May 3 - Onward toward Florida

We headed out early and since the weather forecast was wind from the south and since we are headed south, we chose to motor in the intracoastal waterway instead of sailing.  The intracoastal waterway is a waterway that runs just inside the beach and assorted islands all up and down the east coast.  Generally these are protected waters of a controlled depth with a well marked channel.  Georgia has seriously neglected these waterways and has numerous draconian laws regulating their use.  This section of the intracoastal is why most sailors jump outside at Hilton Head and don't come back in until they hit Florida.

Departing Brunswick

Beth had concerns about us having enough room to make it under this bridge.  The chart said we had plenty of room but the pucker factor was a little bit.

Our entry into the intracoastal waterway.

Kinda hard to tell where the waterway actually was.

The next bridge was a lot lower and raised the pucker factor even more.
The chartplotter said it was 19.8 meters and after a quick calculation and double checking the charts, we had plenty of room.

A shade tent was made for the babies.

And Beth enjoyed the sun, the babies enjoyed the shade.

As we cruised down the intracoastal on the west side of Cumberland Island, a National Wildlife Preserve, we saw several wild horses roaming around, an armadillo playing on the beach, and several skates (aka stingrays) jumping in the calm waters.

We saw another Gemini Catamaran.  It was S/V Hespa - a Gemini 105 MC  Hull # 867.  I didn't recognize the nationality of the flag being flown but friendly waves were exchanged.

The view of one of the submarines at the Kings Bay naval yard was quite impressive.
After this shot, we entered the Cumberland Sound where the winds were out of the south, peaking at 27 knots.  The water was choppy and it was a rough couple of miles up the channel and back into the protected waters of the intracoastal.

Today was a good day fishing as well.  I hooked 3 jellyfish, some flotsam and just as we exited Cumberland Sound a pretty blue took the bait.  Officially this was the first fish caught aboard Second Chance in salt water.
I will give half the credit to Richard Wright ( brother in law ) who supplied the lure.  As the first fish, it was photographed and released.  The next ones won't be so lucky but may be asked to join us for dinner.

After navigating some VERY tight channels in the Florida intracoastal we pulled into the Amelia Island Yacht Basin which was at the end of an even narrower channel.  We arrived just past low tide and the depth of the channel was 4 feet.  The Marina has very good facilities and offer Boat US discounts. The staff was very friendly and we met some great people aboard the "Red Gypsy" out of RI and heading home.
A relaxing evening dining on Chicken Cordon Bleu.  Tomorrow I want to check the engine before heading out.

As for the website tracking section, It is AIS.  It is kind of a transponder similar to aircraft transponders but its pretty new and rely on "base" stations to receive the signal and transmit the data to other stations which are all linked to the internet.  We have no control over it and are quite disappointed in its tracking.  Also, it is limited to the US only so once we leave the country, it won't work at all.  We are considering another GPS / Internet based tracking device.  If we add another tracking module, we will post the link on the home page.
We do know our onboard AIS is working as numerous targets, mainly commercial craft, show up warning us of location, speed, name, direction, etc.

J

Day 2 - May 2

Woke up around 6 am, perfectly serene. 

Hoisted the anchor with Beth still in bed although I know that racket would have raised the dead.

Motored out by Blackbeard island and turned south.  The wind was lighter than the previous day but the seas were about the same.  It rained on us just a bit before we got out of the sound but quit quickly and the day turned sunny. 

I attempted trolling with a different lure but met less success as the day before, didn’t even snag a jellyfish which were everywhere.  Beth is going to look into what kind and if it is some kind of migration.  The approach to Brunswick was a bit tricky but managed to navigate it successfully and we motored to Brunswick Landings Marina for the night. 

The dogs were VERY happy to be on dry land.  After they did their business we started cleaning up and Beth made great burritos for dinner.  We have internet access and power.  The rest of the evening will be relaxing.

J

Well for the last 2 days we have been surrounded by millions upon millions of cannonball jellyfish. The babies have had some trouble using the bathroom on the boat but I think they are enjoying it. I have been getting a great tan. Other than that John has told you everything.

Beth

Day 1 - At last May 1, 2011

We left the dock about 8 am with little wind and at high tide. The sky was clear.

We motored away from Sail Harbor, our home dock for almost 6 months for places we have never been before.

