Time for another update... Only one week left to go!
I spent the last two or three days working on stuff around the house and putting together a collection of procedures and cheat sheets that will be centrally located, easily readable, water proof, and simple to use. I'll post them here When I finish them.
Been going over the lists, and checking them twice, and boning up on local rules and restrictions on crabbing and fishing in the areas that I'll be sailing in. Looks like crabbing season is over on the Tuesday, Sept 5th which is good because I don't have to buy anything else for crab season, but it sucks because I won't have crab to eat. Maybe next year! Scratch crab stuff from the list!
I'm going to try to passively fishing for salmon. It seems that I'll be sailing during good salmon run times, so I'll be dragging, or trolling, a fishing line in an attempt to catch something worth eating and telling about. I don't want to jinx myself, but the fish reports this year are very good for all salmon and it looks like they are actually almost twice as big as last year's fish, that is both in size and number! The salmon researchers are wondering if El Nino, conservation efforts, or both are working together to help the salmon. It would be nice if just one keeper jumped into the boat... and cleaned itself for supper.
Back down to Tacoma today. Yep... West Marine bound, again, to "up size" the 6 inch anchor cleat for an 8 incher. The smaller one looked all "Mickey Mouse", puny, anemic, and just darn wimpy when I "dry fit" it to the deck. I'm real glad I didn't drill any holes yet! It would have sucked to have put holes for the smaller cleat in the teak and deck only to find that the new cleat has wider spaced holes! Man, I would have pissed myself!
I also figured out a couple of places where I can anchor the boat, beach the dinghy, and take The Chief for a "nature call" during the long Hood Canal push. That's a big relief for me, and no doubt The Chief.
Looking at the weather forecast made me really happy. The weather has been cloudy and cool for the past three days, but will be changing as a large weather high pressure system builds and sits off the coast for the foreseeable two weeks. Which means blue skies and warm weather for the majority of the first leg of the trip.
That's all for now. Hope to post again tonight or tomorrow.
Have a nice day, and I hope you all are planning a wicked nice holiday weekend!
Campy Out!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 7
Good evening!
11 days till underway!
Reflection time:
It seems like many people have been voicing concern about me sailing solo, let alone around Kitsap Peninsula. I'd like to take a moment to set the record strait and aleviate any fears that my friends and relatives may have about my being "fit" for solo sailing.
I'm 49 years old. I have had Parkinson's Disease for well over 10 years now. 18 months ago, I had brain surgery to install a Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS). The surgery was a breeze, but recovery was slow. The brain surgery was done for several reasons I'm sure, but to be quite honest I only remember two of them.
The first reason was that the DBS surgery in an early onset of Parkinson's patient, like me, might just be neuroprotective which "might" actually delay the "progression" of Parkinson's. (I hate that word progression. It is so misleading.)
The second reason that I remember was that I could get off some of the meds that I was taking, which also worked to prolong the "period of effectiveness" that most of the Parkinson's medications seem to have. This actually did happen. I'm on half the meds I used to be on.
So what's it all about any way????
When you, faithful reader, wake up in the morning and go through your morning routine, do you ever stop once to think that you might not be able to brush your teeth tomorrow? or tie your shoes? or zip your fly? Eat cereal from a spoon? Read the paper? How about just take a leak... standing up?
It's like this... I've been on and in the water my entire life. I grew up in Rhode Island and have Blue Ocean Water hard coded in my DNA. I have been sailing since the age of 13. Joined the Navy and retired after 3 ships and a few years at sea. I've cultivated a deep respect for the water, mother nature, good luck and more importantly... bad luck.
I am concerned about my safety, my balance, and the general day to day status of my Parkinson's disease symptoms. If I sat and wondered if I'll be able to sail next Summer, or if I'll have a "bad day" or "freeze" while sailing, or if I can physically handle The Chief (my service dog) while sailing, I would have "spent" a lot of time wondering, and would never get that time back. I could "wonder" myself into a depressive state, and that would do me absolutely no good! So I started scheming and made myself a deal...
