May 6, 2004
Henderson, NV
Rush, rush, rush. The big push. The final lap. Making it all come together. This past week was monumental in our preparation for departure.
First, I was able to get the hull painted – and it turned out pretty well. Not perfect, but better than I had anticipated. For me, it is all a learning experience. Next time, it will be perfect. But for now, it is better than good enough. A HUGE sigh of relief. The whole painting “thing” was really weighing on me. Now, we just have to paint the decks and take care of the brightwork, but we can do that anywhere – later.
That leaves two things on the “must do” list: the mast tabernacle, (which is almost done) and the life lines on deck (which I have all the parts for, just have to build). The mast tabernacle (essentially a giant hinge at the base of the mast) was a last minute choice. Since we are planning to go through the Erie Canal, lowering and raising the mast ourselves will save us enough money to pay for the tabernacle, and then some. It also allows us more self-sufficiency, an important goal for cruisers. I love it when all the parts come together. I know everything will be okay; we will prevail.
At home, now, everything is really different. Tuesday morning, early, I flew out to Michigan to take Sadie, our lovable black lab, to my parents’. She’ll live with them until December when our cruise is over and Mom and Dad bring her to us in Florida. It is interesting how everything has instantly changed with out her. There is still the impulse to take her out first thing in the morning or to mindlessly reach down to pet her only to discover she isn’t there. Making the decision to leave her out of our cruising plans was difficult. Sadie is a member of our family, but it really isn’t fair to her for us to take her on this trip – we aren’t set up for her. Besides, my parents love her and will give her a great home until we reunite.
Taking her to the airport and putting her on a plane was most difficult. Sidonia had a hard time with the “guy” at the airport as the TSA agent searched Sadie and her kennel before allowing her to pass. All the way to the gate, Sidonia kept asking, “Sa-Sa ok? Sa-Sa ok?” Off Sadie and I went. It wasn’t until I returned home the next day that I realized what a difference it was not having my puppy around. One of our family is gone. The house suddenly seems empty. The result, it is no longer home. The packing instantly accelerates. The desire to leave renewed.
Larry and Pattie, the previous owners, aboard Nereus
during today’s visit
And, just when it seems like it is all coming together, all going our way, something wonderful happens to, once again, confirm our goals. On my old web site, I had written of the previous owners who sold Nereus to us back in August of 1999. A terrific couple, Larry and Pattie had inspired us with their tales of cruising and living aboard. They are seasoned cruisers and excellent examples for us to follow. We have had limited contact during the past four years, but then again we haven’t had too much sailing news or excitement to share with them. Our decision to go convinced us if there were two people in the world who could appreciate our adventurous plan, Larry and Pattie would. When we bought the boat, they had commented on how they wanted it to go to people who would use it as they had and continue the cruising adventure from where they left off. We are doing our best to follow their lead and felt compelled to contact them and tell them so. I sent the email.
They replied immediately and asked to come up to see us and their old boat. How wonderful. We were delighted that they wanted to share in our excitement. We spent all day together, reminiscing, sharing. It is funny how Larry automatically falls into his spot on the settee and Pattie is right at home aboard. Both of them are so natural aboard. They offered lots of advice and shared their vast experience. They seemed to like some of the changes we’ve made to the boat, but noticing, underneath the all boatyard grime, their old home, still solid and ready for the world.
Seeing them again added additional reinforcement, gave us more purpose. There is a history, a story, with this boat. We are now a part of this history and, in a sense, have a voluntary obligation to contribute and carry on in the Westsail tradition. We’re up for the challenge.
Thank you, Larry and Pattie, for a today, and so much more.
– Steve