes to the apartment when we're off the boat. </li></ol><div>I'm sure that there's a bunch of things I'm missing, but these are the ones that we use all the time and come to mind. We have a standing joke that we can't get out of Harbor Freight without spending at least $100. But oh boy what you get for that $100! </div><div><br /></div><div>I do want to mention two particular tools that didn't come from Harbor Freight but are worth mentioning because they're very good tools. When we first bought <i>Kintala</i> we bought these Gearwrench wrench sets from Home Depot. They are ratcheting wrenches that come in <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRENCH-Metric-90-Tooth-Flex-Head-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrench-Tool-Set-with-Tray-8-Piece-86794/315610330#overlay" target="_blank">SAE and Metric combination wrenches</a> as well as <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRENCH-SAE-Metric-72-Tooth-Stubby-Combination-Ratcheting-Wrench-Tool-Set-14-Piece-85206/309496628#overlay" target="_blank">stubby ones</a> and both come in flex head versions. We have all three on board.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7ygN3RABIvm9e3219ZF9F7VarEu8GXrl8KTHE2Fsj58amba0OsjjFze7ER-H47iFfzSCt_kkrbDm2Cn151yewsHvBbW3c5Smg7MNvjEVCentcDjaKRquYkE8e7Jklqu0WPmXJA4WsZgqfwRAn1t2Kp1Gaw5sqTRAMFCxHnap47VSLrs9J36lOVnrYKB/s461/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.39%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7ygN3RABIvm9e3219ZF9F7VarEu8GXrl8KTHE2Fsj58amba0OsjjFze7ER-H47iFfzSCt_kkrbDm2Cn151yewsHvBbW3c5Smg7MNvjEVCentcDjaKRquYkE8e7Jklqu0WPmXJA4WsZgqfwRAn1t2Kp1Gaw5sqTRAMFCxHnap47VSLrs9J36lOVnrYKB/s320/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.39%20PM.jpeg" width="319" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzIZQP0dQMWaxFLV14IGXCg6SqMeBD66UBbFUql4gAAmLUROvsfbvyZCCM6_SZnpsMAr-rP1TPAjiHuA7ak5rC7z6e-_oej_FXY-W85yw1L7cT-AIoney8nyDGpz3E_I7a8vsVugccsbp6ENf02YmQOz0EOryG4XUfLh7kYskm1bXeKiC0wl31yO96ksQ/s464/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.40%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="464" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzIZQP0dQMWaxFLV14IGXCg6SqMeBD66UBbFUql4gAAmLUROvsfbvyZCCM6_SZnpsMAr-rP1TPAjiHuA7ak5rC7z6e-_oej_FXY-W85yw1L7cT-AIoney8nyDGpz3E_I7a8vsVugccsbp6ENf02YmQOz0EOryG4XUfLh7kYskm1bXeKiC0wl31yO96ksQ/s320/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.40%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7ygN3RABIvm9e3219ZF9F7VarEu8GXrl8KTHE2Fsj58amba0OsjjFze7ER-H47iFfzSCt_kkrbDm2Cn151yewsHvBbW3c5Smg7MNvjEVCentcDjaKRquYkE8e7Jklqu0WPmXJA4WsZgqfwRAn1t2Kp1Gaw5sqTRAMFCxHnap47VSLrs9J36lOVnrYKB/s461/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.39%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB7ygN3RABIvm9e3219ZF9F7VarEu8GXrl8KTHE2Fsj58amba0OsjjFze7ER-H47iFfzSCt_kkrbDm2Cn151yewsHvBbW3c5Smg7MNvjEVCentcDjaKRquYkE8e7Jklqu0WPmXJA4WsZgqfwRAn1t2Kp1Gaw5sqTRAMFCxHnap47VSLrs9J36lOVnrYKB/s461/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.39%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uGDbo32sgqttNs2XnsP2Aug-YrlaixutNm7vicsDoNu6cFUYvB-OWIdMVfc39AIbLKbEp6RH4Goovb8jxGh5T6_Kx7M5isj62L6P3T2IVmUDn7ZTmX-8_X9ZnvHQcqrxoMjbdolfZqDibT71K0Jin2d0FZZoCDcAPsxvVCv89hIWDo3xXUaz46XXhf8f/s444/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.53%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="444" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uGDbo32sgqttNs2XnsP2Aug-YrlaixutNm7vicsDoNu6cFUYvB-OWIdMVfc39AIbLKbEp6RH4Goovb8jxGh5T6_Kx7M5isj62L6P3T2IVmUDn7ZTmX-8_X9ZnvHQcqrxoMjbdolfZqDibT71K0Jin2d0FZZoCDcAPsxvVCv89hIWDo3xXUaz46XXhf8f/s320/Image%202-20-24%20at%208.53%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The other tool is our <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-HP-18V-Brushless-Cordless-Compact-1-2-in-Drill-Driver-Kit-with-2-1-5-Ah-Batteries-Charger-and-Bag-PSBDD01K/313438691" target="_blank">Ryobi cordless drill</a>. We bought this drill way back at the beginning of our boating adventure and it has held up well ever since. We've had it so long that they don't even make it quite the same anymore, but we bought the newer version for our daughter for her birthday last year and it's held up equally well so far. I know a lot of people swear by DeWalt, but this drill has performed flawlessly.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the debate will continue to rage, and everybody has to do what their budget allows, but for us the solution has been Harbor Freight for almost everything we use.</div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-65214774159993627132024-02-14T19:03:00.002-06:002024-02-14T19:03:43.365-06:00It's All About The Peeps - The Longterm Peeps<p>Winter on land has felt interminable, even though the cold weather snap in St. Louis was relatively brief and the spring temps are rapidly climbing. It has given me a good amount of time to prepare for our upcoming trip to try to get <i>First Light</i> the rest of the way to St. Louis. It also gave me the time to do the printed blog books, which led to a whole lot of thinking about the cruising life, our travels, and what it has all meant to me.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5TGRT3uZG08U6yq9z5so2lAggLZ00FDIgzfzTpwzTN4OvpKJJICIFpeJZp2kzXBPMo1B8jSMRQgGZZV-LQeNqLRtafI3kcGMy9fVERou66jNGjRbaw4fMGoF8BM6ht6gDDg1cQ8w0jKVn_0IjtHvbFgYWkOdWrJqYHnqsCnpezwdhiiv_R4erIHfSw-k/s432/Yacht-a-Fun.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="349" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5TGRT3uZG08U6yq9z5so2lAggLZ00FDIgzfzTpwzTN4OvpKJJICIFpeJZp2kzXBPMo1B8jSMRQgGZZV-LQeNqLRtafI3kcGMy9fVERou66jNGjRbaw4fMGoF8BM6ht6gDDg1cQ8w0jKVn_0IjtHvbFgYWkOdWrJqYHnqsCnpezwdhiiv_R4erIHfSw-k/w324-h400/Yacht-a-Fun.jpeg" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of Alex Rooker</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I've said it many times on this blog, but it bears saying again—the best thing about cruising for me is the cruising community. The friends you meet along the way become lifelong friends even though you might go years in between seeing each other. The relationships run deep, the trust true, the kindness flows freely. Some we met in passing and never saw again, but some became the Longterm Peeps—friends who we still keep in contact with, the friendships that lasted well through our 5 years on land building up the cruising kitty, that lasted through our transition from sail to trawler. One such relationship is with Alex and Diann of <i><a href="http://yachtafun.com/yachta-talking/page/20" target="_blank">S/V Yacht-a-Fun</a></i>.</p><p>We first became aware of Alex and Diann through the blog. We each visited the others' blogs and chatted back and forth, but it wasn't until January of 2015 that we actually met in person. They had their Gemini catamaran parked on a mooring ball next to ours in Dinner Key in Coconut Grove, and we finally got to meet them for sundowners and discussions about our shared Westerbeke pains (They have a Westerbeast in their Gemini like we did in <i>Kintala</i>.)</p><p>Over the years we continued to run into them periodically. They eventually bought property in New Bern, NC and kept a more or less permanent slip for their boat there. When we found <i>First Light</i> in New Bern in 2021, we had the opportunity to see them more often.</p><p>Alex is a tour guide par excellence. Everywhere he travels he makes it his business to find the best places to eat and historical places to visit. His brain is a virtual cruising guide, one that we have benefitted from on more than one occasion. He took us on a tour of New Bern in October of 2021 shortly after we bought <i>First Light</i>, pointing out the historical landmarks and taking us and a couple other friends to the best bars with live music, topped off by a visit to a classic ice cream store. Diann is a kind and gentle soul, one that makes you feel instantly comfortable. Her smile is constant, and rounds out the day with a pleasant softness. It was a terrific day.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_qVq2EeLdYSUO_x0LrCEkKhG1262ZWbZ3Z_v3E9g-ajEKl-VmyrGhiJrA2L3dLKfp0SXyW3vPVlMiibiVnNkGqSaTf0c3xMHRw2h-p8Zff2kN0LElZ0pw_qJLShSEhuhNSPCEzVOIn5VOWla1WjEni1XI-V-HOTxIcXbqAHa5fEXGG0NPD_hcGxbwn-F/s840/AlexAndDiann.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="840" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_qVq2EeLdYSUO_x0LrCEkKhG1262ZWbZ3Z_v3E9g-ajEKl-VmyrGhiJrA2L3dLKfp0SXyW3vPVlMiibiVnNkGqSaTf0c3xMHRw2h-p8Zff2kN0LElZ0pw_qJLShSEhuhNSPCEzVOIn5VOWla1WjEni1XI-V-HOTxIcXbqAHa5fEXGG0NPD_hcGxbwn-F/s320/AlexAndDiann.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of Alex Rooker</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>But it was our contact with them in 2023 that stands out. When Tim had his cardiac arrest, I contacted them on the way to the hospital. They dropped everything they were doing and met the ambulance there. Even though the hospital wouldn't let them in the waiting room with us, the fact that they dropped everything and came meant more to me than I can possibly say. We got to see them quite a bit while we remained in the area for Tim's recuperation and my later recuperation from my broken arm. It's odd that in all the times we've been together—for meals and walks and coffee and boat maintenance—we've never managed to get a selfie with the four of us together. So I confess that I robbed these few photos from their blog.</p><p></p><p>Alex and Diann, many thanks for your continued friendship, laughter, and support. It's folks like you that make the cruising community such an amazing place.</p>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-22510763993124301622024-01-13T16:53:00.005-06:002024-01-13T16:53:59.708-06:00A Journey Into Real Pages<p>We started this blog on August 26, 2007, long before we really had any idea where this journey might take us. It was only a tiny whisper of a dream, this idea of retiring to a sailboat and living a life less ordinary. In the beginning it was mostly to keep our family informed and to provide a journal of sorts for ourselves, but as time went on it became something even other dreamers could identify with. It became a compendium of the cruising lifestyle, of the challenges of fulfilling your dreams. It became something worth saving in print.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBLtMhTAOKtVsjGtY9eiEkUZAYYCMZQ5vH71bsjmXVoilnZj7cSgVHIbe4GkY_G7oOhzFYzgZGJxB5g2QwWxO8zJYpeqM7uYq3ocCFt1DhKrWwydsRs8H8BmCyHnzSiiHXpNrIDRL6rVs5BohQLmpRWsmnwpP0C_1B6obimhA1Z4M2CkDb2sXRNMbe207/s3022/IMG_2600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3005" data-original-width="3022" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBLtMhTAOKtVsjGtY9eiEkUZAYYCMZQ5vH71bsjmXVoilnZj7cSgVHIbe4GkY_G7oOhzFYzgZGJxB5g2QwWxO8zJYpeqM7uYq3ocCFt1DhKrWwydsRs8H8BmCyHnzSiiHXpNrIDRL6rVs5BohQLmpRWsmnwpP0C_1B6obimhA1Z4M2CkDb2sXRNMbe207/s320/IMG_2600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>With Google's constant transformation, acquisitions and sunsetting of various programs, I became increasingly concerned about losing such a valuable piece of our family history. I once had 150 blog photos simply disappear, something that even Blogger's tech team couldn't figure out. It took me a couple weeks to put them back from my backup folder of photos. After coming back from the boat I had a good bit of time to finally start the project I've been putting off for a really long time—that of making a printed book of the blog to put on my shelf at home.</p><p>I looked around quite a bit and settled on blog2print.com because my daughter's mother-in-law had been gifting them a book of their family blog posts each year for Christmas. Unfortunately, they are having some serious technical issues and I was unable to complete the project through their site despite multiple long sessions with their tech team. I wasn't the only one having the issues, and I finally decided to cut my losses and look for another company.</p><p>I happened on <a href="https://www.intorealpages.com/site/about" target="_blank">intorealpages.com</a>, a company formed by two brothers, Maarten and Hans in the Netherlands. I immediately liked their business model and decided to give it a go.</p><p>Registering for and logging into an account is an easy, straightforward process. It did take me a while to learn to navigate the various screens in building a book, but the emails I sent to the support email were answered immediately, with the time difference between here and Europe in consideration. Maarten was kind and courteous and helped me over the bumps.</p><p>So here are the things I really like about Into Real Pages:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The importing of the data from the blog was seamless. Posts were correct, in the right order, had the photos where they belong, had the right authors and dates. Everything went perfectly.</li><li>You can edit the posts right in the program. This was important to me because I was pretty bad about editing Tim's posts for grammar and spelling and punctuation in the early years of the blog. There were also some posts that needed some additional explanation to a book reader rather than an online reader. The editing screen lets you have complete control over the content, including adding or deleting photos. It did mean that I ended up reading the whole blog from beginning to end via the editing screen, but it was worth it to have a quality book. You also have the option of adding full-page photos at any place in your book. I did upload very high quality photos for those full-page ones rather than using the blog photos themselves.</li><li>Videos all incude a QR code that the book reader can scan to see the video. This is something that blog2print didn't have and it was <i>huge</i> influence in my decision to go with Into Real Pages.</li><li>You can include the author's name in each post if you have more than one author on your blog like we do.</li><li>The quality of the printed books is <i style="font-weight: bold;">outstanding</i>. The paper is photo quality paper on every page. The photos are clear, the color rich. I did find I had to do some manual repositioning of the photos in order to clear up some blank space between the posts and cut my page quantity down. These are heavy, coffee table quality books.</li><li>Once you buy a book, they provide the pdf file of it for free. Yes, for free. Other companies I looked at made you purchase the pdf separately. This was also a huge influence in my decision.</li><li>Delivery of the printed book was very fast. You can also check the status of the print process in your account. The books arrived very well packaged.</li></ul><div>I did have some suggestions that I forwarded to Maarten after having completing the 11 volumes it took me to encompass 2007-2022. (I plan on doing 2023 and 2024 in one book after completing our move of <i>First Light</i> from North Carolina to St. Louis.)</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I'd love to see the books offered in spiral bound versions. The pages are so thick and the books so heavy that it would be really nice to be able to lay them flat.</li><li>I'd love to see more cover templates. I used a pretty plain one with three photos in boxes on the front and I'm happy with it, but there weren't all that many choices. Our friend Robert used a different template and his turned out nicely as well.</li><li>I'd like to see the option of adding a photo to the back cover.</li><li>I'd like to see them add more characters in the description fields both inside and on the back cover.</li><li>I'd like to have the option of a larger font size for the type on the binding.</li><li>In the editing screen the photos come with sizing frames, but even if you change the size it reverts back to the original size when you actually build the book. It would be nice to be able to resize the photos in the editing screen and have them stay that size.</li></ul><div>All in all it took me about 3 weeks of long days to build 11 books of 15 years of history. I feel so much better knowing that I have hard copies of our experiences and photos on my shelf safe from Google's whims. So if you're the owner of a blog and have the same concerns, go on over to intorealpages.com. They run sales a couple times a year, usually in Spring, Summer and Fall, which make it much more affordable. I highly recommend the guys at Into Real Pages. They deliver a really quality product with great customer service at a reasonable price. It just doesn't get any better than that.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9mwnt7vie8No8C0n-n_Mr0zShrwVeaM2QwcEiNpzCGrhOgnYh8hiaV2NdemhI-Hpsb4_tlltoeWw2FImFVVOXdy719E_uCxMBEdxTTFwBf33AC1UI4FZ-SKvxed3bruvCIU2d_lIM-c5ajbQ7whss5oxHWq5BlaUAkx82oSTP588FgNH9pBJtuv4bLbu/s4032/IMG_2602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9mwnt7vie8No8C0n-n_Mr0zShrwVeaM2QwcEiNpzCGrhOgnYh8hiaV2NdemhI-Hpsb4_tlltoeWw2FImFVVOXdy719E_uCxMBEdxTTFwBf33AC1UI4FZ-SKvxed3bruvCIU2d_lIM-c5ajbQ7whss5oxHWq5BlaUAkx82oSTP588FgNH9pBJtuv4bLbu/w640-h480/IMG_2602.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The full-page photos are a really. beautiful touch.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BGIG7WtWc9PL7pY6zmFOTStdKnbRZlob4OsdhZQyP4b9kFlrnKvi9uBBj2rogxljOZ_cuEetxqIJbJSYLMj1gtupgtYVnX4Wb81QigfVuRSwcCay1tgZZfmUddVBtZt_NTJiiAtClL93975SbsYxQJnRMMlfM1FY3LFoRx5cpess8lMJ818MuLQIDZ2c/s661/Image%201-13-24%20at%204.47%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="469" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BGIG7WtWc9PL7pY6zmFOTStdKnbRZlob4OsdhZQyP4b9kFlrnKvi9uBBj2rogxljOZ_cuEetxqIJbJSYLMj1gtupgtYVnX4Wb81QigfVuRSwcCay1tgZZfmUddVBtZt_NTJiiAtClL93975SbsYxQJnRMMlfM1FY3LFoRx5cpess8lMJ818MuLQIDZ2c/w454-h640/Image%201-13-24%20at%204.47%20PM.jpeg" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An example of the video QR code</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJT5TlH_5kabBt-yWOmFkLMBxTlW-FtpfURpICoxvEEv4neV1LRj9UYj0z-4vSGMzd8JCwho2m_6D5-crY-jXgrcHXiy_LV8Xn0dXwORNnKihI6Ocp82u3hgS8HWL8WCsLzqNw7DYHgdpuxMcSeS3vbNYp-cKgywASWXu9hhI3SFIw6nCg86sC8mth7ZK/s702/IMG_2597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="702" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJT5TlH_5kabBt-yWOmFkLMBxTlW-FtpfURpICoxvEEv4neV1LRj9UYj0z-4vSGMzd8JCwho2m_6D5-crY-jXgrcHXiy_LV8Xn0dXwORNnKihI6Ocp82u3hgS8HWL8WCsLzqNw7DYHgdpuxMcSeS3vbNYp-cKgywASWXu9hhI3SFIw6nCg86sC8mth7ZK/w400-h386/IMG_2597.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our friends Robert and Rhonda's book</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-61414888991382135942024-01-09T16:53:00.003-06:002024-01-09T16:54:23.045-06:00Of Grandkids, Puzzles, Poker, and an adventure of another sort<p>It's been quiet here on the Retirement Project, but not because it hasn't been busy. Over the holidays we had all eleven of our grandkids here at various times with much princess dressup-ing, puzzle doing, poker playing (Grampy T's specialty and you really haven't lived till you've been beaten by a five-year-old in five card draw...), and planning for a very special adventure.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Ida2r3vn1zUppM7ibWEE9oRhLsz_rcg3Z3N2iNVO9UKfyw9I_c9v3dMON8_uvGAmrddHiQqHRnPsV1a_95kTo2hRdvhlPMZDCK9FX5vua3nONMjod9G9huM6j7AkUMXyjMEHAKPF3SQf30SyAVdJmUjxLqBsCcMRC3ZdP85Yfc40pDKhAOQEIKbp7Ap/s4032/IMG_2667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Ida2r3vn1zUppM7ibWEE9oRhLsz_rcg3Z3N2iNVO9UKfyw9I_c9v3dMON8_uvGAmrddHiQqHRnPsV1a_95kTo2hRdvhlPMZDCK9FX5vua3nONMjod9G9huM6j7AkUMXyjMEHAKPF3SQf30SyAVdJmUjxLqBsCcMRC3ZdP85Yfc40pDKhAOQEIKbp7Ap/w300-h400/IMG_2667.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of Christopher Prugh</i></td></tr></tbody></table>For those of you who have followed our eldest daughter and her boating family on their YouTube channel, you may already know of the pivot in their plans. The family has put the boat on the hard in Florida and has moved to Alaska where my son-in-law has been offered a job on the <a href="https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/index.shtml" target="_blank">Alaska Marine Highway</a> If you have the time, check out the ferry system at that link. It's a fascinating system of transportation for a lot of people for whom no roads reach their towns. The month before they left they were here for a visit and it was filled to capacity with shopping for the proper winter gear for all six of them and outfitting their Kia van for the trip from here in Saint Louis, north through Canada, and then to Anchorage, AK where they will live until they find the best permanent location in regards to the job.<p></p><p>Unfortunately, it turns out that the Kia wasn't up to the task of navigating the early heavy snowfall in the area and, after reaching a town west of Winnipeg, they had to turn back to Saint Louis and repack things for a flight to Anchorage instead. Once there, they will find a vehicle that can take the weather head on. (So if you know anyone looking for a partially converted camper van contact me through the blog contact form.) It was a pleasure to have all of the kids here together, but this aging grandmother was glad for the break when we dropped them off at the airport. It's an astonishing amount of work to feed teenage kids and to find sufficient winter gear for an adventure like that.</p><p>Here's their last episode on the change in plans:</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Uwb5hr6XhE?si=vevCP9MZaBlgnSxC" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><p><br /></p><p>Now that they are settled in Alaska and the holidays are past, our lives have reverted back to Tim's job schedule, which is a challenge in its own right. Getting up at 3:45am for a 5:00am start is no one's idea of a fun time, but his schedule has been pretty light so far so we aren't complaining.</p><p>For me, my time is now spent in pre-planning the rest of our Great Loop trip to bring the boat to Saint Louis. We hope to be able to leave for the boat mid-April and to have <i>First Light</i> launched in time to make the New York canal system opening May 10th. Since we all know how our plans worked out this past summer, these plans are more like guidelines—plans from which to deviate—but we'll do our best to make our goal.</p><p>Come April, <i>First Light </i>will have been on the hard untended for seven months and we have absolutely no idea what we'll find when we get back there. We did have our Nebo Link hooked up and powered on when we left so that we could monitor the batteries remotely, but something happened to the connection and we had to have someone turn off the breaker. It was reading 8 volts in the batteries even though the solar controller and the battery monitor were both reading 13 volts so either the unit itself failed or there's something wonky going on in the wiring to it. It's been added to the pre-departure list.</p><p>Also on the list is adding a coat of paint to the bottom and painting all the running gear with something better. The paint we used last season was not up to the task so we'll probably end up going back to Prop Speed. Tim also wants to do a little more work to the hardtop to strengthen it and there will be an endless amount of cleaning to do after it having sat on the hard that long. Two of our grandsons are planning to go with us for the first part of the trip so we'll have some extra hands to help with the launch checklist.</p><p>I admit that a lot of the silence on the blog has been because so far the winter, and being land bound, have been tough on me. The Tiny Tot who spent so much time with us before we left for the summer grew up while we were gone and now has much more interest in computer games and movies with her siblings than in spending time with old creaky folks. It was a risk I was aware of before we left, but kids grow up and we grow old and nothing can stop it. In addition to being weary of the gray weather, I also admit that I'm still struggling with a little PTSD from the summer health events. I'll be glad when we can get back to the boat and do a little traveling. In the meantime you'll find me working on trying to get back my guitar playing hand strength, or working on my Duolingo Spanish practice, or sitting by the window working on my latest puzzle with my to-do list alongside counting the days till Spring. </p><p>The crew of First Light wishes you all a happy and prosperous New Year.</p>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-47465589364622560562023-10-22T09:23:00.004-05:002023-10-22T09:23:34.975-05:00Another moving day...<p><span style="font-size: medium;">After several enjoyable weeks of taking up residence in Daughter Middle's basement, being a day-in and day-out part of the family, and taking full advantage of having Grandkids (6) near at hand for games, music, and general mayhem, the day arrived that the lease ran out for the traveling nurse who was renting while we were on First Light. It was the day for moving back into our over–the–garage “granny flat”. </span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI07EdALqDUsRamL6o0ONvB_tU_v8H_cdjFfAsrI7D_Z_qyk1Z4I1Uvj0ewXd7HioLMVADUNaYEZgav5rYmFqsTx78Ad1uxcDx-_m57IN668lf2F_GqtRmNzWdesnUzrmiMywQanNvqjGr_JYCSn04jVt_ZAkZE9G1sysQ2vkhdaJlLDbfPcu-78efuHs/s864/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfI07EdALqDUsRamL6o0ONvB_tU_v8H_cdjFfAsrI7D_Z_qyk1Z4I1Uvj0ewXd7HioLMVADUNaYEZgav5rYmFqsTx78Ad1uxcDx-_m57IN668lf2F_GqtRmNzWdesnUzrmiMywQanNvqjGr_JYCSn04jVt_ZAkZE9G1sysQ2vkhdaJlLDbfPcu-78efuHs/w640-h480/IMG_2067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Landside Cockpit</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love living on the boat. I like the the travel and (most of the time) challenges that come with that lifestyle. I love seeing new places and anchoring out far from civilization's lights and noise. But as I stepped through the apartment door with my arms full of stuff only one thought filled my mind...”HOME”.