First Dingy Ride

Yesterday we went for our first dingy ride since we have been here. Chuck had to have some work done on the outboard (of course) and it is now working like a charm! So... out we went onto the water - actually moving! For Charlotte it was a little scary, because we are talking about a 7' rubber raft instead of the 40' sailboat. But (especially for the family) she wore her life jacket and braved the waters. It was actually very fun and we saw a little bit of the island that you don't see from the streets. Traveling this way you get to see all the houses with their private docks and boats ranging from large to very small (falling down docks too).

Since we aren't moving yet, Chuck took the opportunity to attend Sea-School and get his Captain's license. You can get different levels and this one is called a six-pak. Anyway, he is going to be going to school for the next 10 days and get his certification. Exciting for him.

Well there isn't much to elaborate on as we are still working on das-boat and getting closer to actually sailing..... we can't wait.

We love and miss everyone and look forward to seeing you sometime in the near future. Once we get underway - we still hope for visitors.

Chuck & Charlotte

Words from Sailors

A collision at sea can ruin your entire day!

And - most appropriate:
A boat is a hole in the water, surrounded by fiberglass, into which you throw money!

Chuck & Charlotte

The Perfect Storm

The Marina that we are staying in is also a full functioning boat yard. It has all sorts of boats in the yard that are being worked on. There is also a full crew of workers that are interesting individuals themselves. The boats range from small power boats, large yachts, sailboats like ours, trawlers, tug boats, small fishing boats, large fishing boats, tug boats, and dolphin cruise boats. As I was walking through the yard today I noticed that they had brought in a commercial fishing boat and it reminded me of the boat that Captain Billy (George Cloony) owned and took his crew out to make a large catch and answer their financial needs. I could see Bobby, Murph, Sully, etc. Well maybe I was really seeing George Cloony and Mark Wahlberg (hehe). I've included a picture of this boat for your viewing pleasure.

This brought a new reality to me and that is I am getting a whole new level of education and culture than I've ever had. I am very grateful that I grew up an Army Brat because I had an enormous life education; and I now believe this is another chapter in my life education.

Geriatric Moment

Everyone has said they can't get into our blog. Well guess what folks... my 'geriatric bad.' Go figure. I put the wrong address in the email.. of course it was only one little character; I said use @ and it should be .
Enough of that, so let's get everyone updated.

We have now been on the boat for almost 7 weeks, and every day is an adventure - not always glorious and fun, but definitely an adventure. We have had cold weather that was most unexpected, and some absolutely beautiful days. However,,,, with the beautiful days they have something down here in Georgia that is called 'noseeums' which is a very fitting name. These little creatures can get through screens and some netting and they bit you as though they are big bugs. They are only gnats, but they are so pesty it is unbelievable. They like weather between 60 and 80 just like us humans. So when it is colder they are gone... and when it is hotter... they are gone. Folks in Georgia and probably other southeast states support Avon with the purchase of Skin So Soft because it is the best repellent for these nasty little creatures.

We have discovered that there is much more work on this old boat that anticipated, but not to worry, we are still living the dream. There are days it seems to get a little fuzzy, but then brightens up with some little pleasures; sitting in the cockpit and watching the sunset; watching the dolphins play and swim by the boat; watching the otters play and splash in the water; laying up top and soaking up a little sunshine; and just watching the water and knowing very shortly we will be actually sailing and seeing some awesome sights in this country.

Well that is enough update for today and I'll be getting a little more consistent now that I have figured out the problem with everyone accessing this.

Chuck & Charlotte
Captain & First Mate