We have been in the apartment now for 7 weeks part time getting ready to make it full time until April. . .what I miss most about living aboard is the night music. . . the water lapping against the hull and the gentle rocking, the gorgeous stars on a clear night and the approaching electric storm while relaxing in the cockpit. The Simple Life is an understatement. . .Life is actually suspended. . . it became an every night ritual to walk down the dock lit only by the moon light and our Chilean minor head lights and a stray Swan or Goose walking along with you. Cooking bacon as a Seagull watched closely through your port window. The Simple meals which I did not appreciate until Winter left us and the grills came to life. We honestly feel as if we have let Adventuress down and abandoned her, what she does not realise is the Face Lift we are going to give her over the Winter months. Since Feb. we have had very little pressure, even after buying 2 of the best pumps you can get, gel coat wearing thin on the deck, Teak needing to be sanded and recoated, Sails needing cleaned, lines needing to be replaced. . .and on and on. . . . No different than a house.
What I missed about Land Living was a hot bath. . of all the things there were to miss that was #1, #2 was exercise. . .when we first moved on the boat I tripped as I was walking down the dock, cracked 2 ribs and sprained my wrist ( made the daily action of boarding the boat and exiting a little difficult). I started feeling aches and pains in muscles that I had not used in quite a while, walking up many stairs became painful, I became breathless after walking 800 ft to the shower house. Now I am sore from muscles that thought I had forgotten about them, , ,now I am walking at the least 7 miles a day to get in shape for the next sailing season.
As hard as I try I can not get the Simple Living Life back while living on land, so I will enjoy my bubble baths and long walks and pray for a Snowy Winter. . .
To all who have followed my Blog and did not make it to the boat this past season let's hope the next 6 months go by fast. . . Happy Holidays to All!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Looking Back
The time has now arrived to end the play time on Adventuress and start taking care of her, for this past yr. I have said she was a 40 ft. sailboat, come to find out she is 45 ft. To some that does not make a difference but now that we have hauling her out of the water, cleaning ,stripping and painting her facing us those 5 ft. make all the difference in cost and work.
Last year when we bought her she looked Beautiful. . .after a Winter of 3 snow2 storms, 4 60 mph wind storms and 2 storms of 40 mph she has taken a beating. The teak needs to be stripped and re done every couple months, we have not done that either. . .the sails need to be cleaned. . we have not done that. . . the teak floors in the main cabin need to be replaced, the berth mattresses need to be cleaned and aired. . . on and on and on. . .Which explains another reason for the apt. Our weekends come Winter will be spent working inside, Spring outside.
The 3 of us consider Adventuress our home and she will be again come Spring. Looking back I remember the gorgeous Sunrises, drinking morning coffee on the bow and thinking Life does not get any better than this, watching a Sunset knowing what I woulod wake up to the next morning.
Many people have asked how we adjusted to such small living quarters, Kevin answered that saying"When it has been your Dream for 36 yrs. you don't think about that you just do it" and we did. Even now as we are in the apartment Ava asks"When are we going home"?
There were down times also but as soon as you came top side they were forgotten. You also have to like your partner, arguments don't go away in small quarters, there is no private space and all work is shared. Big adjustments for us however we survived.
In Oct. 2013 we will set sail for somewhere South, these next 2 yrs will be spent redoing the boat for such a voyage. We won't be out to set any records just sail and enjoy the Beauty god has given us. So until Spring I will end this Blog. . .
Peace & Love to All
Last year when we bought her she looked Beautiful. . .after a Winter of 3 snow2 storms, 4 60 mph wind storms and 2 storms of 40 mph she has taken a beating. The teak needs to be stripped and re done every couple months, we have not done that either. . .the sails need to be cleaned. . we have not done that. . . the teak floors in the main cabin need to be replaced, the berth mattresses need to be cleaned and aired. . . on and on and on. . .Which explains another reason for the apt. Our weekends come Winter will be spent working inside, Spring outside.
The 3 of us consider Adventuress our home and she will be again come Spring. Looking back I remember the gorgeous Sunrises, drinking morning coffee on the bow and thinking Life does not get any better than this, watching a Sunset knowing what I woulod wake up to the next morning.
Many people have asked how we adjusted to such small living quarters, Kevin answered that saying"When it has been your Dream for 36 yrs. you don't think about that you just do it" and we did. Even now as we are in the apartment Ava asks"When are we going home"?
There were down times also but as soon as you came top side they were forgotten. You also have to like your partner, arguments don't go away in small quarters, there is no private space and all work is shared. Big adjustments for us however we survived.
In Oct. 2013 we will set sail for somewhere South, these next 2 yrs will be spent redoing the boat for such a voyage. We won't be out to set any records just sail and enjoy the Beauty god has given us. So until Spring I will end this Blog. . .
Peace & Love to All
Sunday, July 10, 2011
coming to an end
I am writing this blog from the apartment we rented in Newark, De. we have been working very hard to make this place Home. The one thing the 3 of us realise is as hard as we try Adventuress is our Home and we will miss her. We have only 6 more weeks of boat living before we become weekenders like the rest of the boat owners at the marina we call home. We will move into the apartment on August 28th with Ava starting her new school on the 29th. We will then go to the boat the moment Ava is out of school on Friday's and stay until Sunday early evening.
The experience has been one that has us looking forward to working on the boat through the Winter fixing things that have needed it long before we bought her and things to improve her. I look back now on the days the boat was under the dock as well as the days the dock was under water both of which we could not depart the boat. The days of high winds where we stayed in our berths, the ft. of snow and more, ice,sleet etc. Walking down the dock to the warm bath house to take showers, filling the water tank in freezing cold weather, putting our freezer goods on the cabin top since our freezer compartment holds a 7 lb bag of ice and nothing more. We survived !
We will begin our sailing season this coming Sat. when family come to visit, because of so many unexpected repairs we are getting a late start. We will take the boat out from now on until we pull the boat in mid Oct. for cleaning and painting. As we left the boat tonight with our laundry and over night bags we waved Good Night to Adventuress and our 2 cats until we return Tuesday to finish the first year of our adventure.
The experience has been one that has us looking forward to working on the boat through the Winter fixing things that have needed it long before we bought her and things to improve her. I look back now on the days the boat was under the dock as well as the days the dock was under water both of which we could not depart the boat. The days of high winds where we stayed in our berths, the ft. of snow and more, ice,sleet etc. Walking down the dock to the warm bath house to take showers, filling the water tank in freezing cold weather, putting our freezer goods on the cabin top since our freezer compartment holds a 7 lb bag of ice and nothing more. We survived !
We will begin our sailing season this coming Sat. when family come to visit, because of so many unexpected repairs we are getting a late start. We will take the boat out from now on until we pull the boat in mid Oct. for cleaning and painting. As we left the boat tonight with our laundry and over night bags we waved Good Night to Adventuress and our 2 cats until we return Tuesday to finish the first year of our adventure.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
9 months and learning new things
We have lived on a sailboat for 9 months now, every day that goes by I realise I did not know as much about sailboats as I thought I did. We have made it through a beautiful Fall and a very unusual Winter with rain,sleet, highwinds and many snow falls. As an adult we are used to these conditions. . . however with a 5 yr old they get to be cumbersome. We named Ava, Pippi after Pippi Longstocking. She is a clone to her, very agile when it comes to manuevering around the boat, things that terrified me she handled with ease.
Survival, was on top of our list, then came the every day challenge of getting Ava 50 miles to school when conditions were no where alike between the 2 places. We don't share the same radio stations here on the Sassafras River as in Denton, in fact our stations are for Baltimore and Philly. I am thankful all of that is behind us now.
Heat was an issue at first, we used an onboard heating system that was water heated and cooled, when the water temp got below 45 degrees we had to find another safe method of keeping warm. We bought a big ceramic heater and used warming blankets on the bunks, it was so cozy it caused another problem . . we did not want to leave our cabins!
Christmas came, it was a fun time on the boat and at the marina, we were the only ones living here so it was much like our own private island. Once we went below on the boat we had not a clue as to what was going on topside, except when the high winds came and they did. One memorable day was when they hit close to 60 miles an hour, we could not leave our bunks and prayed, a tornado was passing through. Christmas brought our daughter home from sunny LA., she endured 10 days in a 450 sq. ft space and did very well. We also got rooms for family at the Hampton Inn so there was swimming and comfort for visiting grand children.
