Day 140 Getting closer.

Here's Brion Toss inspecting the mast as the "dressing" gets done.  We hauled the mast over to Zephyr on a cart especially made for transporting masts--just don't look at the almost flat tire.  On went the spreaders and fittings and we're getting there.

Now earlier in the day, Brion, Gordon, and Nathan--the riggers three descended on Zephyr to get the stem fitting(holds the wires that hold the mast up on the bow) installed.  The hole that had held the bracket had been filled with "vinyl ester" or some such stuff.  It had to be drilled out and the new fittings bolted home.  Well, guess what?  The "vinyl ester" hadn't been mixed properly and was no where near hard!!!  Now it has to be drilled out all over again and refilled with properly mixed stuff and allow to harden.  We will be using the inner forestay(fitting about 5 feet back from the bow) to hold the forestay(wire that holds the mast up on the bow) instead of the normal fitting.  at least until the new stuff hardens.  Nice try Joan!!!

I installed the new grate in the "garage" that Jack had stepped through a few weeks ago.  Had to haul out a good bit of things--fenders and line--from the storage area at the bow and get it put in.  Since several of the slats on it had been replaced and it is quite a custom fit piece, I had to take it back to Robyn the wood worker to have a bit cut off a few of the slats.  I had to get it installed as the riggers--Nathan-the shortest guy--will be down in the garage to get to the anchor locker to install the bolts that hold the stem fitting in place.  At least that was the plan at the time.  Now it isn't going to happen for a few days--until the vinyl ester gets installed and allowed to harden.  Back the stuff went into the "garage".

Hey, just saw a raccoon walk by out back here.  I'm back at the ice cream parlor--closed of course as it about 6am.  I'm trying a new program that our son recommended that will allow me to type this anywhere and simply post it when I can get on line.  Not quite there yet with all the interruptions.  The weekend is coming when it will be a bit quieter.

I actually got my shower yesterday--shaved too.  When you have to walk a bit to take a shower and you have limited access to your boat, some things just fall to the wayside until there is time for them.  Sure feels nice being clean and clean shaven--clean clothes too!!

We had lunch at Sea J's again--great local hamburger joint and took the bus to the local vet to see about getting the cats shots done so we can go to Canada later.  They're closed for a few days--til Thursday.  But we sure had a nice bus ride.  

We got back to the boat just in time to help the riggers get the mast carted to Zephyr.  Another boat was brought in yesterday and plunked down beside us.  It's getting crowded here.  We put the mast on 55 gallon drums behind the boats and the riggers went about their job of getting all the necessary hardware installed.  There is still lots more to get done this morning--that's one reason why I'm here so early.

I went with Brion back to his shop to get another lesson on making eye splices in my new halyards.  I'd tried on Sunday night but just missed the mark.  Brion showed me where I had gone wrong and voila, I got it done right.  Now just lots of practice and I'll be a pro--like 50 more tries.

Dinner at Shanghai again.  Just can't get enough of their food.  It is so good.

Tracy's back and hip are still bothering her.  She doesn't do well under the stain of all this work going on around Zephyr.  All will be well once it is done.

The class Brion is teaching to the Coast Guards people starts tomorrow.  Eight at a time will be on board inspecting Zephyr.  He wants us there also to show people what has happened on board her.  He showed the "Survey" we had done to a friend of his that is getting together an advocacy group to appear in front of congress to press for a better regulation of the "surveyors" so that there will be a national standard and a test they will have to take to be certified to do these inspections.  She was NOT impressed with our survey and wants to talk to us about it and get more facts.  He(Brion) has also asked us to put together a list of things that we feel a surveyor should see while inspecting and things he might miss.  We will be doing that this evening.  After what we have learned, it will be an interesting list.  There are many things that should have been caught on Zephyr that weren't-- the electrical is one and the rigging is another.

Well, time to get back.  The workmen/riggers will be going at it again today.  No electricians yesterday as parts are still on order.  The new battery monitor will be in tomorrow and the other parts might make it in today.  Jack is having some teeth taken out on Wednesday so we don't think he will be back for the rest of the week--maybe Friday if he's lucky.  When Tracy had it done, she was out for almost a week.

If there is time, I'll try and get an update later today.