Nothing Too Exciting

Today we will finish taking inventory of the spare parts and list where they are kept.  Even though this is a small living space, it's surprising how many lockers, drawers, and nooks and crannies there are, and therefore staying organized and putting things in their proper space is a must.  Will also map the multitude of shut off valves, from propane to waste, to have as a handy reference.  Everything is so compact and well thought out on the boat.  

Went sailing the day before yesterday.  Very light winds so we practiced reefing (lowering the sails a bit in the event of heavy winds).  A little clumsy, but we're getting it.  Other than being chased by a gunboat, nothing too exciting.  We had the sail up and were focused on figuring out the next step to reef  when I spied a submarine coming in the channel with a gun boat ahead and one one behind.  We turned away from the submarine but apparently not far enough for the liking of the US Navy, so the lead gunboat - one gunner on the bow and one gunner on the stern - turned toward us.  Guess they didn't understand my friendly wave.  Dave, ever calm, said, "Go to port.  More port.  More port."  Finally they were happy and turned back toward the sub.  OK, so maybe we were "nudged" rather than "chased," but it is not relaxing to have a boat coming in your direction with big guns, fore and aft.  I'm sure we provided some good entertainment for the guys standing on the sub as it cruised by.



Mostly we are spending our days equipping the boat, learning systems, and trying things out, with an occasional town run, so there is not a lot to write about.  We are considering taking on an experienced crew member for the first leg of our journey, either to Trinidad or to the San Blas in Panama.  We'd like to leave in early April and get to our destination before the hurricane season which begins in early June.  A crew member would provide extra hands, eyes, and help since we need to get fairly far south soon.  These plans may change, but this is what we're thinking for now.

Had a nice Skype conversation with TJ and Mom yesterday.  If anyone has Skype, let us know.  TJ also helped me remotely with some computer issues by logging on to my computer from his computer in California.  Technology is amazing, isn't it.

Several of our dock neighbors, who live in town, participated in yesterday's local sailboat race.  Afterwards they invited us to join them in town at Arte Pizza (delish!) for dinner.  Dave picked up on the Rhode Island accent right away, when Jack said, "pahts" for "parts."  Turns out that they are all from Rhode Island or thereabouts.  Dave spent his childhood summers at a cottage on the shore in RI, his parents' home state, so there followed much fond reminiscing of bays and islands with long Native American names and restaurants that I'd never heard of along with laughter and hand shaking.  We felt so happy to connect with these kind-hearted and fun kindred spirits.

Sad News

We are shocked and saddened by the news of the two couples who were killed by Somali pirates aboard their yacht off the coast of East Africa this morning.  It is a tragedy.  We thought this news might alarm our family and friends so wish to assure you that we will not be traveling to areas of known piracy.  Thousands of blue water cruisers are traveling safely all over the world right now.  To put it in perspective, we hear so often of the violent drug cartels in Mexico that many people have sworn off travel to Mexico.  Yet I have two women friends both in their 60s who have retired - one in Oaxaca and one in Chiapas - and are enjoying their lives in Mexico trouble free.  We do not want to minimize this tragedy, and our heart goes out to the victims' families and friends but want to assure you that we will use great caution in deciding where to travel.

First Sail!

Wow!  We did it!  We sailed Wayward Wind today by ourselves.  It wasn't a long trip, but as you can, see, we were indeed sailing.  The not-so-good news is that as we were docking in a very strong current and bluster, we sort of crashed into the dock pier, bow first, then scootched along a smaller boat, when fortunately some neighbors jumped over to grab lines, which I'd so carefully attached to the opposite side.  Hearts pounding.  We were told that docking in Fernandina with its strong tides is often just controlled crashing.  Anyway, no harm done, other than to our pride.  All in all, we spent an hour, getting the sail cover off and the sail hoisted, an hour for the sail, and two hours to dock and get the dang sail cover back on.  Hopefully soon we'll spend more time on the sailing than on the covering.  As we were finishing up, a dolphin calmly swam up the creek then back again putting everything into its proper perspective. 





Valentine's Day Gift

This morning we were speaking with a couple from Quebec who, along with their two kids, are on their way to the Bahamas then back up to Montreal traveling for six months.  They'd previously sailed their boat here last year, put it on the hard, then flew back home.  Recently they returned to finish fixing up the boat and will leave in the morning.  In our conversation, Dave and I spoke of our feeling overwhelmed with all there is to know and do to sail away.  The man, a jolly guy with a fair command of English, was speaking of his early sailing days when he made many "mystic decisions."  I thought, "Ah, trusting your instincts, shooting from the hip, following whims...we can do that!"  But as he spoke, I realized he'd meant to say, "mistake decisions."  Oh, we definitely will do that!

