It doesn't seem like it today. There is so much to do and time is getting short. Troy is working on installing the water maker, re-bedding leaking hatches and getting our anchors lined out and that's just the beginning. I am still working at making some money for the cruising kitty. We are both a little anxious about the day when our bank account has debits only! LOL
We still have many projects to complete before we feel like we (Me, Troy, Storyville) are ready to go. We will haul Storyville out in early November for a bottom job and some other projects that can only be done when we are on the hard. The list seems to be never-ending and I feel like I am living in the middle of a re-model. I will be glad when most of the inside projects are done so that I can stop climbing over tools and stuff. (Troy - when you read this, it is not a complaint - I'm just sayin', it will be nice).
We ordered all of the chart kits that we will need for navigation all the way from the Bahamas to Grenada and most of the cruising guides. That was exciting, even if it was a big dent in the cruising kitty. We got our EPIRBS and a SPOT tracker. Also ordered our quarantine flag and, thanks to Steve and Deb, we have several other courtesy flags. I also ordered some books to help me figure out the SSB, which, by the way, has yet to be installed.
When I get time I need to start thinking about provisioning the boat. Actually, I have been thinking about it, but that's the extent of Storyville's provisioning so far, thinking about it. I'm starting to realize that many things that we will need will be really expensive on the islands in the Caribbean, after all, they are islands and most things must get there by boat. Like, what about sunscreen, bug spray, my favorite (fill in the blank). I told my sister the other day that she could buy me a case of sunscreen for a bon voyage gift. LOL
These are some of the things that are swirling around in our heads right now. We feel the pressure of getting everything ready, but, just like everything else in life, we realize that you will never be completely ready to go. There comes a time when you just have to cut the dock lines.
I was thinking the other day, as I grumbled to myself because I had to drive 20 MPH through a school zone when I was already running late (rush, rush, rush). During our cruising, it will be a rare occasion when we move faster than about 15 MPH, and that will be when we are in the dinghy. Storyville can make about 7 knots, that's her hull speed, (but usually we are going much slower). I don't know how fast I can paddle my kayak, but I am guessing nowhere near 7 knots. Then, of course, there's the walking, lots of walking. Short Story (Storyville's dinghy)
might make 20 MPH when she's on plane. I sure am looking forward to the day that our lives slow down.
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once. ~Lillian Dickson