We motored down the intracoastal waterway to our first destination of Isle of Hope Marina.  Everything went as planned and we docked like professionals.  We filled all the onboard tanks with REAL gas, no ethanol here for $4.68 per gallon.  Beth took the dogs ashore for a quick walk and we were back off. 

Our next encounter was with a bridge, the Skidaway Narrows draw bridge.

A quick call to the bridge tender and wow, the bridge started going up.  It was extremely cool to watch from below as the bridge rose for us.

We motored past the bridge, waving to the locals fishing on the dock.  We continued motoring until we reached Ossabaw Sound where we raised the sails and turned south / southwest to follow along the coast, about 3 miles offshore.  The wind, sky and seas were perfect for sailing.  The seas were 1~2 feet, wind about 11 knots from the east.  Once set, we didn’t need to keep fiddling with the sails or heading, we just relaxed and kept a watchful eye.  There were lots of jelly fish in the water and I tried trolling a line to see if fresh fish might be on the menu for dinner.  The only thing I caught was a jellyfish that was unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I gingerly removed the jellyfish from the hooks and he bounced off the boat on the way back to the sea.

Lunch was a nice salad which Beth followed with a nap.  We started heading back in about 4:30 to find a nice place to anchor.  

Beth studied the charts and books, while tanning.

(A promised picture for Ed )

We made it to Blackbeard Island/Sapelo Island and anchored on the north side and behind Sapelo Island.

After a quick dinghy ride to the island to let the dogs roam, we settled down for dinner and a little tv.  I think we were both asleep by 10. 

According to the charts, we sailed 50.28 miles.  Not a record of any type but good progress.

Important lessons for the first day of sail.  Pee sitting down.  Besides food, our major expense will be sunscreen. Beth can sleep anywhere, anytime.  Life is good.

J

April 27 - 30 FINAL preparations

We ( Beth, Brenda, Catie, Cocoa and myself ) left Ellijay by 9 am with a few errands to run on the long drive down to Savannah.  The trip was long but uneventful arriving in Savannah by 4.  The car was unpacked loaded on the boat.  Beth spent some time attempting to organize things into where they go.   Its times like this that we need a bigger boat but since that isn't going to happen, we have to choose what we keep onboard and what gets to go back to Ellijay with Brenda.
Brenda is planning on leaving by noon on Friday and we will depart the dock by Sunday.
Dinner was a celebration of moving to the boat full time at Ruth Chris and a short tour of downtown Savannah.

Thursday - Major storms across Alabama and Georgia will be interesting as they approach Savannah.  Hopefully it will just be some wind and no tornadoes.  We did get some wind and some ominous looking clouds but nothing serious.  I was able to get some outside work done and with the wind, no sand gnats. The new fenders were secured while  Beth and Brenda worked on organizing everything we brought down to put on the boat.  We have numerous duplicate items that won't be replaced as they get used but they managed to get everything stowed.  The latter part of the day Beth and Brenda went shopping for provisions and even put them away. Fortunately they brought KFC for dinner so I was happy.

Friday - Clear Skies and a gentle breeze.  I picked up the new inverter and got it installed and ran a few errands while Beth and Brenda finished stowing things.  Lunch was leftovers and then it was time for Brenda to head out.  She felt like she was abandoning us and it was a strange feeling to be watching our transportation leave.  We are officially boat people now.  No cars and our official residence is the boat.  I worked on the CG requirements for the head and a few other small items I wanted to get done before we actually leave the dock. We will feast on Pizza Hut ( thank god for delivery ) and relax this evening.  We have decided that we will finish our list of things tomorrow and LEAVE on Sunday morning.

Saturday - Last day on the dock.  I was up early as usual and Beth needed a sleep in.  I worked on the extra water and gas tanks on the deck, Secured the dinghy for sea travel and cleaned the hatches for the new hatch covers.  Beth worked on finishing up the lifeline netting as I did the last systems tests.  The main motor and generator performed perfectly.  We finally finished around midnight.  What didn't get finished will get finished as we go.

Such detail has been paid to the lifeline netting. Every bare line has been cut and burned.

We will post the next time we happen upon an internet connection.

April 23 - Bon Voyage Party !

