SHIP'S LOG:
True, it is not winter . . . yet, but it is coming fast. It arrives sometime the week after Columbus Day Weekend for that is when ABISHAG gets hauled out of the water in Portland and sleeps for the winter. Winter arrives the moment her keel clears the water.
It is also true that the weather is beginning to turn. I tend to sleep "sans apparel" but for the last few nights, I have actually had to dress and even use a blanket. In September, this is unacceptable! And if you believe "The Farmer's Almanac," (not "The Old Farmer's Almanac") this coming winter is to be characterize by biting, brutal cold! Now who wants that?
Much to my distress, and undoubtedly theirs as well, Publisher's Clearing House is having a devil of time finding me. Of course, if they would find me, I would be long gone and hard to find. Not really, but it sounded good, didn't it? I suppose that I could spend a month or two in the BVI, but I would fly there and not sail. Then again, since PCH hasn't found me, hte whole idea is moot.
Chuck the Launch Driver is on his way to Florida. He left Friday with Rich Weber and as of this morning's phone call, they are off Sandy hook, NJ, on their way to Manasquan where they will stop for the night. The weather is deteriorating which means their next leg, to Atlantic City and Plum Cove, will be wet. If the wind is bad, they will stay in Manasquan until it moderates but they hope to be in the Chesapeake by the weekend. Ah, it brings back memories, mostly of square waves and deluging rain and Fred and Bob puking. . . . . but it is those memories of 80 degree temps and constant sunshine Miami and Key Largo that make you deal with all the crap. Still, I am kind of glad that I am not going. It is not so much the trip down but rather the one back. That on seems interminable. And how bad could the winter really be?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Winter Is Just Arund The Corner! ! !! !
SHIP'S LOG:
This is the last week of summer! Actually, if you think about and drive by schools, summer is already over. There is something just "wrong" with kids going back to school before Labor Day. The weather is cooperating with the "end of summer theme" as it is actually cool-so-much-as-tobe-almost-colf' at night and the wind, whenever it blows has an underneath seam of cold in it. Just as in the spring, there is in every breeze warmth that promises summer, now the wind carries te dire promise of coming winter.
We had a nasty rain storm overnight. No real wind to speak of but lots of rain and it was cold rain too. Bats are calling in to get mooring space for the Off-Soundings Weekend that is coming up. There is on such race weekend in the Spring and one in the Fall, and we have already had the spring version. It is just another harbinger of the coming winter. I suppose it would be such a traumatic thing if I had an idea where I would be spending it , here, or between here and Florida, or in Florida, but as of right now I have no clue. I am still eternally hopefully that something in the "higher realms" will; work out and I will go back to work, but as of right now nothing seems to be percolating in that direction. It is a question of wait and see.
This is the last week of summer! Actually, if you think about and drive by schools, summer is already over. There is something just "wrong" with kids going back to school before Labor Day. The weather is cooperating with the "end of summer theme" as it is actually cool-so-much-as-tobe-almost-colf' at night and the wind, whenever it blows has an underneath seam of cold in it. Just as in the spring, there is in every breeze warmth that promises summer, now the wind carries te dire promise of coming winter.
We had a nasty rain storm overnight. No real wind to speak of but lots of rain and it was cold rain too. Bats are calling in to get mooring space for the Off-Soundings Weekend that is coming up. There is on such race weekend in the Spring and one in the Fall, and we have already had the spring version. It is just another harbinger of the coming winter. I suppose it would be such a traumatic thing if I had an idea where I would be spending it , here, or between here and Florida, or in Florida, but as of right now I have no clue. I am still eternally hopefully that something in the "higher realms" will; work out and I will go back to work, but as of right now nothing seems to be percolating in that direction. It is a question of wait and see.
Friday, August 23, 2013
SHIP'S LOG:
The summer is slipping away fast. The weather continues to be confused. We had what could have been a great thunderstorm yesterday but it petered out and, aside from a rumble or two f thunder and the odd lightning bolt, it was pretty tame. We could have used the rain for it is rather dry, but it didn't come. The humidity remains but isn't as noticeable as the temp isn't as hot as it should be. August has not delivered on real hot, hazy, humid days and nights. Like the rest of summer, it has been confused trying to be some other month.