The deal was that when my brother came up for a visit, I'd go sailing with him. It was his idea actually. And it worked out like a champ! Me and Ron had a really good time! I had initially planned on taking him down the Hood Canal and leaving the boat there, however the weather didn't cooperate. We ended up sailing for 3 days and had a blast! When he left, I got bummed, because I realized that I could have done the trip, but chickened out!
Sue and I sailed together two years ago and had a blast. She's by far my choice to sail with any time any where. Ron and I sailed this year and had a blast. I sailed a larger boat with some friends earlier this year and had a blast. Reflecting on these thoughts was invigorating! I had sailed my boat many times alone so what was stopping me from doing something that I'm very comfortable with?
And that was when I decided to talk to Sue about me doing the trip solo! She said, "Sure! You need to do this!"
I'm fairly competent at sailing, adamant about safety, push my luck on occasion, and have a deep respect for the power of wind and water. I like meeting new people and seeing the world from a different perspective. I am learning how to listen to my body and I think I'm actually getting better at listening to my body. Its all about fixing your boat to your standards, thinking through the scenarios, making sure that all the pieces of the puzzle have been carefully stuck together, and then get underway and deal with the outcome of your preparation.
So, when I get out of bed tomorrow morning... I will take a leak standing up, brush my teeth, have a bowl of cereal, read the paper, put my pants on, zip my fly, and tie my shoes.
If I can manage all that, I'll damn well go sailing!
The Friday, End of the Week, Break Down:
1. Tested two bank battery charger, SAT!
2. Tested both batteries. SAT!
3. Tested DC system analog volt meter. SAT!
4. Installed jack line (safety line).
5. Varnished anchor cleat wood blocks.
6. Installed dinghy seat box.
7. Painted holey bulk head.
8. Rewired and tested compass light. SAT!
9. Installed Jacobs ladder.
10. Stowed boat.
Left Ta Dooos:
1. Exchange 6 inch cleat for 8 inch anchor cleat, and install.
2. Test anchor system.
3. Test dragging dinghy.
4. Test motoring dinghy.
5. Test transferring from boat to dinghy and back.
6. Fabricate chart table
7. Varnish wood work
8. Evaluate fabrication of new awning.
9. Fabricate new sail gaskets (4)
10. Supplies
11. Clothes
12. Cruising Cash (How much per marina)
13. Log Book
14. Float Plan
15. Trailer Plan
Now to wonder where tomorrow will take me.
Grass = Maybe!
Plants = Maybe!
Boat = Maybe!
Sail = Maybe!
Movie = Maybe!
Long walk = Maybe!
Paint Shed = Maybe!
Maybe I'll get to them all, if I can tie my shoes.
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
11 days till underway!
Reflection time:
It seems like many people have been voicing concern about me sailing solo, let alone around Kitsap Peninsula. I'd like to take a moment to set the record strait and aleviate any fears that my friends and relatives may have about my being "fit" for solo sailing.
I'm 49 years old. I have had Parkinson's Disease for well over 10 years now. 18 months ago, I had brain surgery to install a Deep Brain Stimulator (DBS). The surgery was a breeze, but recovery was slow. The brain surgery was done for several reasons I'm sure, but to be quite honest I only remember two of them.
The first reason was that the DBS surgery in an early onset of Parkinson's patient, like me, might just be neuroprotective which "might" actually delay the "progression" of Parkinson's. (I hate that word progression. It is so misleading.)
The second reason that I remember was that I could get off some of the meds that I was taking, which also worked to prolong the "period of effectiveness" that most of the Parkinson's medications seem to have. This actually did happen. I'm on half the meds I used to be on.
So what's it all about any way????
When you, faithful reader, wake up in the morning and go through your morning routine, do you ever stop once to think that you might not be able to brush your teeth tomorrow? or tie your shoes? or zip your fly? Eat cereal from a spoon? Read the paper? How about just take a leak... standing up?
