WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

SHIP'S LOG:

When I got to the shipyard Thursday afternoon, I found that the engine had been repaired. The dohickey that had cracked in the cooling system had been epoxied back together and was holding fine. The Tach was working, the oil pressure gauge was working, the temperature guage was working. In short everything was ready to go. I called Ken and he said he was free on July 4th and I thought that it would be the perfect way to celebrate INDEPENDENCE!!!!!!!!

We took off about 10AM in low overcast and haze and no wind. As we passed the point where the engine gave up last week, she was running fine. Couldn't get her up over 5 knots but I am pretty sure that the foul bottom and prop are the reason for that. She ran cool and just chugged along. No Wind so no sailing but there was movement, even if it was with the help of the Iron Genny. And of course by the time the trip was over, the tach no longer functioned but the other gauges did, though the Engine hour Meter gave up the ghost(new project!).

We puttered around the north mooring area looking for a mooring ball with "GRACE" on it but could find none. I called up the TYC Launch river and he directed us to the right one. (No Name On It, of Course!!!!) and ABISHAG rocks safe and secure in her element and new home. Tomorrow, my mooring should be set and I will move her to it, but even if that doesn't happen, at this point I don't care. I am out of MYSTIC and have taken the first(?) step! ! ! !

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

True, it wasn't much of a journey, but it was more than the distance measured. I am no longer tied down and now the "fun" begins. The week ahead will see day sails and more day sails as ABISHAG and I take a measure of one another. The transition from landlubber to live-aboard begins. The time has come to decide what stuff to keep( as little as possible) and what stuff to sell, give away, store and/or trash. Time to begin to learn how to live in 39' X 11'6" space that moves and has a mind of its own. Time to begin to live with an eye to the weather and the planning of literally every step.

I was beginning to think that this day would never really get here but it has arrived and it feels wonderful. Someday has become today!