With the rest of the Winter yet to come we had over a ft. of snow while Papa was in Texas saying his last good byes to his dad who had also been a sailor as well as many other trades.Ava and I managed to keep the snow off the biminy and hatches, we left it on the cabin top for insulation in the main cabin. As we kept our meals simple life was simple as long as we did not have to walk 800 ft to the bath house or parking lot. Ava and I did not leave the boat for 3 full days and ate what we had stored and used very little water since we only have a 100 gallon water tank. We played many old pirate games and watched what we could get on the TV.
TV, another issue. . we only have an antennea (sp) so programs were at the mercy of the gods. We have a battery operated HD flat screen TV, we got this so that we would still have tv when we are out cruising. You have to stand in one spot to see the screen clearly, so it's been used mainly for sound. Ava did without Disney & Nick under protest. My soaps came in clear every day. . thank goodness.
What we weren't prepared for was the tides and how much they ruled our lives, there were days when we could not get off the boat because the water was over the dodk, in fact there was no dock and just as many days we were under the dock, these were the most difficult times rushing Ava to school when we could safely exit the boat, her school was not as cooperative and did not excuse these tardies or absences. I had seriously thought of home schooling her but decided against it for social reasons.
Spring arrived and our spirits lightened, we started to take layers off and saw the extra inches 2 of us had added ( I will not mention names as to not incriminate the parties involved). This made for less space in the main cabin, we clearly did ot live on nuts and berries!
Up to date. . . School has ended, the boat is turned around, sails on, water hoses splitting, water pressure pump breaking, humans at the marina, etc. . . we have found out there is nothing the 3 of us can't handle. We have a sign on the boat Papa had made. . . WE MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER. . . . BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL!
We are looking forward to a great sailing season with many friends and family aboard. We rented an apt. in Newark ,DE that we are starting to put together for vistors to stay since the boat does not accomadate over night guests comfortably. It is 20 min. from the boat. Come August we will stay there during the week while Ava attends school(which is .05 miles from the apt.) then come to the boat on weekends until Oct. when the boat will be pulled for cleaning,painting and repairs getting ready for our adventure in the Fall of 2013. Bahamas will be our first destination, Ava will be home schooled, I will be thin,tan and. . .oops drifted off there. . . As life will have it we never know what is around the corner for us so we have learned to take it as it comes.
I am Thankful to everyone Family and Friends who have followed our Adventure so far.
Fair Winds!
Survival, was on top of our list, then came the every day challenge of getting Ava 50 miles to school when conditions were no where alike between the 2 places. We don't share the same radio stations here on the Sassafras River as in Denton, in fact our stations are for Baltimore and Philly. I am thankful all of that is behind us now.
Heat was an issue at first, we used an onboard heating system that was water heated and cooled, when the water temp got below 45 degrees we had to find another safe method of keeping warm. We bought a big ceramic heater and used warming blankets on the bunks, it was so cozy it caused another problem . . we did not want to leave our cabins!
Christmas came, it was a fun time on the boat and at the marina, we were the only ones living here so it was much like our own private island. Once we went below on the boat we had not a clue as to what was going on topside, except when the high winds came and they did. One memorable day was when they hit close to 60 miles an hour, we could not leave our bunks and prayed, a tornado was passing through. Christmas brought our daughter home from sunny LA., she endured 10 days in a 450 sq. ft space and did very well. We also got rooms for family at the Hampton Inn so there was swimming and comfort for visiting grand children.
With the rest of the Winter yet to come we had over a ft. of snow while Papa was in Texas saying his last good byes to his dad who had also been a sailor as well as many other trades.Ava and I managed to keep the snow off the biminy and hatches, we left it on the cabin top for insulation in the main cabin. As we kept our meals simple life was simple as long as we did not have to walk 800 ft to the bath house or parking lot. Ava and I did not leave the boat for 3 full days and ate what we had stored and used very little water since we only have a 100 gallon water tank. We played many old pirate games and watched what we could get on the TV.
TV, another issue. . we only have an antennea (sp) so programs were at the mercy of the gods. We have a battery operated HD flat screen TV, we got this so that we would still have tv when we are out cruising. You have to stand in one spot to see the screen clearly, so it's been used mainly for sound. Ava did without Disney & Nick under protest. My soaps came in clear every day. . thank goodness.
What we weren't prepared for was the tides and how much they ruled our lives, there were days when we could not get off the boat because the water was over the dodk, in fact there was no dock and just as many days we were under the dock, these were the most difficult times rushing Ava to school when we could safely exit the boat, her school was not as cooperative and did not excuse these tardies or absences. I had seriously thought of home schooling her but decided against it for social reasons.
Spring arrived and our spirits lightened, we started to take layers off and saw the extra inches 2 of us had added ( I will not mention names as to not incriminate the parties involved). This made for less space in the main cabin, we clearly did ot live on nuts and berries!
Up to date. . . School has ended, the boat is turned around, sails on, water hoses splitting, water pressure pump breaking, humans at the marina, etc. . . we have found out there is nothing the 3 of us can't handle. We have a sign on the boat Papa had made. . . WE MAY NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER. . . . BUT TOGETHER WE HAVE IT ALL!
We are looking forward to a great sailing season with many friends and family aboard. We rented an apt. in Newark ,DE that we are starting to put together for vistors to stay since the boat does not accomadate over night guests comfortably. It is 20 min. from the boat. Come August we will stay there during the week while Ava attends school(which is .05 miles from the apt.) then come to the boat on weekends until Oct. when the boat will be pulled for cleaning,painting and repairs getting ready for our adventure in the Fall of 2013. Bahamas will be our first destination, Ava will be home schooled, I will be thin,tan and. . .oops drifted off there. . . As life will have it we never know what is around the corner for us so we have learned to take it as it comes.
I am Thankful to everyone Family and Friends who have followed our Adventure so far.
Fair Winds!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Preparing Food
This honestly is not a cook book but a menu for survival on a sail boat. Knowing how to cook is not the issue . . SPACE. . is. Don't make it any harder than you have to and remember there is only room for one in the galley. I racked my brain for 8 months trying to find boat recipes thinking they held all the answers. . .they don't. These menues work in or out of the slip.
Breakfasts: Fresh Fruit ( what is in season is always best)
Yogurt ( Greek is the best for you and more filling)
Eggs ( for cruising hard boiled but scrambled work also )
Bagels( I personally like the flats)
Cereal is always a good choice as are pancakes
Lunch: Grilled hot dogs
Sandwhiches of any kind
Wraps (are always good anytime)
Quesadillas ( one pan wonder and good to use left over lunch meat and cheese)
Dinner: Salads, made with sauteed zuchinni with Adobo powder, Fetta cheese, thin steak or thin sliced Chicken
breasts
Pan fried Pork Chops
Rice,Coos Coos
Mixed vegies( cauliflower,brocolli, carrots etc.)
There are so many other foods but this I have found is a good base , I also ate like this for 1 week and lost weight. You use one skillet and very few prep bowls or ustensils which is great. I also found these items are easy to store on top of the icebox since the ice box is also your prep area on most boats.
Captains Hour : Hummus and Flat Bread or Pita bread cut in triangles,P-Nuts, Pistachios, Brie, triscuits ( hold up better to moisture) World Table (Exotic Potato Chip Blend w/ Sea Salt) found in WalMarts, many varieties to use for lunch also.
This is a very basic menu but I am relating this to a very small space, on Adventuress I loose my prep counter when I use the stove as most sail boats you do. There is not a lot of room for skillets, toasters etc. A Wok is a handy pan to use for everything.
We were used to grilling out 4 nights a week on land, on a sail boat you can only grill on the back of your boat if you are out of your slip. There are grills at most marinas but by the time you haul your stuff down and carry the cooked food back you either have extra guests or it's cold.
I would have loved to have seen this before I moved on the boat but I am Thankful for it now!
Breakfasts: Fresh Fruit ( what is in season is always best)
Yogurt ( Greek is the best for you and more filling)
Eggs ( for cruising hard boiled but scrambled work also )
Bagels( I personally like the flats)
Cereal is always a good choice as are pancakes
Lunch: Grilled hot dogs
Sandwhiches of any kind
Wraps (are always good anytime)
Quesadillas ( one pan wonder and good to use left over lunch meat and cheese)
Dinner: Salads, made with sauteed zuchinni with Adobo powder, Fetta cheese, thin steak or thin sliced Chicken
breasts
Pan fried Pork Chops
Rice,Coos Coos
Mixed vegies( cauliflower,brocolli, carrots etc.)
