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.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
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!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Great Day To Go Sailing!
SHIP'S LOG:
I am alive and well, though I do tend to "slosh" a bit. The day to day is supposed to be more of the same though I am approaching fluid intake in a better and more pro-active way. The cramping is all but gone and probably would be gone if I could stomach the taste of Gatorade or one of those other sorts drinks. Despite the flavoring, they all sill taste like you are sucking on a mouth-full of dirty change. I'll just drink lots of water and juice and deal with the sloshing!
It will be a great day for sailing. The winds should be 10-12 and with the Bimini, I'll be in the breeze but out of the sun. Can't ask for better than that. A couple of more days like the last few and we will be due for a monster of a thunderstorm. The heat and humidity just build up and then it all lets go in a big band. They are really spectacular to watch when they slam into the ocean . . . so long as you are on shore, that is.
Don't take offense, but rather than sit around and type this blog, I am going sailing! Later.
I am alive and well, though I do tend to "slosh" a bit. The day to day is supposed to be more of the same though I am approaching fluid intake in a better and more pro-active way. The cramping is all but gone and probably would be gone if I could stomach the taste of Gatorade or one of those other sorts drinks. Despite the flavoring, they all sill taste like you are sucking on a mouth-full of dirty change. I'll just drink lots of water and juice and deal with the sloshing!
It will be a great day for sailing. The winds should be 10-12 and with the Bimini, I'll be in the breeze but out of the sun. Can't ask for better than that. A couple of more days like the last few and we will be due for a monster of a thunderstorm. The heat and humidity just build up and then it all lets go in a big band. They are really spectacular to watch when they slam into the ocean . . . so long as you are on shore, that is.
Don't take offense, but rather than sit around and type this blog, I am going sailing! Later.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Heat Exhaustion!!
SHIP'S LOG:
The last three day have been very, and I emphasize, VERY hot and humid. In fa, they have been rather brutal. And I guess that I ever gt around to consuming as much fluid as I thought I had to stay healthy. This morning, after doing my clean-up of the club, I wet out to do a little shopping before heading off to a family gathering. However, it was not to be.
By the time I got back from the short trip I was dizzy and feeling faint. My stomach was flipping and I felt rather poorly. I started to get cramps in my neck and leg. Talked with one of the clubs members, who is a nurse and she felt it might be a mild case of heat exhaustion.SO basically I spent the day laying I the shade of the bimini on my boat n the cool breeze consuming copious amounts of fluids and taking aspirin. I seem pretty much alright now. I must betaking in enough fluid because I have to pee. They say in the army, in ho weather situations, that you aren't drinking enough if you ain't got to pee. Trust me, I am drinking enough now!
The last three day have been very, and I emphasize, VERY hot and humid. In fa, they have been rather brutal. And I guess that I ever gt around to consuming as much fluid as I thought I had to stay healthy. This morning, after doing my clean-up of the club, I wet out to do a little shopping before heading off to a family gathering. However, it was not to be.
By the time I got back from the short trip I was dizzy and feeling faint. My stomach was flipping and I felt rather poorly. I started to get cramps in my neck and leg. Talked with one of the clubs members, who is a nurse and she felt it might be a mild case of heat exhaustion.SO basically I spent the day laying I the shade of the bimini on my boat n the cool breeze consuming copious amounts of fluids and taking aspirin. I seem pretty much alright now. I must betaking in enough fluid because I have to pee. They say in the army, in ho weather situations, that you aren't drinking enough if you ain't got to pee. Trust me, I am drinking enough now!
Monday, July 1, 2013
It Is Monday Morning, What Do You Expect!
SHIP'S LOG:
Today was a day of. . . .I'm not sure what. To begin with my computer committed suicide. I am not sure how or why but the "motherboard" won't talk to the hard drive. In fact, the "motherboard" is in denial that there is even a hard drive in the computer. Luckily, when I bought it, I signed up for "concierge" service which means that since the phone the guy couldn't fix it, they will be sending a "concierge" tech person to me and he will fix it on site! rue it will be two or tree days, but what the heck. It is better than me send the computer to DELL And f you happen to be wondering how I am getting online, why I am simply using the old computer that is several years old and went up and down the ICW and is full of all types of gremlins. But it still works well enough some of the times for me to do the things I need to do.
I am beginning to suspect that my newly re-built wind generator as crapped out again. It doesn't seem t be tuning as it should. I don't know for sure as there really hasn't been a lot of steady wind but I am beginning to suspect that such is the case. If it is, it means it gets to take another trip o Florida for a re-build of the re-build. I will have to contact Josh up in Portland and talk with him about it. with my luck, there was a 30 warranty and that's sure past!
And the crappy weather continued all day. The week ahead doesn't look like it holds much in the offing either. It has been a really strange and crappy summer, weather - wise, so far and I hope that things get themselves straightened out soon. If it rains tomorrow, it will be a good day to do laundry I suppose. Wen you live on a boat, it s just one of those rain day things to do instead of sail! Bah! Humbug!!!
Today was a day of. . . .I'm not sure what. To begin with my computer committed suicide. I am not sure how or why but the "motherboard" won't talk to the hard drive. In fact, the "motherboard" is in denial that there is even a hard drive in the computer. Luckily, when I bought it, I signed up for "concierge" service which means that since the phone the guy couldn't fix it, they will be sending a "concierge" tech person to me and he will fix it on site! rue it will be two or tree days, but what the heck. It is better than me send the computer to DELL And f you happen to be wondering how I am getting online, why I am simply using the old computer that is several years old and went up and down the ICW and is full of all types of gremlins. But it still works well enough some of the times for me to do the things I need to do.
I am beginning to suspect that my newly re-built wind generator as crapped out again. It doesn't seem t be tuning as it should. I don't know for sure as there really hasn't been a lot of steady wind but I am beginning to suspect that such is the case. If it is, it means it gets to take another trip o Florida for a re-build of the re-build. I will have to contact Josh up in Portland and talk with him about it. with my luck, there was a 30 warranty and that's sure past!
And the crappy weather continued all day. The week ahead doesn't look like it holds much in the offing either. It has been a really strange and crappy summer, weather - wise, so far and I hope that things get themselves straightened out soon. If it rains tomorrow, it will be a good day to do laundry I suppose. Wen you live on a boat, it s just one of those rain day things to do instead of sail! Bah! Humbug!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