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The leaves are starting to turn, the temperatures are near perfect, and a gentle breeze wafts through the two rooms of our land side home. We will do uncounted loads of laundry, try to remember exactly where things went or find better places for them to rest. There is a new djembe drum that needs to find its place. The Ukes have been freed from their boat side gig bags and rest in their brackets on the walls once again. Two of them, the U-Base and the Guitalele, went away the day after the move as they were not missed while we were on the boat. The U-Base just isn't my thing. The Guitalele, with its six strings, is two more strings than my mangled left hand can handle. That would have left two empty spaces on the wall. But we stopped at a new-to-us music store on the way home and, wouldn't you know, they had the perfect Baritone Ukelele just begging to be restrung as a low "g". Along with the guitar Grandson Eldest left behind when he bought a new one, there are no empty spaces on the wall. So all is well in my musical world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I find myself wondering about my attachment to two completely different “homes”. I am utterly content on the boat, not really wanting to be anywhere else when I am there (but still missing family). I am utterly content with my land side apartment (but still missing the water environment). Maybe it isn't an issue of having multiple homes? This earth is my home, our home. This span of history is my home, our home. And though I have to admit to being a bit baffled, if not out right appalled and confused over what a lot of people do, the human race is my family. Many of whom are, admittedly, like a wack-job, drug-addled relation that you would just as soon never hear from again. When the news arrives about their latest disaster or conflict one can only shrug and hope they don't think they have been invited to dinner. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter how you feel about here and now and the people who are in it, we are all in this thing together. So getting too bent out of shape about some of the (admittedly horrible) things going on doesn't do anyone any good. Indeed, it might be ramping up the ugly just that little bit more. As much as we might wish differently, there is absolutely nothing most of us can do about any of it, and nothing we can do to avoid it. As the stoic Marcus Aurelius suggests in Book Six of Meditations, <i>“Meditate often on the interconnectedness and mutual interdependence of all things in the universe.”</i> A thought echoed by another stoic teacher Seneca, when he wrote, <i>“All that you behold is one—we are the parts of one great body.”</i> It would be nice if a larger part of the human family incorporate that idea into whatever religion, philosophy, nation, race, or tribe to which they happen to pledge their allegiance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I see is what I get. Dealing with it is the only option. No matter where I am I will try to enjoy it as much as I can for as long as I can, all while trying not to make things any worse for those who are sharing this space and time with me. If I can can I'll even try to make things for them a little better. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As for today? We are home. And it feels pretty good.</span></p>Tjhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01851069285082776081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-7127365202766183642023-10-16T10:59:00.003-05:002023-10-16T17:56:01.310-05:00Text a Buoy<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Even though we've been at the whole cruising thing for a really long time, every once in awhile I get completely gobsmacked by something I didn't know and this week was one of those. Did you know that if you don't have internet but you do have phone service that you can text a buoy number to the system and they will return the buoy data to your phone? Here's an example:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjp9cZU-27u01A83CSlvUYuOCcfUzlqGWijOslOZLJMTck360c7V-zieM72oWwfT-8HA_ey2WLIarWXz0kp7OkYhOZVXSs_QfxoCDt2-l4HFphk2AiT1BFuBkWQqCVhmZW-Bnp8BbALrP0Ryka70DiVnR8-Iz5N1NAccWfkicJEuA3jSc38asCAPU0hwo/s458/NOAA-NDBC-discus-buoy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="389" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjp9cZU-27u01A83CSlvUYuOCcfUzlqGWijOslOZLJMTck360c7V-zieM72oWwfT-8HA_ey2WLIarWXz0kp7OkYhOZVXSs_QfxoCDt2-l4HFphk2AiT1BFuBkWQqCVhmZW-Bnp8BbALrP0Ryka70DiVnR8-Iz5N1NAccWfkicJEuA3jSc38asCAPU0hwo/w340-h400/NOAA-NDBC-discus-buoy.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">For buoys in the Southeast:</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Text 843-603-8559 with the number of the buoy you want the information for and press send. You can get the list of buoys at this site:</span></p><p><a href="https://secoora.org/text-a-buoy/" target="_blank">https://secoora.org/text-a-buoy/</a><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's an example of the text that I tested the system with:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScf6839Rq6k1O7lTRVyfzwwmrS-y-iCf_hrtz5W3xHfmlpx9Wk6mAW18kcB5454flJ6pBZ5YL8x9SdwlURw_LAeBrQQPkoXSqAB8WJq1p1HCz8fXW-el8NZbAeBNyGu4ScjBPTEIiTGPzuVvsqx87oDkTsaUOEjOoytQSFbQGKAbrL3gFEvaAN3e_GbQ5/s1238/Screenshot%202023-10-16%20at%204.03.06%20PM.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScf6839Rq6k1O7lTRVyfzwwmrS-y-iCf_hrtz5W3xHfmlpx9Wk6mAW18kcB5454flJ6pBZ5YL8x9SdwlURw_LAeBrQQPkoXSqAB8WJq1p1HCz8fXW-el8NZbAeBNyGu4ScjBPTEIiTGPzuVvsqx87oDkTsaUOEjOoytQSFbQGKAbrL3gFEvaAN3e_GbQ5/w242-h400/Screenshot%202023-10-16%20at%204.03.06%20PM.jpeg" width="242" /></a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">Here's one from just offshore of Tampa Bay that shows wave height:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkTTWF3r8ecIL35XFxRHzgsb6QxlGCEwF4AGApzkmQWizahzPjh7rl9tZkzqXewNEB3UsqmLUc1wJQhCm4FsiWMcc030hlmHEFuOXTOUbwbMpIBT5EoSo5gJnK_rqU2lRFGBzxDbVvuErFh1LIa2nBTH4Alq_glRinpYmXKNn80lQ2cnA8PKlt2-zAV7L/s249/Image%2010-16-23%20at%205.53%20PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="249" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkTTWF3r8ecIL35XFxRHzgsb6QxlGCEwF4AGApzkmQWizahzPjh7rl9tZkzqXewNEB3UsqmLUc1wJQhCm4FsiWMcc030hlmHEFuOXTOUbwbMpIBT5EoSo5gJnK_rqU2lRFGBzxDbVvuErFh1LIa2nBTH4Alq_glRinpYmXKNn80lQ2cnA8PKlt2-zAV7L/w320-h293/Image%2010-16-23%20at%205.53%20PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">For Great Lakes Buoy Reports:</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;">In your message box, enter the buoy ID number from one of the buoys listed below. Only buoys with numeric names can be texted. Example: Ludington Buoy: 45024. Depending on the buoy, some of the information available is as follows:</p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px 20px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">Wind speed</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">Wind location</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">Surface water temperature</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">Water temperature at depth (Certain buoys)</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;">Air temperature</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0px;">Wave height</li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">LAKE MICHIGAN</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45002</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">North Lake Michigan</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45007</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Lake Michigan</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45013</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Milwaukee Atwater Park</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45014</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Green Bay</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45020</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Grand Traverse Bay South</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45022</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Little Traverse Bay</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45024</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Ludington</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45026</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Cook Nuclear Plant</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45029</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Port Sheldon</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45161</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Muskegon</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45168</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Haven</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45170</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Michigan City Buoy</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45174</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Wilmette</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45175</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Mackinac Straits West</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45182</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Milwaukee Atwater Park</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45183</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Sleeping Bear</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45184</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Green Bay East</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45185</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Green Bay West</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45186</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Waukegan</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45187</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Winthrop</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">PA-DEP-1538</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">PA-DEP-1538</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">SPOT-0648</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">SPOT-0648 Ludington</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">SPOT-0700</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">SPOT-0700 Little Traverse Bay</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">LAKE SUPERIOR</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45001</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Mid Superior</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45004</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">East Superior</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45006</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">West Superior</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45023</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">North Entry</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45025</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Entry Buoy</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45027</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">McQuade Harbor</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45028</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Duluth</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45136</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Slate Island</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45171</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Granite Island</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45172</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Grand Marais</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45173</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Munising</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45179</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Stannard Rock</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">LAKE ERIE</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45005</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">West Lake Erie</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45132</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Northern Lake Erie</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45142</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Port Colborne</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45164</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Cleveland DO</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45165</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Toledo Water Intake</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45167</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Erie Nearshore</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45169</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Cleveland Wind</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45176</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Cleveland Intake Crib</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">BGSUSD2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Sandusky Bay</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF3</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Dunkirk</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">WE2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Erie 2</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">WE4</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Erie 4</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">WE8</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Erie 8</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">WE13</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Erie 13</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">OSUGI</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Gibralter Island</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UTLCP</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Little Cedar Point</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwss-raeon1</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWSS RAEON Buoy 1</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwss-raeon2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWSS RAEON Buoy 2</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwraeon1</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWindsor RAEON Buoy 1</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwraeon4</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWindsor RAEON Buoy 4</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwraeon2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWindsor RAEON Buoy 2</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">uwraeon3</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">UWindsor RAEON Buoy 3</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">LAKE HURON</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45003</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">North Lake Huron</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45008</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Central Lake Huron</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45137</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Georgian Bay</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45143</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">South Georgian Bay</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45149</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Southern Lake Huron</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45154</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">North Channel East</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45162</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Alpena Thunder Bay</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">LAKE ONTARIO</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45012</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">East Ontario</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45135</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Prince Edward Pt</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45139</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">West Lake Ontario</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45159</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Northwest Ontario</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF1</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Oswego</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Sodus Bay South</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF5</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Sodus Bay Center</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF8</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Sodus Point Nearshore Monitoring Buoy</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">ESF9</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Oak Ochard Nearshore Monitoring Buoy</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">OMOECC_O1</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Ontario</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">OMOECC_O2</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Western Ontario 2</p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45189</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Oswego</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"> </p><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; width: 417px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td colspan="2" style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="417"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">OTHER LAKES</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Buoy ID</span></p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Location</span></p></td></tr><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="136"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">45147</p></td><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(247, 247, 247); box-sizing: border-box; padding: 10px;" width="281"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">Lake St Clair</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you have phone service you can also call Dial-a-Buoy for a report. Here is an exerpt from the</span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/faq/dial.shtml" target="_blank">NDBC Site</a></span></div><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><br /></div><div class="rte__table-wrapper" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Abel, sans-serif; max-width: 100%; overflow: auto;"><h1 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; white-space: balance;">Dial-A-Buoy</h1><div class="page-with-toc" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: grid; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; grid-template-areas: "page toc"; grid-template-rows: auto; grid-template: "page toc" / 1fr minmax(30%, 10em);"><div class="narrow-page page-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; grid-area: page / page / page / page; max-width: 70ch;"><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.3rem; text-wrap: balance;">Call Dial-A-Buoy at 888-701-8992 or 301-713-9620</h2><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1rem; text-wrap: balance;"><a id="whatis" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;"></a>What is Dial-A-Buoy?</h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Dial-A-Buoy gives mariners an easy way to obtain weather reports when away from a computer/the Internet. Wind and wave measurements taken within the last hour at buoy and coastal weather stations operated by NDBC and a growing number of Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) partners can be heard using a cell phone. NDBC, a part of the National Weather Service (NWS), created Dial-A-Buoy in 1997. In 2007, NDBC and the National Ocean Service's Center for Operational Ocean Products and Services (NOS/CO-OPS) jointly implemented a replacement for the original system which had operated well beyond its expected life cycle. The new system is an extension of the Great Lakes Online service that NOS/CO-OPS is expanding to include its National Water Level Observation Network (<a href="https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/nwlon.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;">NWLON</a>) stations.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Large numbers of boaters use the observations, in combination with forecasts, to make decisions on whether it is safe to venture out. Some even claim that the reports have saved lives. Surfers use the reports to see if wave conditions are, or will soon be, promising. Many of these boaters and surfers live well inland, and knowing the conditions has saved them many wasted trips to the coast.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Buoy reports include wind direction, speed, gust, significant wave height, swell and wind-wave heights and periods, air temperature, water temperature, and sea level pressure. Some buoys report wave directions. Coastal weather stations report the winds, air temperature, and pressure; some also report wave information, water temperature, visibility, and dew point.</p><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1rem; text-align: left; text-wrap: balance;"><a id="howdo" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;"></a>How do I use Dial-A-Buoy?</h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">To access Dial-A-Buoy, dial <b style="box-sizing: border-box;">888-701-8992</b> using any touch tone or cell phone. Assuming you know the identifier of the station whose report you need, press "1". In response to the prompt, enter the five-digit (or character) station identifier. (For coastal stations whose identifiers contain both letter characters and numbers, use the number key containing the letter - for the letter "Q", press "7"; for "Z", press "9"; etc.) The system will ask you to confirm that your entry was correct by pressing "1". After a few seconds, you will hear the latest buoy or C-MAN observation read via computer-generated voice. At the end, the system will prompt you to press "1" to hear the report again, or "2" to continue with other options.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Dial-A-Buoy also can read the latest NWS marine forecast for most station locations. The system will prompt you to press "2" to continue after the observation is read, then "1" to hear the forecast. You can jump to the forecast before the end of the station report by pressing "21" during the reading of the station conditions.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">When you are finished with Dial-A-Buoy, press 9 or simply hang-up!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">There are several ways to find the station locations and identifiers. For Internet users, maps showing buoy locations are given at the <a href="https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;">NDBC Website</a>. Telephone users can press "2" at the beginning of the call to be prompted for a latitude and longitude and receive the closest station locations and identifiers.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">When you become familiar with the system, you do not have to wait for the prompts. For example, you can press "1420071" as soon as you begin to hear the welcome message to hear the report from station 42007.</p><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1rem; text-align: left; text-wrap: balance;"><a id="howdoes" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;"></a><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">How Does Dial-A-Buoy Work?</b></h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The Dial-A-Buoy system does not actually dial into a buoy or C-MAN station. The phone calls are answered by a computer that controls the dialog and reads the observations and forecasts from NDBC's web site.</p><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.1rem; text-align: left; text-wrap: balance;"><a id="whatare" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: anywhere;"></a><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">What are some problems with Dial-A-Buoy?</b></h3><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do I enter characters for a Station Identifier?</i> Characters are entered simply by pressing the key containing the character. For Q, press "7", and for Z, press "9". For example, to enter CHLV2, press the keys 24582.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do I quit Dial-A-Buoy?</i> Simply hang-up.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do I hear the observations for another station?</i> When you are finished hearing the observation or forecast, the system will prompt you to press "1" to hear it again or '2' to continue. The second option will be to press "2" to enter a new station identifier. You can jump to the new station prompt before the end of the station report by pressing "221" during the reading of the station conditions.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">If you press 22 at most points in the call, Dial-A-Buoy will take you back to the beginning dialog.</p><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The complete list of buoys is on <a href="https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">this map</a>.</div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is an amazing resource for sailors of all kinds and one I wish I had known about a lot sooner!</span></div><div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-79122028424952650602023-09-27T11:47:00.001-05:002023-09-27T15:59:18.852-05:00Land side...<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Daughter Eldest and family (sans Son-in-Law who could not get out of work) were in St. Louis to reunite with Grandson Eldest after the months he spent helping us move <i>First Light</i>. That part of the clan headed out a few days ago to return to their boat in Florida. Though the live-a-board lifestyle comes with more than its share of goodbyes, this was one of the harder parting moments we have had. There is simply no telling when we will be together again. As their van disappeared around the corner I went "for a walk". You know, it's good for my heart.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g6dpWoSMmXdLDpcCHBMT0OWWMW_HQneAP1Cuqpuw9PZdKr_j600vI6Jf-Apm3LMLkeZss0h_vr-mvNem-Z5NEU3Z3_mqIpn4pEVFbxxtjTiPaN4C73986RdZAHkJeeS71IuEgKLLbOkNp0ZXWIZE9P98k_Lk-9odb2mc6PhIyDQerO5ZpMq-s1JYxX0v/s3088/IMG_1436%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g6dpWoSMmXdLDpcCHBMT0OWWMW_HQneAP1Cuqpuw9PZdKr_j600vI6Jf-Apm3LMLkeZss0h_vr-mvNem-Z5NEU3Z3_mqIpn4pEVFbxxtjTiPaN4C73986RdZAHkJeeS71IuEgKLLbOkNp0ZXWIZE9P98k_Lk-9odb2mc6PhIyDQerO5ZpMq-s1JYxX0v/w640-h480/IMG_1436%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We could not have moved the boat without Grandson Eldest's help. It must be admitted that any teen-aged grand son is likely to come complete with a few (slightly) irritating habits. And I am sure the same can be said for any mid 60 year old Grampy T. We jostled and joked our way up the ICW and to near the north end of the Chesapeake Bay. We practiced music together. Along the way he discovered Deb's guitar and picked up what is likely a lifetime habit of guitar playing. He also figured out how to dock and undock a twin-engined 42' trawler, did a good deal of boat work, and played a bit of poker, (for plastic chips only). It was the kind of trip the stories of which will likely to be passed along for a generation or two. The guitar habit had him looking for an instrument of his own to purchase before heading back to FL with his family. That had him and I checking out the local music stores. He found his guitar. In spite of his urging I didn't add anything to my Uke collection...but I did add a djembe drum to the electric drum kit, table-top electric kit, and pan drum collection. The table top, pan drum, and new djembe will go with us back to the boat. The electric drum kit stays in St. Louis.