Yesterday we noticed that Wayward Wind was listing to starboard.  It seemed to be worse this morning.  We discovered that the tide was very low and we were aground.  The harbor master, Bill, suggested that we move the boat at high tide to a deeper space on the dock.  By then, it was late afternoon, and the wind had come up and the tide was quite swift.  Bill came to the boat and suggested it was time to move her.  We're on a somewhat narrow creek without a lot of space to maneuver, so between the wind and tide, it wasn't exactly easy.  Bill (a Clint Eastwood type - calm, soft-spoken, wise) is an experienced pilot and, in fact, pilots the large cargo ships that pass through to the nearby port.  He must have sensed our trepidation and offered to come aboard WW with Dave at the helm.  Bill advised Dave, "Don't fight the current."  I untied the lines and stayed on the dock.  As I walked to the new space, Dave turned the boat around in the creek, which involved turning the wheel hard and gunning the engine at the right moments.  Hearing our engine, the French Canadians, whose beautiful boat is now in the water nearby, ran out to watch, probably holding their breath as was I.  It was tricky, but Dave masterfully slipped it up to the dock, working with the current.  Afterward, Dave said that it had been a long time since he'd had to steer a boat like that.  Bill said he saw Dave naturally turn the wheel in the right direction, so he knew that Dave was a sailor.  Big smiles.  Then Bill told me where to tie the lines.  Seeing my poor excuses for knots, Bill politely asked me if I knew how to tie knots.  I sheepishly said, "No."  Bill, in his understated Southern lilt, turned to Dave and said, "Buy her a knot book for Valentine's Day."

Our New Home

 

 Here is our new home!

         

            And her name is...

I printed out the words to the song and we've been singing it for days.

     The wayward wind is a restless wind

     A restless wind that yearns to wander...

On Friday, we motored with Larry, the seller, to Tiger Point Marina, where we will stay for a few weeks.  On the way over, Larry guided Dave and me in practicing how to approach a mooring, which was great.  It gave us a chance to get a feel for the engine and how she maneuvers.  After docking, Larry handed over the key!  Exciting!  

We emptied the car and moved on board.  Realizing that we had no bedding, we went on a shopping excursion to buy sheets and blankets  Because we'll soon be in hot climates and, I suppose, because we are so cheap, we decided to buy just one blanket.  Well, that night it got down into the thirties, and we were fu-, fu-, fu-reezing!!!  We both woke up several times, trying to adjust the blankets to cover us.  And, of course, there were all sorts of new noises - sloshing, creaking, thumping - to get used to.  It reminded me of when Tejon was born and I got up several times the first night just to make sure he was still breathing.  Here is a photo of me the next morning in my bedtime attire.  Not exactly a tropical get-up.

Saturday morning we warmed up and went to the Fernandina Beach Farmers Market to buy organic veggies and dried Red Flame raisins and a chicken and leak shepherd's pie from a British guy.  Here is Dave cooking up our spoils.

Both today and yesterday, we've been getting to know Wayward Wind.  There is so much to learn, from how to turn on the heater (thank God!), water pump and lights to how to switch the system from 12 volt to 110.  Larry left a ton of spare parts, which we video-taped him describing.  Now we are labeling and organizing the parts.  Larry also told us about the systems of the boat, how to run them, and their many quirks.  He's a real "fix-it" guy, so Dave and I were both overwhelmed and in awe of his knowledge and expertise.  Even the boatyard guy said that Larry was a pleasure to speak with because he is so knowledgeable about every aspect of his boat.  It's all a bit daunting, to say the least.  Imagine moving to a foreign land and buying a home and a car at the same time and having to know every system using a new language.  But each time we figure something out - how to light the stove, how to turn on the VHS radio - we feel a little less intimidated.  Now if we can figure out how to sail her, we'll be doing fine.

The Paper Wait

In a holding pattern until all of the paperwork grinds through.  Deal could close on Friday or Monday.  Holed up in a motel near the Jacksonville Airport.  Had sun for a day and half so went for a walk on the beach.  Raining again today.  Taking care of banking and researching items for the boat.  Yesterday went to Whole Foods.  Enjoyed sauteed greens, fresh-ground peanut butter, and quality organic fruit.  The only other place we've found nice fresh veggies and fruit was at the Farmers Market in Fernandina Beach.  We were spoiled in California.  Beginning tomorrow we're supposed to have a run of sunny days.  Looking forward to getting outside more.  Can't wait!

Sea Trial

On Friday, we met owner Larry, his broker Jeff, and surveyor Jim at 8:00am at the marina where Larry keeps the boat.  It was gray and cold, but fortunately we'd bought foul weather gear the day before.  Jim began his inspection as we motored to Tiger Point Marina near Fernandina Beach.  The tide was coming in, so docking at Tiger Point was tricky, but Larry slid it right in. The boat was hauled out and Jim tapped the entire hull with his hammer but did not detect any hull problems.  The rain came down as we watched him finish the exterior inspection.

The boat was returned to the water, and we motored out of the creek and into the river where we soon hoisted the sails.  It was then that Dave and I got to take the helm for the first time.  Even though we were shivering, we loved it.  At one point I noticed something off the starboard side.  A moment later, three dolphins arched out of the water.  Then again and again.  The broker, Jeff, said, "That's a good omen."  We agreed.

 

At 2:00, Jim had finished inspecting every system of the boat.  We warmed up with oyster stew in the marina restaurant where Jim gave us a summary of his findings.  Aside from a few minor findings, he said she was in great condition.  Yea!  Now it feels like this deal is really going to happen.  Guess those dolphins knew.