Other matters

While we where waiting for the AP parts that we didn't need. Warren worked on the batteries, the swim plateform, refrigeration and finished somethings on the mast. I won't go into all the details but needess to say he has been very busy. He even drilled the palm of is hand (ouch),while trying to finish the swim plateform. It still needs the ladder to the water.  I think he is going to get that done tomorrow. Hopefully with no more bleeding. I'm sure glad there are no sharks or alligators here, that hole he made in his hand was dripping so much it reminded me of the movie Romancing the Stone. The bad guy got his hand bit off, thats a big Ouch!
That never happens to the good guys.........which Warren truly is!!!!

The end of March

Well we have been trying to get the auto pilot in for the last three weeks. We thought they ordered the wrong controller for the cockpit but found out today that all we needed to do is just cut the end of a cable off and put a different one on. But Warren is getting frustrated and is taking today off.

We went to a nautical flea market today. We found what we needed a cheek block for only $10 they sell for $53. The flea market was at Echerd College, all the stuff is donated and the proceeds go to help their nautical programs. As you can see lots of people.
We meet Matt and Julies, v/s Coup d'Amout a few months ago. They have been working on their boat in Treasure Island, which is by the beaches. I meant to take their picture today at the flea market but they had a long list of stuff to look for and I forgot. They are heading down to Venice. We wish them all the best! They have a blog also

 http://matthewandjuliesail.blogspot.com/
Here are a few pictures of Venice beaches we took these a couple weeks ago.

We really want to leave here April 4 or 5 but I have stopped making plans. If Warren can get the auto pilot in and a few sea trials, All the rest of the projects we can do anywhere. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. If I had anything else to cross I would!

The Auto Pilot

  This is what I like to refer to as the beast, the stainless steel bracket took two weeks to get welded. The arm on the shaft was made by Dad. Everyone thinks its just a little beefy, but if you know Warren bigger is better. Now he needs to finish the other parts and get it wired in. I am really hoping it goes faster, I want to get going!!!!!!

It is a beautiful day sunny with a little wind, only in the 60's because a front just passed through. The weekend looks great, in the 70's. I hope Warren gets a lot done:) This is my view as I bead, not to bad:)

Visitors from the North

  Pete and Barb from Fairbanks decided to take a break from the cold. They lived in Florida many year ago. It was great to see them, we went to dinner at the Crab Shack and showed them around the boat. It was great to see friends from home. Warren and Pete worked together for over 20 years, now they are both retired. Life is good. We thank God everyday!
 We have been in the water now for about three weeks. Our plans to leave in Feb. went kaput because the auto pilot is taking longer then planed, as usual!!!Next blog is the pictures of the auto pilot.