The Block Island-to-Newport-to New London cruisers are due back today. They will probably get in late in the afternoon. The weather has been good for them, especially the wind which has been strong and steady. It is the last cruise before the last cruise, the one on Columbus Day Weekend when several of the cruisers will end up in Portland for winter boat hauling. It is another sign that "the end" is near.
The summer seems to have passed with much greater speed this year, over even before it seemed properly begun. and while I enjoyed almost all of it, it is amazing how quickly it passed by. I do not look forward to long pants and shoes and blankets and jackets and all such things. I am just not a winter person and "Winter" comes when the ABISHAG is hauled out of the water.
The summer is slipping away fast. The weather continues to be confused. We had what could have been a great thunderstorm yesterday but it petered out and, aside from a rumble or two f thunder and the odd lightning bolt, it was pretty tame. We could have used the rain for it is rather dry, but it didn't come. The humidity remains but isn't as noticeable as the temp isn't as hot as it should be. August has not delivered on real hot, hazy, humid days and nights. Like the rest of summer, it has been confused trying to be some other month.
The Block Island-to-Newport-to New London cruisers are due back today. They will probably get in late in the afternoon. The weather has been good for them, especially the wind which has been strong and steady. It is the last cruise before the last cruise, the one on Columbus Day Weekend when several of the cruisers will end up in Portland for winter boat hauling. It is another sign that "the end" is near.
The summer seems to have passed with much greater speed this year, over even before it seemed properly begun. and while I enjoyed almost all of it, it is amazing how quickly it passed by. I do not look forward to long pants and shoes and blankets and jackets and all such things. I am just not a winter person and "Winter" comes when the ABISHAG is hauled out of the water.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
SHIP'S LOG:
It is truly August. For awhile there, it hadn't been, but now it is. The weather had been cloudy and rainy and the evenings cool to the point of cold. But now, it really is August and the weather is steamy and hot and humid and hazy and there is little wind. Some, true, but not a lot, and what there is will disappear today at 6:10pm when the races are scheduled to start.
My toe and knuckle continue to heal but I believe that "Arthur" has taken up permanent residence in my right knee. I guess I am beginning to fall apart . . . at least a bit.
Over the next two weeks, perhaps three, everything here will sort of "shut down." Already, even though the weather is perfect for the beach, not many people are here spending these days soaking up the waning sun. Kids will be back at school in two weeks, less if they are off to college, and there is all that stuff to buy in order to be ready. The last two Wednesday night races are coming up, followed by the Commodore's Cup and the Chilli Series and then racing is over. People on the porch are already talking about where they are hauling out for the winter and when. Of course, no one says that summer is over, it isn't after all, they won't even say that it is coming to an end, but sadly, it is. we have been lucky so far as the dire hurricane season predictions have failed to materialize, but until there is snow, there can always be a hurricane. There can be one after the snow, but they just call that a "Nor'easter!"
This is all too depressing, I am going sailing.
It is truly August. For awhile there, it hadn't been, but now it is. The weather had been cloudy and rainy and the evenings cool to the point of cold. But now, it really is August and the weather is steamy and hot and humid and hazy and there is little wind. Some, true, but not a lot, and what there is will disappear today at 6:10pm when the races are scheduled to start.
My toe and knuckle continue to heal but I believe that "Arthur" has taken up permanent residence in my right knee. I guess I am beginning to fall apart . . . at least a bit.
Over the next two weeks, perhaps three, everything here will sort of "shut down." Already, even though the weather is perfect for the beach, not many people are here spending these days soaking up the waning sun. Kids will be back at school in two weeks, less if they are off to college, and there is all that stuff to buy in order to be ready. The last two Wednesday night races are coming up, followed by the Commodore's Cup and the Chilli Series and then racing is over. People on the porch are already talking about where they are hauling out for the winter and when. Of course, no one says that summer is over, it isn't after all, they won't even say that it is coming to an end, but sadly, it is. we have been lucky so far as the dire hurricane season predictions have failed to materialize, but until there is snow, there can always be a hurricane. There can be one after the snow, but they just call that a "Nor'easter!"
This is all too depressing, I am going sailing.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Yes, It Has Been Awhile, Hasn't It?
SHIP'S LOG:
My, time does fly when you are having fun! Where does it all go? Let's do a little updating shall we?
My left little toe is still attached. It did bleed quite a bit and it got puffy, but it stayed a nice pink color and now seems fully recovered. There will undoubtedly be a great scar, but since it is on the underside of the little toe and in a normal crease as well, who will even know that it is there?
