Adjusting Sheets for Changing Breezes

A lot of things have or are changing around this house.

Ensign

'Jo and Ensign in the San Juans

We have a new companion, Ensign, after losing our beloved Bosun. That's a big one. Turns out he's every bit the sailor Bo' was. We found that out while taking him on a 200 miles 2 week cruise through the San Juan and Gulf Islands in BC. At 5 months of age he has a lot to learn but he's brought much needed smiles back the house after the loss of Bo'.

Dauntless

Dauntless awaits the fall or a new owner

Dauntless, sitting alone in the backyard on her trailer, is for sale.  This was a huge decision to make, however, I suppose I really don't want to sell her "that bad" yet. I have set a price on her that is probably too high for most, although she is the only West Coast Montgomery 23 for sale, and one of only 20 ever produced.  If the right buyer comes along, she will go...if not ....we will continue to enjoy her. She's a hell of a boat. Either way is fine with me. If she was to go we have an idea of what we'd like to do....but it can only happen if she sells.

HPCC

 The Havasu Pocket Cruisers Convention  has been put on hold in order to spend some time getting ourselves back together, caught up, and back on track. The sheer size of the event has brought it to a full-time job for 6-7 months a year. Jo and I already have full time jobs....so....  it was getting a bit taxing. Something had to give. For the last 3 or so years things like taking care of the house, vehicles, boats, social life, and even each other....had begun to suffer. I was so far behind the 8 ball on household projects it was not even funny. It was really time for a break last year..but we pushed through one more event at the request of local hospitality vendors who really wanted to see the group return. Unfortunately, this year was the breaking point. So we've taken 2014 off and we will see how it goes for a return, be it in Havasu or some other location, in 2015.  I am glad to report that many are reporting that we will still see them and their boats come this Feb, regardless. That's awesome...and in reality, it makes the HPCC a total success. The first driving factor that it came about from was a desire to get sailboats back out on the waters of Havasu. We did it!

Reality Check

There have been a few "Hey, you are not a kid anymore" medical revelations (for me not Jo), that frankly have not been welcome news. My job requires a certain level of physical conditioning, something that takes more time and effort to maintain as one gets older. I need quite a few more years on an Engine to make to a minimal retirement, and if that is to happen....I can see it's going to demand much more of my attention. Oh to be 20 years old again....lol.

Paradox "Scout"

Scout in Texas prior to purchasing her

The Paradox, "Scout",  is about to become the focus of my attention for a while, as far as sailing goes. She is very close to completion now, and soon the weather will break to cooler temps and drier conditions. My plan is to have her ready for sea trials by the middle of next month. I plan on sailing her extensively this winter. It will be exciting to try this micro-cruising style of sailing. I think many that have seen the boat will be surprised at what she is capable of. What remains to be seen is how much I like it. I expect it will be very very  different from and sailing I have ever done.

'13 Sailing Vacation

We had a great escape from reality this summer, spending over 3 weeks on the road/water with the camper and boat. The San Juan Islands/Gulf Islands Cruise setup by our buddy Larry Yake was awesome. The sailing winds could have been better, and yes it rained (a lot)...but getting to spend 2 solid weeks on the water , in such a beautiful place, with a great group of friends is time making memories. We had 14 boats start the cruise, most of which friends we have cruised with before, and a few new ones. It was a fantastic time. Oh, and did I mention fog?  LOL  ....More about that later.

Dauntless working through Gulf Islands Fog

Blogging...give it a try! 

Most of you that now me , know I talk a lot. I like to share experiences and ideas...and even to relive great memories.

Sometimes I am guilty of taking a soapbox on an issue here or there...and yeah, I am pretty opinionated. :-)  If you read this blog I hope that you will do 2 things:

1. Realize, that  I know I don't have all the answers....and 

2. Take the time to start your own blog and share your experiences with the rest of us.

  I would much rather spend an evening reading about your sailing related escapades, whether it's building a boat, repairing your boat, daysailing, cruising, sharing lessons you learned, etc..than waste my evening on mindless TV.  This blogger.com format is SO SO EASY to do. Give it a try. maybe we can keep each other busy, our faces out of the boob tube, and encourage each other to get out there and live life to the fullest. 

Casting off for now,

Sean