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It is likely to feel like a long winter. In addition to living with grand kids again and maybe working (if the shop will have me back) having a new kind of drumming to delve into will help keep me busy. Unlike the others, the djembe is played without sticks or mallets. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Since the family's departure, we have worked on settling into land life again. It took me a few minutes to remember what buttons needed pushed in our car to get things set up. Unlike when we first came ashore after <i>Kintala</i>, this stint of living on a boat has came with quite a few road miles. So it wasn't much of a shock being back out on the highway. Which is not to say that St. Louis drivers are any less crazy than they were when we left. The house is far more insulated from the weather. It is pouring rain right now, but you wouldn't know that without looking out the window. I suspect the wind is gusting as well, but you can't tell that from this chair. The ice cream in the freezer isn't soft. We don't count how many times we flush the "head" and no one worries about running the water tanks dry. But there are no dolphins or pelicans, no spectacular sunsets or quiet anchorages either. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span>With</span><span> </span><i>First Light safely</i><span> </span><span>on the hard for the winter and little interest in going to work on the boat with snow in the forecast, boat related projects will be curtailed to not much more than trying to figure out how to get the boat to St. Louis next year. Given how plans for this past summer worked out? Well, we will just take each day as it comes.</span><span> </span></span></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-55430614649200023042023-09-17T17:22:00.006-05:002023-09-18T22:00:10.277-05:00And we will just take each day as it comes...<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span>Yeah, I said that. </span><span>Well, what came was another trip to the ER.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9A4k1jtiorFz7qpJCbIAsL3BEC-lGJRVtnjwlb4lZazqiX3YGglA8yfu9NVwEdqtP3yksocNyTI_YAv34VXiYI1-kPprln8o1dkb_ynW9zBEErAKJmnJzFCX8bkP_cA8Ee0KFUliMH9-D-WLTredGNLS2JTx9w9E1rIJtokAwn9uBkb81Iz0WSy08PgR/s864/IMG_1969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9A4k1jtiorFz7qpJCbIAsL3BEC-lGJRVtnjwlb4lZazqiX3YGglA8yfu9NVwEdqtP3yksocNyTI_YAv34VXiYI1-kPprln8o1dkb_ynW9zBEErAKJmnJzFCX8bkP_cA8Ee0KFUliMH9-D-WLTredGNLS2JTx9w9E1rIJtokAwn9uBkb81Iz0WSy08PgR/w640-h480/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I woke up on day two in St. Louis feeling the same feeling I had felt just before the lights went out and I landed in the New Bern ER. Not nearly as intense this time. It was spooky but faded away in about two minutes. It seemed pretty weenie to make much of an issue out of a minor cold sweat and and being a bit light headed for two minutes while getting out of bed. So I didn't say anything to anyone. But then it happened sitting in a chair reading. Then it happened standing in the shower. And it happened again while working on a small project with Deb. Clearly something was amiss. Deb and I talked it over but in the end I suggested we just go to the ER. You know I was spooked when I'm the one suggesting a ride to the hospital.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We got to the ER in the early afternoon. By then the weirdness was showing up twice an hour, which went on throughout that day, all night, and well into the next day. There was much debate over what was going on, but whatever it was, it seemed to be getting worse. The last time around this thing came within a whisker of being fatal, so there was a good bit of tension being tossed into the mix. We spent the night in an observation unit under the watchful eye of some truly wonderful nurses. This morning a Cardiac Doc showed up, sat down, and talked through the whole history of this thing from the initial event on the boat in Oriental to her sitting with Deb and I in St. Lous. After a bit she got up, walked over to the white board now a part of many hospital rooms, and wrote, “Neuro-cardiogenic-syncope / Vasovagal syndrome”. "That", she said, "is what I think is going on". That's good. What does it mean? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It means that my brain, for reasons unknown, is commanding a dramatic drop in blood pressure. The long version of the fix? My pacemaker needed to have a trigger point added. The one I already had fired the thing up when my heart rate dropped below 60 BPM bringing it back to a 60 BPM minimum. The one I didn't have, but needed, would fire the thing up when my heart rate was dropping <i>rapidly</i>. It needed a trigger at 70 BPM during a rapid fall that would bring the rate up to 85 BPM for two minutes, thus offsetting the falling BP. The short version?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">My cyborg implant needed an upgrade.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A “wand” to talk to the thing in my chest and a fancy looking iPad were produced. The good Doctor and the Head of her department worked out settings they thought best, waved the magic wand, and that was that. As fate would have it, it was about time for my next event. (You know things are not going well when you can look at a clock and predict a potential fatal heart problem.) They walked out to the nurse's station to watch the monitors. A few minutes later they walked back in and asked if I had felt anything. I had not. They smiled. The monitors had clearly shown a plummeting heart rate followed by the pace maker taking over to catch the falling B/P with additional beats. Several hours have passed and there has been no repeat of the weirdness. Later my nurse came in and started an IV of fluids. A tune up and an oil change. Problem solved.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The Doctors suggested I stay the night to be sure, something to which both Deb and I were more than glad to agree. I'm not sure how many close calls one gets in a single season, but I think I may have reached my limit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Deb did some reading and found that “Neuro-cardiogenic-syncope / Vasovagal syndrome” can be triggered by exposure to excessive heat and dehydration. Looking back on the summer's activities? Yep, guilty. Having a pacemaker installed and then “recovering” by living and working on a boat with heat indexes of 110+ might not have been the best plan. Who would have thought? Deb also thinks that I had a sub-conscious hint of what was going on—the reason for my eagerness to get the boat parked and get back home to St. Louis ASAP. Maybe. After all, we landed in St. Louis and barely two days later I landed in the ER...again. Which would seem a pretty good chunk of luck if that is what it was. As difficult has this summer has been, there is no question we have escaped some ugly possibilities by some very thin margins. Sitting in this hospital bed, feeling pretty good after a very uncomfortable day, and heading back to a house full of grandkids soon? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I don't mind sitting in this bed. Take each day as it comes.</span></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-56337179087053265012023-09-14T09:26:00.002-05:002023-09-18T08:07:01.237-05:00Gone west...<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">At my urging, Deb arranged to pick up the rental car a day early. I wanted to head west as quickly as possible. While she went to get the car, Grandson Eldest and I took to getting on our way in earnest. Even though we had been doing prep work since the boat went on the hard, the “last minute” stuff would take hours to </span></span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">accomplish. It was hot and I'm sure my eagerness to get on the road was a bit of an irritation to my crew mates. But by early afternoon we were on our way. The first family stop was just a four hour drive. There we settled in for a couple of days of pure joy. After spending time in the company of PA based family we headed west once again.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzbWX9jqZ_dpFB8o4LkGCoFS2GI48askChc-PrDWcimi59eiD5tGG95nASSHVyGdbCAx4mCwvnTlOQtwyuP3sOqpQjsBjYSuczWmQSQUvyQEZctJEDDslVMjPIHZzvMMVv2jLue_7VJYzC40bfmeGcBhl6BhhSwXuK49iT_fa3XRdLTXVzxAROhEvqrmj/s4032/m1lzn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzbWX9jqZ_dpFB8o4LkGCoFS2GI48askChc-PrDWcimi59eiD5tGG95nASSHVyGdbCAx4mCwvnTlOQtwyuP3sOqpQjsBjYSuczWmQSQUvyQEZctJEDDslVMjPIHZzvMMVv2jLue_7VJYzC40bfmeGcBhl6BhhSwXuK49iT_fa3XRdLTXVzxAROhEvqrmj/w640-h480/m1lzn.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Li94ckv8B1mmc-cLm8ZE8YztCRVoOETCJz7-kKNE1WIweY5nIK3xgjfjNPLzQgfvI1g89w-3BGd1zzqhXZnMHA6sKalCSkeHXaj0DggaG-hbpG_CjERpQwKjMABqXnGOs2cjc8uitRClNUtw2v9xIBJzWvzsKRWxM5GB14009i9Lc7SjpgurLjQdy8L/s864/IMG_1954.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-Li94ckv8B1mmc-cLm8ZE8YztCRVoOETCJz7-kKNE1WIweY5nIK3xgjfjNPLzQgfvI1g89w-3BGd1zzqhXZnMHA6sKalCSkeHXaj0DggaG-hbpG_CjERpQwKjMABqXnGOs2cjc8uitRClNUtw2v9xIBJzWvzsKRWxM5GB14009i9Lc7SjpgurLjQdy8L/w640-h480/IMG_1954.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Zen House so named because we always come amid chaos and leave with total Zen</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Along the way we stopped in the town of Washington, PA, swinging by one of the many houses we have lived in to show Grandson Eldest where his Mom had grown up.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M4qT89_2_81ZbMPcjlpGzBNFQdeg2RNQ_N14PqHF5G9ByZdCJlsG3tftdnE2O_5GD3zH3xLZeYNi7x88UEjD77mk4a8iDc7_OFW8c_0fNry-edeVYt8woAp4MpGNNYbSX8_GFIeeIZ0yK-TgjpgeSiXrlfYUUuBwhNQ9qBEP3G-3HzFS-gxmXK2JySK_/s864/IMG_1955.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9M4qT89_2_81ZbMPcjlpGzBNFQdeg2RNQ_N14PqHF5G9ByZdCJlsG3tftdnE2O_5GD3zH3xLZeYNi7x88UEjD77mk4a8iDc7_OFW8c_0fNry-edeVYt8woAp4MpGNNYbSX8_GFIeeIZ0yK-TgjpgeSiXrlfYUUuBwhNQ9qBEP3G-3HzFS-gxmXK2JySK_/w640-h480/IMG_1955.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The house the kids grew up in. We planted that maple tree in 1987.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">Then, on a complete lark, we stopped by the airport were Deb and I had worked for nearly two decades. It turns out one of my friends from those days long past had become a major player on the airport. </span></span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">He was sitting in his office when Deb and I popped up at his door, a blast from the distant past. After heartfelt greetings we jumped in a golf cart and got a tour of all that he had built or bought over the years. That included most of the hangars on the airport, along with the one Deb and I had worked in. He had completely rebuilt it, and I have to say it was perfect. His interests also included the Fixed Base Operation (FBO) that provides fuel and services to transient aircraft and a fleet of aircraft used for charter work, with medical trips being a good part of that operation. The medical angle had led him to start a foundation that raised money for kids who couldn't afford the care they needed. He was too modest to give me a $$ number, but a description of the kids helped and the procedures they needed suggested it was substantial.</span></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MpaQA7Fpjh5bj570vvmNXWaRUS85_gNJ1HTGnj_S5mElX1eNadHtKWTvZ4elyAR8HcfxPR_Le93fL0H8lFnOM4yykeAYGtQH_r9kTyPs7ktnF1SjqoVhWqaXDiAlmJlvP1jloOfFVIRoXkXK9oRkqaeRYL_PYawihRq9VSujazUITr50eev7VRQW9EtS/s864/IMG_1962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MpaQA7Fpjh5bj570vvmNXWaRUS85_gNJ1HTGnj_S5mElX1eNadHtKWTvZ4elyAR8HcfxPR_Le93fL0H8lFnOM4yykeAYGtQH_r9kTyPs7ktnF1SjqoVhWqaXDiAlmJlvP1jloOfFVIRoXkXK9oRkqaeRYL_PYawihRq9VSujazUITr50eev7VRQW9EtS/w640-h480/IMG_1962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYe_meAY7j1-pRzr8vuRN17yJ6c6S2pYF1Fkdu98m9EtmjJ6Mfh7XpIaa8YC0pnfBXAZ6FM5IYbZSDFamxyTPaDiIl5Lb7n199E8WyvEIyWVzTNt5azDai7F3SaIHnBOittAUIy5tSYLvUGiFP8KDTo4ZqYiPQhrYlaSRAlwOQn_wQkAsJ9BntqNyrv29/s864/IMG_1961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYe_meAY7j1-pRzr8vuRN17yJ6c6S2pYF1Fkdu98m9EtmjJ6Mfh7XpIaa8YC0pnfBXAZ6FM5IYbZSDFamxyTPaDiIl5Lb7n199E8WyvEIyWVzTNt5azDai7F3SaIHnBOittAUIy5tSYLvUGiFP8KDTo4ZqYiPQhrYlaSRAlwOQn_wQkAsJ9BntqNyrv29/w640-h480/IMG_1961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfXeafvOsOSUMiGSamYoBo_xCuJbs6sbsW96OADDJG4fYtMsFbkv9pQjptGsvmhtQqyQV0-9zblzaRELGtVJeNXp5PFv1dQJuf_uT14AQ7D6YSPr8S-efp2ZQj6UMV4ylUh8KzVMrAA8LRhNvhGo0R1c1hgGxPVbjcyrAucqgtLv0UKxrU-binfHa0JTU/s864/IMG_1957.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfXeafvOsOSUMiGSamYoBo_xCuJbs6sbsW96OADDJG4fYtMsFbkv9pQjptGsvmhtQqyQV0-9zblzaRELGtVJeNXp5PFv1dQJuf_uT14AQ7D6YSPr8S-efp2ZQj6UMV4ylUh8KzVMrAA8LRhNvhGo0R1c1hgGxPVbjcyrAucqgtLv0UKxrU-binfHa0JTU/w640-h480/IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The old hangar we used to work in all completely rebuilt now.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6r3IJo9iQ-tTtWg3PQe6VtotJ4Nd9DVXIDsc9KqXkLce0l14tyBcW_BMhHn2Easw2KVFpGBHMleBAHCvM0l7U3Oryi5JFg7ccF2w5ubRtlXZBzRB3U2m-CkKu6sok8-OeMoAa54vnM8RthwSzLcwrRZDDgnxAEQSOsokLc07KBhkdeK6LvNX8tIbk8HG/s864/IMG_1958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6r3IJo9iQ-tTtWg3PQe6VtotJ4Nd9DVXIDsc9KqXkLce0l14tyBcW_BMhHn2Easw2KVFpGBHMleBAHCvM0l7U3Oryi5JFg7ccF2w5ubRtlXZBzRB3U2m-CkKu6sok8-OeMoAa54vnM8RthwSzLcwrRZDDgnxAEQSOsokLc07KBhkdeK6LvNX8tIbk8HG/w640-h480/IMG_1958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times;"><p style="font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">Along the way he caught us up on many of the people we had known back then. Since we were pretty young in those days, it wasn't much of a surprise to learn that many of the actors have shuffled off this mortal stage. The ones still around all seem to have done really well for themselves. It was a unique visit, totally unscripted, and one that will never be forgotten. I intend to stay in touch; the visit was just shy of being magical. </span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Driving off, I couldn't help but wonder how our lives would have been different had we stayed rather than heading off when that job went away. My friend dug in and built something special. There is a good chance Deb and I would have gone along for the ride. But we headed west instead, me taking a job flying air ambulance King Airs in the AZ desert. After that were jobs with an airshow team, various charter and corporate flight departments, and with a stint at an airline stuck in there somewhere. I did air photo work, taught acrobatics and tail wheel flying, and ended up flying more than 200 different types of airplanes. The best I can come up with to balance the two possibilities is that the gypsy in me would not have been as content had we stayed in Washington for the ensuing decades. But the paths not taken will always be a mystery. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;">After an additional 8 hours or so on the go we pulled up to an enthusiastic and joyous greeting from the crew of our St. Louis Home. It was </span><span style="font-family: times;">a good sized crowd as most of our FL based family is here as well. Two grandparents, three parents, and ten grandkids all in the same place at the same time. Delightful chaos now reigns. Walks in the park to check up on my favorite trees look like a parade. There are always games and music being played. Multiple ukuleles, a piano, a couple of guitars, drums...all are available and most get used on a daily basis, though with me being the only active drummer in the group the drums are actually the quietest of the collection</span><span style="font-family: times;">. Games are played, stories exchanged...it is hard to imagine that anyone is as pleased with their world as I am at the moment. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">This summer didn't go anywhere near like we thought (hoped) it would. Nor did we get the boat to its semi-permanent Alton, IL home port. We did what we could with what was handed to us, survived, and are moving along. That is about all anyone can ask of themselves. For the next many months we will regroup, catch up, and be a bit overwhelmed with being back living with family on a day to day basis while adjusting to city life once again. Any long term plans are as vague as they can possibly be. We will just take each day as it comes.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tIB0829aWfE?si=YfteOLNZi2f9fwLJ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i>Grampy and eldest grandson enjoying some dirt bike and quad time.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZZaGBT9XK-MoArT6bm1tlh4xA-XVw6xTZkHowcY1J8WuS0DWOye9hXd6aqlpmRmlkz2xIRUx3bl2N0QPkN464XMohXntDSkTzdZXGrdyyIn-UEz1iZWkaQao2MKKFI5CQJWCs4bCXZcwmLBFUiL1V6Hd191XOcWPpCatdMVK6u6PNejUvumFDvliqH5h/s864/03Gw6.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZZaGBT9XK-MoArT6bm1tlh4xA-XVw6xTZkHowcY1J8WuS0DWOye9hXd6aqlpmRmlkz2xIRUx3bl2N0QPkN464XMohXntDSkTzdZXGrdyyIn-UEz1iZWkaQao2MKKFI5CQJWCs4bCXZcwmLBFUiL1V6Hd191XOcWPpCatdMVK6u6PNejUvumFDvliqH5h/w640-h480/03Gw6.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I will be very sad when this tree at Oak Harbor Marina finally succumbs to some hurricane</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHiA8QGeIM-H0yV4vzOkrhB62nF0rzKHcVB2CBesdqvfCq-bqUXNi_Ju7BUvdETMUvj8eGoYmtdHks06c8SxC7mipExBwlTo3yXgPTOIrq__RBRkNdT8CgDb0KNkCMmlHBHBhCJSWqrWbUBiML2-nPrAPsVoyf-TMnwoNXRIHHEJkl0syoLcO1HgPITzp/s864/IMG_1922.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHiA8QGeIM-H0yV4vzOkrhB62nF0rzKHcVB2CBesdqvfCq-bqUXNi_Ju7BUvdETMUvj8eGoYmtdHks06c8SxC7mipExBwlTo3yXgPTOIrq__RBRkNdT8CgDb0KNkCMmlHBHBhCJSWqrWbUBiML2-nPrAPsVoyf-TMnwoNXRIHHEJkl0syoLcO1HgPITzp/w640-h480/IMG_1922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grandson eldest filming the rapids at Ohiopyle</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjQNAMrVcZ_N8TNfoFOzCat4J7Zhfeupuz_rIlilslgmIJATTRRlsW5_QzG0dzP9TUbsB0pFeG2lWkRrhFHFf6v8OIiSjz9fB0gyjqt3-xJ-BRp7aZLETcudj3eYUwiZcURHoaISvRynXs6xd_9_FIALOtooD0f8Z1ODiZqL7vl5VWQd1b37DmWcvWeos/s864/IMG_1936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjQNAMrVcZ_N8TNfoFOzCat4J7Zhfeupuz_rIlilslgmIJATTRRlsW5_QzG0dzP9TUbsB0pFeG2lWkRrhFHFf6v8OIiSjz9fB0gyjqt3-xJ-BRp7aZLETcudj3eYUwiZcURHoaISvRynXs6xd_9_FIALOtooD0f8Z1ODiZqL7vl5VWQd1b37DmWcvWeos/w640-h480/IMG_1936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3bgefIpbhW1KRUA5ncJ9OJBcxqbF8dzzDJncGkK7LuDfrSNOXX3nzdx1oKK5t0YBa3IacdziU_1lI6jGsK590WKiYrfx2KhCGQi8w3lEy_Ro2IMlorlHm1LjHezR28_Zu6VWDs42LZuugXfek3JyzHXyYNGjbmxHkD6raBkug21onNGiG9WY5vs61W5y/s864/IMG_1942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3bgefIpbhW1KRUA5ncJ9OJBcxqbF8dzzDJncGkK7LuDfrSNOXX3nzdx1oKK5t0YBa3IacdziU_1lI6jGsK590WKiYrfx2KhCGQi8w3lEy_Ro2IMlorlHm1LjHezR28_Zu6VWDs42LZuugXfek3JyzHXyYNGjbmxHkD6raBkug21onNGiG9WY5vs61W5y/w640-h480/IMG_1942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJOXq6SlOqOKVCiorDC6tAUVgfYrqqnkvLA0KojI2eiocdu0yPQrhaqPEqSZGKiGY9J7VXgNbdwpUfLU0464FqyfQaQif6rnlGBWFipygK46cCOkC-ZrAEEbRCCuUGWysdgq6OpsBXIyoAOpoRmKELxhKL79K-sDujlcfhan7QIWw90fMAsVZ2HsQ-GIr/s864/IMG_1943.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJOXq6SlOqOKVCiorDC6tAUVgfYrqqnkvLA0KojI2eiocdu0yPQrhaqPEqSZGKiGY9J7VXgNbdwpUfLU0464FqyfQaQif6rnlGBWFipygK46cCOkC-ZrAEEbRCCuUGWysdgq6OpsBXIyoAOpoRmKELxhKL79K-sDujlcfhan7QIWw90fMAsVZ2HsQ-GIr/w640-h480/IMG_1943.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The rapids at Ohiopyle in PA</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHmu0y3EkAVuFh81toR8wFDMP-3v2AoyDzqZYddNmlFfmO8BoNK5Lziokcadyx2gqdkUaimcCNlgpsM-orasK5BzK8GlVMOmwxpX2IBOepnUU9LefzlmA8TQjLD-Gkunvvjz6WQ-EHQ2MxE7qhqR14LUtuwTs5hmr5_5Zbqawnd6X0Se5r5ihOwo1Ozqc/s4032/V1mED.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHmu0y3EkAVuFh81toR8wFDMP-3v2AoyDzqZYddNmlFfmO8BoNK5Lziokcadyx2gqdkUaimcCNlgpsM-orasK5BzK8GlVMOmwxpX2IBOepnUU9LefzlmA8TQjLD-Gkunvvjz6WQ-EHQ2MxE7qhqR14LUtuwTs5hmr5_5Zbqawnd6X0Se5r5ihOwo1Ozqc/w640-h480/V1mED.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset at Oak Harbor Marina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-36359587491261994832023-09-06T21:50:00.003-05:002023-09-06T21:50:35.328-05:00Last Night on First Light<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">This is this year's last night at anchor on <i>First Light</i>. In celebration of getting this far, (and regardless of it being some 85 nm as the goose flies to big water) we broke out our conch horn to herald the setting sun. Though a bit warm (actually over 90 degrees according to the thermometer) the water is still, the boat unmoving, and the surroundings are filled with boats and trees...exactly what a sailor looks for when the journey is over. Few people in the world have had the opportunity to find such a place and sit contentedly, regardless of the chaos, regardless of the unrest, and unconcerned over what the future might hold because it is outside any individual's control anyway. The horn echoed over the water, wound its way around the boats and the trees, one simple note sent off and held as long as breath allowed in the hopes the universe would understand that we understand, and are thankful.</span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We are still miles from St. Louis. Many months by boat, a couple of days by rental van. The van trip will start as soon as the boat is blocked secure on land and prepped for the winter. That effort will start in the morning with a short motor to the pump out and then to the lift pit. After that will come months on land. But they will be good months filled with some of the people we love most in the world and have missed every day of our journey. Word has it there is a job waiting for me that will help fill the coffers that took a bit of a beating this summer. There might even be enough left over to add a Uke or two to the collection.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfovth6doh1unLrFklzg2o7aX3y3GyLA3i4_Ej5tKWQOrIZjd7qDChQNZbwfo1xLIxfymOxpw8Y5x1akhW1oz7eumG_e_1k9FKCxIDCaWK0a3X_mZHeYiSrfdTvUjnRLzmvPCNZWdMtwKN2CTEtaDTwlBzJi0rmYOLWqTmEjYQdCogelpHRF4oYNUqKwp/s4032/lQrk3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfovth6doh1unLrFklzg2o7aX3y3GyLA3i4_Ej5tKWQOrIZjd7qDChQNZbwfo1xLIxfymOxpw8Y5x1akhW1oz7eumG_e_1k9FKCxIDCaWK0a3X_mZHeYiSrfdTvUjnRLzmvPCNZWdMtwKN2CTEtaDTwlBzJi0rmYOLWqTmEjYQdCogelpHRF4oYNUqKwp/w640-h480/lQrk3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Odd how that works, being just as happy to be in either of two places and just as sad at being away from the other, all at the same time. Then again there are a lot of people who, due to no fault of their own, never find even a single place in which to be happy. If I believed in a life after this one I would consider it an honor to contribute in any way to the balancing of the scales...wash their dishes, fix their boats, or fly them off to wherever they might want to go. But that too is outside of my control. So with the sun gone for the night and the stars just starting to shine, I will let this last day go with a smile. Tomorrow will bring what it will.</span><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mNHF4oayEmM?si=-XhA9apV1_14be2v" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdryD-aXo6NPoVPp0e-Mf4ahGYgx6XuVVMYR9rzgIwAKFCnapi_CoDbxlqj7ebRI6uzmyI-UqSCtTmYgwe16k2sbpwDVV-aAE6WvUTClBRc1i8LI9S-_0NJtg1qpY1ym8llZvuJgQxWxRqqv-KctyhHKnd66cJ2hsLWeNTHGuFvW09lBvcusUD9w_1ByK/s4032/rtpRm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdryD-aXo6NPoVPp0e-Mf4ahGYgx6XuVVMYR9rzgIwAKFCnapi_CoDbxlqj7ebRI6uzmyI-UqSCtTmYgwe16k2sbpwDVV-aAE6WvUTClBRc1i8LI9S-_0NJtg1qpY1ym8llZvuJgQxWxRqqv-KctyhHKnd66cJ2hsLWeNTHGuFvW09lBvcusUD9w_1ByK/w480-h640/rtpRm.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view from my chair in the cockpit.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-57145024318600464412023-09-03T15:53:00.005-05:002023-09-03T15:53:33.310-05:00Yes, It's Still the Peeps<p>Back in 2015 we put <i>Kintala </i>on the hard at Oak Harbor Marina so we could go back to St. Louis and get our condo ready to sell. The renter had moved out and we were ready to be done with the trouble. When we came back to launch the boat, we were fortunate enough to have a group of friends close by to spend some time with. It's the one thing cruisers say over and over again, the fact that you can meet someone cruising then not see them for months or even years, then pick up just like you never left off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaGhE5xJQBqtzcADR4MoqSPUya5iw0fDvpfIYFD9bjwkYwi0zGHy6R70X9454fV2BTE6M2eKzOHVJtLgETObv_HXAh1LPobI2XjQYkxGZswgl2wFxgT_Lrtm9a6xkOQJIiB2l3cCmtby6yagOXSIMnHCtxYsFsBu5TDvM379PH0IKjzxMbVXMCFfJmaCk/s640/IMG_20150716_171510_829.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaGhE5xJQBqtzcADR4MoqSPUya5iw0fDvpfIYFD9bjwkYwi0zGHy6R70X9454fV2BTE6M2eKzOHVJtLgETObv_HXAh1LPobI2XjQYkxGZswgl2wFxgT_Lrtm9a6xkOQJIiB2l3cCmtby6yagOXSIMnHCtxYsFsBu5TDvM379PH0IKjzxMbVXMCFfJmaCk/w640-h480/IMG_20150716_171510_829.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This past week we had an opportunity to see some friends we haven't seen in eight years. They live close to where we were docked at Kent Island and they braved the traffic to come see us on the boat. It was like we saw them yesterday. Stories were exchanged, food was shared, and laughter abounded. It's still the one thing that has been the most important to me about this lifestyle—the peeps we've met along the way. I'm looking forward to having the boat in St. Louis near home, but I admit to realizing that I'll miss this part of the lifestyle.