Saturday was a party day !  With 3 birthdays and our bon voyage party it was quite a celebration with almost 50 people in attendance.  The festivities started around noon and continued until almost 2 am.  There were cakes, hot dogs, hamburgers and steaks along with lots of beer and alcohol.  Brenda set up the karaoke machine and lots of people took their try at singing.  Its pretty safe to say that "American Idol" doesn't have competition here in Ellijay.  The overall mood was festive with a few sad moments not saying goodbye but good luck on your adventure.  Art celebrated his 80th birthday and we promised we would return for his 85th if not before.  Brenda celebrated her 45th again and Traci enjoyed celebrating her 21st.  Beth made her fruit punch ( almost equal parts gin ) and was pretty well sauced by nightfall.  Daniel, my ever faithful bartender, kept me in rum drinks until he reached his limit and abandoned me.  Leon even celebrated by having a beer but was very good since he was the driver for those who over indulged.  Fortunately all the DD's behaved and everyone got home from the party safe and sound.   It was definitely a party to remember.

April 19 ~22 Almost final preparations

We spent the weekend moving and in Ellijay.  I drove down to Savannah Tuesday afternoon after running a few errands.  The drive was uneventful but long and boring.  I arrived in Savannah in time to get a few errands run but little accomplished on the boat other than unloading the car full of stuff Beth sent went me.  Beth stayed in Ellijay to spend the week with her family and get ready for the big party on Saturday ( 4/23 ).

Wednesday was productive getting the new wind generator installed, the dinghy secured, the grill mounted and the customs and border protection paperwork.  The afternoon was spent organizing and little projects.

Thursday I managed to get the forward boards attached ( These are what the spare water and fuel cans attach to ) and organized the remainder of the crap I brought down from Atlanta.  I really don't know how it is all going to fit on the boat and still be able to float or move around in the cabin.  I think when Beth joins me next week, there will be more stuff sent back to Ellijay with Brenda.

Friday was a drive day.  I secured the boat, propane, etc and headed back to Ellijay.  What a long boring drive.

April 16 ~ 17 Initial moving days

Saturday morning bright and almost early we started packing the apartment into the truck to take things to
Ellijay for storage.  Apparently we have not gotten rid of most things because its going to take two trips and two days.  It is just amazing how much clutter can be gathered in a short time.  Beth did really good on limiting her clothes and shoes going to the boat and I am quite sure we can take everything going to the boat in one trip.

I will head to Savannah on Monday whilst Beth spends the week in Ellijay with her parents.  I have a few last minute "must get done before we leave" projects to complete before I will be happy leaving the dock.  Currently, the plan is to head south on April 29th or 30th if the weather cooperates.

Final Arrangements being made - April 13 2011

All the arrangements we were working on have been completed and out last major tie to land has been cut.
Over the next two weeks we will be moving out of the apartment and onto the boat full time with the full intention of starting our trek down the east coast by the end of the month.
Now its just the little details to get completed but Beth has everything scheduled so we should be ready ahead of time.

Finally the dream is actually becoming reality.

Soon the posts will actually get interesting !!

March 31 - April 7 - Preperations

We came down yesterday ( March 31 ) already a day later than planned.  We got aboard about 4:30 but I immediately got the wind generator down and called the repair depot for a RMA.  They (e-marine out of Ft. Lauderdale ) seem great and hope to have it shipping back by the end of next week.  I fixed the diesel fuel issue with the main generator and started working on the head.  I got very close but was missing a 1" hose to finish the job so with that waiting till Morning, We feasted on fantastic Pizza Hut delivery while watching TV.

Friday -  Up early to get things organized to ship the wind generator back and pick up the hose for the head.
Back on the boat by 10 am, time to walk the dogs and start working. The job to fix the head went as expected, PITA.  A few new nicks on the hands but it is working exactly as supposed to.  I got the shelf retainer for the head and deck boards stained.  I got the head shelf retainer installed and it is perfect.  It really opens up some storage room that was previously unusable.

  Whilst in the head, I discovered the shower sump filter was full so took the opportunity to fix that as well.  We did manage to get part of the starboard aft cabin cleaned out. The dinghy is now in the cockpit, not inflated, but at least out of the interior or the boat.  A project for tomorrow maybe.  We also took down the port cockpit glass and will work on cutting a new one tomorrow and get it installed.

