It's hard to believe that we've been at this for 200 days. It's been a long journey over this Spring and Summer. A large learning experience for the both of us. It's hard to believe how naive and green we were when we arrived at Zephyr back at the end of April. We knew a lot about sailing but not a lot about what it takes to get a boat like Zephyr ready for cruising. There is a BIG difference between a simple day sail(what we have been doing for years) and long distance cruising. It's a whole new layer of knowledge and experience that is required to go out in the "wild and woolly". We learned how under educated we were on our trip from Newport to Port Townsend back in late July. We'd worked and worked trying to get Zephyr ready for the trip and still we weren't ready for what Mother Nature threw at us during that trip.
Not only have we changed but so has Zephyr. Just about every system has been inspected and either approved or improved. From the stem fitting that holds the anchor to the decal on the stern, we have dug and and removed as well as inspected and installed more things on Zephyr than either of us had ever imagined we would. From new drains and electrical circuits to repairing fiberglass tanks, the work goes on. There are still many small projects as well as large ones(installing the wind generator), but we are nearing completion if that can be possible. Part of the "cruising" lifestyle is the constant attention to your boat. Nothing can be left to chance. Maintenance is a way of life. Check, check and recheck day after day. Many times, your life can depend on it. It's the lifestyle that Tracy and I have chosen. We understand that there will be many challenges ahead of us and just hope that we will be prepared for them. Only time will tell.
Tracy lacquered the new outlet I installed in the galley. It came out great and comes really close to matching the surrounding woodwork. I still plan on installing at least one more outlet in the main cabin. According to Jack the electrician, there can only be 5 outlets on each circuit. I don't figure any more than one or two will be used at any one time so adding one more shouldn't be a problem.
We took off for West Marine after having lunch at Sea J's restaurant. Since it's right across the street from West Marine it was the perfect spot. They still make one of the best burgers in Port Townsend and cheap too.
We'd made a list of things we needed for Zephyr to make her even better. From stainless steel ratchet straps to hold the inflatable dingy on board the deck to the folding pad eyes that will be used to attach it to the deck. A new water pump for the engine and 3 more impellers to keep as backups since just about every blog we read of other sailors talks about theirs going bad. Winter sailing gloves and a clock to match our barometer. We'd considered buying a new set of Steiner binoculars but we took in our Bushnells to compare and they seemed to be about the same so that saved us a good bit of money. We replaced the block to lift the dingy on board with our crane. The previous block had frozen solid due to corrosion. Now it will be much easier to get it on and off the deck.
We're hoping to be able to replace the pelican hooks(these hold the life lines closed at the gates for getting on and off the boat) since they aren't suitable for ocean passages. We need the type that can be latched closed so there is no chance of them coming open while at sea. They may have to be special ordered.
Tomorrow, the installation of the wind generator continues as well as add all the new equipment we bought today. I'm sure we will be back at West Marine again as the sale goes through tomorrow.
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