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGidisR4qr6b0xUznqOiHT4tCehfGqnFhivZMSazfUiF_IeJOFnH0T60A1AaStRqgRRyn2_9LEzj1BTtjXO0vNIvdHODIh9lxkarqxMn2tuHRDHFW7sl0T8F995-4PKGxx4ViBxSO-AfUUM3saw5WMIPqRBR4HIIQDs1lr-2ncsU1eq6Me9sey5hgM-yx/s800/DSCF8162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="800" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGidisR4qr6b0xUznqOiHT4tCehfGqnFhivZMSazfUiF_IeJOFnH0T60A1AaStRqgRRyn2_9LEzj1BTtjXO0vNIvdHODIh9lxkarqxMn2tuHRDHFW7sl0T8F995-4PKGxx4ViBxSO-AfUUM3saw5WMIPqRBR4HIIQDs1lr-2ncsU1eq6Me9sey5hgM-yx/w640-h356/DSCF8162.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me, Tj, Wayne and Sue circa 8 years past</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Uyyt1mRfB3Le_MvMJhDkJFpvyUnsaUL1B3iZeCX9N5AzpZJoR0tWhCSmwQZYP6Nc45w9PS1OjJEy3VhuCd2LTyzk6-4ozVZrgXDRcFNNrrW-ChOMFPTXeyI4AodJ3k5rzyM4Czg6HQ0JKYIO_nwPpvV02y0knB69NQ3adX-YXNIbBCO1jXLu4KbGidT/s3088/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-Uyyt1mRfB3Le_MvMJhDkJFpvyUnsaUL1B3iZeCX9N5AzpZJoR0tWhCSmwQZYP6Nc45w9PS1OjJEy3VhuCd2LTyzk6-4ozVZrgXDRcFNNrrW-ChOMFPTXeyI4AodJ3k5rzyM4Czg6HQ0JKYIO_nwPpvV02y0knB69NQ3adX-YXNIbBCO1jXLu4KbGidT/w640-h480/IMG_1841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wayne, Tj, Sue, Me and Roo circa 2023</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-91304946634921282542023-09-02T14:37:00.001-05:002023-09-03T15:27:00.944-05:00 October 19th, 2013<p><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Three thousand six hundred and seven days ago we pulled the dock lines onto <i>Kintala's</i> deck, motored away from Oak Creek Marina, and headed out on our cruising adventure. Now, all those days later, <i>First Light </i>is anchored just a couple of hundred feet from those docks. And I swear that the trawler tied to the end pier is the exact same boat, sitting in the exact same place, as the day we first headed out.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMxW1Qt86kdF33vrjdwV8A2aEx6TgEUt33X4wCHCQzyWHdI0QiXOhp9aJLF3TW22Ao2HPeHZgkXCXRhYDWLOvJetIIssqgz0CJCVEquzj_oXDI95zphGxSFkSxNI0V1YrSY0f13VW1xo7mK1ixt3pC_bqDLHi7QWiOFCs5VM73WJDZA9Uvf4utp1CvRCI/s1152/IMG_1855-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMxW1Qt86kdF33vrjdwV8A2aEx6TgEUt33X4wCHCQzyWHdI0QiXOhp9aJLF3TW22Ao2HPeHZgkXCXRhYDWLOvJetIIssqgz0CJCVEquzj_oXDI95zphGxSFkSxNI0V1YrSY0f13VW1xo7mK1ixt3pC_bqDLHi7QWiOFCs5VM73WJDZA9Uvf4utp1CvRCI/w300-h400/IMG_1855-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="300" /></a></div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It seems surreal to be here again.</span></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The last leg of this part of this particular journey was near perfect. It was a bit after 0700 when we pulled out of Kent Island to take advantage of a day with wind forecasts of light and variable. Grandson Eldest had the helm, backing us out of the slip and out into the river like he had done it 100 times. Just before 1100 the anchor splashed into Rock Creek and settled into the bottom. It will be a quiet couple of days of sitting in a picture perfect and well protected little anchorage while waiting out the holiday weekend. After that, things will get pretty busy with the normal prep work needed to safely leave a boat on the hard for a winter.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I was hoping to never have to do that again. All the work that went into having a boat included getting it near enough to St. Louis to be a regular part of our lives. Pulling the boat when needed for bottom paint, and then only for a few days, was the plan. For the most part it would be just a short drive away, available for weekends, vacation days, and just plain hanging out for fun or when the need to be back on the water grew overwhelming. It will be close to another year before that is the case. Still, we make plans but the universe has veto power. So I will accept this last bit of sitting as a really pleasant way to end what has been a less than stellar summer. Living on a boat at a nice anchorage is, to me anyway, about the perfect vacation spot. So this is a mini vacation before having to get back to work. I intend to enjoy every moment of it. I intend to enjoy every minute of being back in St. Louis with most of the people I love most in the world. And I intend to enjoy being back here next year to splash <i>First Light </i>yet again, and get her “home”.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNPZ-GKbM_sS7DSTxW9RjKkYYLonlqAVv0L7fA-eNvAC84MvTnfoO9Ep2rX1CoeUE8-Fkswb0gtMV8cLWbSQi-YVP2u3jV3VfxVjSdBeriaS_ktpd3tp_FjDc0qbFH0YTGn7RdrDrDOLGqVM1StExOErHXFGKiEZSJrS4msH9i-JMTP5t6HWe3_Uw8G4R/s864/IMG_1851-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNPZ-GKbM_sS7DSTxW9RjKkYYLonlqAVv0L7fA-eNvAC84MvTnfoO9Ep2rX1CoeUE8-Fkswb0gtMV8cLWbSQi-YVP2u3jV3VfxVjSdBeriaS_ktpd3tp_FjDc0qbFH0YTGn7RdrDrDOLGqVM1StExOErHXFGKiEZSJrS4msH9i-JMTP5t6HWe3_Uw8G4R/w640-h480/IMG_1851-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dinner Sunset at The Jetty in Kent Island</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnz1LX_otuapuJyeshKgWVLjY36pwxUWW-Ms6IE90_4f5kwPWOJzhsfOV5FBbDvd7mvqqRHeAoyuIa0XGv9A9qeLfhOB7OWdnqz0HnGT3FXMaabDa-lCYeH2_1RmYgLSxfDmUN2K7SiowvE5XIWA5HYSlKIUh8aYgf1JB0yuvbDJZnXJIeMLn_Nz9pCVY/s1152/IMG_1856-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnz1LX_otuapuJyeshKgWVLjY36pwxUWW-Ms6IE90_4f5kwPWOJzhsfOV5FBbDvd7mvqqRHeAoyuIa0XGv9A9qeLfhOB7OWdnqz0HnGT3FXMaabDa-lCYeH2_1RmYgLSxfDmUN2K7SiowvE5XIWA5HYSlKIUh8aYgf1JB0yuvbDJZnXJIeMLn_Nz9pCVY/w480-h640/IMG_1856-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="480" /></a></span></div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZv6luNXFQKRIOiF9XHVo89Kt6pf4YNldglVH7tjxa33acz5SWTfm0wOZ4W_WIUHef9TndcDJTHWE1hyvpMPPU5hpXcsTU9VZPaXgB0VUDvAZ1oeSCiMdbW4WjfZ6dQewcONguYRY8Wemz6b1qebgGsgxsfG75ib9QrdliCzSmuWCSEN7furYazS4p4ab/s1152/IMG_1858-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZv6luNXFQKRIOiF9XHVo89Kt6pf4YNldglVH7tjxa33acz5SWTfm0wOZ4W_WIUHef9TndcDJTHWE1hyvpMPPU5hpXcsTU9VZPaXgB0VUDvAZ1oeSCiMdbW4WjfZ6dQewcONguYRY8Wemz6b1qebgGsgxsfG75ib9QrdliCzSmuWCSEN7furYazS4p4ab/w480-h640/IMG_1858-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtzkzXYAIkiARr6qK7IRiaN-VZz5WqCC2F8md-1GbBrV8e3AUi0UOPMWX_w5wgmxNYL-x9xwkh8ng_nxI_b3CSWuhv8vN70Am0fsjYNm1YRgt0h-jCKX0TI3fRij4w8U8Md3894Bg6NxzFVCbGbQ6ZVGV1RMqEFXf8gnbiAbnAHqSPo4EVE5fjZIVZ7nk/s864/IMG_1859-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtzkzXYAIkiARr6qK7IRiaN-VZz5WqCC2F8md-1GbBrV8e3AUi0UOPMWX_w5wgmxNYL-x9xwkh8ng_nxI_b3CSWuhv8vN70Am0fsjYNm1YRgt0h-jCKX0TI3fRij4w8U8Md3894Bg6NxzFVCbGbQ6ZVGV1RMqEFXf8gnbiAbnAHqSPo4EVE5fjZIVZ7nk/w640-h480/IMG_1859-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbZ0d53eEadkUT0ZE6BqmP5IT_fwZE8mq4hiNhqhL3nV3YPzkqCAgACcZhxNVsThdUDF9W0RbZIJ2pv1hc7zvUDzTXy6Z0NZS2RBIrPKRe_Y1LchwwMxbRyvabMnol1Lwg9ZvfnR94hJhIo9b0pZyAOOtHD4jlLPxWMIzcsm5gsr0LsIVdPdYytoZPL6F/s1152/IMG_1860-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbZ0d53eEadkUT0ZE6BqmP5IT_fwZE8mq4hiNhqhL3nV3YPzkqCAgACcZhxNVsThdUDF9W0RbZIJ2pv1hc7zvUDzTXy6Z0NZS2RBIrPKRe_Y1LchwwMxbRyvabMnol1Lwg9ZvfnR94hJhIo9b0pZyAOOtHD4jlLPxWMIzcsm5gsr0LsIVdPdYytoZPL6F/s320/IMG_1860-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLnyuD-pL5xfv2p-4FqzaFRv6nmjlH67Y6yOx8dZ28GxPUc-LjcPFySZtUchfXrrv8PRGfUpvkuFGIGnP4D1NGDqG4bTOgOgzyOR4Kd_CQI28IzPY912T_E1sWX8E-h-OjbsujhHIusfsRfFviSp9cvcm6Rm3QvILfbSHfOl4lFMJyhgDUwW2_UEEsR3z/s864/IMG_1862-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLnyuD-pL5xfv2p-4FqzaFRv6nmjlH67Y6yOx8dZ28GxPUc-LjcPFySZtUchfXrrv8PRGfUpvkuFGIGnP4D1NGDqG4bTOgOgzyOR4Kd_CQI28IzPY912T_E1sWX8E-h-OjbsujhHIusfsRfFviSp9cvcm6Rm3QvILfbSHfOl4lFMJyhgDUwW2_UEEsR3z/w640-h480/IMG_1862-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The anchorage at Oak Harbor Marina</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwSTE_4sR8yZIx3EGkj42tsPHaM_Np6SI8QdHIwUQ7LElWZt-hF1FRX6jjNXuvMEnG7d-F4vchHKs6049OVIZNBYz-DNDwGD8amDMVAM2Y4XKP54ZaXw3tXw1CIsQ4kcEQaitB8DIn4hWgvKuxJVVRfTlpQpZKQHntnyZG6Bq6GhCoUmRFCHSIIA40L-Z/s1152/IMG_1865-1%20(dragged).tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwSTE_4sR8yZIx3EGkj42tsPHaM_Np6SI8QdHIwUQ7LElWZt-hF1FRX6jjNXuvMEnG7d-F4vchHKs6049OVIZNBYz-DNDwGD8amDMVAM2Y4XKP54ZaXw3tXw1CIsQ4kcEQaitB8DIn4hWgvKuxJVVRfTlpQpZKQHntnyZG6Bq6GhCoUmRFCHSIIA40L-Z/w480-h640/IMG_1865-1%20(dragged).tiff" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The view from my chair in the cockpit. I need to frame it and<br />sit it by the couch in the apartment.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-35849253515279187092023-09-01T08:48:00.005-05:002023-09-01T08:48:57.182-05:00Picture Post - Annapolis Naval Academy Museum<p>Back in 2015 we had the opportunity to tour the Naval Academy grounds, including the chapel and the museum. The part that impressed us the most was the collection of model ships on the second floor of the museum. I took a ton of photos during that trip that you can see at <a href="https://theretirementproject.blogspot.com/2015/09/an-afternoon-stroll-through-naval.html" target="_blank">the original post</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LAu_C2SDzMPbsw1p1GC8oqCNiXEWPJ_ig4a7jMYTx5NZmzEpkUb-MbfQ31kPPKRpf-qWpDp6WcZpgniG1LU26VhjrMTabgpWwe7fWWU-bRcHB2I5sQht4vvo0hpOwZq_Ty8R5_QmlcGMNazV3SLAZBy8L6UzRSGHqFM_UM2JE1DWutBGzL4niHADda9B/s640/IMG_20150919_130413_349.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LAu_C2SDzMPbsw1p1GC8oqCNiXEWPJ_ig4a7jMYTx5NZmzEpkUb-MbfQ31kPPKRpf-qWpDp6WcZpgniG1LU26VhjrMTabgpWwe7fWWU-bRcHB2I5sQht4vvo0hpOwZq_Ty8R5_QmlcGMNazV3SLAZBy8L6UzRSGHqFM_UM2JE1DWutBGzL4niHADda9B/w640-h480/IMG_20150919_130413_349.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLQrYmojbxBLvs6jrVSD1RBx1tex5DZW2xDBUW-0TGFZmugg926B4anigSKNUxB6E7AFIaUg_KWBA7II0BXPUPmAd8i-DwPDIvpQxfYrdBbkPZe_iySR-YUkxgR7lCS_C8wm6qrIDOiFVdUGvcgRxx_bSFuA2XoCbDmNlek__z_gaMykfiR6jFKqc6R0/s1160/IMG_1822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLQrYmojbxBLvs6jrVSD1RBx1tex5DZW2xDBUW-0TGFZmugg926B4anigSKNUxB6E7AFIaUg_KWBA7II0BXPUPmAd8i-DwPDIvpQxfYrdBbkPZe_iySR-YUkxgR7lCS_C8wm6qrIDOiFVdUGvcgRxx_bSFuA2XoCbDmNlek__z_gaMykfiR6jFKqc6R0/w299-h400/IMG_1822.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>This time, since we had already been through the display in 2015, I was fascinated mostly with all of the small details of the models—the figureheads, the lifeboats, all of the filigree details. Ships were the pride and joy of their respective countries and were decorated as such. At some point, though, the bean counters discovered that a whole lot of money was being spent on artistic flair and put a Kabash on the whole thing. Here's the description of the order.<div><br /></div><div>It's unfortunate, because we've lost something in the removal of this art. With the decoration of features from their homeland, there was some sense of the culture they were fighting to preserve. While we have evolved from some of the more socially unacceptable portions of those cultures, the art is still an important look into that portion of history, something I fear we are losing with our dismissal of art in our current culture.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you ever find yourself in Annapolis, please take an afternoon and visit the Naval Academy. It's free and open to the public and is one of the best kept secrets out there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHLYv2O7wr3kQGP-BLssHSxWzcQhTEGhiZQu5l0K6jEPGkqhJ58SUrigfRifRu5XOJ3TbXw4RCFksbiIQRyOrwtsWqj_HGAfZe1KiyEMCUPzBxlSJJgtAHv3IUytLzIwXm5GztPzRRxijkd48Q-cSmKn-5eFKDQo1NKs-FUHe6vUffxiAftQOLC3Vdabm/s864/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHLYv2O7wr3kQGP-BLssHSxWzcQhTEGhiZQu5l0K6jEPGkqhJ58SUrigfRifRu5XOJ3TbXw4RCFksbiIQRyOrwtsWqj_HGAfZe1KiyEMCUPzBxlSJJgtAHv3IUytLzIwXm5GztPzRRxijkd48Q-cSmKn-5eFKDQo1NKs-FUHe6vUffxiAftQOLC3Vdabm/w640-h480/IMG_1775.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Naval Academy Chapel</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf8A4mfhdeXBW7ZTvo-8jhE8in5KJ4eQoKiopB0YyNlF_p9jHrhBWfDqmKIS9g9wRh0axGBe0T6LxQXZsxy-uf_XawllcpIW02RkirixViQBFN_-oa8htx0GmrJK9MPCzTJj0f7T933WPifws5KZPmF8L8c-yJZS0u1hHDU096hopoHUNl5drQcy30QxV/s1152/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf8A4mfhdeXBW7ZTvo-8jhE8in5KJ4eQoKiopB0YyNlF_p9jHrhBWfDqmKIS9g9wRh0axGBe0T6LxQXZsxy-uf_XawllcpIW02RkirixViQBFN_-oa8htx0GmrJK9MPCzTJj0f7T933WPifws5KZPmF8L8c-yJZS0u1hHDU096hopoHUNl5drQcy30QxV/w480-h640/IMG_1776.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ijijvj8fKFNNPv3UVFXZllxdmnJYteUT7BtH4hpffCswWdAxAzxsvVa3_l6OEunkL-2ag4HZ7b8jZImqlgtaPtOhuAa6AV8VQsimXyy0ww-xkTsk-JeLP_OW8nISYhCLe9E27Aqxv10paI9VReQo4wkhdVdoeZH9VyLaOwwYl0qLMRhHQAqYzKkP2FY/s1152/IMG_1777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ijijvj8fKFNNPv3UVFXZllxdmnJYteUT7BtH4hpffCswWdAxAzxsvVa3_l6OEunkL-2ag4HZ7b8jZImqlgtaPtOhuAa6AV8VQsimXyy0ww-xkTsk-JeLP_OW8nISYhCLe9E27Aqxv10paI9VReQo4wkhdVdoeZH9VyLaOwwYl0qLMRhHQAqYzKkP2FY/w480-h640/IMG_1777.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The famous pipe organ on the balcony</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp7fXiI4qFYG7dIVvLLZU3K-LUq1vriIo3_UJhrR3LYw0hVelsuX3cJFdX47vo_G7Vxd6O3EfLOPMcWGKNRrEn0ach5qsKZwTZHItFajJVKQ4R3-TkizPrGnEs-EPAEIpboGSV8202QaSKLsa_L0Yt2nRzjyWeMfme18LpABmNQHSKzsyfAHey5IgYzoc/s864/IMG_1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkp7fXiI4qFYG7dIVvLLZU3K-LUq1vriIo3_UJhrR3LYw0hVelsuX3cJFdX47vo_G7Vxd6O3EfLOPMcWGKNRrEn0ach5qsKZwTZHItFajJVKQ4R3-TkizPrGnEs-EPAEIpboGSV8202QaSKLsa_L0Yt2nRzjyWeMfme18LpABmNQHSKzsyfAHey5IgYzoc/w640-h480/IMG_1778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBWdn8E4PNMBjjlIxNw6czdJQpJ3xgag1b2yu13afUjxTFkQjAVZjGtgMQt6is4P6r2DE8F8olWclsdKxUAFtRdCp98tOXjervsBhjMxe6vMYU5CvFtt_NG5SM2kSd6JA--rSdpE55Cq6Khvzzo1WRHVtz_Totk6NcwbQHz0tJcbzuSI5CBK4SMEqBSzk/s998/IMG_1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBWdn8E4PNMBjjlIxNw6czdJQpJ3xgag1b2yu13afUjxTFkQjAVZjGtgMQt6is4P6r2DE8F8olWclsdKxUAFtRdCp98tOXjervsBhjMxe6vMYU5CvFtt_NG5SM2kSd6JA--rSdpE55Cq6Khvzzo1WRHVtz_Totk6NcwbQHz0tJcbzuSI5CBK4SMEqBSzk/w556-h640/IMG_1780.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQvbASbctPgUeejm4shiEXLNYmLKLnpUmoq68Hqy_scRtgW7myL3vmjqtsWZ08vR_2YGuXzMltk_9jogyKpGRsS4p3lxv-wa_gBmAZYDGmcoMvB34i-1sBfQoO_ugpDKax3KGfR_ET0vutp_7Za6fq0Vre9v_BXkmSr4emNdlqtVWaFF2mwkeXagoLw-7/s1336/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQvbASbctPgUeejm4shiEXLNYmLKLnpUmoq68Hqy_scRtgW7myL3vmjqtsWZ08vR_2YGuXzMltk_9jogyKpGRsS4p3lxv-wa_gBmAZYDGmcoMvB34i-1sBfQoO_ugpDKax3KGfR_ET0vutp_7Za6fq0Vre9v_BXkmSr4emNdlqtVWaFF2mwkeXagoLw-7/w414-h640/IMG_1781.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrUa-9RXp4Y9KJQOyndxB-2fUyjzzaRFK9I_PCAY6JTOkkQN0f3lb5rRlXrB6iuAC54qqf-mZw-tbWLARiJIoQl--0preY38jHop4iDIy9EzU5P4O0tx5YVgjCEuPLdY_MtGtU9HeWpcRqWAU7M-DQtWXwIzsFIItl8dEStTylRA_yobGIP6EISkFcvJf/s864/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrUa-9RXp4Y9KJQOyndxB-2fUyjzzaRFK9I_PCAY6JTOkkQN0f3lb5rRlXrB6iuAC54qqf-mZw-tbWLARiJIoQl--0preY38jHop4iDIy9EzU5P4O0tx5YVgjCEuPLdY_MtGtU9HeWpcRqWAU7M-DQtWXwIzsFIItl8dEStTylRA_yobGIP6EISkFcvJf/w640-h480/IMG_1782.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The crypt of John Paul Jones in the basement of the chapel</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz78eJKEuauVpTsLgBnzZyoUZ_AW2eld_9g_7Vo-v3l0CdOzDEL5F7Z6byq6sdqZSQlU-k8TgPdvvMVunDzxkvMMWLS7IaMJkhIS88LIFqqm4VDMzu8QU7x8MNO0O54FCToBv0wA52xTWf7MXC_jV_C2ep3oSF2TBOVe-SX-lkFiVHKJiEEd7ANXDVx_OL/s864/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz78eJKEuauVpTsLgBnzZyoUZ_AW2eld_9g_7Vo-v3l0CdOzDEL5F7Z6byq6sdqZSQlU-k8TgPdvvMVunDzxkvMMWLS7IaMJkhIS88LIFqqm4VDMzu8QU7x8MNO0O54FCToBv0wA52xTWf7MXC_jV_C2ep3oSF2TBOVe-SX-lkFiVHKJiEEd7ANXDVx_OL/w640-h480/IMG_1783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SmFGj7GGPE4ikom_2QQo96PCcp2g6hcMRsbVgkXP_MzkkZDSPQUBwn9mr14rpMnUNxOKuJLk8NXYB0T5RVgtbKvPsUXWyuf4kq2VENkKLFNlsZky1IbPJsDUqb-pxhtAT0T9F-9fRGb04OD34iYbmsDNrXhvHD6bV5iu5ZFcD6KrUJF2lBxG-9AkxFI0/s640/IMG_20150919_125725_862.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6or39YRFZM6yVoyDP2iqtMz_CiV5xGw8pJiZ2lSFoZFp_S0vCa4kDONdejmdZBCuYdZKQmes2NZydpxuUnNzTCBXZqCEjjG5i73e672wXq-hnEgz7ASrtBw7XrMxLzuQVpzxPcOHU02SeRND3eyUs56shRats5XO7ioqjeafOEyyNf64McpFr9eh65xj/w640-h480/IMG_1797.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JljEBsT6pI-tFlZxVVfMZ5Oqx-_sxklZMYjMIBwTMr4SrslE6TA-xbYAtm64YmC2pQC-v6ynaMesi318og3nubB5A9CwdxVWKHnV8Ja6TlaZe4oUOKV7fHYJIujx27TJ-xTDG1GY3uyUIAxwbB6DQg9j1YFkaHyNv0UD2sPs3duE4VidbFV3PRjQw1PM/s864/IMG_1798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JljEBsT6pI-tFlZxVVfMZ5Oqx-_sxklZMYjMIBwTMr4SrslE6TA-xbYAtm64YmC2pQC-v6ynaMesi318og3nubB5A9CwdxVWKHnV8Ja6TlaZe4oUOKV7fHYJIujx27TJ-xTDG1GY3uyUIAxwbB6DQg9j1YFkaHyNv0UD2sPs3duE4VidbFV3PRjQw1PM/w640-h480/IMG_1798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirDrT9J4GMu6yf_WPDY0uFuQvy5V7UY4EwTXEW5a-gqdzjITbHVg0Tz2n2ZOic_M38I3lIgecYiNcq0s7uu6KzHw1jGfOvFmCNFR0U2nEXteu4-3AeQQ2AT3W53lxkm2--bJEWY1qt1CvsPTFkdKA-BmVy054IQLjCiQ-5A8w_D_5cxaOdPPyVRMkV8mf/s864/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirDrT9J4GMu6yf_WPDY0uFuQvy5V7UY4EwTXEW5a-gqdzjITbHVg0Tz2n2ZOic_M38I3lIgecYiNcq0s7uu6KzHw1jGfOvFmCNFR0U2nEXteu4-3AeQQ2AT3W53lxkm2--bJEWY1qt1CvsPTFkdKA-BmVy054IQLjCiQ-5A8w_D_5cxaOdPPyVRMkV8mf/w640-h480/IMG_1799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yq9RkQTeDhXRLb_IJdPbHcCztVb86PPS4eAsAj6NWg9PmlbRCnUIrfznbBujkQos_9K43I81-EwrOtIHKGwQwkZQ2jhr_DMLF5f3aIKdr2RJZJgjEapcJ3udyoxDKm2LLv1pt_cUDDENwDj3XMqyX_CzDaTzh2NOX28WFtpxXZLYbWyd0qfGL-rCim1Q/s864/IMG_1800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yq9RkQTeDhXRLb_IJdPbHcCztVb86PPS4eAsAj6NWg9PmlbRCnUIrfznbBujkQos_9K43I81-EwrOtIHKGwQwkZQ2jhr_DMLF5f3aIKdr2RJZJgjEapcJ3udyoxDKm2LLv1pt_cUDDENwDj3XMqyX_CzDaTzh2NOX28WFtpxXZLYbWyd0qfGL-rCim1Q/w640-h480/IMG_1800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCStgJXOYD_GRiGZIuC65uYGagueP1v0jpIKSa2EZAkK8qZX4SlsvIvLrv0xthGPXyvThJkXDnYDGhnraKVScfTcQg5ChLlVaNypoAIN8YDuHYC8HICWfUgd5b0nlcFGVKuFiF8YSo6MDne_rC1IHV9nFB7VWafrESLejktly-wl9zPJ4435d-2iwAzBj/s864/IMG_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCStgJXOYD_GRiGZIuC65uYGagueP1v0jpIKSa2EZAkK8qZX4SlsvIvLrv0xthGPXyvThJkXDnYDGhnraKVScfTcQg5ChLlVaNypoAIN8YDuHYC8HICWfUgd5b0nlcFGVKuFiF8YSo6MDne_rC1IHV9nFB7VWafrESLejktly-wl9zPJ4435d-2iwAzBj/w640-h480/IMG_1801.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the ships carved out of bone by the French prisoners of war. They carved them from <br />bones left from their dinners.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dogBxmeymuvPZbkiBeJFag6btwqG-5JmewNu8bt1SAvbqex8_owoA0YipNvSOTX5c4Scz_dyE4pBguXlf-SIwpxZ5iVZwb0ky4v4fYSTzXtFR_e4NrY56frDhcxF7E7KFKUwhfNwxj2-bLTH2F30ztzh3IW2Yi4yHad3W_H_FOUXsse0346wgTkkjipI/s864/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dogBxmeymuvPZbkiBeJFag6btwqG-5JmewNu8bt1SAvbqex8_owoA0YipNvSOTX5c4Scz_dyE4pBguXlf-SIwpxZ5iVZwb0ky4v4fYSTzXtFR_e4NrY56frDhcxF7E7KFKUwhfNwxj2-bLTH2F30ztzh3IW2Yi4yHad3W_H_FOUXsse0346wgTkkjipI/w640-h480/IMG_1802.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bone carved ship</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCzstbACYjUh3VqwZT4PwpqfdE8E_riiOdqkZNheF5Dh-d_7SrcpNAlNaCb2L_bqIXUWLRLSZR5CW-uTtYqLJ-wgzt1bolwoVTe7R85lpohFup4x70nZkSO1JYYFWb2gzOwda2Luffh-4onvrf-FgtQIP0QRaU7vtlpM4IGJuO-hnPyg-4-QldwJZSIf/s864/IMG_1803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLCzstbACYjUh3VqwZT4PwpqfdE8E_riiOdqkZNheF5Dh-d_7SrcpNAlNaCb2L_bqIXUWLRLSZR5CW-uTtYqLJ-wgzt1bolwoVTe7R85lpohFup4x70nZkSO1JYYFWb2gzOwda2Luffh-4onvrf-FgtQIP0QRaU7vtlpM4IGJuO-hnPyg-4-QldwJZSIf/w640-h480/IMG_1803.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bone carved ship</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaJU5wf5ZL1vz51TFoxwCZHo1Ijq8a7s9QtZeR6b2HgyqNYiX98FoL-mSMZrRgmnfgrCLYqKM1uEynPRBNkVtZU3NV3V_XztHsQAB1i5LIrU6xPeW6a9v7fF5aTuudB3emwuN7P-iOSu-cTUllq7vdFtnvO4dNEoVR2zUZwVTmC4tS7DapfcjaL017f49/s1237/IMG_1804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaJU5wf5ZL1vz51TFoxwCZHo1Ijq8a7s9QtZeR6b2HgyqNYiX98FoL-mSMZrRgmnfgrCLYqKM1uEynPRBNkVtZU3NV3V_XztHsQAB1i5LIrU6xPeW6a9v7fF5aTuudB3emwuN7P-iOSu-cTUllq7vdFtnvO4dNEoVR2zUZwVTmC4tS7DapfcjaL017f49/w450-h640/IMG_1804.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bone carving</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkSRHUTbtxXGAG70nf8TSmc2bQxlp-WPpF-NSq-C8hW-EonvJT-Zovv4GNXx7cU0Y0ETw8HpZcdi1wAvnGeOzMHptmvs9gOBYEQ93c9j9kbIshnvVYorOvMGnExJHWxy2PpjUSaP3_XZYmaTSUZwvZPIZ4_6tMexT3ox_rvnHSYzG_zVBo-alSdwZN1wy/s864/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkSRHUTbtxXGAG70nf8TSmc2bQxlp-WPpF-NSq-C8hW-EonvJT-Zovv4GNXx7cU0Y0ETw8HpZcdi1wAvnGeOzMHptmvs9gOBYEQ93c9j9kbIshnvVYorOvMGnExJHWxy2PpjUSaP3_XZYmaTSUZwvZPIZ4_6tMexT3ox_rvnHSYzG_zVBo-alSdwZN1wy/w640-h480/IMG_1805.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bone carved ship</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ0r-8sT4OeGjpCsBldTwamNcp9DaejCkQlc2ZY5znhD-UzsLO0TRVLwc7xOAkV1hH7TrenP1d5wSwOuGygliwlFMGe8c1YItUJMlsT2XXQfGu9p-B22eI43X1yyWGrIZRo63_qGtsBKydqphUYYj0eJEpaLPfQgt-eZMMDps7m27NBEJ90m11MU7Up6r/s864/IMG_1806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ0r-8sT4OeGjpCsBldTwamNcp9DaejCkQlc2ZY5znhD-UzsLO0TRVLwc7xOAkV1hH7TrenP1d5wSwOuGygliwlFMGe8c1YItUJMlsT2XXQfGu9p-B22eI43X1yyWGrIZRo63_qGtsBKydqphUYYj0eJEpaLPfQgt-eZMMDps7m27NBEJ90m11MU7Up6r/w640-h480/IMG_1806.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvLcfMnky6x-wUaDlbh9vbHW9GQXH05sYJhCUoum231gzbNiff3nru7kJvX4DaUUuVTHwl56Rhu8Vx7EFNkXeR9RZfrYtd5b04eMXz0iIAc7MU6dy6XWnazpD9dl9r1IFtucwMSCIdSQpbM7pw5M5oFqAKBaw-TjYcpXtcNtfQ7Upbd0Q-mA-ueTKgN72/s864/IMG_1807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvLcfMnky6x-wUaDlbh9vbHW9GQXH05sYJhCUoum231gzbNiff3nru7kJvX4DaUUuVTHwl56Rhu8Vx7EFNkXeR9RZfrYtd5b04eMXz0iIAc7MU6dy6XWnazpD9dl9r1IFtucwMSCIdSQpbM7pw5M5oFqAKBaw-TjYcpXtcNtfQ7Upbd0Q-mA-ueTKgN72/w640-h480/IMG_1807.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGoGLG2tLDk98sQGRjxntBHxu_GN8LTiH2rtH3ty6UBHGxO6lrHvg_IB87udNqkTlVr-SsmiXTWA5KhfjazTl-x7VwCN-oPnbwHoSIiMu4mWZxf6RuXvv1pTsHGGRbfW5NSQMvipWbX-YHD97jMzlghHBFpxiiSJCHlvUMyziN6hZaCPHkD3I4J8r6pv_/s864/IMG_1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGoGLG2tLDk98sQGRjxntBHxu_GN8LTiH2rtH3ty6UBHGxO6lrHvg_IB87udNqkTlVr-SsmiXTWA5KhfjazTl-x7VwCN-oPnbwHoSIiMu4mWZxf6RuXvv1pTsHGGRbfW5NSQMvipWbX-YHD97jMzlghHBFpxiiSJCHlvUMyziN6hZaCPHkD3I4J8r6pv_/w640-h480/IMG_1808.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKr1m2lyw8cmrTryA2CdqeQULAQdv9V_EDiDAYP3gi37P2kDldISfm9aR9jkq0yGspqu5aVm_568vgWkG-C6VXvvTKJM4mEbcATGnMBO-p1J_76lTOPrWX-PhAQ9gqegw8RAnnpXGb5BE2KHuX1iDGo7fP8esoi5pYUfqTo_9BObB_81wY3KZM_12H37P/s864/IMG_1809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCF51rPdNVZ_GnGXyrPB2Q3M-IiScfvolos9E3pqf_GMNXVARW-4Q3i9W6RIQOOfO1Hp1zKITv88O0Otxq9524Il_2D_AyQzXj4a7FhEztbdV0kgx4YN6BZWtZl5LVFpEJKZtSTnG1w_zSH-KIp0vguNDnRYmr1UaSe5TmY8n7keU8tmbHR6ToA0265nE/s864/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCF51rPdNVZ_GnGXyrPB2Q3M-IiScfvolos9E3pqf_GMNXVARW-4Q3i9W6RIQOOfO1Hp1zKITv88O0Otxq9524Il_2D_AyQzXj4a7FhEztbdV0kgx4YN6BZWtZl5LVFpEJKZtSTnG1w_zSH-KIp0vguNDnRYmr1UaSe5TmY8n7keU8tmbHR6ToA0265nE/w640-h480/IMG_1811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqICD8QVhbj5M3ohpKxWt_oM1VmXPdy3LReYodFYc6bYFAPcMjgGpxbCEaCPMPAtPJAOG_0KlhFU1LdYTSNZLOjnZKzcwURtzQUfsOjWvcJwFt4ZL8DGc_tVUzM9hBq7_fnnmv5aSg9sRNOeeLDQnZboWy7zbv9jzqw1MByD0gMYH3PQor3ujRFiqmoss/s864/IMG_1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOpUs57jerisLBc7QvfaGHUcztfSpVYNaho2cCCJ1E8znSKL2VbpvcKj6ABi9my4K-JTVJhAELYzU4WKPV8oGqyeJGuln-g0R_HDww_fFyIgYGrzrvHVI2k3yLnfeXCStPH9ZnYAb_sU2dfMqws4YX--PIe9_VxTSiVazq9Lp5QH47A7XyQl88NtkuTch/s864/IMG_1821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="864" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOpUs57jerisLBc7QvfaGHUcztfSpVYNaho2cCCJ1E8znSKL2VbpvcKj6ABi9my4K-JTVJhAELYzU4WKPV8oGqyeJGuln-g0R_HDww_fFyIgYGrzrvHVI2k3yLnfeXCStPH9ZnYAb_sU2dfMqws4YX--PIe9_VxTSiVazq9Lp5QH47A7XyQl88NtkuTch/w640-h468/IMG_1821.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqB2gPb9BeT818rnW7OxcUV5tqJDPEjI5mkKRbwBxKnTEj25utMvXj19We0WPpAzrP12rr-TiVsDpizWmCh4Pz7z7TjIIGjK-pUnaWpG1WJdYVDhgk9zOhUgbq80KtyDapLyR8P6y_pdDPS28Q9VcwbhyU5wyPd_tBFRRumcdv5FvEfOmZqdYL4WHegCb/s864/IMG_1825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqB2gPb9BeT818rnW7OxcUV5tqJDPEjI5mkKRbwBxKnTEj25utMvXj19We0WPpAzrP12rr-TiVsDpizWmCh4Pz7z7TjIIGjK-pUnaWpG1WJdYVDhgk9zOhUgbq80KtyDapLyR8P6y_pdDPS28Q9VcwbhyU5wyPd_tBFRRumcdv5FvEfOmZqdYL4WHegCb/w640-h480/IMG_1825.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An Ironclad ship</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTHDd5pny9UGMjJLTnuZkU3mXqFn1XsVkV4Ru6uBwpMsqhpHFhnkrUkvm1gbaEfz8gyGpVHo54Fk2S7OYXIEdg8HsqaxIE6HtJ7yZHvcOnV3ZuXNUWe4is1fCXEeKcVeCS42b3S_rIETn__qcHsg8AeLaswD5yCaGRuFErxFUcJ2Iw9nvWW6ojFFCGnm9/s864/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTHDd5pny9UGMjJLTnuZkU3mXqFn1XsVkV4Ru6uBwpMsqhpHFhnkrUkvm1gbaEfz8gyGpVHo54Fk2S7OYXIEdg8HsqaxIE6HtJ7yZHvcOnV3ZuXNUWe4is1fCXEeKcVeCS42b3S_rIETn__qcHsg8AeLaswD5yCaGRuFErxFUcJ2Iw9nvWW6ojFFCGnm9/w640-h480/IMG_1827.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>An early submarine</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm24zAZjDck5T0M2yaXyrWtTzjQARD8sYK1lnR9X0Lj3Gcswkr8SqZItuPU-u5mDs2jh8FJ5Ercx5HhHYQmuzCTgytEJ55rdzklaEcW8G95U7oOVpsIRE3Pb132uPaqby1ihiXOLQTdUBOf4Jfapbat2RYJQ9XnWypDYMj2bXE-kJyUlEqUeFdjN4Jx984/s1152/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm24zAZjDck5T0M2yaXyrWtTzjQARD8sYK1lnR9X0Lj3Gcswkr8SqZItuPU-u5mDs2jh8FJ5Ercx5HhHYQmuzCTgytEJ55rdzklaEcW8G95U7oOVpsIRE3Pb132uPaqby1ihiXOLQTdUBOf4Jfapbat2RYJQ9XnWypDYMj2bXE-kJyUlEqUeFdjN4Jx984/w480-h640/IMG_1828.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A replica of the famous Iwo Jima statue</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01093436662653044390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-22621168933957476372023-08-30T07:00:00.003-05:002023-09-01T09:01:27.100-05:00Almost there...<p><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">After a few enjoyable days of visiting with family we are still in Kent Island waiting out some blustery winds. They are forecast to settle down in a day or two and, when they do, we will head to Oak Harbor Marina. There we will prep <i>First Light</i> for a winter's hibernation, pack up a rental van, and land-motor west toward St. Louis. That trip will take about a week as family stops along the way are not to be missed. Once in St. Louis, Grandson Eldest will be reunited with his Florida-based sailing family, and we will be reunited with the St. Louis clan that have been in my thoughts every day since we first headed East in April.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2UfvtJ-p5EOlw2SUTgIqKM6IyI-pQwGj80Yun1Vh2hXz0EY2bbnRGI6VPzUOtkpxMkrfU_GWVlztaRwE-278Rxa6tENCFTmGRyav7UIUXHbtf1IgY0JPfJyI6f4HWgTwutWN1ILiifpMWYJk-WetwqfO56xNPD5GnMYgnfCe-pLuiNUqrhBqIHM89adT/s864/IMG_1774.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="864" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2UfvtJ-p5EOlw2SUTgIqKM6IyI-pQwGj80Yun1Vh2hXz0EY2bbnRGI6VPzUOtkpxMkrfU_GWVlztaRwE-278Rxa6tENCFTmGRyav7UIUXHbtf1IgY0JPfJyI6f4HWgTwutWN1ILiifpMWYJk-WetwqfO56xNPD5GnMYgnfCe-pLuiNUqrhBqIHM89adT/w640-h402/IMG_1774.