We arrived to Rock Hall late afternoon of 4/12. We checked in to the motel just before the office closed, then drove directly to see our boat. Still clad in her winter shrink-wrap, there wasn’t much to see but it was reassuring nonetheless. We then went to Waterman’s Crab House for their seafood specials. Between the travel and full bellies, we were ready for bed. I just wanted to take a short walk around our marina, and catch the sunset, and view our empty slip.
The plan is 4 nights in the marina motel while working on the boat, then move aboard. We woke early 4/13 to meet the boatyard crew and start the unveiling. The new canvas was installed, along with a new Bluetooth sound system. (We had to clear the radio compartment of a bird’s nest… the squatter had already abandoned the apartment.) We waxed and polished portions of the hull and applied some bottom sealer on several trouble spots below water line The bottom paint was applied 4/14.
Provisioning is in progress. I have read many articles from Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley, and gleaned some important tips about what to bring and what to leave behind. (For example: Choose nesting galley ware whenever possible. Toss cardboard packaging before bringing food on board.) Her website has been my guiding light!
Our direct-shipments to the local West Marine are now on board. We visited with nearby family to retrieve other items we shipped. We celebrated with a wonderful dinner before returning to our motel and crashing hard.
Today, 4/15, was rainy. We were able to get yesterday’s purchases on board and organize our wardrobes. We made it to the dive shop to get the pony bottle filled with oxygen. We still need to unpack and reassemble our bicycles, locate one missing box, connect with the electrician (for AC troubleshooting), and get the boat into the water Monday.
We anticipate our training captain on Wednesday, 4/18.
The Annapolis Spring Boat Show is this coming weekend. Although the focus is sailboats, we expect to find some deals on additional equipment needed for our own journey.
So fun reading your blog posts. I’m starting to think a boat is as much work as a horse!
Hope you find that missing box:)
Looks like everything is moving along nicely!
Can’t wait to read you and Pete’s adventure
Sue Crum, The boat is constant work, but doubtful the equivalent of a horse. Missing box never found – diving stuff, camping stuff, electronics cord (replaced) – some excuse about a train derailment.