Congratulations on reaching another milestone! Glad to have all that fiberglass work done, I'm sure! Oh my! memories! "burgers at that pool hall in Beaufort". Yes! I was there, about 4 years ago, helping a friend with his Catalina 36 delivery from Ft. Lauderdale to Baltimore. The cheeseburgers were delicious, and there was an excellent country/folk band as well! You are going to Galapagos? When will that be? Ask the older guides, captains, Parks personnel,(especially when you're in Puerto Ayora) if they remember the whale research vessel "Odyssey". (white 94' steel ketch. formerly a private yacht, definitely does not look like a research vessel!) We were there 14 months in '93-'94 and back again for 6 months in 2000. Tell them you know Capt. Bob (that's me!). Felipe Cruz might still be at the Galapagos Nat'l Park in Puerto Ayora! Tell him 'Hi' from Capt. Bob! And tell them I was at David Day's 80th birthday party in England this past August! He was a Galapagos guide for 20-30 years, 1980s-2000s. He has Galapagos guide license #2 and was the 'go-to' guide for many documentary filming (BBC, Discovery Channel, PBS, etc.). It was an extraordinary opportunity being there. Because we were there with scientific permits (not as tourists), we got to go places and see things that are forbidden to the tourist boats. (go to 'whale.org', scroll all the way down, and click on "history & legacy" to see a picture of the boat.
Hey Bob--- I was convinced I have created quite an interesting life for myself until I heard chapters of your story and what kept you occupied on the seas of the world! This is incredible-- I took a deep dive into whale.org and learned many things-- but to spend extended time (as the Darwin expedition did! whoa...) in the Galapagos is a show-stopper. On that sweet vessel! She's a fantastic ketch.!! Do they still have her?
With those folks, no less. I took a photo of this comment to take with me so I would get the names and times and places right. I'm switching to regular email to ask you some questions about where we should go and what to do....to see the best creatures. I have one dive scheduled on Kicker Rock San Cristobal. The forecast is for rain but nothing stops the wanderlust, you know. ~J I ALWAYS look forward to your name in the comments.
I am happy to read great writing that peels back the romance and gets to the bones of the hard work. The romance of anything is what happens when you sweat through the hard work. Keep writing!
My hat is off to you. Brutal and particular work indeed. I just spent three day sitting in a small compartment fiberglassing shelves to support a heavy battery bank. Quite overwhelmed by the task, and it is a tiny fraction of what you have to do!
Ah, Egor, what we won't do for the lifestyle that we love! Thank you.
Interested to see your reference to Panama as home and loved your cultural observations. They do happen everywhere, this little town is another example, to be sure. Enjoy your beautiful winter! ~J
I am exhausted and frustrated just reading about your process. And I'd say that any relationship capable of weathering this kind of work is stronger than average. Steadfast is lucky you didn't know more at the outset. She probably planned it that way! You look pretty spiffy in coveralls and a doo rag, but THOSE GUNS are worth bragging about.
There's light coming, I hear. I bet you can almost see it!
As most of yours are widely known to be, that is a very important observation, Elizabeth. I am a far different person than the one that was spearing lobster two years ago today without a care or a schedule or a car. It seems to be top of my mind, too, this week and I appreciate your words.
Now, how to keep those guns in shape for tank top season?? Not more of the same! Honestly there were days we went straight to bed too tired to eat. Now, that's really saying something! Also a comment on the decades under our belts....
I'm guessing there are a few more turns in the tunnel but yes, I know there is an end AND the majority of the materials are paid for. Probably shouldn't have said that out loud....
Spearing lobster, eh? I know you well enough to know that those arms have never been idle. I think you've got tank top season in the bag. Hugs, J, and thanks for the recent bit of mail. <3
Our friend Roberto (RIP) had a fiberglass factory (him and one employee) in PM, a perfect spot bc everyone has panga boats, and needs repairs, plus Roberto had a 30 foot, we have a 14 foot Lido (a coco palm fell on it after Emily years ago) so good to have a -is it FRP - master as a friend? It was repaired perfectly tout suite. But man, grueling work, though he did it like he did everything, calmly. Developed great surf-kayak boards w/ paddles making it easy to get out to the reef. We miss him immensely. And the FRP didn't get to him, so you'll be fine ):
It's an interesting thing, and was Steve's business for over 30 years, boat (more yachts than pangas) repair in Annapolis-- I think it's awful and he knows it to be amazing stuff that you can build, fix, create, strengthen things with as well as make a good living because most people aren't willing to get dirty and work damn hard...so much of life is perspective and your friend Roberto obviously had that zeal. We always miss the folks with zeal about anything, don't we?
I stood under her yesterday as we were adding the final touches and most certainly had a new respect. Always a pleasure to hear from you! ~J
Working with epoxy always reminds me of the Frank Shorter quote: “You have to forget your last marathon before you can try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.”
Jeff Spira said something to the effect that we build wooden boats, because we want to work with wood. If we wanted to be chemical engineers, we’d build with fiberglass.
That said, you can now return to the joy of working on wooden boats!
And, as for this tidbit, "... regardless of the controversy surrounding our choice …”, just to let you know that scandal is all around us … I scramble my eggs in a bowl in the microwave … and I enjoy them.
Cheers to you, my musical friend. I set aside the comment section for a tad later in the day but could not stop chuckling at your fluid attention to what is surely FACT. Whew. A marathon runner I am not.
