HOME SWEET HOME!

SHIP'S LOG:

I got the word from Mark Geer, the Diver, that the pennants have been affixed to mooring and that it was now the time to move to ABISHAG's permanent mooring. I got down to ABISHAG about 11:30 and started, yes started the engine, cast off the "GRACE" mooring pennants and motored about 100 yards or so to "my own mooring!" True it took three tries to grab the pick-up buoy but I was able to do, slipped the pennants on the cleats, shut the engine down and was home at last. AH!

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

It has been a long time coming but it is here at last. Even though the "journey" was a little over 100 yards, it was my first solo journey with ABISHAG. I got a sense of how much "way" she has, how far she will move once the power is off. I also got a sense of how the wind impacts her and moves her. I got a sense of how well and how fast she turns at low power. All these little things are helping me make the boat a little bit more an extension of myself. Eventually I hope to get to the point where "I don't have to think" about handling ABISHAG, that it becomes just a natural flow.

I decided against taking ABISHAG out for a spin today as the river was getting crowded with boats full of people showing up for the evening's fireworks and were anchoring helter-skelter all over the place. After staking out their spots, they started eating and drinking, with an emphasis on drinking. I would have been uncomfortable and wouldn't have felt safe going out with that crowd out there. I would also like to have someone along for the first couple of times just so I have a backup if some problem should arise. Once the comfort level increases, and it will, it always does, then I can start sailing solo. It will be exciting but I need to take it one step at a time. . . .. . but I can always walk quickly.