There are so many other foods but this I have found is a good base , I also ate like this for 1 week and lost weight. You use one skillet and very few prep bowls or ustensils which is great. I also found these items are easy to store on top of the icebox since the ice box is also your prep area on most boats.
Captains Hour : Hummus and Flat Bread or Pita bread cut in triangles,P-Nuts, Pistachios, Brie, triscuits ( hold up better to moisture) World Table (Exotic Potato Chip Blend w/ Sea Salt) found in WalMarts, many varieties to use for lunch also.
This is a very basic menu but I am relating this to a very small space, on Adventuress I loose my prep counter when I use the stove as most sail boats you do. There is not a lot of room for skillets, toasters etc. A Wok is a handy pan to use for everything.
We were used to grilling out 4 nights a week on land, on a sail boat you can only grill on the back of your boat if you are out of your slip. There are grills at most marinas but by the time you haul your stuff down and carry the cooked food back you either have extra guests or it's cold.
I would have loved to have seen this before I moved on the boat but I am Thankful for it now!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Bahama Bash Spring 2011
What can I say about the most exciting experience in my life so far, except that it was equally as thrilling as it was scary at times. My comfort level on Adventuress is being tied down to a slip unlike Quetzel who rides the ocean as it was meant to.
My fear began at a little after 12 noon on the 16th of April as we set out on our adventure to the Bahamas, the Atlantic Ocean is rougher than the Bay and it made it's presence known right away. We covered the route we were planning on taking knowing it could change due to winds and current, then on to MOB (man over board) info. . .I made up my mind right then no spontaneous swimming for me! With that said we were off like Christopher Columbus looking for the Bahamas.
Lunch, Captain's hr. and dinner as we continued our first day of sailing, I was going to go below and watch Captain John prepare meals but knowing I get sea sick when I leave the cock pit in rough water I planted the biggest part of me right in the seat and stayed put until night watches were beginning. Papa and I had first watch 8pm -10pm, 2 hr watches between 3 couples and the Captain. The time came when I had no choice but to go below to prep for a night of sailing, bad move on my part. . I grabbed what I could harness, jacket, tether and boat shoes as quickly as possible to no avail. the meals of the day were trelling me they did not want to go on this passage with me but would wait to exit once watch was over and they did. First watch was uneventful, nothing on the water as far as boats went so I played with my tether to see how far I could go and where in the cock pit, that ttok us to the end of our first watch. I did learn to plot a course which is important to know incase your GPS goes out. A little sleep then before our next watch from 4am -6am, that watch had a little company on the water along with the moon and gorgeous stars. Our destination was a marina in Lucaya, when we started our 2nd watch we could see Freeport on the left or as sailors refer to it as Port side.
Our visit to Lucaya included a non head visit, a little shopping, lunch at a rest. with Captain John, Deb,George , Papa and myself. Next plan of attack was the beach, a little sunbathing then back to the boat for Captain's hr., which I might add has never been missed on Quetzel no matter where she travels and we did not break the tradition either. Dinner again cooked by the captain was delicious, a little wine then off to bed for an early departure in the am. I slept in the Starboard cabin just as I do on Adventuress so I felt quite at home.
Day 3 took us around the northern Bahama's, Hoffman Cay. Perfect winds for sailing day 2 & 3, we anchored then went for a swim off the back of the boat. Since we were on the hook we dingied in to the beach, swam had Captain's hr and went back to the boat for dinner. Hoffman Cay has a Spring with a cliff for jumping into what they call the Blue Hole, Captain John, Rick and Papa jumped, George did a back flip from a lower ledge. . .very impressive. Deb and I went to the lowest ledge and swam for a bit then it was time to return to the boat for another incredible dinner.
Day 4 found us departing early again to make it to the Berry Islands in a leisurly fashion but catching wind also. We passed Big and Little Stirrup then came to Frazier,Hog and Chub Cay. . .The Berry Islands. . .combined population of 60 people. This stop we Moored which was another good lesson, Captain John and Rick dingied in to the Berry Island Club which consisted of a shower house and a quaint building which was a bar and rest. A minor mishap with the out board motor in the dingy due to bad gas purchased in Lucaya, details will be held forever in our memories as not to incriminate involved parties. We made our plans for dinner in the rest. to find out the 4 employees that work there were going to a seminar in the morning and were closing early so no dinner there. Captain John did find a driver who was willing to take us to Chub Cay by personal vehicle for dinner. After a quick beer at the bar , a non head stop and quick rinse off it was time to dingy back to the boat for Captain's hr and prep for dinner out on the island. With 7 people it took 2 dingy trips, going in was a little rough but not bad. We loaded into the driver's Excursion, 5 inside 2 in the bed for a 6 mile drive that took 45 min. due to the road and the wrong tires for the roads. Back up was called, his brother who came in a white ford pick up with Texas tags. Our driver graduated from Oklahoma University with a basketball scholarship then back to the Berry's to live where his father was the Controller of the Island. Dinner was a treat for all from Janie and Rick. . Thank You Rick and Janie. I sat quietly through dinner knowing the ride back to the boat in a dingy was not going to easy with the winds and the current and my apprehension did not let me down. I was in the first load, the motor kept cutting out as we were being tossed like a Martini, finally the motor kicked in after many feeble attempts, we literally zoomed back making a crash docking on the side of the boat. I can tell you I have never boarded a boat as fast as I did and thanked God and King Triton( as they do at award shows) for my safe return. A good wife would have stayed topside to make sure her husband also made it back safely in the 2nd group. . . Nope. . .All men for themself ! A shot of whiskey and bed.
Our final day of sailing came and went without any mishaps and right on course, another night sail was facing us so I slept off and on during the day sail. Dinner and an early bed time since we had second watch. The first night watches ran 2 hrs per couple this watch was 3 hr. stints. The Gulf was throwing us quite a bit so sleeping was hard to come by as we were tossed by the water and wind continuing on at 7 knotts. For this watch I needed light foul weather gear as well as harness and tethers. We faithfully did our chart plots and watched for ships, I watched the huge waves that were carrying us through the Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean, just waiting for one to come crashing over the side. Again our watch was uneventful and beautiful, we saw every constellation and watched the moon come up a little past midnight. Believe this or not but I found out I have no sense of direction( I knew this but usually do not share this info).
We pulled into Ft. Lauderdale by 9am, proceeded to secure the boat, take showers , clean the boat for Captain John as a surprise then off to explore Ft. Lauderdale. Getting your land leggs back is a tricky thing and does not happen quickly. Early night for an early departure in the am.
What I got out of this amazing adventure is priceless, the feeling of the wind in the sheets( not the wind in the sheets land lubbers refer to) is breathtaking, the speed and beauty will last with me until we start these quests our selves. I am so proud of Papa and all of his sailing abilities. I got behind the helm a couple of times but had a hard time fighting the current. When we take Adventuress out I will be behind the helm when the Auto Pilot is on.
Thank You Captain John for sharing your experience, knowledge and for your extream patience. To Rick, Janie, Deb and George for friendships and memories that will bring smiles to all of our faces in tough times. . .
Fair Winds to All
My fear began at a little after 12 noon on the 16th of April as we set out on our adventure to the Bahamas, the Atlantic Ocean is rougher than the Bay and it made it's presence known right away. We covered the route we were planning on taking knowing it could change due to winds and current, then on to MOB (man over board) info. . .I made up my mind right then no spontaneous swimming for me! With that said we were off like Christopher Columbus looking for the Bahamas.
Lunch, Captain's hr. and dinner as we continued our first day of sailing, I was going to go below and watch Captain John prepare meals but knowing I get sea sick when I leave the cock pit in rough water I planted the biggest part of me right in the seat and stayed put until night watches were beginning. Papa and I had first watch 8pm -10pm, 2 hr watches between 3 couples and the Captain. The time came when I had no choice but to go below to prep for a night of sailing, bad move on my part. . I grabbed what I could harness, jacket, tether and boat shoes as quickly as possible to no avail. the meals of the day were trelling me they did not want to go on this passage with me but would wait to exit once watch was over and they did. First watch was uneventful, nothing on the water as far as boats went so I played with my tether to see how far I could go and where in the cock pit, that ttok us to the end of our first watch. I did learn to plot a course which is important to know incase your GPS goes out. A little sleep then before our next watch from 4am -6am, that watch had a little company on the water along with the moon and gorgeous stars. Our destination was a marina in Lucaya, when we started our 2nd watch we could see Freeport on the left or as sailors refer to it as Port side.
