No biggie – ho hum, just another 2000 miles of sailing in the open ocean. We did evolve from pollywogs to shellbacks and observed all ceremonies and honors to Neptune. Along the way, we saw some wildlife and ate some wildlife.
Continue reading “Equator Crossing”
My last food-related entry focused on the how-to of planning for an offshore passage. According to one reader, all I did was recommend an app. She found that unsatisfying and, although she would say she is not bossy, she demanded a more detailed look at meals. Since I am here to fulfill the needs of the readers (and she scares me a bit), this blog entry will focus more on the ingredients and meals themselves.
Continue reading “Eating Simply Does Not Mean Eating Badly”
Ideally, while on passage we will all eat together and not resort to eating each other. Planning the menu and supplies was driving me a bit nuts until I happened on a method that did not involve learning how to use spreadsheets. Now, it is a simple, if somewhat tedious task in which I have confidence.
And we all know that sometimes life moves too fast. The answer to an overly fast-paced life is often slowing down and appreciating the little things. But, what happens when a sailboat is moving too fast? Well, you put on the brakes –sort of.
Continue reading “Eating Is Fundamental and Slowing Our Roll”
As shown in the fantastic documentary titled “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” travel plans can occasionally kick you in your bathing suit parts. When they do, you need to catch your breath, adjust your boxers, and figure out the new plan.
Continue reading ““Six Bucks and My Right Nut Says We Ain’t Landing In Chicago””
Our passage timing got a kick in the privates by COVID. Not too bad, but delivery of Wild Rumpus is now scheduled for May 1, 2022.
The two month delay is caused by some supply chain issues. Hopefully, we won’t have any more delays. I am in the process of consulting the pilot charts, historical weather patterns, and obtaining local knowledge from sailors about starting this adventure in May. My initial impression is that the passage remains a go with some possible slight modifications on the shakedown cruise. More updated to follow as I learn more.
Years ago Teresa and I decided to buy a boat. At that time, preparation for picking up the boat, such as making flight arrangements, buying gear, achieving all training goals, seemed like distant activities easily fit into a wide-open calendar. Then time kept marching on . . . . Then COVID . . . .
And now the delivery (fingers crossed) is just 6 months away. The speed with which our “abundance of time” has compressed into “holy crap, we don’t have very much time” is sobering. Suddenly, the need to decide where to buy stuff, what stuff to buy, and getting the stuff to the boat is a hair-on-fire rush.
And the “madness takes its toll.” (Nah, not really, this is just a throwback to the Rocky Horror for you Rocky Horror nerds like me [I’m looking right at you Elaine!!])
Continue reading “Time Is Fleeting”
(Warning- only old codgers and devotees of 80s movies once thought sweet, but now seen as casually racist and misogynist will get that the title is a movie reference at all. No racism or misogyny intended– just some old man nostalgia here.)
Lots of good stuff has been happening- sailing, vacations, boat updates, equipment purchases. . . . So buckle up buttercups and hold on, because this is going to be one bumpy ride.
Continue reading “What’s Happening Hot Stuff?”
It’s alive!!!! While Dr. Frankenstein was elated to see signs of life from the pieces of dead bodies he sewed together, we just want to stay alive — preferably without any sewing of body parts.
Rapid assistance for life’s oopsies and whoopsies is something most of us take for granted. Dialing 911 is always one of the first steps in an emergency situation, even in more advanced first aid classes. That is because emergency services are never more than about 30 minutes away in most places and rarely more than 24 hours away even in backpacking areas. But, Wild Rumpus will, at times, be a week away from any reliable organized assistance. So, at least three of our six crew needs better than average first aid skills, and one helluva first aid kit!
Continue reading “Passage Prep- First Aid”
I flew all the way from San Francisco to Annapolis, Maryland (a long time to wear a face mask) for a 4-day hands-on class on diesel engines. My take away — Suck Squeeze Bang Blow!
I’ll also give you my thoughts on Knot a Day and give away two!
Continue reading “Suck. Squeeze. Bang. Blow.”
“Roger Roger. What’s my vector Victor?” Not quite checklists, but I do love Airplane, and this seemed like a reasonable place to cram it into the blog. This entry I’ll post a couple of checklists under development for Wild Rumpus (with credit given to the folks I stole the idea from and a whole lot of disclaimers).
Oh, and I’ll share some news about being asked to review a book for the blog — see Ma, I told you someday people would covet my stupid opinions!!