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our Kent Island extended family</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some additional hardware will be going along on the trip home. A pacemaker for me. A titanium plate and screws for Deb. For all of the thoughts and planning for things that might happen while moving <i>First Light</i> from New Bern to St. Louis, not a single wisp of those possibilities ever came up. We did what we could to plan for catastrophic engine or generator problems, knew for sure there would be mechanical and weather related delays, renewed our towing policy and double checked that our boat insurance was valid for the trip we were planning. But planning two ambulance rides, two trips to the ER, and multiple trips to the OR?—only in the sense that Deb did a lot of work to make sure we had adequate health insurance. But there was no thought such would be the focal point of our summer activities. Life is like that.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">There were many things learned on our truncated half-a-great-loop trip in a new-to-us trawler. We really like living on a trawler. We really don't like taking on much weather in a trawler. We always thought that boats with flying bridges were butt ugly. We still do. But that ugly shower cap offers a fantastic view when anchored, tied to a dock, or underway – as long as the water is pretty docile, the temps not too cold, and nothing wet is falling from the sky. Hump up the waves, drop the temp, or throw in some rain, and the lower helm station or hanging out in the salon with its 360 degree view is the place to be. Things not available on <i>Kintala</i>.</span><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Being able to steer with precision while docking takes a lot of the stress out of traveling on a boat. In fact, docking this thing is actually kind of fun. The exact opposite of trying to get <i>Kintala</i> into a slip. Having a honking big, yet still quiet, generator on board makes living on anchor a whole new, and much more enjoyable, adventure. Routine maintenance does include two engines, a generator, and air conditioning. It does not include running rigging, standing rigging, sails, blocks, winches, masts, and booms. So far it seems <i>First Light</i> is coming out a bit better in the “daily chores” department. An engine room, even a smallish one lacking standing room, is a whole lot better than the disaster that was <i>Kintala's</i> (and many a sailboat I worked on) limited access to the engine.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Five or six knots, mostly in the direction one actually wants to go, is plenty fast enough. Even 50 mile days go by easy. It is true that buying 100 gallons of fuel at a time is an eye watering jolt. But it only happens every couple of weeks. On land buying 20 gallons of fuel happened every couple of days. Our total fuel consumption living on water, even on a 3 m/p/g trawler, appears to be appreciably less than that of living on land. The simple fact is that we travel far fewer miles on the boat than we do in cars on land, yet see far more new and interesting places in the process. (Those living on a go-fast trawler that measures fuel use in gallons per mile might have a different experience at the fuel pump.)</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">As much as I enjoy living and traveling on a boat, missing family is still an unavoidable downside to the life. When we left to head East last spring there was no thought that it might be the last time I would ever see them, or them me. But that came, literally within a few heart beats, of being the case. It will be good to be home.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: medium;">Come next Spring it will be good to get back to <i>First Light</i> to finish our half-a-great-loop. I'm sure there will be more new things to learn along the way. But for now, and for all of the challenges and obstacles we faced, it feels like it has been a good summer. We didn't get where we wanted to go. We took some pretty good beatings along the way. But we managed.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvFZRzTNy8_zyYMYBDJtm7W98E73eBi60oJg0RreV38GzLHgmWQN1FVF6VMIccVlq6Q38qDJdShKG9cWfOsQO7RYQHt93s0PiezxgHvgx5IKphPuw35IckW--UHEp3YJ44HpthZlh6S4JO0Kem_K9WeGUEZ5ngHeo6CqzfroqmCq9ldyJr7IWtLEueEkW/s864/IMG_5988.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvFZRzTNy8_zyYMYBDJtm7W98E73eBi60oJg0RreV38GzLHgmWQN1FVF6VMIccVlq6Q38qDJdShKG9cWfOsQO7RYQHt93s0PiezxgHvgx5IKphPuw35IckW--UHEp3YJ44HpthZlh6S4JO0Kem_K9WeGUEZ5ngHeo6CqzfroqmCq9ldyJr7IWtLEueEkW/w640-h480/IMG_5988.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-56733504611512773232023-08-24T22:01:00.000-05:002023-08-24T22:01:07.871-05:00A small world gets smaller<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The crew of <i>First Light</i> dropped the Dink in the water first thing in the morning and headed in to check out the <a href="https://cbmm.org" target="_blank">Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum</a> in town. There was a nice free Dink Dock for those passing through to come visit the town. Not sure why every town along a waterway hasn't figured out that people passing through with boats will gladly stop and visit, spend a little money, and move on without making much of a demand on the town's resources if they could just have good access to shore. Win win as the bean counters would say. Anyway, the Museum was well worth the $30 or so we dropped to get little stickers to paste to our shirts, giving us free rein of the place.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIupO2OICmhVHzDnVJWuTr8Oxby1iZiYW1vjkMkv79HZYlADrbuKt5UeOvvfnSrDm2NTPi5I0AA8KYnD4w69lfQcFF1_xUzY8Di5AQb7FoiqPKtk2jl9vlmLzslRZYHVlguFnnUYNWXCXyHQQ1aGV-vwlNFMyWRYdpv_u70vzIoT06RZ8qlR_Dy5Qr1vt/s2560/Wikki-HooperStraitLighthouse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIupO2OICmhVHzDnVJWuTr8Oxby1iZiYW1vjkMkv79HZYlADrbuKt5UeOvvfnSrDm2NTPi5I0AA8KYnD4w69lfQcFF1_xUzY8Di5AQb7FoiqPKtk2jl9vlmLzslRZYHVlguFnnUYNWXCXyHQQ1aGV-vwlNFMyWRYdpv_u70vzIoT06RZ8qlR_Dy5Qr1vt/w640-h480/Wikki-HooperStraitLighthouse.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wikipedia image of the Hooper Srait Lighthouse at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Back at the boat, I was sitting in the aft cockpit attempting to coax something like music out of my low “G” tenor UKE. (one of six currently on board) when the sound of an approaching outboard caught my attention. In it were four folks who had left the very nice looking American Tug 49 that had anchored not far away and were clearly headed for <i>First Light</i>. I had to wonder if it was someone we knew from before, though expensive trawler owners had not really been that common in our circle of cruisers. It turned out that they didn't know us, but they did know our boat. They had done part of the loop with the owner before the owner we had bought the boat from. They had called the owner that they knew upon seeing the boat, had been told by him that he had talked with us several times and they should drop by and say “Hi”. So they did.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It was a short visit as they were on their way into town to spend some money as well. But it was interesting that we had crossed paths. My guess is when they got back to their boat they were a bit surprised to find that <i>First Light</i> had pulled anchor and skedaddled. That had not been mentioned when we chatted because, at that moment, we had no thought of skedaddling. But we had done everything we had intended to do at St. Michaels. The weather was a lot better than the forecast had suggested it would be. We have family we haven't seen in several years waiting at Kent Island. And Kent Island was only a two hour motor away. So after a bit of discussion up came the anchor and off we went.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The winds were actually a bit more than we expected, but they were at our stern. The waves they stirred up were moving in the same direction as we were, making for an OK ride, though they did push us around enough to confuse the autopilot. They also made it look like we were going far slower than the 6 knots we were coaxing out of our bent prop in order to make the bridge opening on time. After a bit we gave the autopilot a break as it was working pretty hard and still not managing to hold a heading very well. Grandson Eldest, who had driven us off of the anchor, worked the wheel for the first half of the trip. I took over for the second half. My half included a rather narrow and twisty route out of Prospect Bay and through the Route 50-301 opening bridge, which we reached exactly on time. On the last part of the route I actually had to pass on the wrong side of Green Markers 3 and 5 to stay out of the shallows. On the chart both are depicted as sitting in the shallows. Not sure what the chart makers were thinking. And passing between Green 3 and Red 4 would put the boat in a shallowest part of the channel. <i>Really</i> not sure what the chart makers were thinking. Deciding to follow the depth gauge rather than the charted markers was weird and a bit taxing. But it all worked out and we made the dock in the Piney Narrows Yacht Haven. Though we try to avoid taking a dock as much as possible, this is a family visit. Hauling non-boating types back and forth to the boat in a Dink isn't my favorite thing. Hell, riding in the Dink myself isn't my favorite thing. So we have showers and shore power for a couple of days. And a busy bridge. (Why is it that marinas and noisy bridges are so often located right next to each other?) Anyway, it should be a really good couple of days, even with a noisy bridge nearby.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAI85lUqpXT89kRlbdmHh2HcgE3DYZCeJiOstCcUzS7Mz-24SgZRLBL5o5M6XOjuuqrrFS5iR727-v4i62Ekyzs652PRzAw2Fijt8XVfoJBtvFswcVJ85u7iHZSjRWb8dAOixLgJen5mkwHjiBI4tDgcHR6DXldNquaFrZCfEU8TEzL2HLaYImUOhf2SZ/s864/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAI85lUqpXT89kRlbdmHh2HcgE3DYZCeJiOstCcUzS7Mz-24SgZRLBL5o5M6XOjuuqrrFS5iR727-v4i62Ekyzs652PRzAw2Fijt8XVfoJBtvFswcVJ85u7iHZSjRWb8dAOixLgJen5mkwHjiBI4tDgcHR6DXldNquaFrZCfEU8TEzL2HLaYImUOhf2SZ/w640-h480/IMG_1730.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The boat building facility where they are building a replica Buy Boat from scratch</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5RTWYA65KwEUwXjCbIfECHp494qlr7ysF-d149P1WzJqHDatnZvAUOvkfCOnclwBqXKqcxSZDybfJIxbdoMCwysFTScYpCPTIiZt_fRsMvn1ntzS8GZVs5ABntFWIWodMOTJf6p6yBzXU9z5Ev5BHXoj4_tuzFbB8zK58hT0GJzdAhCsbOiYCbbTn1du/s1152/IMG_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5RTWYA65KwEUwXjCbIfECHp494qlr7ysF-d149P1WzJqHDatnZvAUOvkfCOnclwBqXKqcxSZDybfJIxbdoMCwysFTScYpCPTIiZt_fRsMvn1ntzS8GZVs5ABntFWIWodMOTJf6p6yBzXU9z5Ev5BHXoj4_tuzFbB8zK58hT0GJzdAhCsbOiYCbbTn1du/w480-h640/IMG_1735.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBLl2OsQGq0700TPPk65lHpzR_9zJzTcWeypRP-9zsyQPA3EZmAqdLOw5PZx5plp9Eu2_SsLpI1iCXJnuyLbCKx9_RDphrqyf2HmPRdx25Ea8viSNMvk-q-D57JfsQaD3RPuy7RjABsL12v58-XHiWoElS4yJz_98xSMZ5Db1x1VvmiE_HHildcehsrut/s864/IMG_1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="864" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBLl2OsQGq0700TPPk65lHpzR_9zJzTcWeypRP-9zsyQPA3EZmAqdLOw5PZx5plp9Eu2_SsLpI1iCXJnuyLbCKx9_RDphrqyf2HmPRdx25Ea8viSNMvk-q-D57JfsQaD3RPuy7RjABsL12v58-XHiWoElS4yJz_98xSMZ5Db1x1VvmiE_HHildcehsrut/w640-h396/IMG_1736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxulZqSyjMOd0Ype3TH8lXpu2ZNgNVTEgUdnLFIWUYjgcZ4q17R_DoXzMQ2OGFBa4tHYr_4QyTicuLXnfvpmsDkTFrJTk-2E-JGFdS_x1Sh8gD_24u8pukNVrsTbSqS9rffWLbXAcCIPjzZBzHN8rG9SJ017uCAh99WgDBXghdFa0z5f95CQE072vvA6BH/s864/IMG_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="864" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxulZqSyjMOd0Ype3TH8lXpu2ZNgNVTEgUdnLFIWUYjgcZ4q17R_DoXzMQ2OGFBa4tHYr_4QyTicuLXnfvpmsDkTFrJTk-2E-JGFdS_x1Sh8gD_24u8pukNVrsTbSqS9rffWLbXAcCIPjzZBzHN8rG9SJ017uCAh99WgDBXghdFa0z5f95CQE072vvA6BH/w640-h464/IMG_1737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_UBpcb9YYhNEPrkIBXH8VvP_EYt21KWhdeGxbO3s846lC9IQ5SD9C4JnAvg7EFuOFe6trdzOINukGhaB4u0nTB3Q2Cw3j8welWWp9CAz0H1F60wTv0Reyapgy1jt8Hej82wL6Rbk1LBwTNUSp8eOLq28bAkd4buQ0FK0Ks_JVnD9CkWZ3NXQYQCF3OPf/s864/IMG_1738%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_UBpcb9YYhNEPrkIBXH8VvP_EYt21KWhdeGxbO3s846lC9IQ5SD9C4JnAvg7EFuOFe6trdzOINukGhaB4u0nTB3Q2Cw3j8welWWp9CAz0H1F60wTv0Reyapgy1jt8Hej82wL6Rbk1LBwTNUSp8eOLq28bAkd4buQ0FK0Ks_JVnD9CkWZ3NXQYQCF3OPf/w640-h480/IMG_1738%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The lighthouse keeper's residence was not nearly as posh as the one at the Calvert Museum in Solomons</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQZvfNOb2y85FgT-lqpUnpFxrl09NWA7C-rHB_w2yNlfWjbgSOXofuz_sX8NYaeXBAJRNHD7hOF6-YXAdE7vrft7vGYmb8GkTxJth6kVZ_Q30UCgHeEPjT4XBZ5eOt6WGSx7lp2CorLOMAF7313WoMhanK7wLXoUEFczWsKeWOyJmuR0A0TG8d3MwJbN8/s864/IMG_1739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVQZvfNOb2y85FgT-lqpUnpFxrl09NWA7C-rHB_w2yNlfWjbgSOXofuz_sX8NYaeXBAJRNHD7hOF6-YXAdE7vrft7vGYmb8GkTxJth6kVZ_Q30UCgHeEPjT4XBZ5eOt6WGSx7lp2CorLOMAF7313WoMhanK7wLXoUEFczWsKeWOyJmuR0A0TG8d3MwJbN8/w640-h480/IMG_1739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YGeGKW_sxFhy1zXRai4lZuzdzaUyN23d6rmR6YslJg_F2bIPIwRgD3BDBBlm5Y_p2-6--v0uhMHiKgb2tU_1AA3xl81BhOLoxGxgLorVlkIQ54dDBqup5CaEQnr3YJNLKRcbCJSuFBpm02GB_cnWsrc_RK0t_vY-gMY-hpJu-Uq-s_mbnDuM6pezI89V/s1152/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YGeGKW_sxFhy1zXRai4lZuzdzaUyN23d6rmR6YslJg_F2bIPIwRgD3BDBBlm5Y_p2-6--v0uhMHiKgb2tU_1AA3xl81BhOLoxGxgLorVlkIQ54dDBqup5CaEQnr3YJNLKRcbCJSuFBpm02GB_cnWsrc_RK0t_vY-gMY-hpJu-Uq-s_mbnDuM6pezI89V/w480-h640/IMG_1740.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rB5t08gW1r5FQ0rL5dHLQcQ1e0Q68DJaKuMtmu8ca3PT5gjxkRNGLJUQKojLprILN4Cn_g0fz1Z1OV2PT4QcyPSG4iYMilqsk1-qQIFbdVW2ndFrD36fWy_W96bwxDhyzkOHs9cRSNFVfsIo649Q-ARHi2MCDJFwCjjG13Bxwa0_Yl-07ojEtJYzqSD/s1152/IMG_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rB5t08gW1r5FQ0rL5dHLQcQ1e0Q68DJaKuMtmu8ca3PT5gjxkRNGLJUQKojLprILN4Cn_g0fz1Z1OV2PT4QcyPSG4iYMilqsk1-qQIFbdVW2ndFrD36fWy_W96bwxDhyzkOHs9cRSNFVfsIo649Q-ARHi2MCDJFwCjjG13Bxwa0_Yl-07ojEtJYzqSD/w480-h640/IMG_1741.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the bell ringing apparatus</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj902tLJODGqUCy7r0nPJSlWYwHfin2MwlKO-p4Yd9Nlz6eV-AEZIvbSacU6bIBJSCOuf_ofcScS18IKWFo7pKzqHN4lQPXiChbGASKyj6DXI2Ka8IE1mubhUhsvGiFiFw-X-aTFHipXHbKItxTv9_Y_uJ0FzZbhSpQLY204JS2uhH6jqGCOulecdCl_LOL/s864/IMG_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj902tLJODGqUCy7r0nPJSlWYwHfin2MwlKO-p4Yd9Nlz6eV-AEZIvbSacU6bIBJSCOuf_ofcScS18IKWFo7pKzqHN4lQPXiChbGASKyj6DXI2Ka8IE1mubhUhsvGiFiFw-X-aTFHipXHbKItxTv9_Y_uJ0FzZbhSpQLY204JS2uhH6jqGCOulecdCl_LOL/w640-h480/IMG_1742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyguKScTVQjbWrZMi4xaihSInk8IiiJN5VkdecypPRUs8na3qFPDKF0T3p8yFHXqMVIeyD3xIiIKBISKpgX9ZPdhGscjUv9_prR8cfh-9WlrdNWZKfasLWGm8C3UKXYILbrl9_18aG5oX5S0WsVZ3Z4GK4G8WM2q7LhOnnAHvoGgKPk_Z7tXOngvKoZVg/s864/IMG_1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyguKScTVQjbWrZMi4xaihSInk8IiiJN5VkdecypPRUs8na3qFPDKF0T3p8yFHXqMVIeyD3xIiIKBISKpgX9ZPdhGscjUv9_prR8cfh-9WlrdNWZKfasLWGm8C3UKXYILbrl9_18aG5oX5S0WsVZ3Z4GK4G8WM2q7LhOnnAHvoGgKPk_Z7tXOngvKoZVg/w640-h480/IMG_1743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEQ1eb4vkpObX17U9NxclJPozkA51cPScBf4sVCb-HBueBU38_qQr36C0OI6yHv4Xtb815rwi09TZsjekijGr4F7ZQ0yA1AT1AnUb6WCADV8bPCKb6q__CHdo9xm_DP-GOFyVDXYgoC3ksB7rwajsX760IN9NOveqwKDwNXDatZxkJyTd7NCM6rxks7mF/s864/IMG_1744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEQ1eb4vkpObX17U9NxclJPozkA51cPScBf4sVCb-HBueBU38_qQr36C0OI6yHv4Xtb815rwi09TZsjekijGr4F7ZQ0yA1AT1AnUb6WCADV8bPCKb6q__CHdo9xm_DP-GOFyVDXYgoC3ksB7rwajsX760IN9NOveqwKDwNXDatZxkJyTd7NCM6rxks7mF/w640-h480/IMG_1744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdIEJ-sU03YImQXXyJo9zdCO8vk2Xoj4nBbqwos_YfXx1ft3Hexqm-VP2xR6yBRHy8XH_sylKfskbQc9IuLFODAjoW8AbNOL3owxG1oIdSSpsKXnxKxTJ1FloZzX1aM22DmpJj-3to6ozPTDWuLDfRQ0qNOS1_puQjPiq1M0E8PX-ImWwQ3oIlcRoGf49/s864/IMG_1745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="864" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdIEJ-sU03YImQXXyJo9zdCO8vk2Xoj4nBbqwos_YfXx1ft3Hexqm-VP2xR6yBRHy8XH_sylKfskbQc9IuLFODAjoW8AbNOL3owxG1oIdSSpsKXnxKxTJ1FloZzX1aM22DmpJj-3to6ozPTDWuLDfRQ0qNOS1_puQjPiq1M0E8PX-ImWwQ3oIlcRoGf49/w640-h356/IMG_1745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUwxRLUjbkg26tX0JMGFe-snGH4LltzHgtSFTmKD1k_seFJ36D0N9GNSzkaCDVwVqqgepqC264kPociXjxmD53LgKWFIANvOgo1xYMrEMdUNjKMvRMXUw2V0Ylpsnmgu66TIATJeE66SnaLGd5GfYZdRuHUYM1vZG3sCI7NDiWh96-RRBptDdd4SQMeYw/s864/IMG_1749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUwxRLUjbkg26tX0JMGFe-snGH4LltzHgtSFTmKD1k_seFJ36D0N9GNSzkaCDVwVqqgepqC264kPociXjxmD53LgKWFIANvOgo1xYMrEMdUNjKMvRMXUw2V0Ylpsnmgu66TIATJeE66SnaLGd5GfYZdRuHUYM1vZG3sCI7NDiWh96-RRBptDdd4SQMeYw/w640-h480/IMG_1749.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The boat building yard</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAVOtZJCSROgdgrj_M3z06SMt7TdOfbGNUxBDp1_o7cZc1c3h__MKtRGPcA3mt6js3mjq9c0PdTvt87OQF2M4ZkuN04fJXROCM4rCdxRicf_vZGMVOt5suZ6GJKpltdTX1-bUVYdxfXYDDfKfPEjz5dx9i-0OESWzbGTYlmwzlkitb9LcAkRR4Igd0jLc/s864/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAVOtZJCSROgdgrj_M3z06SMt7TdOfbGNUxBDp1_o7cZc1c3h__MKtRGPcA3mt6js3mjq9c0PdTvt87OQF2M4ZkuN04fJXROCM4rCdxRicf_vZGMVOt5suZ6GJKpltdTX1-bUVYdxfXYDDfKfPEjz5dx9i-0OESWzbGTYlmwzlkitb9LcAkRR4Igd0jLc/w640-h480/IMG_1751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGbbsPTOjLn-P3oaqsiJU7XVSTzP0PLWcIkoz6k4VmnsZ1sjvHGJNdaJhR9a6DEnZcMGfAPwPrP2ynyCQeFtvTm6ukAZ_wwIZj6u5eRAFOd3VZ0n1cjcvfbgsLxSaBDDQt6cc_J7gPOpn_EOR4uReL8zDfEf5UuBrMN55IRPjFbXOjH5QGR25Qy_LWK2s/s864/IMG_1752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGbbsPTOjLn-P3oaqsiJU7XVSTzP0PLWcIkoz6k4VmnsZ1sjvHGJNdaJhR9a6DEnZcMGfAPwPrP2ynyCQeFtvTm6ukAZ_wwIZj6u5eRAFOd3VZ0n1cjcvfbgsLxSaBDDQt6cc_J7gPOpn_EOR4uReL8zDfEf5UuBrMN55IRPjFbXOjH5QGR25Qy_LWK2s/w640-h480/IMG_1752.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfN-L7A_G9NqOoizFE7MByvJN_kWbHA-F_LVQJ184W5-crasZX1IyuHoZQsWcjF1JtaKa518O82JDIDYRh36xF3aJKOxFlLcJHKfvYMRXAQKGZfuqQuQ_HjKOqJhIA38dC1daB4DuxU0Ue9nz-bSlj-FFzXWSuYFnyR7AZMQsa-YQ84MUp-P4vNyZLJMk/s1152/IMG_1755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfN-L7A_G9NqOoizFE7MByvJN_kWbHA-F_LVQJ184W5-crasZX1IyuHoZQsWcjF1JtaKa518O82JDIDYRh36xF3aJKOxFlLcJHKfvYMRXAQKGZfuqQuQ_HjKOqJhIA38dC1daB4DuxU0Ue9nz-bSlj-FFzXWSuYFnyR7AZMQsa-YQ84MUp-P4vNyZLJMk/w480-h640/IMG_1755.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A steam engine. It was two stories high</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78gOy5E_y5USx-CnIUP7vdzCL4tPjpMDJ3ga4BJTteGHpDR3vAyNmlHwl-JYTVgybOfGcfZUKV2gSrJje_YtKr1Sz1CmOv1xmoqL8t0aMh_XETuUcOy8LxyxHz7X0andvQ4_61WTfNzTl-u97ebI-0IAMOOIk2fbju1IANyrxpQBj07NWh4HDcsn2czfE/s864/IMG_1756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="864" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78gOy5E_y5USx-CnIUP7vdzCL4tPjpMDJ3ga4BJTteGHpDR3vAyNmlHwl-JYTVgybOfGcfZUKV2gSrJje_YtKr1Sz1CmOv1xmoqL8t0aMh_XETuUcOy8LxyxHz7X0andvQ4_61WTfNzTl-u97ebI-0IAMOOIk2fbju1IANyrxpQBj07NWh4HDcsn2czfE/w640-h308/IMG_1756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf_NEBg_YChmdE2-Df7RnYJxQlq7iygIU2NHH4rb80rMewEnkevI4tmx0RrxF2XcD525seWlpBnnctENXg0phU8qDNGSts17DZ00AK6URnjFLo-X5_e8he1Z6GjXHRl3xmNuS7umXrHcaFN8SB7KkDwRGGPIxCLlLyX32h7VNuIbA5ECo2o5oZ8KEvyo0/s864/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcf_NEBg_YChmdE2-Df7RnYJxQlq7iygIU2NHH4rb80rMewEnkevI4tmx0RrxF2XcD525seWlpBnnctENXg0phU8qDNGSts17DZ00AK6URnjFLo-X5_e8he1Z6GjXHRl3xmNuS7umXrHcaFN8SB7KkDwRGGPIxCLlLyX32h7VNuIbA5ECo2o5oZ8KEvyo0/w640-h480/IMG_1758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFOfCy-27Dj66agHocOgtOUNo1NdS8ClSnIU5onnt1SlU9wr_tUOHSB9MI9zILDkpoIWbKWno6pBCNID1P8lGmcQkGGNI4XU7US1Bd1-GaQxE-wn2BkUlDk0o788z2iGwn9yl2bpJaQmGJNK2uUqkLbVJQZi8xBY8YaO3MX7CqlJDE258aZDZ0cmHH2ax/s864/IMG_1759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFOfCy-27Dj66agHocOgtOUNo1NdS8ClSnIU5onnt1SlU9wr_tUOHSB9MI9zILDkpoIWbKWno6pBCNID1P8lGmcQkGGNI4XU7US1Bd1-GaQxE-wn2BkUlDk0o788z2iGwn9yl2bpJaQmGJNK2uUqkLbVJQZi8xBY8YaO3MX7CqlJDE258aZDZ0cmHH2ax/w640-h480/IMG_1759.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The model building workshop</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66H8DLu28HvXb_uLZq2xEbJxvux7VSA-9WPRSaJExtSh8CndFvyzbPcUM9X99mj_YNcrvIgV1RnMMx9sYX_uUdhXfbXNTscg_8CVOWyYUKPc8sdnKqt4nkLNPx20ahKQpTzBSaj4vakupHr7YxBx0Obh5j1PrliMXJ_VkFnVTtq0nvVCBFogZFrwE4n8K/s864/IMG_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66H8DLu28HvXb_uLZq2xEbJxvux7VSA-9WPRSaJExtSh8CndFvyzbPcUM9X99mj_YNcrvIgV1RnMMx9sYX_uUdhXfbXNTscg_8CVOWyYUKPc8sdnKqt4nkLNPx20ahKQpTzBSaj4vakupHr7YxBx0Obh5j1PrliMXJ_VkFnVTtq0nvVCBFogZFrwE4n8K/w640-h480/IMG_1760.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx0aeANCubjS3vN32yqqbU0rVDSeUvXUYr3XuCv491y2jyhaS7CrSfy8Kl2hrt4yLPgszGbs-JqpF4eYYdD6ZJitidt2KoaTVsFv3mCnQO2kznACpxSlM-l2uU38BGIUVs1v-6N-oqmpHI9OipCLA4UWdwpH4O_g6bqKpIi3c_AS4aH2LHvyrAWNhj7hp/s864/IMG_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYx0aeANCubjS3vN32yqqbU0rVDSeUvXUYr3XuCv491y2jyhaS7CrSfy8Kl2hrt4yLPgszGbs-JqpF4eYYdD6ZJitidt2KoaTVsFv3mCnQO2kznACpxSlM-l2uU38BGIUVs1v-6N-oqmpHI9OipCLA4UWdwpH4O_g6bqKpIi3c_AS4aH2LHvyrAWNhj7hp/w640-h480/IMG_1761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzTE5HVduDO9zUUOwvWnvqkKn2CQB6iMYP2hZiQszvWRRI7kB9A1x-LinCJfSzVdg-zwXgWWBMUKVoJ0AvI2UoQQUzKqXmS-GZTJg2iZWbvnhjzzOCXX8fsaXhm3932qe5gV6edZtikSYRX5ULCDSJ8Y_GiXwZiA4OEilEb947654LXDnVRbkCqF6FG-5/s864/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzTE5HVduDO9zUUOwvWnvqkKn2CQB6iMYP2hZiQszvWRRI7kB9A1x-LinCJfSzVdg-zwXgWWBMUKVoJ0AvI2UoQQUzKqXmS-GZTJg2iZWbvnhjzzOCXX8fsaXhm3932qe5gV6edZtikSYRX5ULCDSJ8Y_GiXwZiA4OEilEb947654LXDnVRbkCqF6FG-5/w640-h480/IMG_1762.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-39456332984622552832023-08-23T21:13:00.000-05:002023-08-24T21:14:24.017-05:00 A long day and a quiet night...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYyycfi7PgccrgSisI-HsDUC_Oev5G-yI5cgg_lD5bATkAi2Yh6Eb84xI7AGtdNbo507eTaDlZYWyr8vf68hQkn-wLzZe93uxDcohcN-CtyTxVSA8vlerWyZca3TI3CKsbsAqXqBazNHvIDsGb75WFlg5pb-cwaeGILzzOdB47u_eZNRVcxioPdSH1VhN/s3200/SSzWf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="2400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYyycfi7PgccrgSisI-HsDUC_Oev5G-yI5cgg_lD5bATkAi2Yh6Eb84xI7AGtdNbo507eTaDlZYWyr8vf68hQkn-wLzZe93uxDcohcN-CtyTxVSA8vlerWyZca3TI3CKsbsAqXqBazNHvIDsGb75WFlg5pb-cwaeGILzzOdB47u_eZNRVcxioPdSH1VhN/w300-h400/SSzWf.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Various weather sources suggested that yesterday would be a really good day to make the 47 mile, 8.5 hour trip from the Solomons to St. Michaels. With Grandson Eldest at the helm, we pulled the anchor out of the mud and putted down to Solomons Yachting Center where he did a picture perfect job of getting us on the fuel dock, his first docking of this boat. When they showed up for work, we were already tied up starboard side to looking for the full monty: fuel + water + pump out + trash + ice. Filled up or emptied out as appropriate, our young Captain drove us off the dock and out into the bay. There we found that the various weather sources were on it today. Only the occasional and somewhat feeble whitecap thumped against the bow and by early afternoon even those had faded completely away. It was, as they say, “Smooth Sailing” only without the sails.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp3EPfbwxTzKCJt9yDHr50iPHL6-Z3Oqx7LD4i7ft-C_VBQr2WnXhTM44qeWiAUkmDV8dKNtL70fAw_pe-EyHJ1-iH9W_4cEP5XPn-nzmoAMyNB8XlloYN3cYsJTOKmWr7FJWscWtl_w9sGLPcp6zp7pGiUz3D0rXpnR2094BegoWcVk0ixf0fQuzTY8S/s4032/6C4eC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp3EPfbwxTzKCJt9yDHr50iPHL6-Z3Oqx7LD4i7ft-C_VBQr2WnXhTM44qeWiAUkmDV8dKNtL70fAw_pe-EyHJ1-iH9W_4cEP5XPn-nzmoAMyNB8XlloYN3cYsJTOKmWr7FJWscWtl_w9sGLPcp6zp7pGiUz3D0rXpnR2094BegoWcVk0ixf0fQuzTY8S/w640-h480/6C4eC.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">We had planned to anchor in a cozy little spot just a short dink ride from the town and well protected from all quadrents. But there was already a boat in there and one is all that will fit. After a bit of motoring around we ended up with a few other boats out in the broad Chester River. The anchor bit hard but where we sit has some pretty long fetch from NNW to ESE. So we are hoping that the weather sources are correct again with their forecasts of storms coming from the WSW. We also hope to be at Kent Island for the weekend, which we might make Friday afternoon depending on those very same storms.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnY6IFpnBBx_nN0q8jBdwFQQ96sBuk22GieEKIt7RpCZ4_GjjYaC9rRNxlFPGSemQYF48i7iB_b3W3R5IOiibN9PNwr021chgpHT9UKszY7XJxPHApUD0XDJ4O9lQJoB1X6pCWgN2SMblPbAasmxZJiG5cszONPw9S_zHi4WgKT2L5hGIu_0jqTaFBQct/s4032/k5Wks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnY6IFpnBBx_nN0q8jBdwFQQ96sBuk22GieEKIt7RpCZ4_GjjYaC9rRNxlFPGSemQYF48i7iB_b3W3R5IOiibN9PNwr021chgpHT9UKszY7XJxPHApUD0XDJ4O9lQJoB1X6pCWgN2SMblPbAasmxZJiG5cszONPw9S_zHi4WgKT2L5hGIu_0jqTaFBQct/w300-h400/k5Wks.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Regardless, it feels pretty good to have this last long leg behind us. Two more short hops should see <i>First Light</i> in Oak Harbor waiting to be pulled for the winter. That is far from the original plan of having the boat in a slip near St. Louis for the winter. But (as the Taoist sages teach) life unfolds as it will. Accept what happens with a bit of humility and do one's best to stay on the path. It may take a while to come to terms with all that has happened this summer. Brushes with dying and shattered bones? On the one hand neither are new or unique experiences for Deb and I, though this is the first time that she has gone under the knife for broken bones. (Me? Lost count a long time ago.) Word has it the Doctor told her that the fatality rate for my kind of heart problem is somewhere around 97%. Slightly higher than the 95% number that was bandied around after a particularly nasty car wreck many a moon ago, but perhaps a bit lower than the near miss with a bout of meningitis also many a moon ago. That time I was saved by a 100 to 1 chance of an intern questioning a test an ER doctor had scheduled. A specialist was consulted instead, one who immediately had me tossed into and ambulance and hauled over to his facility. There we were informed that the test would have certainly proven fatal. Yikes. