Dear Bob,
The days seem to blur as preparations for the move North intensify. Insurmountable odds become goals, goals become items on a list that then get a check mark, the only note of their passing out of importance. Small consolation for the trouble caused just months ago.
Odyssey’s basic systems are stable, tested as we spend more and more time on her. She is also adapting well to the changes I’ve been making. Originally designed to live aboard, she’s lacking the more modern technologies available for such endeavors. Though ardent sailors of lore may shun such things, I see no reason not to install any item that follows the mantra of yachtsmen; Robust, Repairable, Removable. With my training and experience I’m comfortable with systems much more complex then most captains. I admire their confidence in what they know and wish them fair winds.
I have planed two more round trips to Anacortes, both longer then I’ve done before. Unlike my last trip where I addressed many different things, this next foray is all about the propulsion system. I have much to learn about diesel engines but from what I’ve been able to study, it shouldn’t be a problem. Pump impellers, seals, oil, zincs. I can do these things with a bit of study. The goal is to learn her engine, do any maintenance needed, understand what I need so if a problem arises I can fix it. I must then plan for her haul out, bottom paint and a cutlass bearing.
The last trip is the final move. All I own will be on that boat or in a small storage space. When I leave Odyssey in March she will be as ready as she can be. A brief respite on the Oregon coast and then the last trek up North, not to return unless absolutely necessary. What’s necessary becomes subjective from a small bay on the north side of Shaw Island in the San Juan Islands.
I look forward to the adventures to come and will keep sending you these updates and letters. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing about them.
I’m glade you are getting over the flu and I’m sure your return home will be greatly appreciated by Tea.
The days seem to blur as preparations for the move North intensify. Insurmountable odds become goals, goals become items on a list that then get a check mark, the only note of their passing out of importance. Small consolation for the trouble caused just months ago.
Odyssey’s basic systems are stable, tested as we spend more and more time on her. She is also adapting well to the changes I’ve been making. Originally designed to live aboard, she’s lacking the more modern technologies available for such endeavors. Though ardent sailors of lore may shun such things, I see no reason not to install any item that follows the mantra of yachtsmen; Robust, Repairable, Removable. With my training and experience I’m comfortable with systems much more complex then most captains. I admire their confidence in what they know and wish them fair winds.
I have planed two more round trips to Anacortes, both longer then I’ve done before. Unlike my last trip where I addressed many different things, this next foray is all about the propulsion system. I have much to learn about diesel engines but from what I’ve been able to study, it shouldn’t be a problem. Pump impellers, seals, oil, zincs. I can do these things with a bit of study. The goal is to learn her engine, do any maintenance needed, understand what I need so if a problem arises I can fix it. I must then plan for her haul out, bottom paint and a cutlass bearing.
The last trip is the final move. All I own will be on that boat or in a small storage space. When I leave Odyssey in March she will be as ready as she can be. A brief respite on the Oregon coast and then the last trek up North, not to return unless absolutely necessary. What’s necessary becomes subjective from a small bay on the north side of Shaw Island in the San Juan Islands.
I look forward to the adventures to come and will keep sending you these updates and letters. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing about them.
I’m glade you are getting over the flu and I’m sure your return home will be greatly appreciated by Tea.
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