Our visit to Lucaya included a non head visit, a little shopping, lunch at a rest. with Captain John, Deb,George , Papa and myself. Next plan of attack was the beach, a little sunbathing then back to the boat for Captain's hr., which I might add has never been missed on Quetzel no matter where she travels and we did not break the tradition either. Dinner again cooked by the captain was delicious, a little wine then off to bed for an early departure in the am. I slept in the Starboard cabin just as I do on Adventuress so I felt quite at home.
Day 3 took us around the northern Bahama's, Hoffman Cay. Perfect winds for sailing day 2 & 3, we anchored then went for a swim off the back of the boat. Since we were on the hook we dingied in to the beach, swam had Captain's hr and went back to the boat for dinner. Hoffman Cay has a Spring with a cliff for jumping into what they call the Blue Hole, Captain John, Rick and Papa jumped, George did a back flip from a lower ledge. . .very impressive. Deb and I went to the lowest ledge and swam for a bit then it was time to return to the boat for another incredible dinner.
Day 4 found us departing early again to make it to the Berry Islands in a leisurly fashion but catching wind also. We passed Big and Little Stirrup then came to Frazier,Hog and Chub Cay. . .The Berry Islands. . .combined population of 60 people. This stop we Moored which was another good lesson, Captain John and Rick dingied in to the Berry Island Club which consisted of a shower house and a quaint building which was a bar and rest. A minor mishap with the out board motor in the dingy due to bad gas purchased in Lucaya, details will be held forever in our memories as not to incriminate involved parties. We made our plans for dinner in the rest. to find out the 4 employees that work there were going to a seminar in the morning and were closing early so no dinner there. Captain John did find a driver who was willing to take us to Chub Cay by personal vehicle for dinner. After a quick beer at the bar , a non head stop and quick rinse off it was time to dingy back to the boat for Captain's hr and prep for dinner out on the island. With 7 people it took 2 dingy trips, going in was a little rough but not bad. We loaded into the driver's Excursion, 5 inside 2 in the bed for a 6 mile drive that took 45 min. due to the road and the wrong tires for the roads. Back up was called, his brother who came in a white ford pick up with Texas tags. Our driver graduated from Oklahoma University with a basketball scholarship then back to the Berry's to live where his father was the Controller of the Island. Dinner was a treat for all from Janie and Rick. . Thank You Rick and Janie. I sat quietly through dinner knowing the ride back to the boat in a dingy was not going to easy with the winds and the current and my apprehension did not let me down. I was in the first load, the motor kept cutting out as we were being tossed like a Martini, finally the motor kicked in after many feeble attempts, we literally zoomed back making a crash docking on the side of the boat. I can tell you I have never boarded a boat as fast as I did and thanked God and King Triton( as they do at award shows) for my safe return. A good wife would have stayed topside to make sure her husband also made it back safely in the 2nd group. . . Nope. . .All men for themself ! A shot of whiskey and bed.
Our final day of sailing came and went without any mishaps and right on course, another night sail was facing us so I slept off and on during the day sail. Dinner and an early bed time since we had second watch. The first night watches ran 2 hrs per couple this watch was 3 hr. stints. The Gulf was throwing us quite a bit so sleeping was hard to come by as we were tossed by the water and wind continuing on at 7 knotts. For this watch I needed light foul weather gear as well as harness and tethers. We faithfully did our chart plots and watched for ships, I watched the huge waves that were carrying us through the Gulf to the Atlantic Ocean, just waiting for one to come crashing over the side. Again our watch was uneventful and beautiful, we saw every constellation and watched the moon come up a little past midnight. Believe this or not but I found out I have no sense of direction( I knew this but usually do not share this info).
We pulled into Ft. Lauderdale by 9am, proceeded to secure the boat, take showers , clean the boat for Captain John as a surprise then off to explore Ft. Lauderdale. Getting your land leggs back is a tricky thing and does not happen quickly. Early night for an early departure in the am.
What I got out of this amazing adventure is priceless, the feeling of the wind in the sheets( not the wind in the sheets land lubbers refer to) is breathtaking, the speed and beauty will last with me until we start these quests our selves. I am so proud of Papa and all of his sailing abilities. I got behind the helm a couple of times but had a hard time fighting the current. When we take Adventuress out I will be behind the helm when the Auto Pilot is on.
Thank You Captain John for sharing your experience, knowledge and for your extream patience. To Rick, Janie, Deb and George for friendships and memories that will bring smiles to all of our faces in tough times. . .
Fair Winds to All
Thursday, April 14, 2011
First Sailing Lesson of the Season
As we head south to Ft. Lauterdale, Fla. I am riddeld with emotions. . most containing the letters S..C..A..R..E..D....I will actually be leaving the safety of a slip. As I read many books(which they say is our worst enemy) I understand I am no better than if I was standing on my old deck and looking through binoculars pretending I was on a boat. I am sure to seasoned sailors this has been the easy part. . .in reality it is not as easy as it sounds. It's beautiful in good weather and miserabe in foul weather, it's the foul weather that you will remember. As you lay on a bunk and think yesterday this was warm why do I feel as if I am laying on a block of ice?????? Water on the floor??????? Water in my bathroom cabinet????? water dripping on my head?????? All questions that require quick responses.
I have over come many obstacles in the past 7 1/2 months, laundry still being the biggest and cooking. . but. . . this trip has me shaking in my Flip Flops. Papa and I will be part of a hands on sailing trip to the Bahamas via Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Grand Bahamas, Lucaya, Berry Islands and back. We have sailed the Chesapeak Bay but Ocean Sailing is new to me, I have never even been on a Cruise ship to compare this to(which I am sure there is no comparison)
I enjoyed buying all of the new clothes for the 3 of us even though only 2 of us are going, Ava had to get new things also. We decided to drive to Fla. instead of fly to make the trip more of our own. I have my sailing gloves,harness and tether, new boat shoes,water shoes, bathing suit, new PJ's that match. . . I forgot the Depends which I am sure to need.
I will take pictures and post as many as the Gulf will allow me to send, I don't even know if we get cell service. I can quarantee an intersting blog full of mishaps. I am doing this so that I can become a knowledgeable First Mate( ok. . so I call myself that when I am scared).
I am going to wish us. . . Fair Winds and always at our Backs
I have over come many obstacles in the past 7 1/2 months, laundry still being the biggest and cooking. . but. . . this trip has me shaking in my Flip Flops. Papa and I will be part of a hands on sailing trip to the Bahamas via Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Grand Bahamas, Lucaya, Berry Islands and back. We have sailed the Chesapeak Bay but Ocean Sailing is new to me, I have never even been on a Cruise ship to compare this to(which I am sure there is no comparison)
I enjoyed buying all of the new clothes for the 3 of us even though only 2 of us are going, Ava had to get new things also. We decided to drive to Fla. instead of fly to make the trip more of our own. I have my sailing gloves,harness and tether, new boat shoes,water shoes, bathing suit, new PJ's that match. . . I forgot the Depends which I am sure to need.
I will take pictures and post as many as the Gulf will allow me to send, I don't even know if we get cell service. I can quarantee an intersting blog full of mishaps. I am doing this so that I can become a knowledgeable First Mate( ok. . so I call myself that when I am scared).
I am going to wish us. . . Fair Winds and always at our Backs
Sunday, March 13, 2011
March Winds
I have never thought any thing of March winds before now, it seems every month has new meaning when living on a boat. As I was laying in my berth last night I could tell a front is coming in, the current under the boat was rough I could hear it on the hull and feel it as it rocked me to sleep. My senses are sharper as far as hearing the wind approach, panic sets in and the first thing I can think of saying is "CRAP". During sailing season these winds are greatly appreciated, however when you are just getting your sea legs and body adjusted it's not welcome.
I now dislike the fact it is harder to pull the boat over to the finger dock not that it has not been hard all along but March winds are getting the best of me.Today I will have Papa adjust the lines so that they are tighter port side, to many times I have been stranded either on the boat when I need to be off or vice versa.
Rain is just a nuisance, it leaves just as much debris as it washes away. The water on the dock is not on as of yet and the boat needs a good washdown, I honestly thought about vacuuming the deck yesterday but there were to many people around that I am sure would label me crazy and a bit cumpulsive.
For the second time since moving on the boat 6 months ago we ran out of water, this time it was 2 days before Papa got a chance to fill the 6 gallon jugs from the faucet behind the shower house and lug them down to the boat to refill the tank. There really is not much you need running water for except some cooking and washing dishes, I bought bottled water and did not do dishes. When he finally filled the tank last night we quickly went out to dinner! We do things back wards.
