Well, almost a couple of weeks have flown by without a blog post from us. Part of the reason is that I (Kim) was in Fort Collins for work and to attend the wedding of Molly North and Matt Kowal. Working with colleagues face-to-face was great and the wedding was beautiful! It was good to be “home.”
I drove our truck to Colorado and returned via airplane, so now we’re completely traveling by foot, bike and boat. Active transportation is great and not unfamiliar to me. I love it! Clay’s embracing it, too.
What I’m embracing is this new life. I was homesick and suffering from culture shock before returning to the Fort, but one week there was enough to remind me of why we decided to do life different. The grind began to set in even in a few short days and I found myself anxious to return to Clay and Sundown, and really settle in, which I feel I’ve been doing this past week. I feel more at home here now.
Other things we’ve done for the past several days include:
- Firing up our RayMarine electronic navigation equipment–radar, chart plotter, depth sounder, wind anemometer.
- A quick cruise out in the bay. There was no wind, but we got to hoist the sails, take them down and re-dock. We also noticed that there was a “hot” smell coming from the engine, so explored that the next day. Turns out the serpentine belt on the new alternator wasn’t tight enough. We think it’s fixed now. We also installed a new water temperature sender.
Making gear bags for the wash down hose, winch handle and other miscellaneous stuff on the deck. I think they turned out quite nice–not perfect, but nice. I’m trying to let go of perfect.- Finishing and mounting the wine rack. A VERY important feature!
- Installing a switch to allow running the refrigerator without the freezer.
- Nearing completion of the making of the dodger and bimini by Squalicum Marine Upholstery.
- Contracting with UK Sails to make a new main and head sail. Dave came and measured for both today.
I also completed this month’s worth of writing and got it filed, so it’s been a productive couple of weeks.
The weather forecast is calling for light fog in the mornings and clear, sunny skies in the afternoons for the next few days. Sounds like perfect sailing weather, so tomorrow we hope to set out for Sucia Island, San Juan Island/Friday Harbor and…wherever we decide to go! It’s time to get off this dock.
Sounds like the old saying, “There’s no place like home” is beginning to find a new home indeed. Nice work on the deck bags, and like the side curtains on the Bimini top. Clay looks right comfy in his ‘nook’ reading “boat beautiful.” Hope you get a chance to do that ‘shakedown’ sailing soon. Any port named as a ‘Winter’ destination?
Hi Mark! I was reading Cruising World about attempted Great Circle crossing from Belfast ME to Oben Scotland. Interesting how choices are made even though they know the right way to do things. Always good to learn from others mistakes.
We are getting the last details attended to and plan on leaving later today or tomorrow morning and we plan on Friday Harbor as a possible winter port but we like being flexible.
Sounds very productive. I hope you have smooth sailing.
So far, it’s been pretty smooth. I like it that way!