We Got the Liferaft Mom!

Well we had a grand time.....maybe 20! We got some boat show specials and "saved" some dollars. Mom and Dad, you will be pleased to know that we bought a six person life raft. Hopefully we will never have to use it. The life raft will be shipped to us in August just before we leave. The three year clock will start running in August. Yes in August 2012 we will need to have it serviced and repacked.

We also bought an Echo2 water maker, hydrovane, porta bote with Nissan engine, and some stainless steel, opening portholes for the galley area. When we got to our boat on Friday, we found the steel fabrication installed for our bimini. Our stays are presenting a bit of a problem with the folding mechanism, so we are meeting with the canvasmythe on Saturday morning to discuss some modifications. We are also meeting with a fellow who will be repairing some of the gel coat dings on the hull.

Russ is stripping parts, hoses, alternator, etc.,off the engine, having things reworked and buying spares. Time is starting to fly by. So many projects. But it so exciting. May 1 is almost here. That is the day we sign up for the Baja ha ha. More later.

Eve of Boat Show! Time to Bleed $$$$ Big Time.

It's the eve of the boat show! Sugar plum fairies dancing in our heads. It's kind of like waiting for Santa with lots of expectations, but unlike Santa; there are no elves making free gifts and being delivered by a bearded man. So we've been psyching ourselves up for what will undoubtedly be a big bleed. On our boat show list:
water maker, Hydrovane, refrigeration system, maybe a new dingy, and a life raft. We've already contracted out separately for bimini, sails, and standng rigging. Russ is starting to refit engine parts with new ones and if the old ones are still serviceable, we will box and store them for spares. If they are too worn, we will buy doubles.

The radios are in and we passed our technician class HAM license test. Now we are studying for the General. I am attending a full day seminar tomorrow at the boat show on cruising preparation, navigation, etc. I tried to get into this class two years ago and it was sold out, so I am glad to have gotten a seat. Last year I took a basic marine weather class.

On the home front, we are painting decks and taking care of wood work that will need to weather some time without maintenance. We are also sorting and packing some things that we can move out in the event we decide to rent all our part of a furnished house.

Russ has sold his practice, and it will change hands in July. His patients are now making everyday an emotional one for him as they realize this will be the last visit for some of them. He is being showered back with all the love and caring he has given over the years. I am also painfully transitioning out of my role as the administrator of an office filled with work and people that I have grown to love and respect. Endings are tough! I plan to retire the beginning of July. Saying farewell to family in friends is really hard.

A new adventure and beginning keeps us going. We're ready to start living our long-time dream.