It's like this... I've been on and in the water my entire life. I grew up in Rhode Island and have Blue Ocean Water hard coded in my DNA. I have been sailing since the age of 13. Joined the Navy and retired after 3 ships and a few years at sea. I've cultivated a deep respect for the water, mother nature, good luck and more importantly... bad luck.
I am concerned about my safety, my balance, and the general day to day status of my Parkinson's disease symptoms. If I sat and wondered if I'll be able to sail next Summer, or if I'll have a "bad day" or "freeze" while sailing, or if I can physically handle The Chief (my service dog) while sailing, I would have "spent" a lot of time wondering, and would never get that time back. I could "wonder" myself into a depressive state, and that would do me absolutely no good! So I started scheming and made myself a deal...
The deal was that when my brother came up for a visit, I'd go sailing with him. It was his idea actually. And it worked out like a champ! Me and Ron had a really good time! I had initially planned on taking him down the Hood Canal and leaving the boat there, however the weather didn't cooperate. We ended up sailing for 3 days and had a blast! When he left, I got bummed, because I realized that I could have done the trip, but chickened out!
Sue and I sailed together two years ago and had a blast. She's by far my choice to sail with any time any where. Ron and I sailed this year and had a blast. I sailed a larger boat with some friends earlier this year and had a blast. Reflecting on these thoughts was invigorating! I had sailed my boat many times alone so what was stopping me from doing something that I'm very comfortable with?
And that was when I decided to talk to Sue about me doing the trip solo! She said, "Sure! You need to do this!"
I'm fairly competent at sailing, adamant about safety, push my luck on occasion, and have a deep respect for the power of wind and water. I like meeting new people and seeing the world from a different perspective. I am learning how to listen to my body and I think I'm actually getting better at listening to my body. Its all about fixing your boat to your standards, thinking through the scenarios, making sure that all the pieces of the puzzle have been carefully stuck together, and then get underway and deal with the outcome of your preparation.
So, when I get out of bed tomorrow morning... I will take a leak standing up, brush my teeth, have a bowl of cereal, read the paper, put my pants on, zip my fly, and tie my shoes.
If I can manage all that, I'll damn well go sailing!
The Friday, End of the Week, Break Down:
1. Tested two bank battery charger, SAT!
2. Tested both batteries. SAT!
3. Tested DC system analog volt meter. SAT!
4. Installed jack line (safety line).
5. Varnished anchor cleat wood blocks.
6. Installed dinghy seat box.
7. Painted holey bulk head.
8. Rewired and tested compass light. SAT!
9. Installed Jacobs ladder.
10. Stowed boat.
Left Ta Dooos:
1. Exchange 6 inch cleat for 8 inch anchor cleat, and install.
2. Test anchor system.
3. Test dragging dinghy.
4. Test motoring dinghy.
5. Test transferring from boat to dinghy and back.
6. Fabricate chart table
7. Varnish wood work
8. Evaluate fabrication of new awning.
9. Fabricate new sail gaskets (4)
10. Supplies
11. Clothes
12. Cruising Cash (How much per marina)
13. Log Book
14. Float Plan
15. Trailer Plan
Now to wonder where tomorrow will take me.
Grass = Maybe!
Plants = Maybe!
Boat = Maybe!
Sail = Maybe!
Movie = Maybe!
Long walk = Maybe!
Paint Shed = Maybe!
Maybe I'll get to them all, if I can tie my shoes.
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 6
Good evening!
Two weeks left to go!
Got a bunch of hard stuff done today and yesterday. I've also been "Greening" the original list in update 3.
The weather here has been Pacific Northwest perfect for like 3 weeks now. And I've been capitalizing on my time on the boat, which has had the unfortunate and opposite effect on our yard. I think I'm going to have to water the flowers tomorrow and cut the grass.
So here's the break down so far.
Monday and Tuesday I worked on:
1. Installed two bank battery charger, hard wired to a dedicated 15amp outlet.
2. Installed second marine deep cycle battery, and hard wired both batteries to the battery charger.
3. Charged batteries over night, and received a satisfactory green light indication on battery charger.
4. Installed DC system analog volt meter. Installed in power distribution panel, adjacent to old "good/bad" battery indicator. Hard wired new volt meter to existing volt meter. Tested satisfactory.