I am hoping after a challenging Winter, Spring will be good to us. As Ava and I walked down the dock the other morning we discussed the advantages to living on the boat so far : waking up to beautiful scenery every morning, watching Snow Birds play on bo,th the land and water, a boat covered with snow, our own little world in a small space,Gorgeous Sunsets, the smell of the water in the morning, the sound of the wind from inside the boat and how we have adjusted to it's force. We have also learned the most important lesson of togetherness, I am going to miss living on Adventuress when we move to the apartment but we all realise Maryland is no place for us to live on a boat during the Winter full time. It is a simple life but not a simple way of living.
I now dislike the fact it is harder to pull the boat over to the finger dock not that it has not been hard all along but March winds are getting the best of me.Today I will have Papa adjust the lines so that they are tighter port side, to many times I have been stranded either on the boat when I need to be off or vice versa.
Rain is just a nuisance, it leaves just as much debris as it washes away. The water on the dock is not on as of yet and the boat needs a good washdown, I honestly thought about vacuuming the deck yesterday but there were to many people around that I am sure would label me crazy and a bit cumpulsive.
For the second time since moving on the boat 6 months ago we ran out of water, this time it was 2 days before Papa got a chance to fill the 6 gallon jugs from the faucet behind the shower house and lug them down to the boat to refill the tank. There really is not much you need running water for except some cooking and washing dishes, I bought bottled water and did not do dishes. When he finally filled the tank last night we quickly went out to dinner! We do things back wards.
I am hoping after a challenging Winter, Spring will be good to us. As Ava and I walked down the dock the other morning we discussed the advantages to living on the boat so far : waking up to beautiful scenery every morning, watching Snow Birds play on bo,th the land and water, a boat covered with snow, our own little world in a small space,Gorgeous Sunsets, the smell of the water in the morning, the sound of the wind from inside the boat and how we have adjusted to it's force. We have also learned the most important lesson of togetherness, I am going to miss living on Adventuress when we move to the apartment but we all realise Maryland is no place for us to live on a boat during the Winter full time. It is a simple life but not a simple way of living.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Ahhhhhh Spring
To Meteorologists it is Spring, to Astrologists it's still Winter, to Live Aboards it's a nother day closer to sailing season. My Blogs are hopefully an insight to anyone who has the Dream of living on a Sailboat. I say sailboat mainly because that's what I live on with my husband(I refer to as Papa) and our 6 yr old grand daughter (whom we call Ava. . .because that is her name). I have many names which I will go into detail in a later blog. Oops was going down the wrong road there.
If you lived on a Trawler you would have more room to streatch out, optional seats for cruising and a warm view during the rainy or cold season.A House Boat is much the same, basically a condo on the water. A Power Boat I have no knowledge of at all so I won't even go there. A Sailboat is a challenge, many compare it to Trailer Living. . . maybe space wise they may be the same but it ends there. I remember when we moved on a little over 5 months ago how hard it was to get used to very little light and barely none in the evening. Lamps are not an option on Adventuress. You do adjust but it takes time, I have gone to many functions with Land Lubbers wearing the wrong pants color wise and style, along with the wrong color socks, I am not even getting into shoes. All I was thinking at the time was Great I won't see the dust and dirt! Not True,, it is muh like a Stink Bug. . .you know it's there!
Cooking. . . I have no skill in that area at all, Ava says I make the worst Mac N Cheese ever. At least now I can blame it on the propane stove. Once we don't have a need for the heating units I can use a slow cooker and a George Foreman grill. . Yeah! For 4 days I did not have hot water, nor sure why. . when I told Papa about this he went to check it. . .there was Hot Water. . I gained a new name. As I stated in the beginning a man must have designed this boat(it was), the pantry is right next to the Head(toilet). You can Melax(as Ava calls it) and pick your next meal at the same time. . .a new way of multitasking.
I will now talk about the Nav Station. . . .an over looked area on a sailboat duing the off sailing season. It is the largest flat space on the boat, by Summer it will be a desk for charts and sailing instruments, by Winter it holds a huge microwave, a basket of movies, pictures, snackes, and cook books and a 5x6 pic of Adventuress to keep us grounded to as what we are living on. Behind all of this is the Instrument panel, to use it something has to be moved constantly, naturally it is like a kitchen table it collects everything, soon to be finding a new home.
The cockpit is what I thought would be my Sweet Haven, a place to get away from life below. It is enclosed which is a must for this Life. It is great on a sunny day in the Winter, yesterday it got to 86 with the sun we had. I missed it. I have a thermometer that reads temp below and on the cock pit which we refer to as our reliable weather man. During the Winter it has become our auxilliary fridge, toy box for Ava and shoe store.
Long Story Short, I have never liked clutter ! I now over look it. Constant movement, I now know what Sea Legs mean, Vertigo, Live with it, Baseball cap, much needed accessory, some sort of Alcohol is not a ticket to AA but a must any time. I was even desperate once for a drink all I had was Peppar Absolute and Grapefruit, will not be that desperate again.
We are coming upon the Season that will make many look back and say, that was not a bad Winter. For Me it will be "Did I really do this "? It is not for every one ( me included) I made it but will not do it again unless we are South.
We will be renting an Apt. in June as a back up for rainy weekends during the Summer, a place to live this Winter while the boat is pulled for Hull cleaning and painting. It will also be a place for family to stay while visitng. We did give our furniture away so I will be decorating in Good Will finds and anything that is offered. Most of what is on Adventuress will be in the apt. to give more space for passengers and comfortable sailing.
The Apt is in Newark, De. 23 miles from the boat a straight shot and easy drive. A nice drive to the beaches down Rt. 1 during the Summer, a college town by Winter ( University of Delaware is our neighbor) . Ava's school is in our back yard, so no more 50 min. ride one way.
The adventure lives on no matter where we put our head at night. I would not give this portion of my life up for anything! Fair Winds now has a new meaning for me also!
If you lived on a Trawler you would have more room to streatch out, optional seats for cruising and a warm view during the rainy or cold season.A House Boat is much the same, basically a condo on the water. A Power Boat I have no knowledge of at all so I won't even go there. A Sailboat is a challenge, many compare it to Trailer Living. . . maybe space wise they may be the same but it ends there. I remember when we moved on a little over 5 months ago how hard it was to get used to very little light and barely none in the evening. Lamps are not an option on Adventuress. You do adjust but it takes time, I have gone to many functions with Land Lubbers wearing the wrong pants color wise and style, along with the wrong color socks, I am not even getting into shoes. All I was thinking at the time was Great I won't see the dust and dirt! Not True,, it is muh like a Stink Bug. . .you know it's there!
Cooking. . . I have no skill in that area at all, Ava says I make the worst Mac N Cheese ever. At least now I can blame it on the propane stove. Once we don't have a need for the heating units I can use a slow cooker and a George Foreman grill. . Yeah! For 4 days I did not have hot water, nor sure why. . when I told Papa about this he went to check it. . .there was Hot Water. . I gained a new name. As I stated in the beginning a man must have designed this boat(it was), the pantry is right next to the Head(toilet). You can Melax(as Ava calls it) and pick your next meal at the same time. . .a new way of multitasking.
I will now talk about the Nav Station. . . .an over looked area on a sailboat duing the off sailing season. It is the largest flat space on the boat, by Summer it will be a desk for charts and sailing instruments, by Winter it holds a huge microwave, a basket of movies, pictures, snackes, and cook books and a 5x6 pic of Adventuress to keep us grounded to as what we are living on. Behind all of this is the Instrument panel, to use it something has to be moved constantly, naturally it is like a kitchen table it collects everything, soon to be finding a new home.
The cockpit is what I thought would be my Sweet Haven, a place to get away from life below. It is enclosed which is a must for this Life. It is great on a sunny day in the Winter, yesterday it got to 86 with the sun we had. I missed it. I have a thermometer that reads temp below and on the cock pit which we refer to as our reliable weather man. During the Winter it has become our auxilliary fridge, toy box for Ava and shoe store.
Long Story Short, I have never liked clutter ! I now over look it. Constant movement, I now know what Sea Legs mean, Vertigo, Live with it, Baseball cap, much needed accessory, some sort of Alcohol is not a ticket to AA but a must any time. I was even desperate once for a drink all I had was Peppar Absolute and Grapefruit, will not be that desperate again.
