The Surly Bonds of Shore

[Roger Long]

My birthday present is realizing just how difficult it is to cast off the docklines of shore life. The boat being ready about a month later than I planned (How did I stick so close to schedule on a major refit you ask. Well, I'm a hard worker.) has created tunnel vision and I'm just now looking around at all the big picture.

Late yesterday afternoon, the boat reached the point where I can take my son for a daysail today and could leave for a 2 - 3 week cruise by the end of the day tomorrow. Long term departure and shifting to primarily living aboard involves a host of non-boat related things that I'm just getting around to assembling into a To Do list of the "Strike one off the top and add two to the bottom" variety.

I still hope to be off in a week but, a week ago, I was saying I was aiming for this Sunday. I'm already scaling back my ambitions for how much of Nova Scotia I will cover this summer. Fortunately, it's made of granite, like Maine, and it isn't going anywhere.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Thought we already discussed this "To Do" list thing. Get outta' here!

 

[zeehag]

got hatchet???????
if ye dont need them in future---- hatchet lines and go.....axe later.....

 

[jibes138]

Roger,
Is that a CQR hanging off the bow? You may want to ask for an anchor recommendation on the ask all sailors forum before you leave. Should be several replies by the time you get back.

 

[Roger Long]

Is that a CQR hanging off the bow?

No, it's a Delta which I've had pretty good experience with. I've also got a Fortress 18 stowed up on the bow used primarily for a stern and kedge anchor. I have a Guardian rated for a 45 foot boat stowed in pieces in the bilge. It was a real disappointment when setting up a hurricane mooring in mud but I expect great things of it in sand.

I carry 120 feet of chain in the bilge for severe conditions as my boat isn't well set up for an all chain rode. One of my fetishes is carrying a lot of rope on board.

I do want to get a Rocna at some point.

I've never been a fan of CQR's myself.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Roger: that's the right answer! I know after my skiing accident, which was 2 years ago, it took me forever to get the boat back to "sail it use it clean it sail it" shape. There was always something that needed to be fixed BEFORE I could use it simply due to it sitting for so long (like two six month periods over the course of a year and a half). Now that I'm back to once a week or more use, things are just fine. With all the work you've put into her, your head is ready, but other things get in the way. Like the granite in NS, pretty soon your head and your other obligations will catch up to each other.

Don't forget the rum...

 

[Roger Long]

I've been for a sea trial / daysail.

Everything worked perfectly except the new filler neck for the potable water tank where I didn't take up enough on the hose clamp. A few turns and the boat is ready to go. Next time it leaves the dock, it will probably be the start of the trip.

 

[zeehag]

hooooyaaahhhh!!!!
hay roger--someone's feetz are stomping on the water........ mine only leaves lil tags......will look forward to meeting ye out here somewhere......

 

[Roger Long]

will look forward to meeting ye out here somewhere......

Florida in January or February?

 

[zeehag]

florida in jan or feb sounds like i might just be in right place and time.... or caribean.....

 

[Roger Long]

caribean.....

I'm turning around at Key West this year. Too many complications like insurance (boat and health) to go foreign this year and plenty to see on the East Coast. I might bop over to the Bahamas if there is a good spell of weather but will probably leave that until next year when I'm more organized.

I plan to spend about 10 minutes in Key West just for the bragging rights and then start heading north again to check out more thoroughly the areas I liked best on the way down. I might do a Gulf Stream ride in the spring but the idea of working north with the weather so spring lasts about 4 months is quite appealing.

 

[zeehag]

roger-- you would love the dry tortugas-- dont fail to visit them..is beeeeyooooteeefullll...do please go there... you will thankme for sending ye there..LOL

 

[Roger Long]

.do please go there...

OK 10 minutes in Key West, then a few days in the Dry Tortugas, and then head back northwards.

Maybe that would be a good place to meet up.

 

[moparv104x4]

Strider is looking good Roger, best of luck with your coming adventures.