Polar Vortex

When I was a kid, they called it snow...

Nevertheless we left Michigan in drifting feet of the stuff with our 4 wheel drive providing grip to the wheels that slip. Semi trucks were jack-knifed every few miles along with multitudinous phone yapping commuters buried windows deep in ravines and ditches. Bound for North Carolina on the eve of 'Polar Vortex Leon', ignoring the hype from the talking heads, we threw our junk in the trunk and took off cause it weren't nothin. Like Joseph Conrad we trekked forth into the heart of darkness. But once we entered the snow bands further south we got a hotel and relaxed poolside with a pizza while one inch of precip caused a maelstrom on the freeways. 

The next morning we smuggled the bat out of our room, dusted off the truck, and took to the slopes. The remaining 5 hours of the trip was spent primarily in the oncoming traffic lane as we roared past catatonic drivers at three times their speed. We made our destination without haste and I'm sure receiving many a raised brow in doing so. 

Even the local birds were traumatized by the snow. This Finch let me pick it up so that we could move it to a safer locale. 

We arrived at the boat to find it sprayed with ice. We are taking notes on winter aboard living as we will do this to the extreme in Michigan come a few short years. With five heaters and a dehumidifier, one might not even realize the exterior looks like the ice capades. 

In the next day or two we will drive back to Ohio, over to Chicago, once again to Ohio, then off again for NC. From that point, approximately Feb 21st, we will cast off our lines for Florida. 

Hugh Hefner

Arguably, many men would appreciate the lifestyle of American magazine publisher, Hugh Hefner. He wears a robe all day, lays in bed 90% of the time, girls bring him food, and he has an entourage of friends and family constantly visiting him. 

As of late, my own father has aspired to such heights as he has been in the care of some of Ohio's finest medical practitioners. A lifestyle not uncommon to Heff, mein Vatter is enjoying the high roller life as he wiles away his days. Here he is, raising the roof. 

As you can see, our pet bat has taken roost with him. I must admit, for awhile, we tried to pass her off as a Chihuahua, but people caught on. We had her wings removed for safety. 

Anyway, that is why we have been up North so much this winter instead of working on the boat. 

Jack Frost Would be Envious

Currently we are road-tripping up North to Michigan and Ohio. Fortunately we have been blessed with multiple snow storms. 

The kids enjoy some sled riding at Dayma's house. 

Out for a nice dinner in North Michigan. The roast cow flesh was barbaric. 

The new pooch has adapted well to our restless lifestyle. She has an innate sense for when she is being smuggled. This ability will serve her well in a life of piracy. 

Spirit of Christmas

During the past few weeks, Christmas was alive in Oriental and we took full advantage of every oppertunity to make the most of the magic.  

Not only did we attend a few parties, a parade, and give a go at caroling, the kids were stars in TWO nativity plays.  Such is possible in a small town with a limited younger crowd.  

We are enjoying this precious community to the fullest.  On New Years, we will go chasing the dragon and try to tap it for good luck with pots and pans in hand.  When in Oriental... Do as the Oriental-ans do!  

Steady as she goes

Well we got a lot done during the last two weeks. New hatches, plumbing, smart charger, etc...  But we have a ways to go yet. 

The new hatches look great and they are water tight. The batteries are doing their job while the charger is keeping them strong. The new bilge pump also works well but it has only had to do anything one time during the test. 

The kids even like to pitch in. 

Fun in the dink. 

For Christmas we received a new family member and guard dog. 

View of Chicago on approach. Time to head back to the great white North. 

Lighthouse in St Joe, Michigan. Credit to whoever took the picture. Likely one of the local fish wraps. 

Pimpin the crib

We had a glitch in the bilge pump matrix and as a result, our batteries took a hit. Had to instal all new batteries compliments of the warranty. Since there wasn't such a rush this time I went ahead and replaced all the wiring, terminals, and put in a new smart charger. 

New acrylic on the hatches. This job took much longer than expected removing the old glue. Hopefully it will stop the one or two leaks we have. 

Everything is cleaned and prepped. New glass gets caulked today. 

These are the old diaphram pumps. Obviously not in the best condition. Replacing them with modern technology and all new hoses. 

Today's project, caulking in the new hatches with Sika-flex. Luckily the temperature today should be in the high 60's. 

Even with all the work going on we still have time for adventures. Fun is awesome!  

Free from indenture

When I'm not sailing, I'm sailing. 30 days in the hole and now I'm heading home. 

Chomping at the bits. Winter gales and storms make for interesting voyages. 

Time for a siesta. Then back to work on the sailboat.