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.