4 years of working on the decks & cabin house is paying off fast. I’ll be done in a few days and touching/cleaning up for a week or so. I did these three sections of non-skid in under 2 hours.

The non-skid paint is a little darker than I had thought when I picked out the color but I’m really pleased with it. I never thought teak decks were too hot under foot, nor in the cabin, this will be much cooler. The non-skid is really easy on the eyes on a bright day and it masks dirt well.

I also thought the grain of sand was a bit too fine but in the end I think its perfect.

Splendid is such a big fat girl I love her. Soon I’ll be getting into maintenance mode…, well…, not really, but the important stuff will be done. She is SOLID & DRY! I still have the hull to contend with and interior work but its all on the “want to” list, and not the “must do” one. 

I really need a new stove, and I found a really nice $80.00 washing machine for the aft head. Every time I go to do laundry it costs over $20.00 and the washing machine will be a wonderful luxury, not to mention a valuable investment. I also want to get my big refrigeration project done and get the water-maker going. I will most likely do these things before I paint the hull.

I’m always prioritizing projects in my head, but the BEAST (RASSEN FRAKEN $#!@ *&^%#*@) of all projects is coming to a screeching halt fast! I will be able to sleep sounder knowing that the cabin house and toe rail are all glassed up, and everything has been pulled & re-bedded, and I have pulled and thoroughly inspected the chain plates.

WHAT A F’N PROJECT IT HAS BEEN! And it’s been worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears. Splendid is the boat I wish to retire on and travel the world upon. She is solid, quick, & nimble. And most importantly she is home!

Carla returns on Friday and she is going to help me with the great task of cleaning up before my friend comes on the 11th. I’m getting my flyer printed and dropping it off at a few places this week. I need to make a few bucks for Splendid things and a computer for editing HD video.

I’m really, REALLY, looking forward to my time in the San Blas. With all the work lately I’ve become disconnected from the reef & hunting and its not good for my soul. Carla is really into surfing even though she is just learning, and I’m looking for a used long board. I haven't surfed since university in Santa Barbara. I’m also hoping to come across a kayak. Now that the decks are done and I will be making a few bucks I want to find a few dollars & time for myself. I also want to focus time & energy on Carla and show her the wonders of the sea and life aboard. There is something innately rewarding to hunting for a woman. I’m a bit of a cave man and want to get back to the basics “me kill fish”!

Anyway, its 8:25am, the sun is out, and I have a lot of non-skid to attend to.

Peace from paradise.

- alex