All the little jobs on the list have now been prioritized to what need to be done before we leave and what can be done enroute.  I think we will be 99% complete with the major tasks before we leave from this trip.

Daniel called about 4 pm and we gave him a great story about being woken up at 2am with water rushing in the boat and were in danger of sinking.  We must have gone on for over 5 minutes before letting him know it was APRIL FOOLS.  We all had a good laugh and relayed the story to a few more people.

Saturday morning I got the dinghy inflated, floating and powered.  I celebrated by taking it for a spin around the  marina.  Later Beth, I and the dogs repeated the tour.  Everything went perfectly and by lunch time the dinghy was hung on the arch and it fit perfectly.  Considering I designed the arch but had never test fit the dinghy to it, I was very pleased.  It looks like it will hold well.  Later Beth worked on the lifeline netting and helped me install the new cockpit glass.  I think she has finished the starboard side and has plans of tackling the bow tomorrow. I still have to come up with a plan for the stern.   Dinner was perfectly grilled steaks after watching a great sunset.

Monday.  The weather was great but a bit windy to work on the shrouds so I decided to work on the fridge while Beth worked on the bow netting.  Let me say that whoever installed the fridge had tiny arms.  The project was to get the propane side of the fridge working. I called several service companies in the area and no one would come out.  One guy gave me great advice on things to check, how to check them and apologized that they didn't have a mobile service.  Taking his advise, I decided to undertake the job.
The hardest part was getting the thing out of the cabinet.  Once that was done I checked the voltages, cleaned the burner and generally cleaned up around, behind and under.  This worked out really well as now I understand how it works, where all the connections are.  The entire job took about 5 hours but I am VERY happy to say it is re-installed and works on propane, 120V and 12V.  The propane operation is necessary since it draws a lot of power on 12V and when cruising, you don't want to squander power.
Beth made good progress on the bow netting getting all of the top rail done as well as a decent sunburn on her back.

Severe storms are forecast for later tonight and after watching the news while dining on chinese take out, the storms really tore up Gilmer county with several tornadoes touching down.  The forecast for Tuesday is rain and wind so it will be an inside the boat day cleaning up and organizing.

Tuesday was pretty much as forecast.  Bad storm around 5 am, nasty until about 1 pm and then lots of wind.
Usually wind on a sailboat is a good thing but considering we are attempting to get some work done on the deck, it makes it much harder.  We opted for an indoor day.  I worked on straightening things up and finishing a few indoor chores while Beth took care of essentials like washing and cooking.  All in all it was a rather relaxing day.  Hopefully tomorrow will be more productive.

Wednesday.  I picked up all the tools and equipment I had scattered all around the boat and put things in their place as well as removing a few items that hopefully we won't be needing.  Beth continued working on the bow netting but didn't get to finish as the biting gnats swarmed and chased her off.  All the buoyancy tanks have been checked, water filters cleaned or changed and I added reflective tape to the arch and mast.  The list is getting smaller as the date grows nearer.  Dinner was a fantastic roast and the sunset was beautiful.

Planning on heading back to Atlanta tomorrow, Ellijay this weekend.  Maybe before we leave I can get the SSB radio auxiliary antennas hooked up and tested.

Thursday.  Got up early enough before the wind started up and got the shrouds sealed which is an annual chore.  It went well but the gnats were out but not as bad as in the evening.  I double checked all the rings and marked that item off the list.  Beth worked diligently on the bow netting with the help of Catie and Cocoa.
By mid afternoon it was time to head to Atlanta with a few projects to be completed but several major jobs got accomplished and the rest of the list are pretty small items.

J

Another major step accomplished

Beth had to say goodbye to her car today. With about a month before departure, we are in the final stages of what can go with us and what can't. Unfortunately, Beth's modified Suzuki Vitara won't fit on the boat. A guy in Tennessee met us today and gave it a happy home.

Route Planning

I guess it isn't like the old days when you just set sail and hoped you would find land again. With all the technology ( winds, currents, weather and forecasts ) you have to plan everything. Right now, since we are planning a spring departure, we have to decide if we want to head south to the Caribbean or hang out around the east coast until after hurricane season. If we head south we would just make Mexico's Yucatan peninsula before hurricane season officially starts. Most insurance companies will not cover the boat if you are in the "box" between July 1 and November 1. So, if were actually depart on 4/30 that gives us two months to make Mexico. Actually and logistically that is quite doable but may lessen our time to see things on the way down. Still pondering the possibilities and the decision may not get made until we are in South Florida.

