Thursday, May 17, 2007

Mother's Day Sail

Bravely Jan announced that she did not want any gifts or anything special for Mother's Day. She would prefer to put that money towards some needed cruising gear. Even more bravely I did as she instructed. Any prudent husband usually ignores such requests.

We went to Clay and Krystal's couples shower. It was great fun and we did not get away until after 4 pm. We came home, threw some food in a bag, and headed for the boat. The wind was light. There was a large high pressure system drifting overhead. It ruined the Velocity Games but made a great weekend. We motored all the way over to Shamrock Cove and dropped anchor about half mile offshore outside just in time for a great sunset. The evening breeze was delightful and surprisingly cool for May. By morning the wind had swung around to the west and pushed us up close to the beach. Shamrock Island is a bird sanctuary. It is wonderful to see how busy birds can be went they are just being birds and not worried about predators.

After a few chores I weighed the anchor and we headed home. Even is such light conditions getting the anchor on board and stowed was a big chore. Job One before the big cruise will be installing a proper anchoring system. I am going to go against all advice and use a manual windlass. Electric windlass are hugh power drains and a good way to start a fire when 100 amps surges thru salty wires and connections. Besides I do not see how an electrical motor can survive the repeated salt water dunkings. In a heavy seaway White Pepper will take every wave over the bow. I will get criticisms, but then I will be the one on the bow cranking every morning.

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