Norfolk, VA
To see as much of the world as we can,
Using the smallest carbon footprint we can,
Spending the least amount of money we can,
Making as many friends we can.
Let's review, shall we?
2009, December. Team Red purchases the old Chesapeake Eagle and renames her Red Ranger.
2010, Spring. We write huge checks to fix the deck and the rigging and make a few important upgrades. We learn about the "marina lifestyle": it's okay to stop and chat. Indeed …
The Commodore Says "Jobs can wait; once in a while you need to have some fun." It's Memorial Day: a day to cease work and recall the sacrifices of others. And have a party to celebrate our veterans and the benefits of those sacrifices.
It was one of those too-perfect-to-believe …
We finally drained the starboard tank. Now we can shovel out the Aluminum Chloride crystals plus swab down the inside with vinegar. CA insists that clean water is important.
I suggest that gin is a viable alternative to water. She reminded me of the old Erie Canal song, the E-Ri-E …
It's that time of year. Folks are getting ready to head south. Last year at this time, we were Done Fooling Around, and had started planning to take Red Ranger to the Whitby-Brewer Rendezvous. Ultimately, that didn't work out (Sweaty Palms -- Best Laid Plans, and Gang aft agley.) We were …
Cindy Ann (Red Ranger), Jen (Red Ranger), Sue (Liquid Therapy), Steve (Red Ranger), Stanley (Green Eyes) and George (Grace). Yes, it was rainy. We're all boaters, we all have pretty good foulies. In a variety of colors, it appears.
The crabs were delightful. There were lessons learned on the sudden …
As a Birthday celebration, we went to Chef Todd's with Lloyd, Barbara (SolMates) and Dave (Fawkes). Chocolate Torte Cake! Dinner with friends. Joy.
Now for the concerns. On Friday, the house battery voltage was 10V. 10V is—effectively—stone dead. A level of discharge from which batteries rarely recover.
On …
Labor Day means—what?—end of summer? Party? Labor? We did some labor. But that's not what's important.
On the party front, Red Ranger's crew is still in recovery mode. Saturday night it was beer, wine and snackies on Fawkes. Sunday afternoon it was Bloody Mary's at The White …
Hurricanes are dangerous. Video.
In 2010, we had a "near miss" from Hurricane Earl. It weakened before arriving, and we had a rainy night.
This year, we had Irene. It plowed right through Hampton Roads and could have charged right up the Bay. Lucky for us, it drifted off shore …
Dave and Karin and Kyle are visiting the Hampton Roads area.
Of course, we took them for a day sail on Red Ranger.
And they brought their friends Hans and Ruth. So we had seven on board, and things worked out perfectly.
Winds were from the SE at 5 to …
Lon said "I liken sailing to making music on the water. The two for me are inseparable." Lon followed his comment with an invite to hear Dramtreeo in Reedville on July 23rd.
Let's review our tangled social network.
Lon's a very active Whitby owner. We met him at the …
Having conversations with folks on the subject of opening new chapters in their lives. Maybe we're just sensitive to the topic. It is wonderful to hear people's reflections on their lives and their directions. Changes, new things, old things. Some folks worry about what they might lose. We found that …
The tribe was scattered. Fawkes is in Chisman Creek. Fortuna is still working; not launched yet. Amazing Grace is in the process of being sold. Liquid Therapy posted status from the Solomons; they'll be away for two weeks. Monday Morning is on the hard, being fixed. Joie de Vivre was …
This is me looking heroic and feeling bitter-sweet. Summer means goodbye hugs all around.
The sweet part was the fuel system. After our various engine travails (Fuel System FAQ), the Cantankerous Mr. Lehman ran flawlessly. It's a real confidence-builder to have him start and run and all the gauges—save …
Here's some epic pictures of Fawkes' exterior paint.
Before — Peeling and looking like an environmental hazard.
After — Spectacular!
The work involved is staggering: sanding, preparing, priming, painting. The results, however, will last for decades.
Yes, that's Xander down inside the lazarette. No, we didn't go sailing. We toured the marina and took a trip around Jackson creek in the dinghy.
Kind of disappointing not be able to sail. But the fuel system is in pieces.
So we hung around for a while and visited …
Our first Mother's Day treat was a big breakfast in the picnic porch with the crew of Fawkes and Sea Turtle. Pancakes. Waffles. Syrup. Strawberries. Coffee. And some post-breakfast yarning about boats, sailing and life afloat. Important lesson: it's okay to motor-tack your big old ketch in light airs. Also …
Once upon a time, the Chesapeake was purely a waterway. Roads didn't go far from the water. It was easier to get to Baltimore or Tangier island than it was to get to Richmond. Much of the commerce in the Chesapeake was handled by "buyboats" like the F. D. Crockett …
We went to the sunrise joint worship service at Stingray point. After the devastation of last weekend's tornado, it was a service of joy and hope. Minister Pearl Gresham Blake of Calvary Baptist Church spoke of Easter and hope: including comfort, counsel and choice. Three key elements for rebuilding Deltaville …
As they say, "any friend will help you move, a true friend will help you move a body." After the tornado ripped through Deltaville, we know who our true friends are. We learned how well-built our boat is. And we learned some new skills.
Winds were powerful. Red Ranger was …
What is that? The green light is the sun shining through a hole in the bottom of the boat.
This is the view through the top of our raw-water strainer. All the water coming into engine, air conditioner, and heads comes through this strainer. The green light is Jackson Creek …