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Throw in a motorcycle crash or two plus more close calls in airplanes than I can likely remember, and one might think shrugging this one off would come as second nature. It is a practice the Stoics refer to as “Memento moi”. But I'm not there yet. At some point, of course—tonight, tomorrow, or years from now—that number will be 100% and this particular sojourn will end. But sitting here in this quiet anchorage, having managed to get this far in spite of it all, it is hard not to marvel at just how lucky we have been. Still, I haven't quite shaken the need to take metaphorical looks over my shoulder.</span></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-43626612975585892962023-08-22T15:11:00.004-05:002023-08-23T13:45:00.679-05:00A small world is very strange<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTXRY1lRgMGvv8f3283t1odA--faszV8P1tTfejwnecwwyGbyRZ2Fd5O5INhnoX61EalA2xYhNtxcXW2RHE74Ce7H4_kc8jE9RZ2M0Y4hIUa72lEY1HqvoTbLXRwYHdOf3J-36nGWzwHNfIV1OGqpnEGurFpjtJBZtrZPAURLOL7Kqn-PDoPJDDMq8Fb5/s4032/OHfyg.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Uc46e6MQWgETg2vLD9Ng_L4UHmKUrPImvg6turZMORRqKFZSAXndWi9oLwsXKI7QUARm6ERwNVJO6QTfCyTQHDxvWUhWRKvAAGxdzx8QZjYJUF64PvVS-hXGLTrtrQxEPn8eHvId_JJ2iKzaL7uXSMrr0dzPQAmWU8reKlod_V8DaPXxiuixXhGJ6TT/s4032/ATgT2.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Uc46e6MQWgETg2vLD9Ng_L4UHmKUrPImvg6turZMORRqKFZSAXndWi9oLwsXKI7QUARm6ERwNVJO6QTfCyTQHDxvWUhWRKvAAGxdzx8QZjYJUF64PvVS-hXGLTrtrQxEPn8eHvId_JJ2iKzaL7uXSMrr0dzPQAmWU8reKlod_V8DaPXxiuixXhGJ6TT/s320/ATgT2.jpeg" width="320" /></a>We are waiting out 20 knot winds currently stirring up the waters that lay between First Light and St. Michaels, which worked out really well as it gave us a chance to take the Dink down the river a bit to visit the Calvert's Maritime Museum. That they have a free Dink Dock nestled in among the historical boats tied up in their little bay suggested it would be an interesting place actually full of “maritime” stuff. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Within steps of getting out of the Dink one of the employee / volunteers stopped to give us directions. He asked where we were from, so we explained how we are working on getting </span><i>First Light</i></span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMClF3Sxh2g8vKHuTIl_9chNqikXdgjS1xhQtNS2CQSLq1V87_cnjEvPcrAl9ECe1HDe6gmXu3Umu5rP_Ppz4Xw38X0MGeFnvsly7eo-2Vurzst5wY86h8At77J6ItBuarB7qmjvWvJLuMxZJTAKcduCCg2tcpovZcfoOS7W9yh59zGWAxE-t4CPonfSoQ/s1152/IMG_1669%202.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMClF3Sxh2g8vKHuTIl_9chNqikXdgjS1xhQtNS2CQSLq1V87_cnjEvPcrAl9ECe1HDe6gmXu3Umu5rP_Ppz4Xw38X0MGeFnvsly7eo-2Vurzst5wY86h8At77J6ItBuarB7qmjvWvJLuMxZJTAKcduCCg2tcpovZcfoOS7W9yh59zGWAxE-t4CPonfSoQ/w300-h400/IMG_1669%202.JPG" width="300" /></a> to St. Louis. He smiled and asked where we lived in the city as he went to school at a college called Parks across the river in Cahokia. I was a bit taken aback and asked him to repeat that several times, Parks college in Cahokia IL? He gave me a puzzled look while assuring me that he had gotten both his A&P license as well as a degree in Engineering at that school. The puzzled look turned into a big smile when I explained that I had spent 8 years flying out of Parks while employed as the Director of Operations for St. Louis University's (of which Park's college is a part) corporate flight department. Deb and Grandson Eldest walked away to buy our passes while John and I exchanged stories. He had been at the school years before I had worked there, but the coincidence was still kind of remarkable. He has been a long time resident of this area and, though officially retired, still works in a simulator at Pax River on something that has to do with F-16s. Part of his job at the museum is keeping a traditional oyster boat floating, of which he gave us a tour. Before we wandered off John volunteered that, should we need anyone to look at <i>First Light</i> while she is up on the hard, he would be happy to check in on her. Sometimes things unfold in remarkable ways</span>.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span></span></div><div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After a final handshake with a new friend, we climbed up into a lighthouse that was once out in the Bay and had been relocated to the museum. This one was round like a cake with two layers of living space topped by a single, massive lens for a candle. After climbing back down the narrow, twisting staircases, we started to explore the rest of the facility. Around their little bay are several buildings full of maritime information and displays. In one of the buildings volunteers build and assemble boats using traditional assembly methods, though they do use modern tools. As luck would have it, they work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The shop was a busy place when we visited and the shop foreman gave us a tour. After that, we wandered through the rest of the displays spending several hours. It was certainly a place worth the visit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNEzPnjl3Genb_ktJAzctpOeENkqsRM7tiyaXTD4ZOghxYmWBQSWf-7kv5HZHNHPEs8uysZNBm7rab2bJoXwaDrEbG3VawQHyBD3EUJZBbBsZkJREhOK8a9IUQ7bcb1VqvBWq03ZFinkSP3VjJ91r3FkKvQJeLiDmIE-JUW5wgJasBiE3Xo6LiKz3e0J/s3401/SuS2T.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">With the next weather break we will be heading across the Bay, one more step toward getting <i>First Light</i> settled in for the winter. It feels like we are doing okay...but don't tell anyone I said that. After this summer I still have a habit of looking over my shoulder to see what might be sneaking up on us now.</span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SXjcJHBtWvYkw5w1-kDR2oItk95-zBCMexyFK19J5XRKusAIGB_enBVAZH0n5Y4Ph1QRB4wGcwCL-0dRDsx1vp1tBAfOxkMfEKtjSp9bMw0tp_YKUhEr8Raoj6mGgIqd9f8VBYS3fQsNHIQtoHZqSiyanGhDk37Q6hLbT5KQ4tSqzKN7Ub2nuz2PFKVZ/s4032/Tdo6I.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SXjcJHBtWvYkw5w1-kDR2oItk95-zBCMexyFK19J5XRKusAIGB_enBVAZH0n5Y4Ph1QRB4wGcwCL-0dRDsx1vp1tBAfOxkMfEKtjSp9bMw0tp_YKUhEr8Raoj6mGgIqd9f8VBYS3fQsNHIQtoHZqSiyanGhDk37Q6hLbT5KQ4tSqzKN7Ub2nuz2PFKVZ/w480-h640/Tdo6I.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/199/Drum-Point-Lighthouse" target="_blank">The Drum Point Lighthouse</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttvZ4e4zwKyCyfzGyq6YYAfzS_qi7h9ZGHeiZOqqlouh5WQmF1rh8v_fCEHfW5ldnrfXv40xm4FCJ4bN2p1mfhK2dc-BhS1Ylio8NFyb0pPKuADGaeJ07pzn7kmwkcymdfEoMV9ANNkBptj5aEvp77YrLeJAC31DSRa9qmqmNn02nJeknRvJOCu0aul5s/s3731/NdxL6.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3731" data-original-width="2822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttvZ4e4zwKyCyfzGyq6YYAfzS_qi7h9ZGHeiZOqqlouh5WQmF1rh8v_fCEHfW5ldnrfXv40xm4FCJ4bN2p1mfhK2dc-BhS1Ylio8NFyb0pPKuADGaeJ07pzn7kmwkcymdfEoMV9ANNkBptj5aEvp77YrLeJAC31DSRa9qmqmNn02nJeknRvJOCu0aul5s/s320/NdxL6.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNEzPnjl3Genb_ktJAzctpOeENkqsRM7tiyaXTD4ZOghxYmWBQSWf-7kv5HZHNHPEs8uysZNBm7rab2bJoXwaDrEbG3VawQHyBD3EUJZBbBsZkJREhOK8a9IUQ7bcb1VqvBWq03ZFinkSP3VjJ91r3FkKvQJeLiDmIE-JUW5wgJasBiE3Xo6LiKz3e0J/s3401/SuS2T.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3401" data-original-width="2781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNEzPnjl3Genb_ktJAzctpOeENkqsRM7tiyaXTD4ZOghxYmWBQSWf-7kv5HZHNHPEs8uysZNBm7rab2bJoXwaDrEbG3VawQHyBD3EUJZBbBsZkJREhOK8a9IUQ7bcb1VqvBWq03ZFinkSP3VjJ91r3FkKvQJeLiDmIE-JUW5wgJasBiE3Xo6LiKz3e0J/s320/SuS2T.jpeg" width="262" /></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkRcrkdIx_e34YZWmhrMjbNudMPPzKR00IgNWl31GEMTudRkBEhfg9fWUpIGIlJ5BpVbjnOCQbIv1uiulxpMTXj3zWmIuGRSBS3D65EbzSsOLsfb1vrmWvnrixh2RodkbR2Z-P2vlWuluNG012dEVVvjjegvEitoBGIcgkhw6n4NCEsN-RXiPulIeOnEg/s4032/8Docf.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkRcrkdIx_e34YZWmhrMjbNudMPPzKR00IgNWl31GEMTudRkBEhfg9fWUpIGIlJ5BpVbjnOCQbIv1uiulxpMTXj3zWmIuGRSBS3D65EbzSsOLsfb1vrmWvnrixh2RodkbR2Z-P2vlWuluNG012dEVVvjjegvEitoBGIcgkhw6n4NCEsN-RXiPulIeOnEg/w480-h640/8Docf.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The lantern in the lighthouse. It has a couple red glass panels in the windows<br />to make the light appear to flash red as it turns</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_be9Ilv1l7YsJRgKBc-2k2nWBiKpcn6F2rniUkZ5IdrIr0bfyyRBmwjXCtse-0t6MogHmC8kCmE7_UgzujoynnJWMsMOTyKtgpruHIVelBBnWmPAIN8u4-y6vEyLhLpJIZaNQJW4d0FDmFmu_yleuWNUiflBPmxlbGCWf1oP7BSjLdU0oL_GcuFZTvGK/s4032/OFvPM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_be9Ilv1l7YsJRgKBc-2k2nWBiKpcn6F2rniUkZ5IdrIr0bfyyRBmwjXCtse-0t6MogHmC8kCmE7_UgzujoynnJWMsMOTyKtgpruHIVelBBnWmPAIN8u4-y6vEyLhLpJIZaNQJW4d0FDmFmu_yleuWNUiflBPmxlbGCWf1oP7BSjLdU0oL_GcuFZTvGK/w480-h640/OFvPM.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The red reflections on the floor from the red window panels</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZFTch10EqBqX8CXhKLVh0kjwrPZue0WLUrZcCT0WoHak8-aUmtg44KHnVifIkEoadl23c8KFNllcIT4zeyPrxPGIDg1afuVwnuw4lhl_VfXX5rH0_pLiCiRFs6wV_ezg46E3VmRGosAE7e9EC1zDN52cPRPk738RS_BCopweTZwSDEOwm_kSzr0OzUOM/s4032/f394j.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZFTch10EqBqX8CXhKLVh0kjwrPZue0WLUrZcCT0WoHak8-aUmtg44KHnVifIkEoadl23c8KFNllcIT4zeyPrxPGIDg1afuVwnuw4lhl_VfXX5rH0_pLiCiRFs6wV_ezg46E3VmRGosAE7e9EC1zDN52cPRPk738RS_BCopweTZwSDEOwm_kSzr0OzUOM/w480-h640/f394j.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fcOcBsbMXuJMuF4HjbRSJsXgw_DVS8E_9-HRfORbXGeFb6R_DTE9IWCULxmOly3kDadUCza0QlKYF8mmo90H8d_d_HpQlp_mbOrTstGljn30tOGY0QqW_64xUUaXZ8Z1eee65xQFmAtbRU6NBJq1C6HTxlw7DvVrs7INW56-po0p4mwP5gjd8IuP3xJ/s4032/GJhMA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_fcOcBsbMXuJMuF4HjbRSJsXgw_DVS8E_9-HRfORbXGeFb6R_DTE9IWCULxmOly3kDadUCza0QlKYF8mmo90H8d_d_HpQlp_mbOrTstGljn30tOGY0QqW_64xUUaXZ8Z1eee65xQFmAtbRU6NBJq1C6HTxlw7DvVrs7INW56-po0p4mwP5gjd8IuP3xJ/w480-h640/GJhMA.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Part of the living quarters in the lighthouse</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNf0iASKNosctyTAMdMFVTSBs0jBDcwUteIiDTM4ATk1DkTN765HddByJGY_aPWZMVjW0sZlbf-zdH6TM1hdBM_Vukp_lt-U6UbU1PVHUeVAUwqYongICxIu9r9zCECGxNTcx4QRZsX6Ewpnr_NDO5gF7jyxTi9weq3EcNytt3Ivk4qWwHNH7Vb9iwfsm/s4032/HWZMB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNf0iASKNosctyTAMdMFVTSBs0jBDcwUteIiDTM4ATk1DkTN765HddByJGY_aPWZMVjW0sZlbf-zdH6TM1hdBM_Vukp_lt-U6UbU1PVHUeVAUwqYongICxIu9r9zCECGxNTcx4QRZsX6Ewpnr_NDO5gF7jyxTi9weq3EcNytt3Ivk4qWwHNH7Vb9iwfsm/w640-h480/HWZMB.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhMp4Dnjs6bug_Wp5LtOBxR0NCqm7Q6-s5vDLSpXtzut1zbJaBzrDx13oDvo_SMDhweMM1YS0o9LC7TODyta4iHuac_9lsLHoQyebDDcVcGvCXQcyTbAUizBNFMAeY0OtQqUfmCss8EoOK6vnnmM5BtV7sKehp6MzK2PeOjkymTG3wGMSEzcWFkxhx51k/s4032/PjYS3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhMp4Dnjs6bug_Wp5LtOBxR0NCqm7Q6-s5vDLSpXtzut1zbJaBzrDx13oDvo_SMDhweMM1YS0o9LC7TODyta4iHuac_9lsLHoQyebDDcVcGvCXQcyTbAUizBNFMAeY0OtQqUfmCss8EoOK6vnnmM5BtV7sKehp6MzK2PeOjkymTG3wGMSEzcWFkxhx51k/w640-h480/PjYS3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAplNAeq2c-OwnsESb3uOB6zvZ_SFn5KPMWtkXpitieb3h_6abCk9_-uYes8_DGzVdld-zJNPSLGQZX-8Q-S5s5gtbCupERMPBytCn7ItWux8Bsga74Cm9vlDRr3ej7x2Wn3-caDI2abpVQ4K9d-d2i61Tn0m6p-_URMSCMNJCG71tflw3fYnHDpUPt5z/s4032/YPvwr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAplNAeq2c-OwnsESb3uOB6zvZ_SFn5KPMWtkXpitieb3h_6abCk9_-uYes8_DGzVdld-zJNPSLGQZX-8Q-S5s5gtbCupERMPBytCn7ItWux8Bsga74Cm9vlDRr3ej7x2Wn3-caDI2abpVQ4K9d-d2i61Tn0m6p-_URMSCMNJCG71tflw3fYnHDpUPt5z/w640-h480/YPvwr.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngkN0st5eX_qndEwfhuJNZGO9h4bc5C3h_cycPC_xko6dFQ7QZ86PO99s4Egb8Ih0AqCTt_FOv21BOsd-jexvalQ6NY3f1L7TqtVYk30omFHjoB39o8Skw-63LzU1IoSJLXN65zPQCevliKz0jWuYLGcidBTgqpmsK3_7RuQaufZTZfhWsjSY9tVqpHlQ/s4032/2eZJC.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngkN0st5eX_qndEwfhuJNZGO9h4bc5C3h_cycPC_xko6dFQ7QZ86PO99s4Egb8Ih0AqCTt_FOv21BOsd-jexvalQ6NY3f1L7TqtVYk30omFHjoB39o8Skw-63LzU1IoSJLXN65zPQCevliKz0jWuYLGcidBTgqpmsK3_7RuQaufZTZfhWsjSY9tVqpHlQ/w640-h480/2eZJC.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdZduaeFekW7_IzEUFxvhlk3AkzmnrpIZtMozAU8Q6iSGpmU_RHv3kSmGnH4yeylK52Rw8FBRl_VUTfWc_hRoNLXMv1A8mllJh3kZ_uHW5geSG6iKmOuiSzMuY6mqa7iCuq_VCTsDrphk1Zx7VZy1UfABEp3TG5IKA2WCEnXaO4XvCM4RbOsN56GcufKa/s4032/WXGIf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdZduaeFekW7_IzEUFxvhlk3AkzmnrpIZtMozAU8Q6iSGpmU_RHv3kSmGnH4yeylK52Rw8FBRl_VUTfWc_hRoNLXMv1A8mllJh3kZ_uHW5geSG6iKmOuiSzMuY6mqa7iCuq_VCTsDrphk1Zx7VZy1UfABEp3TG5IKA2WCEnXaO4XvCM4RbOsN56GcufKa/w640-h480/WXGIf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCgutW78sAlJPO7uXxPFwnTGG_2l1HwkvOvqZydeYIhpFRTF_S2T46VlhELf9WtEFXzoatyHTyKinzXF6qW6bu8kxLTqZZQJ8AaOzvs-Du1C-FQ9MythgBotRyachXkvI_1Iga6KvCMMdEfYQ5uXgDkXE6MrWasrolDJX2Ml0D5C8YCBEHjLI9YKhJ5cC/s4032/4I9sj.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCgutW78sAlJPO7uXxPFwnTGG_2l1HwkvOvqZydeYIhpFRTF_S2T46VlhELf9WtEFXzoatyHTyKinzXF6qW6bu8kxLTqZZQJ8AaOzvs-Du1C-FQ9MythgBotRyachXkvI_1Iga6KvCMMdEfYQ5uXgDkXE6MrWasrolDJX2Ml0D5C8YCBEHjLI9YKhJ5cC/w480-h640/4I9sj.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Patient Small Craft Guild is building this replica tender for the lighthouse</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFepTpSTv5vCpRnDWpStn3XXLqw_tcsBICoBVcyKGb2970TlpgRFsfgOJD-7eu9EzQTY5F-DDgBswsr8SRzzgFeA3aGcdFETnDxyp42CUmlAwggvAJ_0wiEqIcbIkZCcKdedoA3epbgPVvAWpKrx2O6fzRT6UEdpAVg9yUD0b7KCsntJ6fxnVhHNwIPfwg/s4032/6SpYK.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFepTpSTv5vCpRnDWpStn3XXLqw_tcsBICoBVcyKGb2970TlpgRFsfgOJD-7eu9EzQTY5F-DDgBswsr8SRzzgFeA3aGcdFETnDxyp42CUmlAwggvAJ_0wiEqIcbIkZCcKdedoA3epbgPVvAWpKrx2O6fzRT6UEdpAVg9yUD0b7KCsntJ6fxnVhHNwIPfwg/w480-h640/6SpYK.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These patterns are laid on the floor to shape the ribs and spars</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo9rlISE1Uu_QgF_8vfZCh4zruf5AmiNEqVxUPdz2MuX7tHkKgDCBmejOYkivbGhYiZjnY9Qdy9VHSl9r5kvBoei6yJSEgJYC6dXvrTuLtkx13jrqAPiTuT7Qr-3dnLYINoIKiH7s3l_g30PM8Skl_yO_xE5jA3r7bicTR0KlMvC9jUExgONgjtUSTSkN/s4032/8chAy.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo9rlISE1Uu_QgF_8vfZCh4zruf5AmiNEqVxUPdz2MuX7tHkKgDCBmejOYkivbGhYiZjnY9Qdy9VHSl9r5kvBoei6yJSEgJYC6dXvrTuLtkx13jrqAPiTuT7Qr-3dnLYINoIKiH7s3l_g30PM8Skl_yO_xE5jA3r7bicTR0KlMvC9jUExgONgjtUSTSkN/w640-h480/8chAy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Some the forms used to curve the wood<br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gOWfCZUNtpMH8sWniZLnhFHe34nkvED76MjHBZf2QcN0-N8XI6T7tBur0ndHz_kgwJ5AWMf6iPcWNmETlr-1KQbUDS-KldPEXDj1JCqP234gQltac2OgIkXTVz-cvvIOzuWHlzPQZVkxY3YI5VJNSz9dy5SuQ9_lKcmAC8FKtjYf93wfzQG3xhQgFuWp/s4032/HNOp8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gOWfCZUNtpMH8sWniZLnhFHe34nkvED76MjHBZf2QcN0-N8XI6T7tBur0ndHz_kgwJ5AWMf6iPcWNmETlr-1KQbUDS-KldPEXDj1JCqP234gQltac2OgIkXTVz-cvvIOzuWHlzPQZVkxY3YI5VJNSz9dy5SuQ9_lKcmAC8FKtjYf93wfzQG3xhQgFuWp/w640-h480/HNOp8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The plans used to build the tender</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1HrwIzpq74ewXV2afvJW-mfQWyIwLIAYnB57Xn9hBX7FQ92r2cKvVI8nU56pPSGWntH3Te9IIQ_m8OEgKx2exMrYgAEZriGMKVwz18vgwQ3Izocy9F58FQf5U8rvvZN9EZ0xNPHTXoLakRuS5qVwdE2vnCesGuAqEOu5T0wlfvtL9I4WRcWJpCTnzr1u/s4032/rBOxl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1HrwIzpq74ewXV2afvJW-mfQWyIwLIAYnB57Xn9hBX7FQ92r2cKvVI8nU56pPSGWntH3Te9IIQ_m8OEgKx2exMrYgAEZriGMKVwz18vgwQ3Izocy9F58FQf5U8rvvZN9EZ0xNPHTXoLakRuS5qVwdE2vnCesGuAqEOu5T0wlfvtL9I4WRcWJpCTnzr1u/w640-h480/rBOxl.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyno6fXjwV7-070JP1P4Khbarva0gcieGeSBi-lihorqVZr544CLJyKRbd5-z_L_iv2og8zEgODR5H1RO45JxaQ0-RJMBX7ThPRw1tLRaZJNtrxPv45X3yzmY3u-VL-t51tcjXip4ZUtD38tURndcgZwE5_mex_ntbZjkG-dDbDfcW4PRDIeqOCU2YzBz/s4032/vg8T0.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyno6fXjwV7-070JP1P4Khbarva0gcieGeSBi-lihorqVZr544CLJyKRbd5-z_L_iv2og8zEgODR5H1RO45JxaQ0-RJMBX7ThPRw1tLRaZJNtrxPv45X3yzmY3u-VL-t51tcjXip4ZUtD38tURndcgZwE5_mex_ntbZjkG-dDbDfcW4PRDIeqOCU2YzBz/w480-h640/vg8T0.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the tools used to design the curves in the wood</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAywR90lu0cc-lTCNpdVZ-sDnz8QV9mzh5m-Otctgoh4up0i7UpsB5jDKJjuJK9Zu3Wjx7XY1GSlLssVI9dI94nTtH-873qcbqv0xvntj78ibTXhMeLsfAfww4adAABA8veBd4G1uNd-HKNYwuZEJ8KKswNOLV8mFOGS1ZvDvkEXLhX0h5vMwxdTYUOXHf/s4032/jMEj3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAywR90lu0cc-lTCNpdVZ-sDnz8QV9mzh5m-Otctgoh4up0i7UpsB5jDKJjuJK9Zu3Wjx7XY1GSlLssVI9dI94nTtH-873qcbqv0xvntj78ibTXhMeLsfAfww4adAABA8veBd4G1uNd-HKNYwuZEJ8KKswNOLV8mFOGS1ZvDvkEXLhX0h5vMwxdTYUOXHf/w480-h640/jMEj3.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO88jv5bNk2_7dLzCp8PICnbJrzXVm-TwWnNU6yKXeTcudG4mmnitVxx1jWKzQZryObs7Zr4xzqeyyE3qaP2G92_9DUScQfGZ2ljzSm6s-FncgyDCbJXDyuc7zaoks6f1DIHCPEMUIyja8Uh9akFpFH2dnyXoUV2reiTz65QKTxegTNLVVRYe3hgvMOjH7/s4032/Q49ON.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO88jv5bNk2_7dLzCp8PICnbJrzXVm-TwWnNU6yKXeTcudG4mmnitVxx1jWKzQZryObs7Zr4xzqeyyE3qaP2G92_9DUScQfGZ2ljzSm6s-FncgyDCbJXDyuc7zaoks6f1DIHCPEMUIyja8Uh9akFpFH2dnyXoUV2reiTz65QKTxegTNLVVRYe3hgvMOjH7/w640-h480/Q49ON.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZbT_GYTEgF1ubkyM1IufpdOKAWcYlewus3SVWkBr9Tx7EBWA02wpzvXzgc8Xgdx8mAEpsM3PdnGySGvqeld96A2bgliit_KRsrAZvG0qZhSosxr8i8RmAn7w3qWScnqCWHARBoxBm0MSp5GLvximbIL5it83t0-SMkPsjXdMldoi0FMJ09hWPlKff9HQ/s4032/Eeqlv.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZbT_GYTEgF1ubkyM1IufpdOKAWcYlewus3SVWkBr9Tx7EBWA02wpzvXzgc8Xgdx8mAEpsM3PdnGySGvqeld96A2bgliit_KRsrAZvG0qZhSosxr8i8RmAn7w3qWScnqCWHARBoxBm0MSp5GLvximbIL5it83t0-SMkPsjXdMldoi0FMJ09hWPlKff9HQ/w480-h640/Eeqlv.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTXRY1lRgMGvv8f3283t1odA--faszV8P1tTfejwnecwwyGbyRZ2Fd5O5INhnoX61EalA2xYhNtxcXW2RHE74Ce7H4_kc8jE9RZ2M0Y4hIUa72lEY1HqvoTbLXRwYHdOf3J-36nGWzwHNfIV1OGqpnEGurFpjtJBZtrZPAURLOL7Kqn-PDoPJDDMq8Fb5/s4032/OHfyg.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTXRY1lRgMGvv8f3283t1odA--faszV8P1tTfejwnecwwyGbyRZ2Fd5O5INhnoX61EalA2xYhNtxcXW2RHE74Ce7H4_kc8jE9RZ2M0Y4hIUa72lEY1HqvoTbLXRwYHdOf3J-36nGWzwHNfIV1OGqpnEGurFpjtJBZtrZPAURLOL7Kqn-PDoPJDDMq8Fb5/w640-h480/OHfyg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The anchorage in the Solomons. One of the prettiest and secure places we've ever anchored.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeNEzPnjl3Genb_ktJAzctpOeENkqsRM7tiyaXTD4ZOghxYmWBQSWf-7kv5HZHNHPEs8uysZNBm7rab2bJoXwaDrEbG3VawQHyBD3EUJZBbBsZkJREhOK8a9IUQ7bcb1VqvBWq03ZFinkSP3VjJ91r3FkKvQJeLiDmIE-JUW5wgJasBiE3Xo6LiKz3e0J/s3401/SuS2T.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><p></p></div></div></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-67641189318362733092023-08-21T13:41:00.001-05:002023-08-23T13:41:55.143-05:00A part of a life...<p><span style="font-family: arial;">A day of thumping along got us to the Cockrell Creek anchorage, a place we never visited while on <i>Kintala</i>. So far as anchorages go it was a tiny place. One might have gotten two boats in if they were friendly. Fortunately we were the only transient boat around. Across the Creek was a fleet of fishing boats while just a few hundred feet from where our anchor hit the bottom were two small marinas. The fishing fleet came with its own processing plant so, depending on which way the breeze was wafting, it was either a nice place or a nice place that smelled like you had your nose in a bag a cat food.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQEsWxE-XNQd2eOmAldX-pgwrb6XFZStm1i2r0YsGRutd4j5M9hcV5vGSJ9yn78DVUF1OXdCOriGmL1OsbTCzzP0qWVcY7Qy2qtcs74RrFlaV6SML5WogbdzkLWleE0GXNjoQja-2-37l6aAWhbNepFUZY0h6ydQ34QuxkM2sf9jDFbczmEAviV5vwK6/w480-h640/DlZtf.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The <a href="https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=97781" target="_blank">Morris-Fisher smoke stack</a> in Reedville, VA</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobQEsWxE-XNQd2eOmAldX-pgwrb6XFZStm1i2r0YsGRutd4j5M9hcV5vGSJ9yn78DVUF1OXdCOriGmL1OsbTCzzP0qWVcY7Qy2qtcs74RrFlaV6SML5WogbdzkLWleE0GXNjoQja-2-37l6aAWhbNepFUZY0h6ydQ34QuxkM2sf9jDFbczmEAviV5vwK6/s4032/DlZtf.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the morning we hauled the anchor to be on our way. Notes on the anchorage suggested there was good holding in sand. If so, it was dark brown, sticky, and smelly sand. But the holding was good.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Solomons lie just shy of 50 miles north and on the other side of where the Potomac River flows into the Bay. We debated the weather as that stretch of water can really knock the snot out of a boat, which has been our usual experience no matter north or south bound. So we bet that the forecast of light winds and tiny waves was a good one and, for the most part, it was a good bet. The majority of the trip was done in near perfect trawler conditions—small swells spread well apart. Later in the day the winds picked up a little out of the south. The waves that did build were all moving in the same direction as <i>First Light</i> so the ride remained easy. We did get a bit of a roll going when we turned into the Patuxent River, but it wasn't too bad and eased off the farther upriver we went. We found our way to Back Creek and dropped the hook in another rather small anchorage. Here though, we are surrounded by marinas and boats. I don't know how many marinas line both sides of the creek, but there are hundreds of boats in here. That wasn't a surprise as we have been here before, though not in this particular spot. This spot is as far up the creek as one can drop a hook. We are, according to Google Earth 4.65 miles as the crow flies from where the two main runways at the NAS / Trapnell Field cross. “Pax River” (as my Navy pilot friends call it) is home to the U.S. Navel Test Pilot School and the Atlantic Test Range. Maybe, if the Navy has any of the UFO's some (seriously crazy?) people claim the Government is hiding, we'll get to see one fly by. Just kidding. One thing for sure, if the Navy has some UFOs stashed here, the test pilots are wringing the snot out of those things and are having a blast doing so.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjIzMJwfszjYyJqGzPIuZAntHL8x-MCiOdblA69UgBQ7tlFWqnHokYZ70SZlGMg1ozckh__1A4hMyALfpPba-cacqEHFBoOmDD7EsIwnqby8HolRQTauptO2Mzf8A8Mc13Dgt2rqO8N07E8sJBFf6exkM4E8IS32kVQGZv74vv9e7LuXB8JfvLR74_X5y/s3635/7UyXo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="3635" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjIzMJwfszjYyJqGzPIuZAntHL8x-MCiOdblA69UgBQ7tlFWqnHokYZ70SZlGMg1ozckh__1A4hMyALfpPba-cacqEHFBoOmDD7EsIwnqby8HolRQTauptO2Mzf8A8Mc13Dgt2rqO8N07E8sJBFf6exkM4E8IS32kVQGZv74vv9e7LuXB8JfvLR74_X5y/w640-h452/7UyXo.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It looks like we will be here for a couple of days waiting for trawler weather for the trip to St. Michaels. That will be another long day, 50 + miles and 8 + hours. Not a trip to thump one's way through. Both Deb and I have been a little surprised at how quickly the ride in a trawler like <i>First Light</i> gets noticeably uncomfortable. It doesn't take much wave action to make the upper helm station a place to avoid. Below is better, but I'm sure I remember days in <i>Kintala</i> where the waves were bigger than what we have seen with <i>First Light</i>, but the ride much better. We have both made the statement that this is a “river boat” cruiser. Now I understand why No Name Harbor would fill up with trawlers waiting for days to make the jump over to the Bahamas. Some of the weather we have been in while crossing the Gulf Stream would have been really, really, (really) uncomfortable in this boat. There is at least one “outside” jump and a couple of “Great Lakes” between <i>First Light</i> and St. Louis, all part of next season's travel. Those are going to be some interesting trips. For this season we are just a few more stops from being where the boat will be hauled for the winter. Not part of the plan when we started out form St. Louis back in April. But that's the way it worked out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So we go on, learning more about the boat and a new way to approach the long distance boater lifestyle each mile and every day. Not a bad way to spend part of a life.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4huTm873g5TDDxTASx0KgTXGlRsL28dDEBoIvxkKlzs7-XF3sm0MBwJhLStTfKZxljAt3AHJMPoEtjSnbOLNtvwyyWyBkqj9TpPjnsg_nchoDjVvoRhVKEM_q4w_5ZKgvSa7hibGbn5TcE8xHhRquINRtk8O0lp_rqzYuiIpXePQes969QnOPDHFtQyXs/s4032/IqB2y.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4huTm873g5TDDxTASx0KgTXGlRsL28dDEBoIvxkKlzs7-XF3sm0MBwJhLStTfKZxljAt3AHJMPoEtjSnbOLNtvwyyWyBkqj9TpPjnsg_nchoDjVvoRhVKEM_q4w_5ZKgvSa7hibGbn5TcE8xHhRquINRtk8O0lp_rqzYuiIpXePQes969QnOPDHFtQyXs/w640-h480/IqB2y.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The view from the anchorage at Cockrell Creek</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckmAQ3kfPpvlrgkctl8MzJYQ53MzloHXYNApOgyjw-7tbzDPUFdjXcxHoAgO0yMMKn72A0U5XzI65u3qmoT9XaLYXCMQNxe1orX9ddc4gQ97bdTgVI4dnGteoOFFGoW4SX3qGxABz0Joiba_9wQf2bmq3goBqRuy3Y3UxiGR18yQkugOxkEjBla-9RgX1/s4032/rO0JG.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgckmAQ3kfPpvlrgkctl8MzJYQ53MzloHXYNApOgyjw-7tbzDPUFdjXcxHoAgO0yMMKn72A0U5XzI65u3qmoT9XaLYXCMQNxe1orX9ddc4gQ97bdTgVI4dnGteoOFFGoW4SX3qGxABz0Joiba_9wQf2bmq3goBqRuy3Y3UxiGR18yQkugOxkEjBla-9RgX1/w480-h640/rO0JG.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-89800402086185642572023-08-17T21:31:00.004-05:002023-08-17T21:31:41.531-05:00IBR + LBD<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: x-small;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">he crew of <i>First Light</i> was up before first light getting ready for departure. A long day was in the offering and letting daylight dribble away while still at the dock seemed silly. A weather check the night before suggested it would be a perfect day to tackle the south end of the Chesapeake Bay. We have crossed that chunk of water several times and rarely has it been an easy task. But the GRIB files were showing winds calm to less than 10.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span>Of course they also suggested that all of the rain that came with a cold frontal passage the night before would be offshore come morning. But...come morning it was overcast and foggy. Still, why worry about a little drizzle? It would give me a chance to drive from my inside steering station with windshield wipers thunking away.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">Just as we pulled in the last of the lines holding us to the pier, the drizzle turned into pretty heavy rain. Not TRW rain but enough to ruffle up the water and reduce the visibility to about ½ mile. IBR! Instrument Boat Rules! </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet3EfugEhC2qPKyhrR-1MU9KP3_4q5LUu6-eu8ck12NP9nxQPif6_JsAL9yq6gcxldFLiaGZUBAcSHOY09RJp8XOpkchsLfQNhZ81_8YLy8GEFq6qxA_oiRSICP6X7Tn9Xssu--gZBj2wJvZZQeEQaEiC_2pk89n03ckzp3hPZGkOOpIZdplEgzjsz9_p/s4032/IMG_1584.