We are coming upon the Season that will make many look back and say, that was not a bad Winter. For Me it will be "Did I really do this "? It is not for every one ( me included) I made it but will not do it again unless we are South.
We will be renting an Apt. in June as a back up for rainy weekends during the Summer, a place to live this Winter while the boat is pulled for Hull cleaning and painting. It will also be a place for family to stay while visitng. We did give our furniture away so I will be decorating in Good Will finds and anything that is offered. Most of what is on Adventuress will be in the apt. to give more space for passengers and comfortable sailing.
The Apt is in Newark, De. 23 miles from the boat a straight shot and easy drive. A nice drive to the beaches down Rt. 1 during the Summer, a college town by Winter ( University of Delaware is our neighbor) . Ava's school is in our back yard, so no more 50 min. ride one way.
The adventure lives on no matter where we put our head at night. I would not give this portion of my life up for anything! Fair Winds now has a new meaning for me also!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Made It!
I am trying to think of a nauticle way to celebrate making it through a most unusual Winter weather wise. maybe just a dance on the bow. Many of the boat owners who said Good Bye to us in Oct. and said they would be down during the Winter to see how we were suriving (not once did we resort to Cannabalism) never showed up. Our next door boat owner dropped off some beer last weekend for us( I thought it was a tradition of Rum orat least Captain Morgan?) we found it in the cockpit with a note of Thanks for watching his boat and a couple who own a boat across from us who had it pulled for the Winter stopped by. Other than for them no sight of any one else, we were soon forgotten about as they sat in there warm homes. We did just fine!
I doubt anyone reading this is planning on living on a sail boat in Maryland in the Winter, we didn't either really. I for one knew I loved sail boats, enjoyed others boats and boat shows. I had no clue what it took to live on one, sunny days are undescribeable, rainy, blustery and snow filled days are just unbelievable. I can say most days I forgot there was water surrounding us, safety was our main issue. I also learned that cleaning is a day to day chore no matter where you live, more so on a boat. They are not air tight so dust,dirt and moisture blow in through crevices every moment, I can sweep twice a day and still have a dust pan full of sand and dirt. We wear no shoes below deck just slippers, I was under the impression this would save some work. . . not at all.
What I did learn was how much I did not know about a sail boat or living on one. . it's not just about Lifestyle but Survival ! I learned about tides and how much they affect us, I also learned I will never remember that high tide and low tide are an hour later each day. . .that's not a problem remembering when low or high tide were the day before is the problem. I am now sitting under the dock because it is low tide praying that it will come up before I have to get Ava from school. Prepareing a meal is quite a chore, having a kitty pan on board is a disaster, electric in the Winter is a blessed luxury. I could go on. . . but I did learn that a nice bottle of wine is greatly appreciated at the end of the day.
I am looking forward to an uneventful Spring! In 6 weeks we will be flying to Ft. Lauderdale to begin a 400 hr. on hands sailing course for Blue Water(Ocean) Sailing. We will leave the 16th of April from Florida and head to the Grand Bahamas via the Berry Islands, this will enable us to sail to the Carribean in the future. We will return the afternoon of the 22nd of April with another experience under our life vests.
I dreamed of living on a boat but never dreamed of learning how to live on a boat!
I doubt anyone reading this is planning on living on a sail boat in Maryland in the Winter, we didn't either really. I for one knew I loved sail boats, enjoyed others boats and boat shows. I had no clue what it took to live on one, sunny days are undescribeable, rainy, blustery and snow filled days are just unbelievable. I can say most days I forgot there was water surrounding us, safety was our main issue. I also learned that cleaning is a day to day chore no matter where you live, more so on a boat. They are not air tight so dust,dirt and moisture blow in through crevices every moment, I can sweep twice a day and still have a dust pan full of sand and dirt. We wear no shoes below deck just slippers, I was under the impression this would save some work. . . not at all.
What I did learn was how much I did not know about a sail boat or living on one. . it's not just about Lifestyle but Survival ! I learned about tides and how much they affect us, I also learned I will never remember that high tide and low tide are an hour later each day. . .that's not a problem remembering when low or high tide were the day before is the problem. I am now sitting under the dock because it is low tide praying that it will come up before I have to get Ava from school. Prepareing a meal is quite a chore, having a kitty pan on board is a disaster, electric in the Winter is a blessed luxury. I could go on. . . but I did learn that a nice bottle of wine is greatly appreciated at the end of the day.
I am looking forward to an uneventful Spring! In 6 weeks we will be flying to Ft. Lauderdale to begin a 400 hr. on hands sailing course for Blue Water(Ocean) Sailing. We will leave the 16th of April from Florida and head to the Grand Bahamas via the Berry Islands, this will enable us to sail to the Carribean in the future. We will return the afternoon of the 22nd of April with another experience under our life vests.
I dreamed of living on a boat but never dreamed of learning how to live on a boat!
Monday, February 7, 2011
4 1/2 months of Sailboat Living
I can either say," Has it been that short a period of time" or I can say, " Is that All! " There are times when I feel as if we have always lived on the boat then, , , ,there are times when we run out of water, can't pull the boat to the dock to get off, etc. that I feel as if we just moved on.
I read an article written by a woman who has lived on a sailboat for many years in Annapolis yesterday, the question she is asked the most is how do you keep warm? It seems to Land Lubbers that is a main concern, it's not to us. Heat is important but you will find a way to keep warm no matter what. Safety is the main concern, the marina this woman is docked at has many people living year round on their boats(in Maryland? yes), they attend far to many memorials because of people being careless and sliding off the finger pier from there boat and into the water not thinking of the conditions. This is the reason Ava has 13 1/2 days absent from school. . . SAFETY. We did put up a bungie cord on the back side of the finger pier so that if we slide the bungie will act as a slingshot and shoot us back on the boat or at least give us something to hold on to. In nice weather it doubles as a clothes line. We do have 4 methods of heating the boat, elec. (baseboard), central( which does not work when the water goes below 45 degrees), warming blankets and then the stove. The cock pit has been staying between 58 and 70 with the Winter sun , we had coffee and read the paper and felt we were somewhere secluded for the Winter. . well I did. . I am sure Papa was thinking how long before I can fit into a bikini!
We are looking for a town house in Delaware to move into the beginning of May, this will keep us close to the boat as we have her hauled out in early Oct for cleaning and painting and work we want to do inside next Winter. Our boat neighbors are asking if we have had enough of living on the boat. . our answer is "NO". I must say the walk to the bath house, trudging down the dock when it is full of ice, loading groceries on the boat, pulling a cart full of stuff on and off the boat does get tedious. Again I would not give up the view, the feeling of a casual lifestyle, the family arguments and no where to go after you lick your wounds in private, putting a baseball cap on to use the potty and make coffee in the morning(because your hair looks like Rod Stewart's but not on purpose). Watching Ava skip and sing down the dock is enough for me to say. ." What a Life"!
It's not for everyone! but it is for us. We still have February to get through, the 9th will be our 37th wedding anniversary and we are living our dream, March will throw heavy winds in our direction but May will bring the start of our first sailing season together. Even though we will have a home on land the boat will be our main home until Oct. Ava will start home schooling ( be good to me God) so that we have more time to do out side structured activities and visit family and friends with out having to worry about missing school.
"Some People say I'm a Dreamer" (Thank You John Lennon). . . and maybe I am. . . but I say "Don't burst my bubble and I won't burst your's". I will handle what comes my way good or bad.
I hope to see many smiling faces this Spring and Summer as the wind is blowing through there hair and thinking " You are not Crazy People" !
I read an article written by a woman who has lived on a sailboat for many years in Annapolis yesterday, the question she is asked the most is how do you keep warm? It seems to Land Lubbers that is a main concern, it's not to us. Heat is important but you will find a way to keep warm no matter what. Safety is the main concern, the marina this woman is docked at has many people living year round on their boats(in Maryland? yes), they attend far to many memorials because of people being careless and sliding off the finger pier from there boat and into the water not thinking of the conditions. This is the reason Ava has 13 1/2 days absent from school. . . SAFETY. We did put up a bungie cord on the back side of the finger pier so that if we slide the bungie will act as a slingshot and shoot us back on the boat or at least give us something to hold on to. In nice weather it doubles as a clothes line. We do have 4 methods of heating the boat, elec. (baseboard), central( which does not work when the water goes below 45 degrees), warming blankets and then the stove. The cock pit has been staying between 58 and 70 with the Winter sun , we had coffee and read the paper and felt we were somewhere secluded for the Winter. . well I did. . I am sure Papa was thinking how long before I can fit into a bikini!
