04/03/2012

First off, I would like to apologize for not posting more while in yard. The work was not something I felt overly inspired to write about. While I did learn a lot, it wouldn't be an interesting read. We did get the hull repirs a few planks above the waterline and I am a lot more confident with a sledge hammer.

Now we are on the way back to Erie to finish repairs and get her rigged for the season. our coast guard inspection is in a month and I am confident that we will be ready. We have a strong crew and what looks to be an interesting season.

It feels good to have so many good people around; surrounded by old crew. It is hard to explain the feeling of belnging that a ship can give you. As hard as it got last year, and as hard as it will likely be this year, it feels good to be back.

03/21/2012

Shipyard in Cleveland and lots to do. My arms are sore and tired from planking, and we have hit a few setbacks but hopefully tomorrow will be a strong day and we will start making back some time.

03/16/2012

Day two of the 2012 season and I found myself in cleveland working on the boat. The repairs are fairly daunting, but the team there is good and planking is scheduled to start monday. I was mostly used for heavy lifting, batteries, old lumber and the like. I also helped the mate pull nails out of the hull. It is a bit more of a process than I expected.

I find myself more and more excited for the season. I think our crew is strong and I think we will work well together. Tomorrow will be a bonding experience I believe.

But for now, it's time to turm in.

03/15/2012

A new season on Niagara starts again. The ship is not here, but I am going to see her in the shipyard tomorrow. massive repairs are underway and we plan to have her ready by shakedown. Much to do, but we have a strong crew to make it happen.

Last season was hard, without question. We have put those troubles out of mind however, and today was filled with excitement for the upcoming season. I know that I have plenty. As strange as it is to be here without her, it is still good to be back.

12/16/2011

First morning of this little voyage and the weather is perfect, except of course for the winds. We have been motor sailing or just motoring the entire time. A lesson in not trusting predictions; rather than the beam reach we were promised it has been on the nose the whole way. The boat is comfortable amd rides well, though, so still no real complaints. We are currently off of Fort Pierce and making good time.

12/15/2011

So I've realized that I only feel like writing in here when I'm actually sailing, as dockside life seems rather dull to me.

That said, I'm going sailing again, leaving this afternoon on a fifty foot sloop for a delivery from New Smyrna Beach to Miami. We're looking at about a two hundred mile voyage aiming to get into port around saturday morning. I'm looking forward to getting some time out on the ocean, even though conditions sound less than ideal. I need the time for my near costal license, and I could stand to get a bit of salt in my hair; it's been a long time.

I've had some interesting travels since my last update, but it was all land based and more philosophy than action, which has been fun mental exercise. I am, however, ready to actually do something again.

09/25/2011

Under way for the last voyage of the season, though without pomp or fanfair. We have only our main topmast stays'l for stabilities sake and no timbers save the topmasts. There is an odd comfort right now.

Perhaps it is the quiet knowledge that we are nearly done. There is a strange feeling to that. We are all so very tired and in great need of time away, but leaving is always a somber affair. Leaving the peope who have surrounded you; people whome have shared your experiences at the basest level. There are very few goodbys in this world, but see you somewhere also has a sadness.

For us, home is an odd concept. This deck has a bit of us in it and we can't forget that.