The little finger on my right hand is getting better though it is still very sore and the knuckle is still swollen. I am still not sure if the finger was dislocated or the knuckle was/is slightly busted, but everything moves as it is supposed to and as the swelling goes down, an the pain abates, we should learn more.
ABISHAG's first venture into racing was in the the 'Round Fishers Island Sailing Experience and she finished the race. Not really knowing how to handle her in racing mode and really several years removed from seriously racing a boat, we came in next to last, about 1 hour and 20 minutes behind the first place boat. It was quite enjoyable as there was no real pressure from any expectation of winning the bloody event, and it drove home the point that ABISHAG is simply not designed for racing. She is an ocean cruising boat designed to carry people safely in blue water, build for safety and comfort, not for speed.
And aside from those interesting tidbits, the days have been filled with great sailing and what more could one ask for. My only concern now is the fact that it is August and the September will follow and some sort of decision must be reached with regards as to where I shall spend the winter months. I am not sure I could stand making the trip south again. It might be different if I didn't have to go outside down the Jersey Coast and then up the Delaware Bay, but that's what one must do. Then again I might have to as one can "impose" upon others for only so long. But today's for sailing. ADIOS!
My, time does fly when you are having fun! Where does it all go? Let's do a little updating shall we?
My left little toe is still attached. It did bleed quite a bit and it got puffy, but it stayed a nice pink color and now seems fully recovered. There will undoubtedly be a great scar, but since it is on the underside of the little toe and in a normal crease as well, who will even know that it is there?
The little finger on my right hand is getting better though it is still very sore and the knuckle is still swollen. I am still not sure if the finger was dislocated or the knuckle was/is slightly busted, but everything moves as it is supposed to and as the swelling goes down, an the pain abates, we should learn more.
ABISHAG's first venture into racing was in the the 'Round Fishers Island Sailing Experience and she finished the race. Not really knowing how to handle her in racing mode and really several years removed from seriously racing a boat, we came in next to last, about 1 hour and 20 minutes behind the first place boat. It was quite enjoyable as there was no real pressure from any expectation of winning the bloody event, and it drove home the point that ABISHAG is simply not designed for racing. She is an ocean cruising boat designed to carry people safely in blue water, build for safety and comfort, not for speed.
And aside from those interesting tidbits, the days have been filled with great sailing and what more could one ask for. My only concern now is the fact that it is August and the September will follow and some sort of decision must be reached with regards as to where I shall spend the winter months. I am not sure I could stand making the trip south again. It might be different if I didn't have to go outside down the Jersey Coast and then up the Delaware Bay, but that's what one must do. Then again I might have to as one can "impose" upon others for only so long. But today's for sailing. ADIOS!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
It Has Been Awhile . . .
SHIP'S LOG:
. . . . .but then again it is Summer and there are always a lot better things to do than sit in front of a computer and type. Like sailing for instance. done a lot of that since last I typed and it has been glorious. The winds during the days have been nice and fresh and as long as you get back to your mooring by say 5pm, they have been perfect days After 5pm, it has pretty much been a crap-shoot.The last two days saw rain and no wind. The previous few days just saw no wind post 5pm. That's all a part of summer too.
Summer really seems to be fading fast even though it is still July. I am not sure why exactly, but it seems on the verge of being over. Perhaps it is because the weather seems more August than July, but whatever the reason, it does really seem to be on the wane. But I will also enjoy every minute of it.
There is a certain "ennui" down here at TYC that I also can't get a handle on. There are lots of boats in the water but they don't seem to be getting a lot of use, except by the racers. One that does get a lot of use, at least on the weekends, it moored out near me. These three couples climb aboard on Friday night and basically drink until late Sunday afternoon when they "de-boat." They seem to be having a great time but it is rare that they hoist a sail and go anywhere. It is one way to use a boat I suppose but then it is not all that different that living on ABISHAG.
This is too much typing. Time to go sailing. Ciao for now!
. . . . .but then again it is Summer and there are always a lot better things to do than sit in front of a computer and type. Like sailing for instance. done a lot of that since last I typed and it has been glorious. The winds during the days have been nice and fresh and as long as you get back to your mooring by say 5pm, they have been perfect days After 5pm, it has pretty much been a crap-shoot.The last two days saw rain and no wind. The previous few days just saw no wind post 5pm. That's all a part of summer too.
