Aloft

I went aloft on Splendid for the first time yesterday. It’s much higher than Namaste. I put on the windex and tri-color. The Tri-color doesn’t turn on but I think the problem is in the boat, not in the mast. I also inspected all the swedges and hardware.

The day before was a spend one. I topped off Splendid’s tanks ($200) and went to Costco for shopping ($150). I’m really trying to spend my money wisely and set myself up to be self sufficient. I’m still tool shopping. I’m ebay bidding on a tone generator, a torque wrench, a tap and die kit, and a paint sprayer. I’m also looking for a swedge tool and ring compressor. When I leave I will also have 5 gallons of epoxy and a bunch of glass mat. I’m going to be like “Alex the tool man”. I’m also looking for a snap-on calendar for my shop ;-)

The big boat is a lot more work than Namaste, but worth it. I really feel like I have a home. I’m setting myself up for a lifetime of cruising. If my goose neck breaks in the Maldives I want to be able to weld it. When a sail tears I’ll run it through the sewing machine at sea. I really love fixing things. I cant believe the things people throw out. I picked up a bunch of new hose the other day in the dumpster, and a good working Jabsco pump a few weeks before. I have no shame when it comes to dumpster diving. That brings up a good point. Before you throw away any electronics, pumps, or anything fixable, send it to me. At the least I’ll use it for parts or fix it and give it to someone who needs it. My buddy gave me his mountain bike that was a bit rusty with some broken gears. I got it working fine on one gear. I’m going to a bike shop later today to see if I can buy the gears and bring it back to a 21 speed. I’m looking for a good mountain bike and I’m going to get one before I leave. I’ll keep this one for guests or give it to a kid somewhere south of the boarder. I really don’t like how disposable we have become, I hate waste! Some of the best tools I have is vintage 60-70’s. I have an awesome antique craftsman drill, it works better/stronger than any drill I’ve owned.

I may pull into a slip here in the next few days. I’m going off to help someone with a 400 mile passage to Punta Gorda which is just around the corner. It will be nice to go to sea for a few days. I haven’t been to sea since my New Caledonia to Brisbane passage. It’s funny, 400 miles seems like a puddle jump now.

Anyway, I’m going back to work. I have a full day scheduled today.

Cheers everyone.

Sail far and live slowly.

Alex