04/18/2012

So since I'm sitting here I guess I should do a bit more of a post.
We're getting her nicely dressed, though it has been some long days getting to that. Most of the yards are crossed, and most of those that are, are dressed as well. We have two sails ready to set right now, and could go for a heck of a downwind run with the fores'l and the spanker, and will hopefully get the gear set up for the tops'ls and the fore topmast stays'l tomorrow. The rig is mostly tuned and tight and after lots of eventful days, she's starting to look like herself again.

We have a couple weeks till it's time to get going, and we are all fairly confident we can get there.

Cheers

A little shout out

So the kids from Station Maine are here visiting the Niagara again and being ever so helpful and generally a lot of fun. You should all check out their website (www.stationmaine.org) or find them on facebook. You should also probably follow the blog at stationmaine.blogspot.com

It's a fantastic organization and they really do great work.

04/04/2012

It was a long trip home last night. Little room for sleep in the birth deck, and a lack of bedding made for restlessness. I found myself wedged between division boxes and spent batteries trying to get some fitful sleep.

It was nice, however, to be back on the water. Even the lack of sleep and the spitting rain couldn't really detract from that.

We had a late start this afternoon, and then got to work getting the boat ready for the upcoming month. We did a field day, cleaning the birth deck and galley after getting all the gear out and into the shop. We also moved a fair amount of lumber. Not the most exciting day ever, but most of us were fine with a lack of excitement this time.

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.