TIME TO DANCE

   The frost is on the docks here at the Sailing Club,  the morning tempeture is in the 30s

and the windows are fogged up. Christmas is just a couple days away, and the first of the year is just around the corner..

   These are all things to be excited about BUT what makes us most happy.. The date of 

December 21st gave us the winter solstice..  The shortest day of the year and its now time to add the minutes until the hot days of summer are here. 

   Summer, Shorts, T-Shirts, and Sandles.. And Oh Yes, those lazy days ghosting along in a light breeze while sipping on your favorite drink.. Sure is nice to dream..

   But here on "R3" systems are checking out to be good, the solar is up and opperational, the wind generator is putting out more amps than ever before, Thanks to Walt,  We're slowly going back in to "cruising mode" after our land bound time, and we're looking forward to that smell of salt air and our sails full of wind.. Its the small things that are overwhelming us at this point but lists are made and as fast are deleted so all is good and we'll sone be on our way..

  

STOCKTON SAILING CLUB - LIFE IN THE POND

   Just about a year ago, we sailed the boat up river to the Stockton Sailing Club, and was given a side tie at the far North East corner of the marina, The "Pond" as many call it.  

   Its a very quite area and on any given day, its not abnormal to see a hand full of fisherman sitting on the banks with their lines stretched to the water, which could be why its been given its name.

   Our life on the pond has been an experience we'll miss when leaving here in the spring. 

   Maybe its the wildlife that gathers in the morning as the mist over the water burns off or the birds that roost in the trees at night and if the time is right, we might get the chance to  see one of the otters or muskrats playing in the area or doing their daily chores unaware we're watching.  All of this just minutes from downtown Stockton and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

   Our stay here at the Sailing Club has been interesting to say the least as we've met loads of good people and made a few close friends,  but I think its the life in the pond we'll miss the most.

ANXIETY ATTACK

     We've all awoke in the middle of the night where we've fallen asleep on the couch or in an easy chair, and when awakening, in a brief moment, you struggle in you mind to put everything into prospective as the surroundings around are not normal.. A simple moment of anxiety comes over you until all becomes clear..

     Had this happen a few nights ago, after falling asleep on the setee while watching an evening program, and for that brief moment, I had no Idea of where I was..

     And I got to thinking,  will this be the one down-fall of our world cruising, the one item aboard I have no control over.. To awake in strange surroundings and fall to the mental issues of an Anxiety Attack..

     And how is one to deal with such an issue? maybe something familiar in the Berth? A scented Candle might do the trick, or listening to a known track of your favorite music.. 

     Or just deal with the issue when it happens, 

     So I've warned Mona as best I can, and If she hears  a blood curdling  scream coming from the berth after I've laid down for a nap,  just ignore it, its only me waking up..

SUMMER 2013

   The days of summer have reached their peak, August is here and even though the refit is being done, its coming along slowly..  The transmition has been replace as well as the shaft log.  The rear seal will have to wait until we pull the motor in the future.

   Five months have come and gone without leaving the dock which has left both of us looking for freedom again.

   I often find myself dreaming of  ocean swells, and days aboard watching the life pass us by in nautical miles and at night when its quite, I can close my eyes and almost smell the salt air as the evening breeze builds.

   I can see it in Ramona also, when  she wears a blank look on her face and I know she's somewhere beyond the shore, enjoying the peaceful life at sea.

   Time is working against us at times but we know as it passes, we'll soon be headed out again, the seasons will change, and when the flowers bloom in the spring, we'll lose the lines that bind us to this dock and live our dreams again.

YEAR OF THE REFIT

    December has come and gone, The Christmas Tree in the window across the Harbor has come down and the holidays are behind us.  For us, we spent time with family, and are astonished at the growth of then grandchildren..  With all of them in school now,  We feel more comfortable to leave the United States to venture further. But before Leaving for Hawaii and the Far east, improvements must be made for our extended stays in less populated areas..

   So We'll call this the year of the refit, and our first order of business is the rebuild of the motor and  transmition and all ajoining pieces as we don't want to be caught with a breakdown in  a country where we won't be able to get parts.. 

   The water tanks will need to be enlarged, the On demand hot water system installed, solar needs updating, and a new house bank of batteries installed.. all of this before we leave..

   Ramona has already turned in  her list of requests which include a new faucet for the gally sink and an upgrade in the bathroom..

   So it looks like we've got our project list in order and more than enough to do...
The weather is starting to warm a bit and days are getting a little longer...

   And we're looking forward to the refit..