Did everyone see the new video? I can’t tell how people know about it. I know a lot of people have an RSS feed on the log page, but I don’t know if that works for the videos too??
Well I got the first paint on Splendid’s bulwarks day before yesterday. All I can say is “WOW”! I’m really happy with the Mothane (Mobile paints). It has a really hard and durable finish. As soon as the weather breaks I’m painting the foredeck, installing two cleats, installing the windlass, a foot switch, and the spigot for the wash down pump. Darrin will be laying glass and I’ll be finishing and painting behind him. I need to figure out all the wiring, battery installation, breaker, and switches for the windlass.
I really hate this weather, it interferes with my work! That being said I believe in the world around me. I may not always agree with the direction it pushes me, but I do if you know what I mean. The wind is blowing a steady 25-30 kts and the air is cold. Tonight it is supposed to be in the 20’s. Thank God for propane and diesel heat. Cold days like this are baking and cooking days on Splendid. For lunch we had home made hummus and pesto on home made bread. It was really good. Tonight we are baking brownies, and having Darrin over for a pasta dinner. Sam and I have 6 lbs of blueberries and strawberries in the fridge waiting to start a batch of wine but it is just too cold. It needs to be over 70F to start the fermentation process.
I’ve really been yearning badly for sailing lately. My buddy Gary on “Plan B” called me from Mexico today. I really miss my cruising friends as well and keeping up on the SSB radio I miss it sooooo much. I’m really looking forward to sharing it with Sam and Guin. I’ve been too long in this place and I feel like I’m getting soft.
Anyway. My friend Buddy forwarded me the following words by John Masefield:
“Sea-Fever”
I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
John Masefield (1878-1967). English Poet Laureate, 1930-1967.
The wind will turn soon.
Cheers everyone.
– Alex