5. Installed jack line (safety line).
6. Finished fabrication of dinghy seat. Will paint tomorrow and install in dinghy Thursday.
7. Went for a much needed two hour sail today with Don and Jake.
Left ta dooos:
1. Install anchor cleat.
2. Install dinghy seat.
3. Test anchor system.
4. Test dragging dinghy.
5. Test motoring dinghy.
6. Test transferring from boat to dinghy and back.
7. Paint bulk head
8. Fabricate chart table
9. Stow boat
10. Varnish wood work
11. Evaluate fabrication of new awning.
12. New sail gaskets (4)
Now to wonder where tomorrow will take me. Grass? Plants? Boat? Man, maybe I'll get to them all!
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
Two weeks left to go!
Got a bunch of hard stuff done today and yesterday. I've also been "Greening" the original list in update 3.
The weather here has been Pacific Northwest perfect for like 3 weeks now. And I've been capitalizing on my time on the boat, which has had the unfortunate and opposite effect on our yard. I think I'm going to have to water the flowers tomorrow and cut the grass.
So here's the break down so far.
Monday and Tuesday I worked on:
1. Installed two bank battery charger, hard wired to a dedicated 15amp outlet.
2. Installed second marine deep cycle battery, and hard wired both batteries to the battery charger.
3. Charged batteries over night, and received a satisfactory green light indication on battery charger.
4. Installed DC system analog volt meter. Installed in power distribution panel, adjacent to old "good/bad" battery indicator. Hard wired new volt meter to existing volt meter. Tested satisfactory.
5. Installed jack line (safety line).
6. Finished fabrication of dinghy seat. Will paint tomorrow and install in dinghy Thursday.
7. Went for a much needed two hour sail today with Don and Jake.
Left ta dooos:
1. Install anchor cleat.
2. Install dinghy seat.
3. Test anchor system.
4. Test dragging dinghy.
5. Test motoring dinghy.
6. Test transferring from boat to dinghy and back.
7. Paint bulk head
8. Fabricate chart table
9. Stow boat
10. Varnish wood work
11. Evaluate fabrication of new awning.
12. New sail gaskets (4)
Now to wonder where tomorrow will take me. Grass? Plants? Boat? Man, maybe I'll get to them all!
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 5.
Spend this last weekend working on the tedious projects that I really hate to do like sanding teak blocks, filling in nail holes on the dinghy seat, fabricating a jack line. Spent time buying flashlights, some non perishable food, deep cycle battery, battery charger, and other things that have been on my list of stuff to get.
This weekend I worked on:
Finishing the inflatable boat seat box. Figured out how to fasten it to the wood floor of the dinghy, what to paint it with, and how to attach the hinge.
Buying more stuff to finish outfitting the boat.
Painted registration number on boat. Place annual sticker on boat.
Today I hope to complete:
Install outlet
Install battery charger
Charge Batteries
Paint aft bulkhead
No varnishing today... rain predicted... bummer
Bolt on Zodiac Bench after installing piano hinge and latch to top, and painting box.
Bolt on Anchor Cleat after varnishing it.
Install Jack Line
Stow safety lighting
Install cock pit item holders.
Plan meals (shopping list) for trip.
I think that should keep me busy for the day today. Got to go to the gym first to work some of these muscle and joint kinks out. Will update you all later on today as to my progress.
Campy Out!
This weekend I worked on:
Finishing the inflatable boat seat box. Figured out how to fasten it to the wood floor of the dinghy, what to paint it with, and how to attach the hinge.
Buying more stuff to finish outfitting the boat.
Painted registration number on boat. Place annual sticker on boat.
Today I hope to complete:
Install outlet
Install battery charger
Charge Batteries
Paint aft bulkhead
No varnishing today... rain predicted... bummer
Bolt on Zodiac Bench after installing piano hinge and latch to top, and painting box.
Bolt on Anchor Cleat after varnishing it.
Install Jack Line
Stow safety lighting
Install cock pit item holders.
