Preparing for the Next Chapter

Tiger Point Marina, N30 41.50 W081 27.25

(6/5/05) This morning I reassembled the bowsprit and anchor rollers. That project is complete. We’re now at a point where Tarwathie is in better shape than she was on the survey day. At the start, there was the scratch in the side. Then the anchor roller. We were on a downward trend. That has been overcome now. Tomorrow I get the boatyard bill and maybe it will be me who’s overcome.

It was very helpful to have Libby as a second hand helping out. One thing. We are both acclimated to northern climates. Working out in the heat and humidity is hard. I found that my glasses would get covered with sweat. Even with my glasses off the sweat stung in my eyes so I was reduced to squinting out one eye at a time. I need a sweatband.

We had a luxury lunch at B.A. Pig BBQ restaurant. Then Libby did laundry. Last night we bought provisions for 2-3 weeks. Libby said we will have to learn to shop and eat smarter to keep within budget.

Our plan is to launch Monday, after the water pump is fixed. Then we’ll either head out to sea tonight or in the morning, depending on timing and weather.

Re-united

Tiger Point Marina, N30 41.50 W081 27.25

(6/4/05) Poor Libby was very glad to be here but very exhausted after her efforts at home and the trip down.

She looks better now. Or what?

My Lonely Days are Nearly Over

Tiger Point Marina, N30 41.50 W081 27.25

(6/3/05) Hooray. Tomorrow Libby flies down and I’ll pick her up. It’s been a long time away.

The part I need for the water pump won’t come until Monday, so we’re stuck here over the weekend anyhow.

I ordered a repair kit for the marine toilet. Should have done it a week ago. I’ll try Sunday and Monday to replace the parts and overhaul the head before we leave the marina. It’s much nicer to repair one head while you have use of another.

Minnesota South

Tiger Point Marina, N30 41.50 W081 27.25

(6/2/05) This morning I did fika with Ingmar and friends. I met Staffan and Bert. We had coffee and a coffee cake and we conversed in Swedish. It didn’t take long though for them to tire of my poor pronunciation and we switched back to English.

All three men have interesting backgrounds. Indeed, I think I’m going to meet many Hemmingway characters in the coming years. Ingmar started in the merchant marine, then he built nuclear plans in Sweden and California. Bert served in Vietnam and he built a pylon racing airplane from scratch and races it. Bert also has a peg leg. Not a wood one but a stainless steel one with knee and ankle hinges, but sans the flesh-colored exterior.

I finished my painting today. The other projects may be finished tomorrow. Libby arrives in Jacksonville Saturday. Life is not so bad.