Snow day?

It's cold out! Of course that's understandable since this is January. Still...last Sunday we took the boat out for a "sail" (actually, with no wind it was more of a drift/motor combo). It was a beautiful, sunny day and very warm and the boat was filled with friends so was a great day. By the time we got back to the dock I was convinced that winter was over. Alas...we've had very cold temps and snow flurries off and on all week. Mother Nature's little reminder of WHO is in charge? one more winter...one more winter...one more winter...

New year....THE year

We are officially into 2008 now...the year of Sandy's Great Adventure. Five more months to retirement. Six months to the shakedown in the San Juans. Eight months and we will be headed for San Diego. My feelings run the gamut from excitement to intimidation to downright fear. I know all will be fine and once in Mexico I will wonder why I waited so long to go. In the meantime all those old tapes continue to play. And I continue to hit the delete button! Onward into 2008 and the horizon! And to all ye ghosts of past insecurities I say, "away ye scurvy rats or it'll be the plank for ye!"

Winter night

It would seem that winter has truly arrived. Snow flurries Sunday morning. More predicted tonight. Cold temps and east winds find every minute opening to slither inside and nestle snugly around my ears. The little heaters work valiantly but the best they are able to do is 60 on most nights. There is something just wrong about having to wear long underwear at home. Next year I expect to be celebrating the holidays in sunny Mexico. one more winter...one more winter...one more winter...

Wind and rain

Big wind and rain is starting again tonight. Last night we had gusts over 50 mph. The dock lines made awful noises all night. Creaks, groans, pops, bangs...I didn't sleep at all. Tonight the wind is supposed to be bigger. Added another stern line - just in case. I sure hope I get some rest tonight. I can't help but wonder: If it bothers me so much when I am at the dock and the boat is rocking and rolling, how will I ever be able to sleep when we are swinging on an anchor in a lot of wind?

11/24/07 - Winter Quiet

The marina is like a tomb these days. I don't really mind the quiet as it brings with it the stillness and peace I love, but the lack of human activity is a bit un-nerving at times. I know they are there...I am not the only liveaboard...but with the cold and the long, dark nights they, like me, hunker down inside their boats. Heaters on. Swaddled in extra clothes and fleece blankets. Warm drinks with a good book. Perhaps a movie or favorite tv show. Reclusive though we are, however, to a person we love the beauty around us. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Full moons shimmering on our watery backyard. Waterfowl acting as watchdogs. And always there to help if ever they are needed.

11/23/07

First post. Hmmm. What to say. I am sitting aboard Faith, snuggled down under a blanket, as the heater tries valiantly to keep the chill of the coming winter at bay. There is a full moon tonight. Large and deathly white. Peering in through the hatch. Stark, brilliant chill reflecting off the water. Odd how the mood of the moon can change with the season. The Canada Geese are huddled on the cement dock as if trying to conserve every molecule of warmth...I can sympathize. My mantra these days: onemorewinteronemorewinter..... This time next year, if all goes according to plan, Faith and I will be watching the moon from a warm, Mexican moorage. In the meantime, the cold of Northwest winters slash to the bone and cause one to doubt there will be an end.