Plan meals (shopping list) for trip.
I think that should keep me busy for the day today. Got to go to the gym first to work some of these muscle and joint kinks out. Will update you all later on today as to my progress.
Campy Out!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 4
OK Sports Fans... Another update on the Solo Sail Around Kitsap project (S.S.A.K.)
18 Days left till underway!
Anyone with a better acronym or name for this project please feel free to chime in!
Yesterday I worked on:
1. Making the dinghy rowing seat. Looks pretty good so far. Nice and strong and just the right height. Filled in the screw holes and stowed the boat.
2. Wired in the compass, but shorted out the circuit and blew a fuse. After moving fuses around, I still had no light on the compass but every thing else on the circuit worked. Maybe the light is too weak and has to be seen at night.
3. Figured out a Jack line for the boat. I love Harbor Freight!
4. Oh... need more fuses. New item on the list!
5. Filling in screw holes in the aft bulkhead.
Today, I worked on:
1. The forward anchor cleat, which requires a teak sandwich above and below deck in order to strengthen the cleat. Made the sandwich... got to round the edges, bolt together, varnish, and install on the boat. (Don't want to rip the cleat out of the deck on a dark and windy night at anchor... No sir!)
2. Purchased permanent battery charger and 2nd marine battery. Installation may have to wait until Monday, need to install another house outlet on the boat.
3. Finishing the Dinghy seat/box - bought molding, paint, need cushion for top. I've also got to find latches to secure the lid and to secure the box to the wood floor of the dinghy.
4. Purchased chart 18840 for chart table! Need craft epoxy to finish the Chart Table.
5. Installed spare tire holder and tire on trailer, freed up brake line connectors.
6. Fabricated "Jack Line" from 3000 pound webbing, and 500 pound shackles from Harbor Freight... cost: $18.00. ($70.00 at West Marine!)
Tomorrow's a planned light day.
Field day shop in AM...
Les Miserable at the 5th Ave in the Afternoon.
Chill out at home with the little lady.
Campy Out!
18 Days left till underway!
Anyone with a better acronym or name for this project please feel free to chime in!
Yesterday I worked on:
1. Making the dinghy rowing seat. Looks pretty good so far. Nice and strong and just the right height. Filled in the screw holes and stowed the boat.
2. Wired in the compass, but shorted out the circuit and blew a fuse. After moving fuses around, I still had no light on the compass but every thing else on the circuit worked. Maybe the light is too weak and has to be seen at night.
3. Figured out a Jack line for the boat. I love Harbor Freight!
4. Oh... need more fuses. New item on the list!
5. Filling in screw holes in the aft bulkhead.
Today, I worked on:
1. The forward anchor cleat, which requires a teak sandwich above and below deck in order to strengthen the cleat. Made the sandwich... got to round the edges, bolt together, varnish, and install on the boat. (Don't want to rip the cleat out of the deck on a dark and windy night at anchor... No sir!)
2. Purchased permanent battery charger and 2nd marine battery. Installation may have to wait until Monday, need to install another house outlet on the boat.
3. Finishing the Dinghy seat/box - bought molding, paint, need cushion for top. I've also got to find latches to secure the lid and to secure the box to the wood floor of the dinghy.
4. Purchased chart 18840 for chart table! Need craft epoxy to finish the Chart Table.
5. Installed spare tire holder and tire on trailer, freed up brake line connectors.
6. Fabricated "Jack Line" from 3000 pound webbing, and 500 pound shackles from Harbor Freight... cost: $18.00. ($70.00 at West Marine!)
Tomorrow's a planned light day.
Field day shop in AM...
Les Miserable at the 5th Ave in the Afternoon.
Chill out at home with the little lady.
Campy Out!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Solo Sail Around Kitsap, Update 3
As promised yesterday here is the list of items left to complete prior to my planned Sept 7th underway. I didn't include dates on these items due to the fact that this list is a moving target of money, energy, weather, and time. I will color each item Green when completed. So here goes nothing!
