Day 49 - the valiant voyage — Captain Father John

Miles cruised 0, fuel purchased 0, slip fee TBD, daily high temperature 75*F

We awoke to the sound of rain on the deck and rolling thunder. The forecast is for rain for two days. The temperature has dropped 10*F so it is quite comfortable on the upper deck and we can spread out. I have not played my ukulele for two days. I can serenade the empty dock.

We are the upper red dot. Key West is the lower red dot and a future destination.

Randy Ferrand of Stalwart sent us an update – “Here in Fairhope we are experiencing a low tide plus a strong NE wind that has pushed water out of the bay. I awoke around 3:00 a.m. to the sound of 38,000 pounds of boat bouncing off the bottom. I’m thinking this can’t be good for a boat. Otherwise, I’m getting the boat organized and ready for the adventure to Key West and points beyond. The boat is shaping up but much more organization of this, that, and the other.”

Yesterday a Hatteras 53′ named Babycakes docked on the end pier where we had been. They came in on one engine also. I hope their engine issue is easily fixed.

I spent another hour talking with Direct TV. It turns out our TracVision satellite dish cannot accept an HD signal. An HD signal requires three satellites and our dish can only track one satellite. After endless attempts to set up local channels Priscilla said ask them for a free NFL package for today. The Direct TV rep said yes and Dale got to watch the Vikings win.

Monday will be the moment of truth. Will all our parts arrive? Will the repairs be completed in time for us to cruise to Carrabelle on Wednesday and cross the gulf on Thursday.

This is a ZF transmission. I hope one like this arrives on Monday.

We are the red triangle and will cross to the Tampa area.

We are already thinking about our next adventure after we complete the Loop. Who wants to volunteer?

Carl (Chef) Wooden – quote of the day.

I grew to judge every purchase by how many bronze screws I could buy for the boat if I didn’t spend on this or made do without that. – Lin Pardey, Bull Canyon: A Boatbuilder