Done.
Well, with much apologies to Kito, I stole the thread, so I'll finish killing it, and put it to bed..
We didn't make it. (I typed that one sentence and had to look at it for five minutes). We started out fine, anchored right inside of Masonboro inlet for a quick jump outside in the light of day, and a "problem" was evident then, only I didn't realize it. The anchor light didn't work, but no biggee, a lot don't, so I hung a lantern from a halyard. Next morning we stretched out across Onslow Bay, and as I hoped, had every rag on the boat flying. I do this while Jon pilots, a usual arrangement. While I got her settled, he was checking out some things, and noticed the autopilot was not functioning. No real problem, boats have been travelling for years without them, and we were too. But it seemed to be a cascading event, as we started checking out other things, and they were dying as well. No running lights, bilge pump acting up, etc. While these problems are in itself not dire, discretion dictated that continuing on was foolhardy. Man. Back to Southport. I may could have rectified these issues underway, it simply wasn't required. This wasn't a delivery, and we had the time. We discussed putting her on the hill while returning, and in a week or so will do just that.
But after tying up was when I got the bomb. Jon's considering "retiring". Selling the boat proper, and going inland. He's 72 years old, and while I've long knew, (secretly of course), that my presence was as much my abilities as much as his friend, prudence has come to light. He no longer feels as if he can do it alone, and I suppose I understand that. He talked as if he might set her free while we talked about this, which actually amounted to him telling me his feelings while I listened. You have little idea how this news settles with me. And I didn't try and persuade him otherwise. Other than to lets haul and block it, and let the dust settle. And we will.
Old Cheoy Lee has got a great log. Alaska, Hawaii twice, countless islands, etc.
And while I'm mildly disappointed in the trip not going as planned, it really don't mean nuthin. At this moment I thought I'd write about it, and maybe that'll make me feel better. Maybe not. Damn what a baby, I'm very, very sad right this minute..
Will call tomorrow. Surprised more NC sailors haven't chimed in yet. Just trying to save 5 days of vacation on hunting down a reasonable slip in that area.
