Saturday April 21, 2012
The wind is coming, a “Big Blow” some call it, “A Blow” others call it but Fred says it is not a “Blow”, just wind. Either way you look at it, it should make for a great Regatta if it holds out. This morning was quiet although Fred got on the net this morning and asked for assistance to lower our American Flag which worked it’s way to the very top of the mast and never did work it’s way back down as we had hoped. Tony from s/v ONEDAY answered and was over here within the hour. He brought an interesting mast webbing that can be hoisted up the mast but we decided to use the chair bosons instead. It was very windy, about 15 knots and I was the one going up. The mast is 50 feet 4 inches tall and the flag was all the way up there. I learned the last time to make sure I was back into the seat because it can be a back strainer if not positioned correctly. The ride up was amazing. Although I had to hold on tightly with my hands and wrap my feet around the mast to keep from blowing around in the gusts of wind, I did get some fantastic views of the harbor and could see forever. It’s amazing how 50 feet up can enhance your views. I released the flag, untangled the lines and snapped the hook onto the safety line. Down I went, trying to keep the loose line from hitting the wind generator. I have to admit, it was worth the trip and yes, I would do it again, anytime! The last time I was up there halfway, the wind was calm. This time, it was the most amazing feeling hanging onto the top of the mast as it swayed pretty far from one side to the other, giving me a feeling of flying. (I hated to come down). Fred got the flag situated and we need to buy a cleat for it. For now, we proudly fly the American, properly, on Casa Mare’.
The rest of the morning and into the afternoon was just tinkering around, then about 3:00 I called Irish Eyes to see if we could catch a ride into town to pick up some bread we ordered. They need some things from the market anyway. Now we are settled in and waiting for this so called Blow/wind to come. Tomorrow it should be accompanied with a much needed rain. Then comes the Family Regatta.
We are hit and miss with the Internet now. Sometimes we get lucky and can get on, most of the time, not. I have been reading a book called Amaryllis in Blueberry and completely board with it so decided last night to put it in the book trading bag. I will search for another. I have a few extra emergency ones I picked up for this just in case situation, as I am in now. Tomorrow we get the outboard, hoping anyway. Fred is still working on the Sea Screen. So far, we have not sunk! As long as the bilge pump is working, I am okay! Things take time.
Last night I managed to get most of my April pictures on Facebook and finished the rest this morning. I am so behind on my pictures...I need to make that more of a priority than I have been. Fine time to discover that revelation...we are on our way back home now. HA! Life in the shipping lanes!
It’s fun watching these fellow’s practicing in their sloops. I have been taking pictures, practicing at fast speeds with the telephoto lens and focusing. Glad I did.
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