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet3EfugEhC2qPKyhrR-1MU9KP3_4q5LUu6-eu8ck12NP9nxQPif6_JsAL9yq6gcxldFLiaGZUBAcSHOY09RJp8XOpkchsLfQNhZ81_8YLy8GEFq6qxA_oiRSICP6X7Tn9Xssu--gZBj2wJvZZQeEQaEiC_2pk89n03ckzp3hPZGkOOpIZdplEgzjsz9_p/w300-h400/IMG_1584.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">It was just as much fun as I thought it would be. A half mile takes 7-1/2 minutes to pass when one is doing about 4 knots. Of course boats coming down the channel will pass faster and required a bit more attention. But the channel is wide and we were hugging our side. Sure enough, a ghostly looking freighter loomed out of the gloom and we passed with no issues. Cool beans. I could learn to like boating in this kind of weather. IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) in an airplane means keeping track of heading, altitude, attitude, navigation, traffic, and communications all while (perhaps) getting bounced all over the sky doing 300 knots. But it the Boat? Speed...4 knots. Attitude and altitude? Not an issue. Navigation? Moving maps and chart plotters. Communications? Not much chatter on channel 16. I was grinning like a kid on Christmas Morning.</span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">The scuzzy weather lasted all the way past the line of Naval Ships and out into the James River. Passing Fort Monroe and turning north into the Chesapeake the sky cleared but the wind picked up. Thus started our LBD...Long Bumpy Day. Every one of the weather sources we normally check got the day wrong. The wind was not light and variable. It was out of the North at 10 to 15, sometimes 20. The current was running north. The two were playing slap and tickle, leaving</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"> </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">First Light</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">bashing her way to windward in two to three foot, somewhat confused seas. It was not a pleasant ride for the first 9 and ½ hours of the 10 hour, 51 minute trip. It was enough to take most of the fun out of the day.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK0Ln5OAADCums87H23l6aEq4c9OQCXuBnivJTTBpq1NuxoNtsVD23fXCy-lv4rq35lZJZXM1_iIo2htZfScHnX0x1wXzZiAksNSQT-K5Zx2CwjnbWX_x-vY2ZnC7rbqVKrjc9lIBu2VXV2As7rpBZWW47r3-esPEWnHxpOZWOZDEfA3Vi281PYUQES8Z/s4032/O1Hn1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK0Ln5OAADCums87H23l6aEq4c9OQCXuBnivJTTBpq1NuxoNtsVD23fXCy-lv4rq35lZJZXM1_iIo2htZfScHnX0x1wXzZiAksNSQT-K5Zx2CwjnbWX_x-vY2ZnC7rbqVKrjc9lIBu2VXV2As7rpBZWW47r3-esPEWnHxpOZWOZDEfA3Vi281PYUQES8Z/w640-h480/O1Hn1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Crew taking a break on the foredeck and yes he has a lifejacket on.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The good news is that all that banging around was a chance to get to know the boat a little better and trust its seaworthiness a little bit more. It would have been an ugly, likely impossible, day up on the fly bridge. But at the lower helm? Okay, not comfortable but not terrible either. On a pretty regular basis the bow would drop hard, shaking the boat and sending a cascade of water up above the anchor. But the shape of the hull tossed it outboard with virtually none of it landing on the foredeck. Some of the hits were pretty loud, but after a while it sounded kind of normal. The worst hit came from a container ship that ran us down from behind. As it closed, we did a lazy, oval shaped, 360 degree turn to starboard and out of the channel to let him pass by. After 270 degrees we straightened up and took his wake bow on. It had to be every bit of 5 feet as it loomed over the anchor roller before First Light powered up the slope and fell into the hole on the back side of the wave. Ouch. But we soldiered on with nothing apparently amiss.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5QRnYY1bz6aLrb7vkKpJqwo_VABwqNyv0wOaDcsWYJHruqXub65vRAipzLSCvj-Y9Ncxdb09oiUWHP-ziIoYe0r43Bp7woiTTMqKnTIn6-pXm1BQw41o9KuHb3VRMa0-fv57Vq0Yl3_O6nGU-jIVd1DbCSeLR10D_ZWtyGDs1_fUFQP7_vZeNWO7SeHv/s864/IMG_1589%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="864" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5QRnYY1bz6aLrb7vkKpJqwo_VABwqNyv0wOaDcsWYJHruqXub65vRAipzLSCvj-Y9Ncxdb09oiUWHP-ziIoYe0r43Bp7woiTTMqKnTIn6-pXm1BQw41o9KuHb3VRMa0-fv57Vq0Yl3_O6nGU-jIVd1DbCSeLR10D_ZWtyGDs1_fUFQP7_vZeNWO7SeHv/w640-h530/IMG_1589%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3U_S1EMwY_fFWcMfu40-en-_nzE_Cm5Kr5WuLUAJA7ZkCj2mn3RTgJMPk1Z9mBQiEs9K4WcGfI9CIo8MnKjv9Q5s9w8M2jiEg0K9JnvgDRP4ObSFaIGSKPYLu_n4wLxrfLRQpNPu1y8sNyxo5h5oj7-S1Cq5aKVae3d1zPU4hfXpI2WRlM1M1wV3O6Ab/s4032/DRCcN.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3U_S1EMwY_fFWcMfu40-en-_nzE_Cm5Kr5WuLUAJA7ZkCj2mn3RTgJMPk1Z9mBQiEs9K4WcGfI9CIo8MnKjv9Q5s9w8M2jiEg0K9JnvgDRP4ObSFaIGSKPYLu_n4wLxrfLRQpNPu1y8sNyxo5h5oj7-S1Cq5aKVae3d1zPU4hfXpI2WRlM1M1wV3O6Ab/w300-h400/DRCcN.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The boat mascots - Teddy, Bean, and<br />Nutters didn't seem to mind the ride<br /><br /><br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table>We plowed through the day with the crew growing every more weary and the boat thumping its way through the whitecaps. Eventually we made it to Fishing Bay near Deltaville, VA and dropped the hook, sharing the anchorage with 3 other boats. It is just about perfect here at the moment. <i>First Light</i> rides easy to 90 feet of chain and the snubber in 16 feet of water, the winds are calm, and the temperature isn't as brutal as it has been. Up in the flybridge it is downright pleasant. As normally happens, a rough trip is nearly forgotten as soon as it is over. We are content with the day's work we put in, satisfied that pushing on was an okay decision. Even more, we are content that the day is over and we are sitting safe and quiet. Assuming the forecasts are getting it right this time, we are likely to be here a couple of days.</span><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Being anchored here for the first time in eight years feels kind of special. We made it here when first starting out on</span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> Kintala</i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">. In spite of the challenges that came up, we have managed to bounce our way here again on <i>First Light</i>. It hasn't been easy and I think it fair to suggest that we worked for it. But, on the other hand, it has to be admitted that we are among the luckiest people on the planet. Why is that so? I don't think anyone knows.</span></div><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee7DUJxU0rG1B9Rjc64Xcrn5_duLMIw4hf11P3WNi9u93KJrDVNg8ZInQgJwVmIDKX8j3VG-OLZAElEJVoCwrJBehhQZdRjFpZdsCUVwUHBFUoa50aJwYEL02JZsxPRqAsZfsT75kG5lanis9VAykWgmsYdrN7RWZt9ZBBrgwwvq-FwKCyU4hBU8Jo_cR/s4032/RfpWq.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjee7DUJxU0rG1B9Rjc64Xcrn5_duLMIw4hf11P3WNi9u93KJrDVNg8ZInQgJwVmIDKX8j3VG-OLZAElEJVoCwrJBehhQZdRjFpZdsCUVwUHBFUoa50aJwYEL02JZsxPRqAsZfsT75kG5lanis9VAykWgmsYdrN7RWZt9ZBBrgwwvq-FwKCyU4hBU8Jo_cR/w640-h480/RfpWq.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span></p></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-56851883320573247142023-08-14T20:44:00.000-05:002023-08-14T20:44:21.381-05:00When a little bad news is pretty good news.<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">With heat indexes in the 110+ range, two days of thunderstorms in the forecast, short on sleep and even shorter of temper, (that would be just me, by the way) a slight change in plans seemed appropriate. So this afternoon we moved</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"> </span><i style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">First Light</i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">off the free dock and back down the river a couple of hundred yards into a transient slip at the Ocean Yacht Marina. There I made my second successful back-into-the-slip landing. The first order of business after setting lines and fenders was getting the AC running. It took a while as, once again, the inlet was blocked. Not jellyfish this time. Seriously stinky mud that had to come from the Swamp was the culprit. With the aft engine room hatch open to facilitate that repair, Deb noticed a trail of salt water from the aft of the boat down into the port side shaft seal pocket. An observation that did nothing to lengthen my aforementioned short temper. One problem at a time please. Let's get the AC running, then figure out if the boat is sinking. Deb then had a short wrestle since the AC strainer leaked the first time we cranked up the pump. With the strainer leak fixed, the AC went to work on the hot, muggy air in the boat. We went to work tracing down the leak around the shaft seal.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O7O9ld2HlAU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">The water under the shaft seal appeared to have its headwater around the starboard side rudder post. I dried it off and watched while Deb worked the rudders stop to stop. No more water. We went about cleaning everything up, finishing about the time the diver showed. We explained the bump and the vibration. My thought was that a) the rudder took a jolt that unseated its shaft seal for a bit, allowing a good squirt of water ingress and b) the jolt also left us with a bent prop tip. All just a guess of course, but that seemed the most likely explanation for what we had felt during and after the event. And, as it turned out, that is exactly what the diver found. No damage to the rudder and a bent prop tip. A little bit of bad news that is pretty good news.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">The diver offered that he knew a guy that could pull the prop, have it repaired, and put it back on without lifting the boat out of the water. The whole process would take “just a couple of days”. Not saying that I didn't believe that but, well, I didn't. The boat is not hurt. A slightly bent prop tip isn't going to do much except save us some gas by having us slow down. The boat is already scheduled to come out of the water for the winter around Oct 1st. So we intend to drive on. But first I'm going to catch up on sleep, food, and music playing while waiting out a couple of days of storms.</span></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-70326088184448365012023-08-14T06:54:00.006-05:002023-08-14T07:20:52.553-05:00I stand corrected from my correction...We left the Dismal Swamp Visitors Center this morning. The trick was to time the
bridge / lock opening so as not to miss it or to spend too much time holding
station waiting for it to open. The other trick was to move at a speed
appropriate for the conditions; ie SLOW. Upon pushing off of the dock it was
clear that we were in a different Dismal Swamp than the one from the day before.
This one was was truly dismal. <div><br /></div><div>The water was scummed over making it that much
more difficult to spot floating debris and logs. The channel was narrower,
shallower, and had tree branches just shy of brushing the boat. The water itself
was full of branches with fallen trees tied up to signs and shore in attempts to
keep the waterway navigable.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZM791kbOFGgZsjMjk0KFgk_zz0i3QdVEfbHZD107Qc4k_W1kSMV9xNIgZjSlCM__JIP5FNLuWsZOmrtmKwl6qp4jJ-hfWFZq6Rjnq-laIor4SKnKMt0iTbvENZDELJgCwQDyU_ImdeRurZdDyhGKMFVMz7eGM0dCPbG9mv0JgGKgDoe-dHKfHbsLqq0t/s4032/I4MAf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZM791kbOFGgZsjMjk0KFgk_zz0i3QdVEfbHZD107Qc4k_W1kSMV9xNIgZjSlCM__JIP5FNLuWsZOmrtmKwl6qp4jJ-hfWFZq6Rjnq-laIor4SKnKMt0iTbvENZDELJgCwQDyU_ImdeRurZdDyhGKMFVMz7eGM0dCPbG9mv0JgGKgDoe-dHKfHbsLqq0t/w640-h480/I4MAf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>Within minutes we heard the first “thunk” of
something getting stirred up off the bottom and chewed up in the prop. We moved
along at less than 5 knots doing our best to avoid more thumps while still
moving fast enough for the rudders to steer the boat. But it was impossible.
Each thump caused the crew to jump a little but it appeared that nothing was
being damaged...until the very last one before we got to the bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYfNxcTkenAmJbi85LI0AtvFIuSKNsLjWpJ4xiafkSrIYeA30K4tyOufmVjgeSpVkWzieeFeFBVW6bxFPW7KNloeepZ87poNpRveQQdetYWFh5BGBDYBZ1LdLECqceKq1fTO8CXCh6EJmuIG8eLZSw5FWxFivqwRjCwjnZXeHGpkOMR94czDJDMuLiWhl/s4032/ufSLq.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYfNxcTkenAmJbi85LI0AtvFIuSKNsLjWpJ4xiafkSrIYeA30K4tyOufmVjgeSpVkWzieeFeFBVW6bxFPW7KNloeepZ87poNpRveQQdetYWFh5BGBDYBZ1LdLECqceKq1fTO8CXCh6EJmuIG8eLZSw5FWxFivqwRjCwjnZXeHGpkOMR94czDJDMuLiWhl/w640-h480/ufSLq.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE-Q49_YoZfD2rfAH0tfrT0_8jIKShNLv7hhNvrANTjCT3aiJZy9bj_93X1JwWkZVJIjGfFz89VxjhGeu-33UzVDcPNBi1SdKXuIg5bRQc99UmeDdn1EQL_jTL2x9llm2TVnQLPZLbQpKYDENw4rKS1ig0PMPMtOLeEwOYKDhERDGbisVm7YqTaB9I_sJ/s4032/Jx8Ot.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE-Q49_YoZfD2rfAH0tfrT0_8jIKShNLv7hhNvrANTjCT3aiJZy9bj_93X1JwWkZVJIjGfFz89VxjhGeu-33UzVDcPNBi1SdKXuIg5bRQc99UmeDdn1EQL_jTL2x9llm2TVnQLPZLbQpKYDENw4rKS1ig0PMPMtOLeEwOYKDhERDGbisVm7YqTaB9I_sJ/w640-h480/Jx8Ot.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>A hard
thunk scared everyone and a noticeable vibration off the starboard side engine
scared everyone even more. Dropping the revs eased the shaking. I tried neutral,
a few moments in low reverse, and back to forward. It eased the shake a tiny bit
but did not eliminate it. Clearly we took some kind of damaging hit. A check of
the engine room showed no leaking around the seals and no vibration in the
shaft. Which was all good news. Other than a minor shake nothing else seemed
amiss. After a bit of debate we elected to keep going. Truth to tell I'm not
sure there was another option. Before anything could be done we had to get out of
the swamp. We cleared the last lock and limped on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once clear of the swamp I played with the power settings. Revs that
would get us a touch over 5 knots were fine. Anything more and the shake was too
noticeable to be comfortable. My best guess is that we bent a prop blade a
little. Not a major concern, but a concern nonetheless. We stopped at a small
marina called Top Rack for fuel, a desperately needed pumpout, and to ask about a diver.
Fuel and a pumpout they had, but no diver to recommend. So we pressed on to the
free docks in the heart of Portsmouth. Kind of a cool place this. Well, not cool
as it is something like 102 degrees. But there are big ships all around, ferry
boats coming and going, the Navel Shipyard museum is literally a few steps off
our starboard side, and we are sitting in the middle of a big city in our boat. A bit of a change since we have been more or less off the grid
for much of the last few days. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbbu4mUMLe2XFg7060s7A26w8QsXxGPPT_mpNBvf7qk4wWEtYy7HB2e9rYjdiRKM86jS1V9FNrpH9BET9b_6z0edYKfg5L7wxcfXgg4AdtVTYdctFQcwUbPIOAZtIPtT2T8vHP5BtCblesh31pmhlISm7_iqK0jwrK-eht4yEFU5xZvsDd5XUT5LqbxHD/s864/IMG_1571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbbu4mUMLe2XFg7060s7A26w8QsXxGPPT_mpNBvf7qk4wWEtYy7HB2e9rYjdiRKM86jS1V9FNrpH9BET9b_6z0edYKfg5L7wxcfXgg4AdtVTYdctFQcwUbPIOAZtIPtT2T8vHP5BtCblesh31pmhlISm7_iqK0jwrK-eht4yEFU5xZvsDd5XUT5LqbxHD/w640-h480/IMG_1571.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q8Ab7Wn0gBjiKeKM_Zag0dfRQ5WwA3vJZl1QMo90MpUi2qFcZobQVzn4nyxNiQlc6AkrgedN_LyxO9x9tm9EsA3oinkWGYfRKStcx_O_LkkLS6isUrWsKWDO1UOjE4gn6l-6jQcq4gmtQmZe58nDrPV2TypQ5al5p8tTgUT4NWovCDjiVuCFQ2Yn50AO/s864/IMG_1572.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="864" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0q8Ab7Wn0gBjiKeKM_Zag0dfRQ5WwA3vJZl1QMo90MpUi2qFcZobQVzn4nyxNiQlc6AkrgedN_LyxO9x9tm9EsA3oinkWGYfRKStcx_O_LkkLS6isUrWsKWDO1UOjE4gn6l-6jQcq4gmtQmZe58nDrPV2TypQ5al5p8tTgUT4NWovCDjiVuCFQ2Yn50AO/w400-h300/IMG_1572.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Weather forecasts suggests we will be here for a
a day or so waiting out some potentially serious storms. We are hoping to get a
diver on the boat today or tomorrow just to be careful. We have full water tanks
and an empty holding tank, but the fridge is getting bare after days off grid,
so a provisioning run is also in the plan. There is some concern about hanging around this spot to wait out the weather. After the sun went down last night the ambiance surrounding the boat took a decided turn. At one point a land side wanderer started shouting at me as I closed up the fly bridge for the night. He wasn't being particularly coherent and I wasn't particularly interested in engaging in conversation with him. Something to which he seemed to take offense as his side of the conversation deteriorated into shouts, insults, and threats to return to teach me some kind of lesson. I have some experience in those kinds of lessons, wasn't particularly concerned, and let him sputter off without returning any comment. But, having some experience in those kinds of lessons, I spent most of the night on "anchor watch" with phone close at hand and 911 ready on the speed dial. Still, this is a well protected place to ride out storms which, seems to me anyway, are the bigger hazard at the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Difficult as it has been, it feels
good to be out of the ICW. These past few months have been some of the most
challenging Deb and I have faced for a long, long, (long) time. I am both
thankful that we managed and relieved to be this far north. Limping along? Maybe.
Heading in the right direction? So far so good. But I've had my fill of the
Dismal Swamp. I am (depending on how broken we are) sort of glad we went this
way once. But I can't imagine I'll ever take the risk of doing it again. Nor
would I ever suggest anyone else go this way by choice, at least not in a boat
like <i>First Light.</i> The channel is simply too narrow, too shallow, and too full of
things that can break a boat. This boat is still struggling through this shake down cruise. It doesn't need any
help getting broke.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2525xPeTZg4cjqWq3XIpBaefX5NqUrqS3gtk4AxZUwRhQaadx3-WMFB_P2yJsH_WZj_lvXhoWxarcb88ZUyZUBL-lh1kELjJ77guaBnK-9ajhi5jqXHBFZajUkDIErx-BSY6Em7mHjwvQVmgww1pSOOpFnfznAG2Bu9W0azp1S9yImMdI-e_JXT7icyza/s4032/8kj58.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2525xPeTZg4cjqWq3XIpBaefX5NqUrqS3gtk4AxZUwRhQaadx3-WMFB_P2yJsH_WZj_lvXhoWxarcb88ZUyZUBL-lh1kELjJ77guaBnK-9ajhi5jqXHBFZajUkDIErx-BSY6Em7mHjwvQVmgww1pSOOpFnfznAG2Bu9W0azp1S9yImMdI-e_JXT7icyza/w640-h480/8kj58.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dismal Swamp slime</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjxkKn_agODU8Q_N3F2OTvfA249PzDSweFLsTQ2mKUQQY6YfXTrccjK41SNUOUMy-p-PaBCeXrjCTycIsVa2Vbl5rnDyGZt-dEMfa2_Njd-n8zVj0aOjw5RmHaH7H4qXahc-bd0p4fbSYKP-nxzNNsjzy_x3z4sB3a1eZIalnHj5EFDXBL13Fdbk1OG9h/s4032/967xt.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjxkKn_agODU8Q_N3F2OTvfA249PzDSweFLsTQ2mKUQQY6YfXTrccjK41SNUOUMy-p-PaBCeXrjCTycIsVa2Vbl5rnDyGZt-dEMfa2_Njd-n8zVj0aOjw5RmHaH7H4qXahc-bd0p4fbSYKP-nxzNNsjzy_x3z4sB3a1eZIalnHj5EFDXBL13Fdbk1OG9h/w640-h480/967xt.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finally a new state</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AKh_ztZxnbLO6okZxyzsY8ZUm-SC9lyh57mY4siRR0PRKEPUVVYXDdV4dMpZoBMM1pzuYTSefqEpogR8qKDqutd8ZJPbGbS0qs-mR1RYKJIrzvmJ0TcLPTT2Ivk21xsARnEIsbeY13p0tv8huk-retaUDv44P1hqBRqsfz2ORceg-IJTWiCSXfKQyaSZ/s4032/sxoGg.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AKh_ztZxnbLO6okZxyzsY8ZUm-SC9lyh57mY4siRR0PRKEPUVVYXDdV4dMpZoBMM1pzuYTSefqEpogR8qKDqutd8ZJPbGbS0qs-mR1RYKJIrzvmJ0TcLPTT2Ivk21xsARnEIsbeY13p0tv8huk-retaUDv44P1hqBRqsfz2ORceg-IJTWiCSXfKQyaSZ/w640-h480/sxoGg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's steaming hot</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-13067686688144501432023-08-12T18:55:00.003-05:002023-08-12T20:37:43.651-05:00I stand corrected...<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">While living on <i>Kintala</i> we did the ICW North – South – North trip several times. During none of those trips did we attempt the Dismal Swamp. The primary reason was our better than 5 foot draft. Word was there would be barely a foot of water under the keel for most of the trip. The secondary reason was more prosaic. Neither “Dismal” nor “Swamp” are words that conjure up a vision of a pleasant place to visit. The name itself was enough to keep me away. But things work out as they will, and we committed to trying to pass through the Swamp. So we fired up <i>First Light</i> after a brief trip to the local coffee shop and departed Elizabeth City for the Dismal Swamp Visitor's Center with its free dock, bathrooms, and water supply.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">It was some of the most interesting miles of water I have ever ventured across. Other than the temp, it was a perfect day. The water was so flat that it was hard to tell where the horizon was. Everything in sight was perfectly reflected in the mirror-like water. Only a thin dark line marked where the actual shore line could be found. It felt like<i> First Light </i>was drifting though a sky of tree shaped green colored clouds. The visuals were nothing short of mesmerizing. The first part of the channel was as twisty as any I have traveled. Fortunately<i> First Light's</i> twin engines and hydraulic steering are starting to feel "normal" so staying in the middle of the channel was not near the challenge it might have been. To be frank, I have never seen such a scene before. It was near magical.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcGi8sXfm0EtDJQp8vqao3wcSNmIXLzuDp8ZnXyHxO7jV0e7hiznItpCsJUmbkCyeJfHiWPMddBM5T9XzS3bkOG4lwWsl-KvljpmicLQoWIAIPRhNVx_hC34GKvcf9aeSk79_zKRKQAFiAu-hO3cMxz2nkhGIie4t6_FgkhDUw_PNSYnf3POo7wlVty0v/s4032/cEOay.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcGi8sXfm0EtDJQp8vqao3wcSNmIXLzuDp8ZnXyHxO7jV0e7hiznItpCsJUmbkCyeJfHiWPMddBM5T9XzS3bkOG4lwWsl-KvljpmicLQoWIAIPRhNVx_hC34GKvcf9aeSk79_zKRKQAFiAu-hO3cMxz2nkhGIie4t6_FgkhDUw_PNSYnf3POo7wlVty0v/w640-h480/cEOay.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrPId5uss_3emAGapLw6EG3SVc1TWcpZBvhcKzb5WJOSA5aUKbrBickJX7JTFuoIS-3YRcwgHzLxe30VIU3lOfqHfdstWYeerU9wUfZtpTdRyXEDkaP_IQossF8zwmHAbEXG4T-kKnLflYf-7yfNhvBsU99ZUYrGBqq0T7OF8qz__KzKCcs-X4raUAVPf/s4032/swkvB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrPId5uss_3emAGapLw6EG3SVc1TWcpZBvhcKzb5WJOSA5aUKbrBickJX7JTFuoIS-3YRcwgHzLxe30VIU3lOfqHfdstWYeerU9wUfZtpTdRyXEDkaP_IQossF8zwmHAbEXG4T-kKnLflYf-7yfNhvBsU99ZUYrGBqq0T7OF8qz__KzKCcs-X4raUAVPf/w480-h640/swkvB.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">We did bump into something a few times. But we were also running just enough above idle for the engines to be happy, leaving us doing about 4 knots. So whatever we bumped we didn't bump very hard. I don't know that I would have ever come this way in <i>Kintala</i>. But I'm glad that circumstances suggested we come this way in <i>First Light</i>. If you ever get a chance to drive a boat north from Elizabeth City into the Dismal Swamp, don't pass it up. It may be a swamp, but there is nothing “Dismal” about it.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCu9gKZPltDyLXnsAI6hsAq6kCz1zvCdJ3ExNJa0hvV37IdDLFHrLLk1f9zqDrZjS4Y6rAU-uheZi7bv_pl7AIHLYtsMuk6GwlYoVjh7kfY-ePLqVFRm5MElVFcGt5j34Xm2HXA_hRkkA0qK3oCga4lsxO6LYuJn8NRdN4Yen0e6uILTjpBbifpXj9Os_/s4032/jxrpl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCu9gKZPltDyLXnsAI6hsAq6kCz1zvCdJ3ExNJa0hvV37IdDLFHrLLk1f9zqDrZjS4Y6rAU-uheZi7bv_pl7AIHLYtsMuk6GwlYoVjh7kfY-ePLqVFRm5MElVFcGt5j34Xm2HXA_hRkkA0qK3oCga4lsxO6LYuJn8NRdN4Yen0e6uILTjpBbifpXj9Os_/w640-h480/jxrpl.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMaUOT_vtMhMvftNeYsiNiuzP5_UguHmhzJm3e7Aa2p6hOBs-20HTDtUfbrwlGj_09Oohk0ZxfuGi_DRMoqmJnKWsrZPsvzAX4c9cjm-6ADIgwA0WfItsjtp4_L1f-kqV3x1Nntj5tb5kdANQMJVNPiX2bwtsr2pUlN-_AaSb9w9PNVf9FKNOomXK8eh/s4032/jUSy0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOMaUOT_vtMhMvftNeYsiNiuzP5_UguHmhzJm3e7Aa2p6hOBs-20HTDtUfbrwlGj_09Oohk0ZxfuGi_DRMoqmJnKWsrZPsvzAX4c9cjm-6ADIgwA0WfItsjtp4_L1f-kqV3x1Nntj5tb5kdANQMJVNPiX2bwtsr2pUlN-_AaSb9w9PNVf9FKNOomXK8eh/w640-h480/jUSy0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bo17ujU4s_FIqhTAEZCxx_FWVM2GAJxIFxWkDBN-xqT050-LxFGe5JhN5MkyBW9upf8h7NbAz0dy8Q3TirvFKUMQPywofQ4JAwRs1EE15ny-hwNhEPX1_t_8L3yTIsyxpjfr0ih8nqCId5k4xyh5qFWpkmyzKjGH6x7zB-az4vm9w3NNCyoljRAdjrtt/s4032/9PaWL.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bo17ujU4s_FIqhTAEZCxx_FWVM2GAJxIFxWkDBN-xqT050-LxFGe5JhN5MkyBW9upf8h7NbAz0dy8Q3TirvFKUMQPywofQ4JAwRs1EE15ny-hwNhEPX1_t_8L3yTIsyxpjfr0ih8nqCId5k4xyh5qFWpkmyzKjGH6x7zB-az4vm9w3NNCyoljRAdjrtt/w480-h640/9PaWL.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa-djJ8_ORk1jvws_J3qmH0W9CSI9HKGp_WIEFoAFXwkUmSdgdnj9iThR01dZfooO4chX1hUCfrh9fBtleSOlb7J4QYnV9o4kcuxYg5t0OGCmxzbVUmBJBVvVSjNM2jdABfRs9vzrk1ct5sZmy8xwc2YknHNwPtAF-BZbqbjZXHjqPJTiy04mJwE-54iY/s4032/ftrUg.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsa-djJ8_ORk1jvws_J3qmH0W9CSI9HKGp_WIEFoAFXwkUmSdgdnj9iThR01dZfooO4chX1hUCfrh9fBtleSOlb7J4QYnV9o4kcuxYg5t0OGCmxzbVUmBJBVvVSjNM2jdABfRs9vzrk1ct5sZmy8xwc2YknHNwPtAF-BZbqbjZXHjqPJTiy04mJwE-54iY/w640-h480/ftrUg.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeouOscOjHxlBbdsCBsRMBdvlEepivLuJiE1i9j0OwU3AbBScsIBLLGwu-5nXulggo47yWxUuVwukdRt5LsibEin1nhoi2O6-g9SsoQkH4gnSQxQe5A1VYIf_9V-yHrtNdvQItjbQU7dXDOqx1Ff1M3h0dCAGHbSnKozT7zEQKrDsXkn0hTv-1WtCTnTJ/s4032/oMa5c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeouOscOjHxlBbdsCBsRMBdvlEepivLuJiE1i9j0OwU3AbBScsIBLLGwu-5nXulggo47yWxUuVwukdRt5LsibEin1nhoi2O6-g9SsoQkH4gnSQxQe5A1VYIf_9V-yHrtNdvQItjbQU7dXDOqx1Ff1M3h0dCAGHbSnKozT7zEQKrDsXkn0hTv-1WtCTnTJ/w640-h480/oMa5c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South Mills Lock</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DEyO6EQ_FTedvQVsjzG2CKLBJqVk03vbo-7LJ6Z3UsdcP5EeudpdWhJBP0iTra9m4fn9SpEI7k-EcqMN3VJ2WZVUupj2notZOe_vE_nkB5LOf82vYL7hpMIXzmDVrzEgBZvbDDQ9QKpnNzl99b99NEsIbazrxMIgGlXts7zvNTYWoQPj5Z3Z9KZ7NdmZ/s4032/IMG_1508.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DEyO6EQ_FTedvQVsjzG2CKLBJqVk03vbo-7LJ6Z3UsdcP5EeudpdWhJBP0iTra9m4fn9SpEI7k-EcqMN3VJ2WZVUupj2notZOe_vE_nkB5LOf82vYL7hpMIXzmDVrzEgBZvbDDQ9QKpnNzl99b99NEsIbazrxMIgGlXts7zvNTYWoQPj5Z3Z9KZ7NdmZ/w480-h640/IMG_1508.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South Mills Lock</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmOnw5gfwAtTNiulW4vgekjcgSTCeaKzfxZjtgsIu1CfCbzRUHDSwkuN7AC-a-jy5og7gXMvqEW0hIrQ_LLpgeWUBE7W7z2RNSs2olEjEEOZhh21yiTyyL3FmOCYKeMf7sc9hHRDtPXNVTmQVIXJWOD1BT89yYhia8S6CtRcwXlGU38nUT-e5zPRxB4ZN/s4032/MKPfj.