J

March 16 - 20 ~ St. Patricks Day

Thursday Savannah has a HUGE Parade for St. Patrick's Day so we had to come see it. Leon, Brenda and Lorette joined us and we got really lucky to get "seats" in such a great area. This is truly a huge parade and lasted about 4 hours. Everyone we met on the street was super friendly with a few of them being pretty drunk. We all went for a walk down River St to take part in all the festivities. With almost 500,000 people being in the area for the parade, it was a sea of green with all the St. Patrick's colors being worn. We headed over to Hillards on Skidaway for dinner to end the night.

Friday We did some early morning shopping for supplies and then took the boat out for some local fishing. Leon picked up some shrimp and Beth took us out. We motored about 1/2 way to the ocean and anchored. I don't believe anyone got a bite but it was a great day just relaxing. Dinner was a generous supply of KFC provided by Leon and turning in for an early night.
There were a few issues that came up such as the head decided it didn't need to flush anymore but I got it working and will change the output design soon. The bad news is that the wind generator is only putting out 10V and that won't charge the batteries. After looking into the issue, its pretty dead as in the internal components need to be replaced. I will be researching that. Also developed a nasty diesel fuel leak on the generator fuel supply. I stopped the leak and doused everything with Dawn. Just another issue that takes time. I can't imagine ever being bored on the boat, there is always something to issue.

Saturday Woke up early feeling absolutely miserable. Pain and what appears to be a cold and a serious sore throat. I chilled in the cabin with the TV and AC while Beth worked on the starboard lifeline net. After having done the port side, it seems like she has the hang of it and only took here 1/2 the time. The most I did was prep the new shelf retainer for the head. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow and can work on some things before we leave.

Sunday Woke up not feeling much better. Beth worked on the lifeline netting while I fiddled with the diesel tank. After further investigation, the "leak" was
where the connector hooked to the tank. It appears to be a bad "O-ring" so at least this will be a quick fix. Since I wasn't feeling much better, we left Savannah shortly after lunch. As the date of departure draws nearer there are numerous things that must be done.

J

Feb 24 ~ 27 - Working on the boat

After our trip to Cancun, MX, we were energized to get things going so we could go back on Second Chance. Beth wanted to get the lifeline netting up and I had a few projects I needed to work on.
We got to Savannah around mid-day and got right into it.
I worked on installing the new pantry shelf which fit perfectly and matched the interior to seem if it had always been there, and belonged there. This takes advantage of previously unused space and gives us room for about 60 cans.

I got the clutches installed on the Genoa halyard and the Mainsheet halyard which frees up the winches for the spinnaker or other halyard. The install went much better that I had imagined and they look great!

The Wind Generator issue turned into a non issue as it was never re-connected after the arch was reinstalled. A simple hook up of two wires to the regulator and that adds 400 watts of power to the battery bank !
Beth got the port lifeline netting up and secured. She took the time to burn the ends so there wouldn't be any unraveling and she intertwined it with the lifelines so it isn't going anywhere.
I installed an additional line between the bottom of the stanchions to attach the bottom of the netting to. It looks very good and is quite solid.
Sunday we both spent cleaning out the various storage areas to remove duplicates, take inventory and get crap off the boat. No sense hauling what isn't needed.
I would guess we removed over 150 lbs of "stuff" and that was just the aft port berth. We will work on the dinghy and aft starboard cabin on our next trip.
We have a few errands to run in Atlanta and Ellijay as well as attend our Spanish Classes.

Getting excited as we are now projecting departure on April 20th, 2011.

John

Cancun Vacation - by air 2/12 ~ 2/19

For Beth's Birthday and Valentines day I decided a trip to Cancun Mexico would be a great thing.  We had not taken a vacation since the honeymoon and a great deal came along.  We stayed at the Royal Islander which was a perfect resort, highly recommended.

Over the week we ate some of the best food Mexico has to offer and did a few tours of the local attractions.  This is NOT a destination for cruisers. Cancun is the most expensive place in all of Mexico.