Windsocket Refit Items:
Paint Registration Numbers on Inflatable dinghy
Fabricate and install Seat for Inflatable dinghy
Rig and test inflatable with boat motor
Install anchor cleat with backing block
Rig and Test anchor system
Fill old screw holes in bulkhead
Supplies (Perishable)
Fast Cruise Port Orchard
Underway
I'm so looking forward to getting underway, although I really enjoy working on the boat just as much sailing her.
Stay tuned sports fans! More updates coming!
Campy Out!
Windsocket Refit Items:
Paint Registration Numbers on Inflatable dinghy
Fabricate and install Seat for Inflatable dinghy
Inflatable in Water
Rig and test inflatable tow line Rig and test inflatable with boat motor
Install anchor cleat with backing block
Rig and Test anchor system
Fill old screw holes in bulkhead
Install dinghy tow cleat with backing block
Install battery charger
Install deep cycle battery (#2)
Charge deep cycle battery (#1)
Install Jack Line
Fabricate cooking board for cockpit (could be combined with inflatable seat)
Refit trailer
Measure and balance mast
Install cockpit item holderEpoxy Puget Sound Chart to table top
Crab Trap
Stow boat
Supplies (Non Perishable)Supplies (Perishable)
Fast Cruise Port Orchard
Underway
I'm so looking forward to getting underway, although I really enjoy working on the boat just as much sailing her.
Stay tuned sports fans! More updates coming!
Campy Out!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sail Around Kitsap Update 2
OK Sports Fans... Another update on the Solo Sail Around Kitsap Project (S.S.A.K.P.)
I know, I really got to come up with a better acronym... any witty suggestions???
I've set the date of departure as September 7th, more specifically, on the falling tide and with a following wind. My second task was to work a three mandatory portage dates in the schedule in order to meet obligatory personal engagements. Here's what I've worked out:
We Aug 17 - Refit Continues
Su Sept 4 - Refit Ends
Su Sept 4 - Supply Load Out (Non Perishables)
Mo Sept 5 - Stow Gear, Review Saftey Gear, Inventory Check
Tu Sept 6 - Supply Load out (Perishables)
Tu Sept 6 - Fast Cruise
We Sept 7 - Depart Port Orchard Marina
Th Sept 8 - Kingston Municipal Pier, Kingston, WA
Fr Sept 9 - Pleasant Harbor, Brinnon, WA
Sa Sept 10 - Hood Canal Marina, Union, WA
Su Sept 11 - Visit Allyn Warf, Allyn, WA
Su Sept 11 - Hood Canal Marina, Union, WA
Mo Sept 12 - Ludlow Marina, Port Ludlow, WA
Tu Sept 13 - Poulsbo Marina, Poulsbo, WA
We Sept 14 - Return to Port Orchard Marina
Th Sept 15 - Event Prep
Fr Sept 16 - Major Event
Sa Sept 17 - Recover
Su Sept 18 - Restock Boat
Mo Sept 19 - Depart Port Orchard Marina
Tu Sept 20 - Docton Docks, Mauri Island, WA
We Sept 21 - Longbranch Warf, Longbranch, WA
Th Sept 22 - Visit Port of Allyn, Allyn, WA
Th Sept 22 - Fair Harbor Marina, Grapeview, WA
Fr Sept 23 - Swan Town Marina, Olympia, WA
Sa Sept 24 - Gig Harbor Municipal Pier, Gig Harbor, WA
Su Sept 25 - Return to Port Orchard Marina
Su Sept 25 - SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS!!!!
Now that's out of the way, I can focus on the left yet to do list and get the list projected out from to departure date. Just think... only 17 days of refit left!
Tomorrow, I'll update the project list for everyone to follow along.
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
I know, I really got to come up with a better acronym... any witty suggestions???