Summer really seems to be fading fast even though it is still July. I am not sure why exactly, but it seems on the verge of being over. Perhaps it is because the weather seems more August than July, but whatever the reason, it does really seem to be on the wane. But I will also enjoy every minute of it.
There is a certain "ennui" down here at TYC that I also can't get a handle on. There are lots of boats in the water but they don't seem to be getting a lot of use, except by the racers. One that does get a lot of use, at least on the weekends, it moored out near me. These three couples climb aboard on Friday night and basically drink until late Sunday afternoon when they "de-boat." They seem to be having a great time but it is rare that they hoist a sail and go anywhere. It is one way to use a boat I suppose but then it is not all that different that living on ABISHAG.
This is too much typing. Time to go sailing. Ciao for now!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Hazy, Hot & Humid . . .AGAIN!
SHIP'S LOG:
Actually, the sailing has been pretty good despite the hot and humid weather. The only problem that presents itself is overcoming the lethargy the hot and humid weather brings on. Once you ca get up and running and get the boat ready to sail, the sailing is no problem. But getting, believe me, isn't half the fun!
I still have to be careful to drink lots of fluids, though it is easy to recognize when I haven't and "fill-up." It is amazing how much you can sweat out in a short time. Strangely, it isn't so much that you feel thirsty, you just feel hot, maybe overheated, and all your energy drains away.
Things around TYC are unfolding as they should, though there are a lot more beach members making much more use of the beach than last year. Everyone who can get close to the water is doing so and literally, the closer you are to the water, the cooler you are. There is a distinct difference between standing on the walkway over the sand and being on the part of the pier that is over the water. I am actually surprised that no one has hauled a lounge chair out onto the floating dock!
This is supposed to be a week of "potential thunderstorms." I am not quite sure what that means for it is vague even for NOAA. Official jargon keeps changing, like the Coasties telling you to "de-water your bot" - meaning pump it out, and you are never quite sure what they mean. Is "the potential for thunderstorms" and potential thunderstorms" the same thing and is that the same as " a chance of thunderstorms?" Sometimes it is more confusing than helpful.
If we are going to have a thunderstorm, it will probably be after 5pm as the races start at 6:10pm and there is nothing like racing a sailboat in a thunderstorm, with lots of thunder and lightning and rain, all for the chance to win a can of beer!
Summer seems to be slipping fast. True it is only early July, but we really didn't have much of a June, at least not for sailors, it's 4 months to haul-out in the Fall. That's too depressing to think about, so I will think about the fireworks extravaganza Saturday night here in New London. Here at TYC, we have a ringside seat and the show is always first class. Every place else, eat your heart out!
Actually, the sailing has been pretty good despite the hot and humid weather. The only problem that presents itself is overcoming the lethargy the hot and humid weather brings on. Once you ca get up and running and get the boat ready to sail, the sailing is no problem. But getting, believe me, isn't half the fun!
I still have to be careful to drink lots of fluids, though it is easy to recognize when I haven't and "fill-up." It is amazing how much you can sweat out in a short time. Strangely, it isn't so much that you feel thirsty, you just feel hot, maybe overheated, and all your energy drains away.
Things around TYC are unfolding as they should, though there are a lot more beach members making much more use of the beach than last year. Everyone who can get close to the water is doing so and literally, the closer you are to the water, the cooler you are. There is a distinct difference between standing on the walkway over the sand and being on the part of the pier that is over the water. I am actually surprised that no one has hauled a lounge chair out onto the floating dock!
This is supposed to be a week of "potential thunderstorms." I am not quite sure what that means for it is vague even for NOAA. Official jargon keeps changing, like the Coasties telling you to "de-water your bot" - meaning pump it out, and you are never quite sure what they mean. Is "the potential for thunderstorms" and potential thunderstorms" the same thing and is that the same as " a chance of thunderstorms?" Sometimes it is more confusing than helpful.
If we are going to have a thunderstorm, it will probably be after 5pm as the races start at 6:10pm and there is nothing like racing a sailboat in a thunderstorm, with lots of thunder and lightning and rain, all for the chance to win a can of beer!
Summer seems to be slipping fast. True it is only early July, but we really didn't have much of a June, at least not for sailors, it's 4 months to haul-out in the Fall. That's too depressing to think about, so I will think about the fireworks extravaganza Saturday night here in New London. Here at TYC, we have a ringside seat and the show is always first class. Every place else, eat your heart out!
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