We did the Chichen Itza tour and learned about the Mayans. Very interesting but alot of it appears to be theory because the records were lost.  It will still be interesting to see what happens on 12/21/12.  The Xplor tour is a nice "waterpark" in caves but I didn't feel it was worth the cost.  We took a 15' Hobie cat out on the lagoon for about 2 hours and Beth really enjoyed sailing as she had control the entire time.  We took a 75' catamaran over to Isla Majures to snorkel and explore the island.  It was a commercial trip but the Captain allowed me to steer while motoring and it was a nice trip.  The reef was kinda disappointing but a great boat trip.  I think this was the first time I was on someone elses boat and didn't find something I needed to put on Second Chance.

The trip did re-emphasize the need to get Second Chance moving.  We are headed to Savannah next week as Beth wants to get the lifeline net up for the dogs and I need to work on the wind generator and mount our new pantry shelf.  If the forecast holds, I am sure we will take a day sail.

J

Sunday - January 30

The boat is back at Sail Harbor and will be staying there.  The new marina was further up river and required the use of a power converter that I didn't have.  They were quite happy to sell me one for $165 which was
a ripoff since I could get one on the internet for $50.  The nicer docks would have been nice but where we are is fine for now.
We spent the day cleaning and organizing. I worked on the antenna connections for the GPS splitter which seems to be working fine.  I have to check on the wind generator connections as when I engaged it on our sail on Saturday, I didn't see the incoming charge.  I am sure it is a loose wire from the re-installation of the arch and generator.  One thing I am sure of is that water and power are precious and the idea of pulling into a marina every night will get really expensive.

The great news is that we put 25 gallons of actual regular gas on the boat, NO ETHANOL !!  It was $4.48 per gallon but I felt the engine running better and producing more power.
We headed back to Atlanta by 5 and its still a long boring ride ( Beth drove ).

J

Saturday - January 29 - OCEAN

The weather forecast has held true and we decided to make our first trek to the ocean.  We departed at 1:15pm motoring the entire way, through the channel, by all the no wake zones, finally into Wassau Sound at 2:45 and entered the ocean at 3:20.  There was a bit of chop where the Wilmington River met the ocean but after that it was quite smooth with a nice easterly 15 knot wind.  We put the genoa up and sailed for an hour while beginning out turn back. While sailing, Beth whipped up a nice hot dog lunch complete with fries. We didn't want to have to dock after dark so we headed back.  The wind was with us and so was the current so the trip back didn't take as long.  All the instruments worked flawlessly and the chart plotter ( Raymarine C70 ) was an invaluable tool to stay in the channel.
We went to Tubby's Tank House to celebrate our first foray into the ocean and then back to the boat for a quiet evening.

J

Friday January 28

The forecast weather for the weekend is for calm seas and highs in the high 60's so we headed for the boat just after noon.  Long boring drive!  Upon arrival, I checked the starboard bilge and it was as dry as a bone, it looks like I have finally solved that issue.  I worked on the bypass propane valve and after a bit of elbow grease, it now works without leaks.  Dinner grilled on the boat and relaxation.



J

Saturday January 14 - Atlanta Boat Show

One of the reasons for coming back was to attend the Atlanta Boat Show.  We already had tickets and headed over there about noon.  Traffic was light but parking was absurd as the Falcons were playing in the dome next door.  We finally managed to park and enjoyed walking around the boat show.  Didn't really see anything that was a need, and only a few wants crossed my mind.  It was an enjoyable afternoon followed by a late lunch at the Varsity.

J

Atlanta Snow January 8 - 14

It was forecast to snow pretty heavy in Atlanta so we decided to head to the boat.  We arrived Saturday afternoon and did the usual grocery shopping and settling in.  The major projects were to replace the "questionable" gas line going to the water heater and install the new valve on the head.  The gas line should have been a really easy job but required a trip to ACE hardware for an additional fitting.  The tools Leon lent me worked like a charm and by Saturday night, the new gas line was in place.

Sunday I installed a new joker valve and an electric valve on the output of the head.  Worked perfectly the first time and no more backflow into the toilet.  Whilst working on the head, I discovered a leak in the output line of the air conditioner water pump.  This is very important as the AC is also a heat pump and it was supposed to be really cold.  I made repairs and it appeared to be working and not leaking.

Monday Morning I checked the fixed leak and there was still water in the bilge so I tightened the fitting more and started working on installing the new toys I got for Christmas.  The LinkLite battery monitor would take some time but I got the face plate installed on the panel and installed the panel backlights while I had everything apart.

