Feeling the crunch

It rained pretty much all day.  That gave us some time to work on purging the boat and getting ready to pack it up.  It also gave us some time to hit the movies!

When the rain finally paused tonight we decided to give the life raft some attention.  After lots of measuring and debating we think we may have actually found a spot to mount it on deck that won't completely block the view or limit movement.  We will lose the full functionality of one of the hatches in our cabin, but that's a small price to pay. 

The next challenge?  Get it to Baltimore for recertification and get it back before we move.  Between work, work travel, car woes (I hit a deer last week and am driving a rental), and kid duty, this is not easy.  But we need to do this, ASAP.  I've decided that I will simply have to leave work early Monday to make it happen.  This just can't wait any longer.  Next I'll stress about getting it back in time, but for now, it just needs to get there.  Wish me luck!

Friday perfection

I am really starting to feel the upcoming move.  Tonight was perfect!  Goofing off at the pool as a family, downloading from a busy week.  This place, these people, and these experiences have been wonderful, and while I'm really going to miss it all I am hopeful for what the next 2 years will bring.

We are inReach!

We managed to use a combo of LLBean discounts and a rebate to snag a deal on a DeLorme inReach Explorer satellite communications device for Frank's Father's Day gift.  Today he activated it and we are quite pleased with the accuracy!  Getting closer to offshore adventure!

A Trek-tastic weekend

This weekend I completed my second Trek Across Maine, a 180-mile bike ride to raise money for the American Lung Association.  I rode with my friend Kristy and three members of her family on team "Never Say Never."  I don't want to go too far in theirs post without thanking those that sponsored me.  I raised just under $1000 and was lifted by that generosity throughout the ride.  Thank you!!!

This time I drove up, parked at the airport in Portland, rode my bike to a park-and-ride with my huge backpack, and rode the bus to Sunday River!  Is was so great to be back in Maine.

The Trek kicked off on Friday under clouds and showers.  The sky opened up and the rain came down hard as I passed the site of the 2013 accident.  And I rode on.  And the sun came out!  We had a great ride, though it was a bit windy.  Food was really great at Farmington, too! Oh, and my family flew in to Maine! They headed up to Sangerville for some fun, but it was nice knowing they were near.

Saturday was a beautiful day!  Ideal conditions and a relatively quick ride.  When we got to Colby we had time for massages, beer, inversions, and dinner before the Spirit of the Trek presentation.

Sunday was pretty much the exact opposite of Saturday.  The remnants of a tropical storm left us riding in a cool, solid rain.  It was tough.  I wore almost all of the gear I brought with me. Rest stops had to be fast or you'd get too cold.  By the second rest stop my partners were hopping on a bus--they were just too cold.  I felt ok, so I continued on.  The hills kept me sort of warm, but I blew by the third rest stop to just get to the finish.  At the "last stop" a mile from he finish, I was elated to see Jenn and Kris! We got to ride to the finish together!  And to my utter surprise, my family was at the finish line, in the rain!  I cried!  And shortly after got really cold!  We ate and I got an emergency blanket, but it took a while to really warm up.  But we did it!  We did it!!!

I really want to ride again next year, but the logistics may prevent that.   I may still try, though!  Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, my team, and our supporters for an amazing Trek experience!

Escape to NC

While it pains me that we didn't make it out on the water this weekend, it was for a good reason!  We were in North Carolina for the Captain's 20yr high school reunion.  It was a great opportunity to see some friends and visit with Grandma for what may be the last time before we move.  And I shudder to think of it, but we leave in a month and a half!  

Ah-mazing Ah-nnapolis!

A crazy last minute EBay bid on a life raft this week had us looking at a drive up to Delaware to pick up our purchase this weekend.  But the seller offered to meet us halfway, choosing Annapolis as the meeting spot.  We tried to offer something closer to him, but he stuck with Annapolis.  Suddenly the weekend was looking better!

We enjoyed a nice evening with our neighbors Friday and set out early Saturday morning for Annapolis.  We motored so as not to be late, but still had a nice morning on the bay.  We settled into the mooring field and headed ashore to pick up our purchase!

We need to get it certified, but it was a great deal.  Next, back to town for ice cream, playground fun, and dinghy cruising!  We also spent a few hours lazing on deck (ok, I was lazy while Frank polished stuff)--it was pure bliss!

After dinner we did some more dinghy cruising, chatted with another Beneteau 393 on the mooring beside us, and enjoyed the sunset.  

After an awesome Sunday breakfast at Sophie's Crepes we are headed back home for some pool time.  I am really going to miss this!