We are looking for a town house in Delaware to move into the beginning of May, this will keep us close to the boat as we have her hauled out in early Oct for cleaning and painting and work we want to do inside next Winter. Our boat neighbors are asking if we have had enough of living on the boat. . our answer is "NO". I must say the walk to the bath house, trudging down the dock when it is full of ice, loading groceries on the boat, pulling a cart full of stuff on and off the boat does get tedious. Again I would not give up the view, the feeling of a casual lifestyle, the family arguments and no where to go after you lick your wounds in private, putting a baseball cap on to use the potty and make coffee in the morning(because your hair looks like Rod Stewart's but not on purpose). Watching Ava skip and sing down the dock is enough for me to say. ." What a Life"!
It's not for everyone! but it is for us. We still have February to get through, the 9th will be our 37th wedding anniversary and we are living our dream, March will throw heavy winds in our direction but May will bring the start of our first sailing season together. Even though we will have a home on land the boat will be our main home until Oct. Ava will start home schooling ( be good to me God) so that we have more time to do out side structured activities and visit family and friends with out having to worry about missing school.
"Some People say I'm a Dreamer" (Thank You John Lennon). . . and maybe I am. . . but I say "Don't burst my bubble and I won't burst your's". I will handle what comes my way good or bad.
I hope to see many smiling faces this Spring and Summer as the wind is blowing through there hair and thinking " You are not Crazy People" !
Monday, January 24, 2011
Winter and staying in Sailing condition
After having several bouts of dizziness and profuse sweating I went to a Dr. for a physical, which should have been done before moving on the boat (no body is going to call me fast). It appears to be an inner ear issue which does not surprise me at all with all. Our systems have been given a challenge as well as our bodies.
Weight is good ( not in my eyes. . or should I say Papa's. . he still has visions of me in the crow's nest on look out duty in a bikin. . .we don't have crow's nest nor do I have a bikini), BMI good and again muscles where I did not know you could have muscles. This will only improve as sailing weather arrives. I do need blood work done however I have that done faithfully every year as well as a mammogram, the tricky one will be a colonoscopy(sp). . the prep will be tricky with the bath house being a walk and not somewhere I want to be for a long period of time with others using it also. . .this will take some planning.
As for Adventuress, her electrical system needed upgrading which was done yesterday and I blew it our this morning. When the hot water heater kicks in and I have both heaters going plus the coffee maker something has to go. . . in my case it all goes out. Papa had to make a trip from DC to check it out. . . remedy. . . turn the hot water heater off! I am learning.
I also learned never to let him tackle a job such as re wiring with out me being there to move everything in his path. I am surprised my blood pressure was not sky high. Another challenge facing us is condensation in the Captains bunk, the cushion is soaked on the bottom, I turned it on it's side with the fan blowing on it and Fabreezed the heck out of it. We know there is a little leakage in that area that will be tackled in the spring.
All in all , Adventuress and I are healthy and look forward to Spring. I am planning a trip to see Puxatawny Phil to explain the wonderful benefits of seeing his shadow and over come the urge to hide for 6 more weeks.
I wish everyone a warm and speedy February!
Weight is good ( not in my eyes. . or should I say Papa's. . he still has visions of me in the crow's nest on look out duty in a bikin. . .we don't have crow's nest nor do I have a bikini), BMI good and again muscles where I did not know you could have muscles. This will only improve as sailing weather arrives. I do need blood work done however I have that done faithfully every year as well as a mammogram, the tricky one will be a colonoscopy(sp). . the prep will be tricky with the bath house being a walk and not somewhere I want to be for a long period of time with others using it also. . .this will take some planning.
As for Adventuress, her electrical system needed upgrading which was done yesterday and I blew it our this morning. When the hot water heater kicks in and I have both heaters going plus the coffee maker something has to go. . . in my case it all goes out. Papa had to make a trip from DC to check it out. . . remedy. . . turn the hot water heater off! I am learning.
I also learned never to let him tackle a job such as re wiring with out me being there to move everything in his path. I am surprised my blood pressure was not sky high. Another challenge facing us is condensation in the Captains bunk, the cushion is soaked on the bottom, I turned it on it's side with the fan blowing on it and Fabreezed the heck out of it. We know there is a little leakage in that area that will be tackled in the spring.
All in all , Adventuress and I are healthy and look forward to Spring. I am planning a trip to see Puxatawny Phil to explain the wonderful benefits of seeing his shadow and over come the urge to hide for 6 more weeks.
I wish everyone a warm and speedy February!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Time away
As do most sailors and Live Aboards, you look forward to time away from your boat. It does not mean you are tired of it or re-thinking your decision. . it just means time away. Ava and I manage a few of these a month for 1 or 2 nights at the most. Papa stays to make sure everything runs properly and to do maintenance that's easier when we are not there. the cats also need company and would not appreciate all of us being away at the same time. Who would hear them playing with there noisy toys during the night?
Living on the sailboat during these cold months is not something we planned on it just happened, given the time of year that we bought the boat and how quickly we moved on was the deciding factor. You need a back up plan. . we had and have none. I can't honestly say that, our back up plan is getting to the media room safely to watch movies and play Wii, bowling. Which I might add, Ava is still the champ. She nightly passes out straws because we suck!
We eat our share of pizza( not sure if pirates eat a lot of that or not), tonight we are going in search of an OutBack, , we have a map (from the Internet) and some pieces of gold(gift cards). Believe it or not. . .and most of you will choose not to, but I have become thrifty and not so meticulous. Thrifty as far as household items and clothes shopping, meticulous as in things being put away. There is something hanging from every possible place. I know come Spring most of this will go in storage and we will live a simpler life. .(haha)
We are due a big Winter Storm later tonight, we will be tucked away in our cabins with the blanket warmers going, our tv with the antennae will be switching between Balt/Philly stations, I will have wine( I drink warm water /lemon most of the day) Papa will have his drink and Ava will have her occasional glass of Pinot(watered down). We will keep warm by our ceramic heater and talk of trips in the near future and how lucky we really are to be able to live this strange life right now.
We do have sad news. . Papa's father. . whom he had just formed a relationship with over the past 3 yrs has terminal liver cancer. Papa's father lived on a sailboat over 20 yrs ago with his new family, he was a driving force in why and what we are doing now. When Papa proposed to me his father pulled me aside and said," I hope you like living on a sail boat because that is what my son will be doing". Naturally I said , "YES". . .really thinking you crazy man! I honestly think that is when this became my dream. This time from the past came flooding back as I was standing on the bow of Adventuress sweeping snow off. I felt as if I was living a scene out of a movie(anything but Titanic or Perfect Storm). Papa is trying to make plans to fly to Texas this weekend, needless to say Ava and I will be holding down the boat.
We continue to enjoy our Dream and look forward to the day we untie the lines and sail to warmer coves with family along board! FairWinds to all
Living on the sailboat during these cold months is not something we planned on it just happened, given the time of year that we bought the boat and how quickly we moved on was the deciding factor. You need a back up plan. . we had and have none. I can't honestly say that, our back up plan is getting to the media room safely to watch movies and play Wii, bowling. Which I might add, Ava is still the champ. She nightly passes out straws because we suck!
We eat our share of pizza( not sure if pirates eat a lot of that or not), tonight we are going in search of an OutBack, , we have a map (from the Internet) and some pieces of gold(gift cards). Believe it or not. . .and most of you will choose not to, but I have become thrifty and not so meticulous. Thrifty as far as household items and clothes shopping, meticulous as in things being put away. There is something hanging from every possible place. I know come Spring most of this will go in storage and we will live a simpler life. .(haha)
We are due a big Winter Storm later tonight, we will be tucked away in our cabins with the blanket warmers going, our tv with the antennae will be switching between Balt/Philly stations, I will have wine( I drink warm water /lemon most of the day) Papa will have his drink and Ava will have her occasional glass of Pinot(watered down). We will keep warm by our ceramic heater and talk of trips in the near future and how lucky we really are to be able to live this strange life right now.
