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!
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