After working with that for awhile, I rechecked the "leak" issue and found that it was a lot worse.  The heat was turned off, the thru-hull closed and off we went to find the necessary parts.  Home Depot, Lowes, and West Marine were all necessary, not to mention that this trip took about 3 hours.  Upon returning to the boat, it was quite cool, about 60 degrees inside.  I started working on the new adapter configuration and maybe an hour later, it was back together and running with no visible signs of leaks.  I used the shop vac to get all the excess water out of the bilge and kept checking for leaks.


Tuesday, the bilge was dry, the toilet did not have excess water in it, the battery monitor was working perfectly but needed to be synchronized.  This meant that the 500AH main battery bank had to be fully charged so we left all the 12V stuff off and let it charge.  The battery monitor is a must have and I don't know
how I did without it before.  I finished neating up all the wiring to the batteries and accessories and started
closing up panels.

Wednesday and Thursday were kind of lazy days, a little shopping, cleaning around the boat. 
Returned to Atlanta on Friday and its still a long boring drive although the snow did make it more interesting.
We started seeing snow on the ground before we go to Macon and it got heavier the closer we got to Atlanta.
Traffic was bad so we avoided the bad roads and headed to the apartment.

It was a great week spent on the boat and I am looking forward to heading back soon.

J

Saturday - December 11

Well the NOAA weather forecasters were wrong on Friday.  Again woke up to cold overcast weather but this time it was also raining.  Discovered a loose fitting on the starboard hatch, devised a solution to the head back flow issue.  The NOAA weather site showed the small craft advisory had been extended and with the cold and rain, we decided to pack up and head for Atlanta.  We left about noon and the drive was boring as usual but uneventful.  As the boat is ready to go, the only tasks left are either deck work or little things, we will wait for a better forecast before heading back to Savannah.

J

Friday - December 10

Woke up to a cold overcast morning.  Beth and I spent the day relaxing on the boat getting little done.  The plan was to take it out, get fuel and head up to Hilton Head.  The NOAA had a small craft advisory posted for the area so we decided against it for the better forecast weather on Saturday.  We finished the little details of getting the boat ready to go and relaxed the day away.

J

Thursday - December 9

Finally a productive day.  Things just seemed to fall into place as I finished the AIS antenna's and finally put the covers back on the mast wiring.  It was still quite cold but I managed to get the main starter battery replaced and get the genoa sheets put on.  The battery was 2004 vintage and was showing its age.  I think 6 years out of a marine battery is pretty good.  I also got the new switches for the deck lights installed as well as connecting all of the deck lights, a project left over from moving the boat.  I believe the boat is back to the condition or better than when it left Lake Lanier.  It is again ready to sail.  Beth and the dogs joined me about 8 and we went to Carey Hillards for dinner.  The food was good although the selection was a bit interesting. 
I can't think of any reason not to take her out sailing tomorrow other than the small craft advisory that is forecast.
I guess we wait and see.

J

Wednesday - December 8

A cold day at the dock.  It did warm up later in the day to a whopping 50 but still chilly with the wind.  I felt like I was taking one step forward and two back for everything I tried to get fixed.  The battery monitor did not work correctly so that got sent back to the company for a refund.  Still have to find one that works right.  My attempt at fixing the antennas was a failure.  The connectors seem to be a bad bunch as they don't work quite right so off to West Marine for some new connectors.  Went grocery shopping for necessities and spent a quiet night on the boat.  Will work on the antenna's and other projects tomorrow.  Beth will be joining me and I am looking forward to that .

J

Tuesday - December 7

The drive down to Savannah from Atlanta is a long boring drive.  Got a late start taking care of finances for the upcoming journey and with that done, we are one step closer to departure.  The temperatures in Georgia have been below freezing at night for about a week and that made for a very cold boat when I arrived.  The heat on the boat works but it took it awhile to warm up.  By the time it did, it was time for bed.  The main berth is forward and between the hulls so the bottom of the bed is just  a couple of inches away from the outside air so even with the interior temperature reasonable, the bed was quite cold. 

Tomorrow I hope to get the new battery monitoring system installed as well as replace the baby stay turnbuckle and AIS antennas.

Cheers,

J