We do have sad news. . Papa's father. . whom he had just formed a relationship with over the past 3 yrs has terminal liver cancer. Papa's father lived on a sailboat over 20 yrs ago with his new family, he was a driving force in why and what we are doing now. When Papa proposed to me his father pulled me aside and said," I hope you like living on a sail boat because that is what my son will be doing". Naturally I said , "YES". . .really thinking you crazy man! I honestly think that is when this became my dream. This time from the past came flooding back as I was standing on the bow of Adventuress sweeping snow off. I felt as if I was living a scene out of a movie(anything but Titanic or Perfect Storm). Papa is trying to make plans to fly to Texas this weekend, needless to say Ava and I will be holding down the boat.
We continue to enjoy our Dream and look forward to the day we untie the lines and sail to warmer coves with family along board! FairWinds to all
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Winter has arrived
Here we are in early Jan. and I am already counting the days until Spring 77 to be exact. I will try to describe what living on a 40 ft sailboat is like during Winter months in Maryland. . .COLD and windy. We have seen snow 4 times so far, 2 dustings and 2 snow falls over 4 in. It's not the snow that is a concern but the winds and freezing temps. Trying to get off a sailboat that is rocking or away from the dock due to winds and tides is tricky. the deck of a boat is fiber glass and gets slippery. We wear a form of Uggs when we leave the main cabin and wear boot slippers when we are in the main cabin for warmth. The floor of the main cabin is beautiful teak but stays around 48-52 degrees, there are throw rugs scattered abut the temp of the water keeps the floors chilly. We sleep with one ceramic heater on, and electric warming blankets during the night. By morning we turn on 2 little elec. heaters and go about our day. Cooking on the propane stove helps heat the boat also, I fixed bacon and grilled cheeses sand wiches this week. . yeah for me!
Since Christmas and Ava's birthday the boat is scattered with toys from Barbie's, Tangled and Justin Bieber dolls to ZuZu pet and castles . . but it's important for Ava to play. May I add 2 pillow pets reside with us.
We are learning to sleep now to a lot of rocking, thumping as the boat next to us hits the pylon and the lines clang against there mast. For some reason the bubblers in the water are not running so chunks of ice hit our boat all night long. . .it is a nauticle opera. After a few hours these become soothing noices. I dream of warm temps and gliding through the water of the Chesapeake Bay soon.
This week we are suppose to have more snow and freezing temps, it will be a challenging next 77 days! Ones we are looking forward to as a family
Since Christmas and Ava's birthday the boat is scattered with toys from Barbie's, Tangled and Justin Bieber dolls to ZuZu pet and castles . . but it's important for Ava to play. May I add 2 pillow pets reside with us.
We are learning to sleep now to a lot of rocking, thumping as the boat next to us hits the pylon and the lines clang against there mast. For some reason the bubblers in the water are not running so chunks of ice hit our boat all night long. . .it is a nauticle opera. After a few hours these become soothing noices. I dream of warm temps and gliding through the water of the Chesapeake Bay soon.
This week we are suppose to have more snow and freezing temps, it will be a challenging next 77 days! Ones we are looking forward to as a family
Monday, January 3, 2011
3 months and a New Year
It's hard to believe we have owned the sail boat for 4 months and have loved on it for 3. New challenges come up weekly especially in the Maryland Winters, we have learned to expect mishaps. Heat and water seem to be our main concern, for weeks the water tank seemed to be full after hand pouring 6 1/2 gal. of water into it, when we ran out of water twice we knew this was not true. The water line was frozen and had air in it, which was not allowing water in or out. Locating the line was also tricky, then defrosting it. . hand filling the tank is always a challenge with 6 1/2 gal. jugs at a time. We actually don't use a lot of water since we take showers in the bath house, occasional cooking(which will change in the New Year) and some dishes.
Over the holidays we had many visitors, our youngest daughter came from LA. to experience boating life, she was quite the trooper. Luckily we did not have many rocky days, we did have 6 inches of snow over Christmas that kept us away from the boat for 3 days. Visitors from NH came, at times I felt as if we were at a boat show where you allow only so many people in the main cabin at a time. During the week after Christmas the Sun became our friend and the enclosed cock pit was registering in the high 70's so no one minded sitting there and waiting there turn to go below. I was also lucky enough to have my brother, sister and mother pay Adventuress a visit with a nice lunch at a local restaurant after wards.
The main question asked is how do you live in such a little space. . . we do have a large family. . however we bought the boat for 3 to 4 people to live on, the rest being vistors. When most visit it will be Spring,Summer and early Fall, the deck and cock pit will be in full use at all times. Our living space is 2 cabins side by side at the Stern, a full bathroom at the bow, a main salon, galley and Nav station. I am the only one on the boat by day then Ava after school and Papa much later in the evening. The hardest part of boat living is you are constantly cleaning, especially with 2 cats and a newly 6 yr old.
The New Year is going to bring with it cleaning the sails and repairing 2, starting the search South for a marina to move to in the Fall of 2013. Our first trip will be in March to N. Carolina, April we fly to the Bahamas to learn Ocean sailing with our friend Captain John . Our goal will be in 5 yrs to be in the Caribbean for Winters, we do everything by 5 yr goals but they usually end up happening in 4.
We spent and will spend much time at the Hampton Inn in Middletown ,De for Winter breaks, it's only 12 miles away and has a nice indoor pool and hot tub. By August of next year we will rent a house or cottage for the Winter of 2011 close to Ava's school. .so ends the 50 miles a day one way I drive her to school now. The boat will be pulled out of the water next Oct. to have the bottom cleaned and painted and maintenance done. This is an every other year must, although I am sure we will keep whatever place we find as a back up for visitors and bad weather.
We realise we are entering the hard time of the Winter months now . . but . . .the end is in site. Which brings us to Spring and the challenge of putting the sails back on. . .YIKES.
I will say. . . the dock is a long walk and cold at night, it's extra hard to get out of a heated bed in the morning and step on to a 48 degree floor and sit on a cold toilet. I will also say there is nothing like having morning coffee or tea looking out to a beautiful Sunrise on the water.
To those that say we won't make it through the Winter or will be buying a house after this Winter. . .don't know who Kevin, Ava and Nita Knighton really are! Along with Adventuress we are enjoying this New Life and Welcome what the New Year brings us!
Over the holidays we had many visitors, our youngest daughter came from LA. to experience boating life, she was quite the trooper. Luckily we did not have many rocky days, we did have 6 inches of snow over Christmas that kept us away from the boat for 3 days. Visitors from NH came, at times I felt as if we were at a boat show where you allow only so many people in the main cabin at a time. During the week after Christmas the Sun became our friend and the enclosed cock pit was registering in the high 70's so no one minded sitting there and waiting there turn to go below. I was also lucky enough to have my brother, sister and mother pay Adventuress a visit with a nice lunch at a local restaurant after wards.
The main question asked is how do you live in such a little space. . . we do have a large family. . however we bought the boat for 3 to 4 people to live on, the rest being vistors. When most visit it will be Spring,Summer and early Fall, the deck and cock pit will be in full use at all times. Our living space is 2 cabins side by side at the Stern, a full bathroom at the bow, a main salon, galley and Nav station. I am the only one on the boat by day then Ava after school and Papa much later in the evening. The hardest part of boat living is you are constantly cleaning, especially with 2 cats and a newly 6 yr old.
The New Year is going to bring with it cleaning the sails and repairing 2, starting the search South for a marina to move to in the Fall of 2013. Our first trip will be in March to N. Carolina, April we fly to the Bahamas to learn Ocean sailing with our friend Captain John . Our goal will be in 5 yrs to be in the Caribbean for Winters, we do everything by 5 yr goals but they usually end up happening in 4.
We spent and will spend much time at the Hampton Inn in Middletown ,De for Winter breaks, it's only 12 miles away and has a nice indoor pool and hot tub. By August of next year we will rent a house or cottage for the Winter of 2011 close to Ava's school. .so ends the 50 miles a day one way I drive her to school now. The boat will be pulled out of the water next Oct. to have the bottom cleaned and painted and maintenance done. This is an every other year must, although I am sure we will keep whatever place we find as a back up for visitors and bad weather.
We realise we are entering the hard time of the Winter months now . . but . . .the end is in site. Which brings us to Spring and the challenge of putting the sails back on. . .YIKES.
I will say. . . the dock is a long walk and cold at night, it's extra hard to get out of a heated bed in the morning and step on to a 48 degree floor and sit on a cold toilet. I will also say there is nothing like having morning coffee or tea looking out to a beautiful Sunrise on the water.
To those that say we won't make it through the Winter or will be buying a house after this Winter. . .don't know who Kevin, Ava and Nita Knighton really are! Along with Adventuress we are enjoying this New Life and Welcome what the New Year brings us!
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