First Post 2017-2018 Adventure

While we had planned to make a trip during the summer to do some projects on the boat, that did not happen. On June 5, our son James married Laura.  Beautiful wedding.  Between the hurricanes in Florida – you may remember that there were a couple that affected the Florida east coast – and the projects at the house (new dining room windows, a new front porch added) – and projects at our son James’ house (remodel bathroom, new plumbing, added kitchen cabinets), the summer just flew by.

In addition, because our son Jeff took our dogs with him when he moved to Utah last summer, we have been in canine withdrawal.  So, we began fostering Labrador retriever’s through New England Lab Rescue www.newenglandlabrescue.com   Our first foster was Panky, a yellow lab who came to us after having had puppies, parvo virus and heart worm.  She had been treated for all these issues, but was definitely still in recovery.  She was with us a bit over three weeks and had gained weight and had a full dark new coat when she left us for her forever home.  Next we had two puppies (Rip and Riker), 4 month olds.  What a riot!  Into everything and a bundle of fun.  Never an accident in the house, tho’.  They were with us only a couple of weeks.  Then came Jake, our project dog.  He is black lab, between 3 and 4 years old, had been treated for heartworm, had been in one home and then a kennel. We think he was either chained out in a yard, or kept in a kennel prior to his rescue. His main issue was trust and he guarded anything his fiercely.  He was with us until we left on October 28, about 4 months.  Long story made short, he has turned into a lovely companion.  He has been getting extensive training with Tammy Davis (who in our opinion is a dog whisperer) and us.  Jake is now with Brett, who we used as a dog walker/hiker, his son Dexter and Lulu (another Lab).  What a nice ending to that adventure.

Click here to see pictures from our summer update

The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival was in Laconia October 13-15.  Lots of food that is bad for you, music and booths. Walking distance from the house.  We found some great apple cider donuts!

October 28, we loaded the car and set off for Vero Beach, where the boat spent the summer .  Lots of boat projects, including adding the support and an additional solar panel.  Nice that we drove down because we spent a lot of time running to get odds and ends for the projects.  Over the summer, Pete (who looked after Rhiannon for us), installed new fixed side windows on the starboard side (last year one got broken in the yard at Brunswick) and replaced/repaired the 6 opening ports in the cabin.  In addition, we had Mike (Hatge Boat Yard), work on our electrical system.  New batteries, an additional starting battery, a smart requlator for the engine alternator, new wiring, breakers, monitors and shutoffs, etc.  Quite an extensive job.  The end result is 50% more battery storage, better charging systems, wiring and monitoring – and 100% more solar!

November 6, we took the boat 12 miles south the Fort Pierce (Cracker Boys’ Marine Center) and hauled the boat.  Pete worked on redoing the bottom paint and a guy named George compounded and waxed the hull.  The repair we had done to the stern at Brunswick now has changed color and the paint is peeling.  It wasn’t supposed to be paint, it was supposed to be gelcoat and the guy who did it was the “best there is at gelcoat repairs”.

While we were out of the water, we stayed with our friends and former cruisers Stan and Judy (aka Rhumb Runner), who now reside in Vero.  We have known these folks for 28 years now. On Friday, we went to Dinner at the American Icon Brewery.  It is a brand new brewhouse/restaurant located in the old power plant here in Vero. They did a nice job restoring the facility, but it is a two-story brick building, all open, and very noisy. The waitress was not familiar with the menu. The service was slow. Stan and Judy’s’ dinner came out, then mine, but somehow they lost Lisa’s order.  My steak was raw so they took it back.  The manager said she was keeping an eye on my order, but then we never saw her again.  By the time it re-appeared, everyone else was done eating.  This time the steak was tough and over cooked.  We will wait 6 months and then try the place again, maybe – if it is still in business.

 We have taken all the canvas off the boat and sent it out to be worked on.  We are having some repairs done and everything re-stitched.  Seems like every time we try to close a zipper, the stitching comes out.  In addition, the dodger stayed on the boat during the hurricane and some of the seams need attention.  At some point, the dodger and bimini will need to be replaced, but that is not in the budget for this year. Carol Brocker is doing the work for us (Pete’s sister).  If you ever need canvas work done while in Vero, give her a call (425-563-9926).

We went back in the water on Saturday, November 10, and returned to Vero Beach City Marina.  The place has filled up since we left with cruisers heading south.  We rafted on a mooring with YOLO (You Only Live Once, Molly and Stevie), who we met last year.  On Monday, we had dinner with Skip and Lydia (Flying Pig) and Roz (Sarah) at the Grill on the Green. The food was good, but the menu is limited. Yolo left on Thursday, November 16, headed for Lake Worth, then across to the Abacos.  They were replaced as mooring mates by Nightingale (Libby and Grant).  We met them last year.

On Tuesday, November 14, we got the new solar panel wired into the controller.  With twice the solar input and 50% more battery storage, we hope to minimize the use of the generator when not plugged into a dock.

Wednesday, November 15, Lisa had a dental appointment to check an implant which she said felt loose.  Turns out, they removed the crown and torques down the screw, so no all is back as it should be. I could have done that - I have a torque wrench on board!

On Sunday, another boat was added to our raft – Jiibay Na Noodin with Ron and Phebe aboard.  The marina and moorings are all full now, with multiple boats (rafts) on most moorings.

On Monday, November 20, we got all the canvas back from Carol.  Just in time for the big storms coming this week. We had dinner on Monday with Roz and Rob (Sarah) at Mr. Manatee’s.  It was $5 hamburger night and the place was crowded. The food was good as always. It stormed overnight and into this morning. 

Today, Tuesday, Lisa had another dental appointment to check her implant and to get fitted with a mouth guard, which will help her not grind her teeth while sleeping.

Click on this link for more pictures

There are several boats here that we have met on previous trips

Carrie Mae
Escape
Salty Paws
Nightingale
Alora
Compass Rose
Yolo (already Departed)
Grace
So Far, So Good
Cantable
Flying Pig

Nice to see all these folks again!