Hello friends.
This is Ken. This message is to the many people who have asked why there have not been any updates on this blog. Well, I just did not feel that "non sailing just working on the boat" was important enough to post. Here goes.
On the home front most of the large items are stored in the trailer. We are sleeping on the floor on a futon mattress and out clothes are in boxes. So far we are not to the point of eating out of the pot we cooked in (remember those college days!)
The fitting out of the boat continues. Inside work predominating during the frequent Oregon rains (sure have better weather in the Rogue Valley than the coast). Radios are in and wired, autopilot is ready for sea trials, head has been serviced and all compartments can now be secured. Possibly we will upgrade to a propane stove to replace the current alcohol one due to the high cost of alcohol (due to the diversion of food crops to ethanol and rising prices)
Outside the mast steps are on, bulwarks are painted, sails have been run up and down, monitor windvane control lines attached, lifelines replaced, cockpit cover back in place and secured, secondary anchor ready with divided anchor locker etc. Hew diesel runs good but the stuffing box needs to be adjusted. I have learned that any boat job will take 4 times as long as I expect, I will drop tools and parts either in the bilge or the water, and involve significant salty language. Attached is a picture of Ken working in the aft compartment attending to the water lift muffler and the stuffing box which is under it. Compare that to the inside picture of sewing a hatch cover.
We will try to be more timely and frequent in these posts.
Departure date is May 23 with the first port of call being Neah Bay Washington. We are looking for 1 crewperson to join us on the trip up the coast. If you are interested.......
Ken and Harp