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmOnw5gfwAtTNiulW4vgekjcgSTCeaKzfxZjtgsIu1CfCbzRUHDSwkuN7AC-a-jy5og7gXMvqEW0hIrQ_LLpgeWUBE7W7z2RNSs2olEjEEOZhh21yiTyyL3FmOCYKeMf7sc9hHRDtPXNVTmQVIXJWOD1BT89yYhia8S6CtRcwXlGU38nUT-e5zPRxB4ZN/w640-h480/MKPfj.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South Mills Lock</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL8hKfyf6sdv1riR188S7HFib0RxDAKSjE0-TwdZC6OJP7pdVFFkWVJ4A5fMEF5ve-DU3hm5z5VyT3r_-DmtCHbPtIVEFXDvgvDnk9sTp2N0KpyOfWv81KlsYui0oAkfa9iXkluUH2ZyvaVRdk9IiQYue4THVk9Pb1l_XLlzyBa-SVjY42O-4yMJjtInX/s4032/4gN4X.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL8hKfyf6sdv1riR188S7HFib0RxDAKSjE0-TwdZC6OJP7pdVFFkWVJ4A5fMEF5ve-DU3hm5z5VyT3r_-DmtCHbPtIVEFXDvgvDnk9sTp2N0KpyOfWv81KlsYui0oAkfa9iXkluUH2ZyvaVRdk9IiQYue4THVk9Pb1l_XLlzyBa-SVjY42O-4yMJjtInX/w640-h480/4gN4X.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>South Mills Lock</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpbxRmaBFJ3jPcabxH5QOPcmAWO9DOhdQfnxlDEWdHYtUwvemXf2PpAsxUUPFut7qY6PQASfySHQTSctMuTmMShYOiOhjyTZ6Bk9weUgfjqdr2f-yMia6-rD_ERd5OsHwT_v3bhPte6puX2EvGiJylwr9btJ6I4NZBjONa4RzkHmFqjWPemLt5RchTL2y/s4032/dtaZS.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpbxRmaBFJ3jPcabxH5QOPcmAWO9DOhdQfnxlDEWdHYtUwvemXf2PpAsxUUPFut7qY6PQASfySHQTSctMuTmMShYOiOhjyTZ6Bk9weUgfjqdr2f-yMia6-rD_ERd5OsHwT_v3bhPte6puX2EvGiJylwr9btJ6I4NZBjONa4RzkHmFqjWPemLt5RchTL2y/w640-h480/dtaZS.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dismal Swamp Free Dock</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-EKRSQhm1oK1vJpdWWku3hAdmh8w-60mvYOIOthrWPJLYzeVnTEtPoLtuZnC5DIowXGTQoHh_w8Q7_szgN0yV71dYCPyyPTN5S8G7amZ9hZR9Ki-RnsQaR8tlQieAPtt9enNeUUjorrXSWHXAv-MNL6B8njdzhdIgATF-BjXpDbr41IPO-BJt--FBR3o/s4032/nie56.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-EKRSQhm1oK1vJpdWWku3hAdmh8w-60mvYOIOthrWPJLYzeVnTEtPoLtuZnC5DIowXGTQoHh_w8Q7_szgN0yV71dYCPyyPTN5S8G7amZ9hZR9Ki-RnsQaR8tlQieAPtt9enNeUUjorrXSWHXAv-MNL6B8njdzhdIgATF-BjXpDbr41IPO-BJt--FBR3o/w480-h640/nie56.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-38190355765186609292023-08-11T14:21:00.001-05:002023-08-12T17:57:00.566-05:00It's worth a try...<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">On the one hand the people here have been wonderful. There are good places to eat, a very informative museum, and a pleasant waterfront park. Dan the Dock Master for the Maritime Ministries free docks came down to meet and welcome us when we first got here. There wasn't room for us on his dock, but we were in sight and had been talking to him on the phone. He was unbelievably (couldn't resist the pun) helpful, letting us have parts delivered to his door, lending us a car, and generally being as generous as one human being can be to others. For that reason alone the town is okay. On the other hand...</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkETWuZj_a7D4rv3ZWf1FdW6E_jrItQxI7yjSXaT0ryNVgom3awzZI1rHl-mpUulCP786v_uqOgH-ox__U6VQB-2Xyh43n7Ny3nxICmmtLWsPNXG_8vtPR2jx0TK6-ZomZhkCFbNnuY6SdnFhCSTfJDn6VkecH6N_iiBM4W_04IiwOPn9f9CHX3NHfFFS/s3088/a2tzD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkETWuZj_a7D4rv3ZWf1FdW6E_jrItQxI7yjSXaT0ryNVgom3awzZI1rHl-mpUulCP786v_uqOgH-ox__U6VQB-2Xyh43n7Ny3nxICmmtLWsPNXG_8vtPR2jx0TK6-ZomZhkCFbNnuY6SdnFhCSTfJDn6VkecH6N_iiBM4W_04IiwOPn9f9CHX3NHfFFS/w640-h480/a2tzD.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Roo, Tj, Deb, and Dan Smith of Maritime Ministries</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: small;">For a place that is at the headwater of the Dismal Swamp route there is very little support for the long distance cruiser. Fuel, water, pump out, electrical service...all are in short supply or non-existent. When I say “short supply” what I mean is we have been here for a couple of days and have not found any of the above. There is rumor of a pump out somewhere but, as of yet, we have not located it. There is not a water hook-up anywhere to be found. There are public bathrooms but don't need one before 0800 in the morning as they will not open yet. If you need to save ship water (since you can't get more here) shower access will cost you $5 for the code. If you had spent a very long day working in a hot engine room you might come out of the shower cleaner than you went in. Maybe.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">The shower is right near the city free dock, which would make them a bit more livable than the dock we have been tied to. But we looked them over and it is doubtful <i>First Light</i> would fit. A Saber backed in while we were watching, both rub rails rubbed down the piling as he backed in. Once in they set lines but I'm not sure why. They were wedged in place. Too tight a fit so far as I am concerned. You can get an Uber back and forth to the store so provisioning need not be too painful. But it was a bit of struggle to get things together so we can be on our way.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpt9Y_AZm8Ox-MMKAXx6eo5W9pDK_m11RwNbqdt3-vb3lu5ab3KxPvAq-SEArZFQwHJvQjDpb3tkSSjDf3gSqAzaLnnmlRuRUe_5fh-AOXIUYLzJ8Oypnkasj340YzvT_0eoMgBC1tepR7eVEVgVWvlIM2--QfCb6L69-ocmb3hiDrnakYvqA3rHf7u9R/s4032/h9ycn.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpt9Y_AZm8Ox-MMKAXx6eo5W9pDK_m11RwNbqdt3-vb3lu5ab3KxPvAq-SEArZFQwHJvQjDpb3tkSSjDf3gSqAzaLnnmlRuRUe_5fh-AOXIUYLzJ8Oypnkasj340YzvT_0eoMgBC1tepR7eVEVgVWvlIM2--QfCb6L69-ocmb3hiDrnakYvqA3rHf7u9R/w640-h480/h9ycn.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The free dock at Jennett's</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">When we left Oriental we knew we were on a “shake down” cruise. <i>First Light</i> had been sitting on the hard for the better part of four years. Even with all the work we did before splashing the thing there were bound to be glitches. In addition the original plan included a couple of more months of time to work things through as we traveled. So, all things considered, the fact that we are making any progress at all is likely a pretty good sign. We made some good progress during this particular maintenance stop. The gen-set, after the tender ministries of Grand Son Eldest installing his first ever gen-set part, purred quietly while pumping major amps into the house bank. Before that part arrived we also ran down the engine start wiring to get some idea as to what is happening. As I suspected, the port engine is wired to the start battery while the starboard engine is wired to the house bank. There is a “emergency start” switch panel that is wired nothing like suggested on the front plate. The panel states “KEEP BOTH SWITCHES IN OFF POSITION TURN SWITCH ON FOR EMERGENCY START ONLY.” Ahh...no. Turn both switches OFF and nothing will start. I do leave the “BOTH” switch OFF with the idea that at least one of the battery banks will hold a charge should there be a drain on one of them. I'm not completely convinced that is what was intended, but it is working for now so we will drive on.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;">Though there is still some debate on this, both battery chargers, the old one and the new fancy one, may need to work in tandem with either gen-set or shore power to get the house bank into float. That seems seriously weird to me so I will be looking into it some more. But, at the moment, <i>First Light</i> is back up with all systems running. How long that will last is anyone's guess. I'll just keep reminding myself it is a shake-down cruise. Finding broken things is part of the plan. Well, it's worth a try anyway.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzmPFcFRu8kb3R_qHjOsMSQMpoLcmQRat_VcvunSGlRZ3OlOrdZ5f_QC1PhiISmba6aFt3HkNaCJvbZnjBK3mwhoXPGseqtfCgrS4SHl5tkpdik5uUcNZBx8CJDkKKgHMAaX72r8I9L-lSMrU7F2Npc1s10ehillH5oVnYxrq6_07l-qay1n_PrGrnhsx/s4032/oZNzJ.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzmPFcFRu8kb3R_qHjOsMSQMpoLcmQRat_VcvunSGlRZ3OlOrdZ5f_QC1PhiISmba6aFt3HkNaCJvbZnjBK3mwhoXPGseqtfCgrS4SHl5tkpdik5uUcNZBx8CJDkKKgHMAaX72r8I9L-lSMrU7F2Npc1s10ehillH5oVnYxrq6_07l-qay1n_PrGrnhsx/w640-h480/oZNzJ.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2U2aITbiszK5sTcIRNisWs5AgKkP8Ow7xQeeE3GDMs8uCCu452V55yobWWOMyNiXFqwep9OTgxISUARxTQsuR3x95Q9hqINkqDtXeL6HojkDD_Digs9BLOToTLShId7ek4YzzYVz1sAEV-jjS4vJWzgoRRr43MU3KwKLPwSEEvMMH6-Z3Mrj50F0GqDy/s4032/ZcPOM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2U2aITbiszK5sTcIRNisWs5AgKkP8Ow7xQeeE3GDMs8uCCu452V55yobWWOMyNiXFqwep9OTgxISUARxTQsuR3x95Q9hqINkqDtXeL6HojkDD_Digs9BLOToTLShId7ek4YzzYVz1sAEV-jjS4vJWzgoRRr43MU3KwKLPwSEEvMMH6-Z3Mrj50F0GqDy/w640-h480/ZcPOM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-82304269246418178852023-08-09T19:31:00.000-05:002023-08-10T20:29:46.068-05:00 Batteries, belts, bridges, pots, & trucks<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There was a one day weather window to get from the Alligator River anchorage, across the Albemarle Sound and up to Elizabeth City⸺gateway to the Dismal Swamp. We got up with the first light of the sun to take advantage of it. The gen-set came on line to freshen up the batteries after carrying the boat for the night. Just as we went to start the engines, an unearthly howl started up from below.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Gen-set off.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_T7aFLbhdU4MK7UMd5c9Rj2v9gxH9F9D0F0X6SYPhzA2Rb21mHeYlYYXtq2aU5tvtbreqmX2id9GswpPEhgHzHff_lJDGaj9NKKK2k0qSnVE31EiWQRh1HQ4YiIfPqkBUjeSXi9WEwcrGNnTKl6DNTgtk6VIFxst_PCShII5DFRFSK_Y3drH6-ZY4-5h/s4032/IMG_1377.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_T7aFLbhdU4MK7UMd5c9Rj2v9gxH9F9D0F0X6SYPhzA2Rb21mHeYlYYXtq2aU5tvtbreqmX2id9GswpPEhgHzHff_lJDGaj9NKKK2k0qSnVE31EiWQRh1HQ4YiIfPqkBUjeSXi9WEwcrGNnTKl6DNTgtk6VIFxst_PCShII5DFRFSK_Y3drH6-ZY4-5h/w640-h480/IMG_1377.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It sounded like belt noise but there really wasn't time to troubleshoot the thing. Leave it until the next stop. With that decision made, the port engine was brought to life. Then the Starboard, except...no turn, no fire. Mmm. ..There is a switch in the engine room to be used in just such a circumstance. Never used, not sure exactly what it does. But it worked. Switch switched and the Starboard side rumbled to life. Yay, not stuck in the middle of nowhere. (Not sure what is going on with the start battery yet, but it likely has something to do with operating the convoluted, overlapped, hodge podge charging systems on <i>First Light</i>. It will take getting the gen-set back up to figure that one out.) With both engines rumbling, Grandson Eldest took the helm. He got us onto the anchor the night before. It only seemed fair that he get us off.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpiWJmgf53mXpiic_06-DI3WtLQctG1RJ_z03nttSIGoOgf7hQ2eowpw5qsbZ6TermoS1ZmxTCUS0AG_xy7QFPxJMUVdbl3nUwi1uEvjZLmMB9F2CDUzCzey0A8brpCxcR4Q47_nn8nJt4ubVp3SwD6gv7J2nfJ-zahoSus8Q31n847PHFPi5BR4chwj4/s4032/IMG_1427.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpiWJmgf53mXpiic_06-DI3WtLQctG1RJ_z03nttSIGoOgf7hQ2eowpw5qsbZ6TermoS1ZmxTCUS0AG_xy7QFPxJMUVdbl3nUwi1uEvjZLmMB9F2CDUzCzey0A8brpCxcR4Q47_nn8nJt4ubVp3SwD6gv7J2nfJ-zahoSus8Q31n847PHFPi5BR4chwj4/w300-h400/IMG_1427.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The 7 hour trip to Elizabeth City NC went off with no additional mechanical gotcha's. But the run Across the Albemarle Sound was a near constant 5 diamond slalom run through the crab pots. They were strewn around nearly everywhere we looked. And we had to look hard. Apparently no one has mentioned to crabbers that dark blue and dingy black floats are not easy to spot, and white ones look a lot like little wavelets or birds at first. We managed, helped by the still-sharp eyes of Grandson Eldest. The good news was that the weather was as forecast. The ride, for the most part, was easy. Just a bit of rolling in the ditch when we had no choice of headings while working around the pots.</span><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We have heard nothing but good about the free docks in Elizabeth City. Unfortunately, all the best ones where full when we got here. We ended up along one just past the bridge, and I mean just past. It lies about 200 feet off the bow, tires howling over the grating with every passing vehicle. Normally that kind of noise would be irritating. But tonight? This free dock lies at a truck loading facility. In the parking lot not 100 feet from us sits a reefer truck, apparently sitting for the night, with engine rumbling and trailer freezer running at full song. We are not going to notice the bridge.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As soon as we were secured to the dock, I changed into work clothes and jumped down into <i>First Light's</i> engine room to tangle with the gen-set. It isn't the most uncomfortable place I have ever crawled into to work on something, but after a 7 hour summertime run? It ranks right up there. It took a while to get the covers off and clean up. There was a good bit of fuel lying around, which was a bit scary. I sopped it up and traced the likely cause to a couple of hose clamps on the new electric fuel pump that were not as tight as they should have been. Then I checked the cooling system from strainer to impeller. All looked okay. The only other option was to fire it up to see what there was to see. Fire extinguisher close at hand that is exactly what I did, provoking a screaming, screeching noise that sounded as much like a bearing failing as a belt slipping . An immediate shut down was followed by a phone call to Darryl at Foster's Mobile Marine(</span><a href="https://fosters-mobile-marine-service.business.site/">https://fosters-mobile-marine-service.business.site/</a>)<span style="font-family: helvetica;">⸺</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">friend and engine guru. He agreed to listen in and, after a few seconds of additional run time, sent me right to the problem. It was a belt noise. The little alternator that also acts as a belt tensioner was locked up solid. Two pulleys turning and one frozen solid will make a lot of noise. The truth is I should have spotted without his help, but I was reluctant to run the thing very long while sticking pieces of my anatomy in places the belt could reach should it self destruct at the wrong moment or (had it been a bearing) risk tossing a rod out the side of the case. (Seen that happen before, don't want to see it happen again.) Guess I'm getting cautious in my old age.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Dfwjt7t0UfSq4HbHlLodnopr2bruWF9wV4JOn06ZynkBLtGcbnK-HUFFrghA2Pdrq7HmGhtu9hkRmmgZntxpCpNPhY014tEYdRYa24Nk0Kq3JSIVSqUqOSbuCUGJElqxlHdRn6_ldVEkpkvc0ZsqqDMRc2QYsmqT_PEqXoOYuYkPL5BSOj0Emk2qa4y/s3167/IMG_1477.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3167" data-original-width="1818" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Dfwjt7t0UfSq4HbHlLodnopr2bruWF9wV4JOn06ZynkBLtGcbnK-HUFFrghA2Pdrq7HmGhtu9hkRmmgZntxpCpNPhY014tEYdRYa24Nk0Kq3JSIVSqUqOSbuCUGJElqxlHdRn6_ldVEkpkvc0ZsqqDMRc2QYsmqT_PEqXoOYuYkPL5BSOj0Emk2qa4y/w230-h400/IMG_1477.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A few minutes later and the offending part was out. Grandson Eldest and I tried to open it up to see what happened. But whatever had happened had fused the thing into a single chunk. One might, with a 3/4 inch breaker bar and a big vice, open it to see what happened. But we don't have those on </span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">First Light</i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> and it doesn't matter anyway. New parts will be sourced and ordered ASAP. When they get here we will be on our way once again. Until then Elizabeth City and it's noisy free dock are home.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxJYaq2ihAtdGclGm2OjeF1Ra2azTv-7rp3XBp9sX0nLdTgOhuvOY3AngQMcXrgLWC6p83tRaPrs5fOBbZhYUJdCZUeLhQ_RBBnEI9TVmW3dt6Zx7BJkT7BGxUj5UcY3sIPy_BBCzK0zCLmUv59EmSknRSbL6yePI0dnAjK9Hv_KHYzN-XDs5Pws_QDzn/s4032/IMG_0736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxJYaq2ihAtdGclGm2OjeF1Ra2azTv-7rp3XBp9sX0nLdTgOhuvOY3AngQMcXrgLWC6p83tRaPrs5fOBbZhYUJdCZUeLhQ_RBBnEI9TVmW3dt6Zx7BJkT7BGxUj5UcY3sIPy_BBCzK0zCLmUv59EmSknRSbL6yePI0dnAjK9Hv_KHYzN-XDs5Pws_QDzn/w640-h480/IMG_0736.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p></p>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6552422419133819877.post-31599693713879146582023-08-07T10:38:00.001-05:002023-08-10T20:28:47.908-05:00Long Canal Muse <p>The forecast winds got set back some hours. So the crew gathered together and decided to depart Styron Creek, putt down the Alligator / Pungo River canal and head for an anchorage at the southwest corner of of the Alligator River once clear of the canal. There we would settle in and see what the weather was up to. The next jump would include crossing the Albemarle Sound. We have tangled with that bit of water before and have no intention of going out when she is in a mood driven by 20 to 25 knots of wind. In a day or so the winds are forecasted for 5 to 10, to calm. A good time to cover the roughly 50 miles to Elizabeth City.</p><p>Grandson Eldest took the helm as we entered the Canal. After a few minutes I decided he didn't need me looking over his shoulder all the time and so I headed up to the foredeck to watch the world drift by. After a while I moved to the port side walk way to sit in the shade facing aft. (I don't know if anyone has noticed, but it has been brutal hot in these parts for many weeks.) There was no traffic to see, just our wake stretched out behind us all the way to the horizon. And I thought, “How cool that we get to do this?”</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySiHXH0OUZYkCFW6Vz6l-r86PAWx15Fh8994WcyFeFboUaJbVU9lo9Dp3HQH1R_y3zimbvLB8YE91l-dXO14gaHMs913wADo2dI0jCTNJSWMYRsZPWQfoiFFYtuFgilI1kf0wGGejO3IKAbLUR4XfJ0d0YlHbMuyNQWglKAGFLqJ9y3R2P56xy1TapbRO/s4032/IMG_1384.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySiHXH0OUZYkCFW6Vz6l-r86PAWx15Fh8994WcyFeFboUaJbVU9lo9Dp3HQH1R_y3zimbvLB8YE91l-dXO14gaHMs913wADo2dI0jCTNJSWMYRsZPWQfoiFFYtuFgilI1kf0wGGejO3IKAbLUR4XfJ0d0YlHbMuyNQWglKAGFLqJ9y3R2P56xy1TapbRO/w640-h480/IMG_1384.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsIa6n2Q6UOEOceecQI28dlIj0R6EJhTRxAVIiXHXZgARHP9afGb0x9mnQ3SsPgFMmVktNLKvQP5jFLtbJFEOsE4OATf7OzDyaNHw3BBhIPaEHgNL4Fr1Ari9jF7FXzQYCvCYb8tSRrao4pE6Dkf2zKQ0sVHVs4h85CgL_RMmgt2LuWaCUr3cHOjP8qLi/s4032/IMG_1382.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsIa6n2Q6UOEOceecQI28dlIj0R6EJhTRxAVIiXHXZgARHP9afGb0x9mnQ3SsPgFMmVktNLKvQP5jFLtbJFEOsE4OATf7OzDyaNHw3BBhIPaEHgNL4Fr1Ari9jF7FXzQYCvCYb8tSRrao4pE6Dkf2zKQ0sVHVs4h85CgL_RMmgt2LuWaCUr3cHOjP8qLi/w640-h480/IMG_1382.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIS0QH6M2R8rNMt7sf_vi26ewNE0V1p29B_DLSnAUXMBszw-ghO3-eHTAlR85g4lLzk0ChMxRZIMlfNhmEUE2WTpZkrge10UuVP0gz0ThFDdF_aK3LitQav7yHcBXKvJTCEb7T7uO8pmoSiV3QxKaqKrbJS6v7KG4DAtfKM1HYRxfA-boaCEp0oi3aoZA/s4030/IMG_1385.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="4030" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIS0QH6M2R8rNMt7sf_vi26ewNE0V1p29B_DLSnAUXMBszw-ghO3-eHTAlR85g4lLzk0ChMxRZIMlfNhmEUE2WTpZkrge10UuVP0gz0ThFDdF_aK3LitQav7yHcBXKvJTCEb7T7uO8pmoSiV3QxKaqKrbJS6v7KG4DAtfKM1HYRxfA-boaCEp0oi3aoZA/w640-h458/IMG_1385.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It is no secret that I think this USA of ours is in pretty sorry shape. One would think most Americans are fans of democracy, personal freedom and choices, economic security and fairness. But that does not seem to be the case. Left and Right have split the country along pretty much every line imaginable: political, religious, civil, educational, and economical. Each accuses the other of relentless propaganda, disinformation, fake news, anti-democratic policies and authoritarian aims. Each claims that they, and they only, have a plan for the future greatness of our democracy, without really defining what their idea of “greatness” (or democracy for that matter) will lead to. Each claims that they are on the side of good while the other is on the side of evil. </p><p>One of them is telling the truth about the other.</p><p>The other is the problem. </p><p>What happens next is anyone's guess, all of which are likely to be wrong. My guess? The future is uncertain and likely to be ugly. And I hope I am wrong.</p><p>But the canal didn't care. I'm sure it was built for economic reasons only. But any American can cruise its length without asking permission. Sure there are some “rules of the road.” For the most part they are rules that should be part of anyone's outlook on the world. Don't be stupid. Don't be rude. Think of others and treat them as you would like to be treated. And don't do anything that puts someone else in danger. If you want to do something stupid and put yourself in danger, have at it and good luck. Other than that, everyone is welcome. Skin tone, facial features, religion, ancestors, gay, straight, bi, unsure, left, right? It shouldn't matter one person to another. And out on the water none of that does matter. You are either skilled and thoughtful at handling your boat or you are a problem for the rest of us. </p><p>As we continued down the canal, even those musings drifted away and settled into our wake. I was just an observer, part of the flow of time. Thoughts themselves became a distraction to ignore, an intrusion into the panorama of moving down the canal as a small spark of awareness in a vast, unfathomable universe. </p><p>Near the end of the canal another boat motored by heading the opposite way, the first one we had seen since passing a tugboat on its way to work at the other end and enough to shake me out of my muse. It was at a narrow part of the channel but Grandson Eldest and the other skipper both did everything right and we passed with nary a bump. The winds were still pretty calm as we cleared the canal and turned south toward the anchorage. It was time to get up and get active again.</p><p>My young Captain maneuvered <i>First Light </i>between the crab pots like a pro, picked a good spot, and called for the hook. I let it splash and we started working to get it stuck. Most of the way through the process the winch problem from a few days ago popped back up. This time I knew the 5 minute fix and we were soon riding to the bridle, something I had not really looked at that close as I am usually driving the boat when the anchor is set. I did not like what I was seeing. </p><p>The bridle that came with <i>First Light</i> was about 17' from hook to eye splice. With the bridle on the chain and no wind blowing, the anchor chain pulled the bridle hook all the way to the bottom, burying it into the mud. That seemed to me to be a good way for the chain to work its way out of the hook and leave the boat riding to the chain alone. When <i>Kintala's</i> bridle was hanging straight down the hook was about 2 feet below the water line. Yet it still offered a lot of stretch to ease the ride. <i>First Light's </i>bow is higher above the water line than was <i>Kintala's. </i>A more appropriate length for <i>First Light</i> would still be longer than was <i>Kintala's</i>. With 20+ knots of gusting wind due to arrive at any time, I wanted a bridle I could trust a little more while still offering a good ride. </p><p>For the next few hours Grandson Eldest and I worked on modifying the bridle by shortening up the ropes and splicing new eyes into the ends to hook onto the forward cleats. Some thought was given to just using cleat knots to secure the anchor like we did on<i> Kintala </i>as that rig never failed us no matter the weather we faced. But <i>First Light</i> is just as heavy a boat with a lot more windage than had <i>Kintala.</i> The additional strength of eye splices double looped over the cleat horns, with the chafe guards moved to the right place, seemed like the best way to go. It has been a long time since I did that kind of rope work. And it is something I have never done with heat indexes of 100+. While working, we also decided that they should change the name of this place to “Sweat Bee Harbor.” The little buggers were a relentless hassle. But it was a job that needed done, so we buckled down and got it done.</p><p>As we worked, a pair of F-35s (?) made repeated passes over the boat, running in trail, and looking to me like they were right at the 1500' “clear of people” and the 250 knot speed limit below 10,000'. My guess is they were using<i> First Light</i> for some impromptu target practice. A lone, not so big white boat sitting in a broad river with very little of civilization around? I'v known and flown with a lot of ex-fighter jocks, and I'm sure our fighter pilot friends buzzing the boat thought a few low passes for practice were in order. Once upon a time I made a living flying an acrobatic plane used in airshows back and fourth across the county. Long flights often included low passes of my own over such targets, so I understand the temptation. In any case, they were fun to watch as they ripped by.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRF7-ZzXbJScgsmDtqBRWYXCkKohjNFnELTI1BWjBxNJ0aJAibhb95IoH6KMgxFtRfmh0kxeoDdK7_lE5Vf8-DMyTJxz5CGENYyMz-GOh2QxPFRnNDbX-7-4GFiSLQhHWAaAz0hK5hitDApRN4ka2YtvXvBba4AvqhTc1z8ngiwiSjS68jz88xS5-Kpiu/s281/IMG_0764.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="281" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRF7-ZzXbJScgsmDtqBRWYXCkKohjNFnELTI1BWjBxNJ0aJAibhb95IoH6KMgxFtRfmh0kxeoDdK7_lE5Vf8-DMyTJxz5CGENYyMz-GOh2QxPFRnNDbX-7-4GFiSLQhHWAaAz0hK5hitDApRN4ka2YtvXvBba4AvqhTc1z8ngiwiSjS68jz88xS5-Kpiu/w400-h276/IMG_0764.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While cleaning up after the deck work was done several pods of dolphins, including a few young ones, surrounded the boat and started splashing around. Our guess is that the little ones were getting hunting lessons. Petty much the same thing the fighter pilots were doing.</p><p>Late afternoon the winds arrived just as forecasted, eventually gusting to better than 20. As planned, we were not out on the Albemarle Sound wishing we were someplace else. The anchor rig is improved. We enjoyed a private airshow. And dolphins came by to visit. Not sure things get any better than that. Something I wish all of my fellow citizens could experience and want to share. But many Americans are currently dedicated to being wound up while looking for reasons to bang heads. A lot of those head banging reasons appear rather petty to me; but others will determine the future we hand down to kids and grandkids. But I guess that is a pretty common malady that has affected almost all of human history. Kind of a sad thought, that.</p><div><br /></div>TJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03459069175481821975noreply@blogger.com0