I've set the date of departure as September 7th, more specifically, on the falling tide and with a following wind. My second task was to work a three mandatory portage dates in the schedule in order to meet obligatory personal engagements. Here's what I've worked out:
We Aug 17 - Refit Continues
Su Sept 4 - Refit Ends
Su Sept 4 - Supply Load Out (Non Perishables)
Mo Sept 5 - Stow Gear, Review Saftey Gear, Inventory Check
Tu Sept 6 - Supply Load out (Perishables)
Tu Sept 6 - Fast Cruise
We Sept 7 - Depart Port Orchard Marina
Th Sept 8 - Kingston Municipal Pier, Kingston, WA
Fr Sept 9 - Pleasant Harbor, Brinnon, WA
Sa Sept 10 - Hood Canal Marina, Union, WA
Su Sept 11 - Visit Allyn Warf, Allyn, WA
Su Sept 11 - Hood Canal Marina, Union, WA
Mo Sept 12 - Ludlow Marina, Port Ludlow, WA
Tu Sept 13 - Poulsbo Marina, Poulsbo, WA
We Sept 14 - Return to Port Orchard Marina
Th Sept 15 - Event Prep
Fr Sept 16 - Major Event
Sa Sept 17 - Recover
Su Sept 18 - Restock Boat
Mo Sept 19 - Depart Port Orchard Marina
Tu Sept 20 - Docton Docks, Mauri Island, WA
We Sept 21 - Longbranch Warf, Longbranch, WA
Th Sept 22 - Visit Port of Allyn, Allyn, WA
Th Sept 22 - Fair Harbor Marina, Grapeview, WA
Fr Sept 23 - Swan Town Marina, Olympia, WA
Sa Sept 24 - Gig Harbor Municipal Pier, Gig Harbor, WA
Su Sept 25 - Return to Port Orchard Marina
Su Sept 25 - SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS!!!!
Now that's out of the way, I can focus on the left yet to do list and get the list projected out from to departure date. Just think... only 17 days of refit left!
Tomorrow, I'll update the project list for everyone to follow along.
Good night for now!
Campy Out!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Solo Circumnavigation of Kitsap Peninsula, 2011
After a few weeks of thinking and rethinking, I think it's time to set a date and actually start planning my solo sail around Kitsap Peninsula, in a 38 year old, 22 foot Catalina sailboat called "Windsocket". Since I'll be leaving from the Port Orchard/Bremerton area located on the Puget Sound's Sinclair Inlet, the trip will be somewhere just over 400 miles of sailing. I think I'll start just after Labor Day and take three lazy weeks to complete the trip and really soak in the beauty of the Puget Sound.
So looking at a calendar, it appears my begin date will be September 5, 2011. Since I've been working on the boat most of the summer I think it's pretty well prepared at this moment to get underway. Since I have three weeks to get underway as a couple of things I need to add, or modify in order to make it a safe and comfortable cruise for me and Chief my service dog.
Some of you reading this just reread the phrase "service dog". Yes I have a service dog. His name is "Chief" and is a two-year-old Australian Shepherd mix that's just about as smart as I am. I travel with Chief wherever I go. For those who don't know me I'm a 49-year-old guy with Parkinson's disease. I've had Parkinson's for about 14 to 15 years, and 18 months ago I had brain surgery to install a deep brain stimulator in my left brain! After some initial programming setbacks, I feel much better, stronger, and although a bit heavier (up 25 pounds), I feel pretty darn good most days. Back to Chief, he used to help me get around, but now he pretty much reminds me to take my medicine, rest went I'm tired, and finds things went I can't remember where I put them. Chief is pretty cool!
I'm not going to worry too much about the Parkinson's thing. I've had it for so long now that I don't think about it most days, with the exception of taking my medicine 4 times a day. I don't intend to let Parkinson's disease rule my life anymore. I used to sail quite a bit, and after nearly one year off, I'm ready to hit the water again and see if I've still got the mental and physical strength to reclaim myself from Parkinson's. As long as I can move safely, I don't want to miss any opportunities... In other words, I don't want to have any regrets or doubts later on.
So now back to the list of things I've got to do to the boat before going away:
Install a hardwired battery charger
Replace number two battery battery
Install cockpit gear holders
Install anchor cleat forward
Install dinghy cleats (also acts as aft anchor points)
Install a safety "jack" line aft to forward
Test the anchor system
Test inflatable dinghy towing and motor transfer.
