Random thoughts...

We did get to go sailing; Thor and Ulli taking us out on their Tri for a really nice sail in light winds.  (Six knots in five worth of wind, not bad!)  Both Deb and I spent time at the helm, a few King Pelicans coasted by to show off their flying skills, and we floated back into the marina just as the wind died away altogether.  It was fun.  (Deb left her camera on Kintala and was disappointed to have missed some great shots.)

News of Kintala's busted innards spread through the marina family and virtually everyone stopped by to offer words of encouragement.  Many also shared words of disparagement based on their own encounters with marine surveyors, mechanics, and boatyards.  (Even Schmitty our resident mechanic - who also offered guidance and advice whenever asked and loaned tools without question when the one I needed was back at the house.  Thanks!  It would have been an impossible week without the help.)

For the record let me say that I suspect there are more boat mechanics out there like Schmitty than like the hack who "inspected" Kintala.  Mind you, I can't PROVE that, but I do suspect...

After a week living on the boat, even if it was a week of unrelenting mechanical effort, it was hard to pack up and head back to the city.  It helped to remember that work resumes in the morning, and work is what I trade for SBUs.

As much as I do enjoy my work, and as good as it will be to get back in the sky for a spell, this week also reminded me that not having to work is better than the best job there is.  Just why is it that people who make a million or two (or eleven) in exchange for a years worth of effort hang around for a second year?  Take the money and run (or sail), that would be my advice.  Before I call it a night I'm going to lift a glass to all of you who have already managed to point your bow offshore and go.

A big bonfire is a thing of beauty on a cool fall night.  A pile of pallets makes for big bonfires.  While the fire burned some of the assembled assembled in the club house and gathered around the big screen TV... apparently there was some kind of game going on that involved a St. Louis team.  Not sure what they were all cheering about...

Finding and fixing all the leaks in the pressure side of a water system modification can take longer than installing the mod in the first place.  (A chunk of hose and a couple of worm clamps?  Really?)

Finishing a home project takes at least two trips to the parts store; finishing a boat project takes at least three.

Experience tells me putting parts back on is about 3 X harder than pulling them off.  It is likely to be a long, cold winter.

For all of the effort and progress this week, I'm still feeling a bit ambivalent about Kintala. Right now it isn't clear if she IS The Retirement Project or just slowing our progress to being where we want to be. No choice for now but to keep throwing parts at this thing and see what works out.