Buy new (2nd) crab pot
Buy new logbook
Buy Salmon fishing gear (Will be dragging a line for the duration)
stocked boat with food, supplies, and clothing.
Reschedule dental appointment
Reschedule doctors appointment
Clear calendar for three weeks
It probably seems like a long list, but should take only a week to finish. I figure this day and age of reality shows, websites and blogs, it would only be fitting for me to chronicle this event as electronically as possible, so look for pictures, movies, blog updates, and Picasso picture posts during the trip as I find Wi-Fi availability.
So that's my update for today! I'm looking forward to taking pictures of what the boat looks like, upgrades, stowage, sleeping and cooking arrangements, and bathroom issues.
Stay tuned kiddeeees! This is gonna get fun!
Campy Out!
So looking at a calendar, it appears my begin date will be September 5, 2011. Since I've been working on the boat most of the summer I think it's pretty well prepared at this moment to get underway. Since I have three weeks to get underway as a couple of things I need to add, or modify in order to make it a safe and comfortable cruise for me and Chief my service dog.
Some of you reading this just reread the phrase "service dog". Yes I have a service dog. His name is "Chief" and is a two-year-old Australian Shepherd mix that's just about as smart as I am. I travel with Chief wherever I go. For those who don't know me I'm a 49-year-old guy with Parkinson's disease. I've had Parkinson's for about 14 to 15 years, and 18 months ago I had brain surgery to install a deep brain stimulator in my left brain! After some initial programming setbacks, I feel much better, stronger, and although a bit heavier (up 25 pounds), I feel pretty darn good most days. Back to Chief, he used to help me get around, but now he pretty much reminds me to take my medicine, rest went I'm tired, and finds things went I can't remember where I put them. Chief is pretty cool!
I'm not going to worry too much about the Parkinson's thing. I've had it for so long now that I don't think about it most days, with the exception of taking my medicine 4 times a day. I don't intend to let Parkinson's disease rule my life anymore. I used to sail quite a bit, and after nearly one year off, I'm ready to hit the water again and see if I've still got the mental and physical strength to reclaim myself from Parkinson's. As long as I can move safely, I don't want to miss any opportunities... In other words, I don't want to have any regrets or doubts later on.
So now back to the list of things I've got to do to the boat before going away:
Install a hardwired battery charger
Replace number two battery battery
Install cockpit gear holders
Install anchor cleat forward
Install dinghy cleats (also acts as aft anchor points)
Install a safety "jack" line aft to forward
Test the anchor system
Test inflatable dinghy towing and motor transfer.
Buy new (2nd) crab pot
Buy new logbook
Buy Salmon fishing gear (Will be dragging a line for the duration)
stocked boat with food, supplies, and clothing.
Reschedule dental appointment
Reschedule doctors appointment
Clear calendar for three weeks
It probably seems like a long list, but should take only a week to finish. I figure this day and age of reality shows, websites and blogs, it would only be fitting for me to chronicle this event as electronically as possible, so look for pictures, movies, blog updates, and Picasso picture posts during the trip as I find Wi-Fi availability.
So that's my update for today! I'm looking forward to taking pictures of what the boat looks like, upgrades, stowage, sleeping and cooking arrangements, and bathroom issues.
Stay tuned kiddeeees! This is gonna get fun!
Campy Out!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Well???
Hey man... Its Summer!
I've been ignoring email, my blog, and the yard, but I have been working on the boat, sailing, traveling with my daughter, sailing with my brother, going on a vacation with my wife next week, and hanging out with The Chief.
I'm sure once the clouds and rainy weather come back, I'll be a little more in the mood to write something. Until later...
Campy Out!
I've been ignoring email, my blog, and the yard, but I have been working on the boat, sailing, traveling with my daughter, sailing with my brother, going on a vacation with my wife next week, and hanging out with The Chief.
I'm sure once the clouds and rainy weather come back, I'll be a little more in the mood to write something. Until later...
Campy Out!
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