For the fourteenth time this year alone, I say "I had absolutely no idea what I was in for!!" Silly me. I appreciate you very much, you wild-man egg-scrambling rebel; enjoy the quickness of it all. Happiest of Holidays!! ~J
.....it's a long sweet song Steadfast sings, well into her tenth decade.....of the countless souls who have sailed her decks, gazed at the sea, wind, and weather from her secure rails.....of so many nervously anticipated departures and prayerful relieved returns....of the oft repeated high adventure in between.....so many verses with words, music, harmony known to only a few, she holds them all....the container, the vessel, for so much....it's the refit, the chorus, the refrain, the giving back of her keepers, to extend her life, her spiritual cargo, her mission to carry little more than her own weight; yet, bear a century of experience: realization, actualization, reflection....opportunities for voyages to higher more evanescent realms....now she comes to vibrate this truth.....
Ah, Dmitri! Caught you on quite a melodious, reminiscent day, didn't I? What a pleasure to read this particular stream of consciousness. I am ready to once again record even a small percentage of the passages that you enjoyed on those decks. It is you we must thank and curse and worship for saving her soul and perhaps our own, somehow. The pure joy you convey is tremendous thanks and is just another moment that makes all this worthwhile. I still never want to do it again.
We spoke of you just last evening, truth be told, and recollected how much larger your rebuild was, and that we could not believe it had taken you nearly ten years, and yet this smaller version will take us two; the respect for you and your crazy decision grew. I hope it's a warm and peaceful holiday. ~J
I suppose the doo rag should stay with you in life, you can pull it off. 😁. The one picture should the enormity (it’s a word now) of Steadfasts width. That is quite the task you’ve accomplished and it may feel so good getting closer to the water. Merry Christmas to you and Steve!! Love ya.
Hey thanks for that! Photo was taken of the reflection in the truck window and I have to say it was rather fun and striking so we'll have to make that happen!!
This truly was a milestone-- so much of this was never even imagined to be on the list and for it to cost so much time and energy and real dollars ---well, YES so glad it's put us a step closer to the water. Happiest of holidays my friend. Can't wait for you to meet us somewhere clear and warm. xxx ~J
I am so glad that you are staying aboard, Miss Betty! What a pleasure to have you. Steve is grinding away downstairs as I'm sipping wine and managing correspondence so, lucky me today, restful indeed. Have a wonderful holiday my fellow cruiser. ~J
All good. Keep up the good work. I’ve refit two boats. Good to hear someone write about it well. Currently crossing from NC to Floridah on the last LAST refit;)
NICE!! What is she? Tell me more, if you're so inclined and stay safe... the winds have been a little wild.
This time two years ago, actually first week of January, we tackled Hatteras on the outside (we're just barely too tall for the ditch) and it was one of those passages that was going beautifully until we turned the corner, but the tale ends with burgers at that pool hall in Beaufort NC the Royal something? Royal James? If you haven't been there, go sometime. ~J Happy holidays. Enjoy the life!!
Sometimes it's better to not understand what you're in for when it all begins, right? If I had known I may have done the same, but we were not in a situation where we had a choice... in too deep, if you know what I mean.
So happy to have you here, Claire. I just booked the Galapagos and wanted to inquire where you took the photo of the sea lion underneath your barstool. My sister and I will haunt the place! We are going to Cruz and Cristobal. Cannot wait and have your posts saved for reference. So appreciate all your candor and wisdom. I know I'll want to stay longer. Have wonderful holidays, wherever you may wander next. ~J
That sea lion was on San Cristobal in late January. You will see them on shore for sure. It’s such a special place. Glad you’re going there. I know it will be great.
Congratulations on reaching another milestone! Glad to have all that fiberglass work done, I'm sure! Oh my! memories! "burgers at that pool hall in Beaufort". Yes! I was there, about 4 years ago, helping a friend with his Catalina 36 delivery from Ft. Lauderdale to Baltimore. The cheeseburgers were delicious, and there was an excellent country/folk band as well! You are going to Galapagos? When will that be? Ask the older guides, captains, Parks personnel,(especially when you're in Puerto Ayora) if they remember the whale research vessel "Odyssey". (white 94' steel ketch. formerly a private yacht, definitely does not look like a research vessel!) We were there 14 months in '93-'94 and back again for 6 months in 2000. Tell them you know Capt. Bob (that's me!). Felipe Cruz might still be at the Galapagos Nat'l Park in Puerto Ayora! Tell him 'Hi' from Capt. Bob! And tell them I was at David Day's 80th birthday party in England this past August! He was a Galapagos guide for 20-30 years, 1980s-2000s. He has Galapagos guide license #2 and was the 'go-to' guide for many documentary filming (BBC, Discovery Channel, PBS, etc.). It was an extraordinary opportunity being there. Because we were there with scientific permits (not as tourists), we got to go places and see things that are forbidden to the tourist boats. (go to 'whale.org', scroll all the way down, and click on "history & legacy" to see a picture of the boat.
Hey Bob--- I was convinced I have created quite an interesting life for myself until I heard chapters of your story and what kept you occupied on the seas of the world! This is incredible-- I took a deep dive into whale.org and learned many things-- but to spend extended time (as the Darwin expedition did! whoa...) in the Galapagos is a show-stopper. On that sweet vessel! She's a fantastic ketch.!! Do they still have her?
With those folks, no less. I took a photo of this comment to take with me so I would get the names and times and places right. I'm switching to regular email to ask you some questions about where we should go and what to do....to see the best creatures. I have one dive scheduled on Kicker Rock San Cristobal. The forecast is for rain but nothing stops the wanderlust, you know. ~J I ALWAYS look forward to your name in the comments.
I am happy to read great writing that peels back the romance and gets to the bones of the hard work. The romance of anything is what happens when you sweat through the hard work. Keep writing!
My hat is off to you. Brutal and particular work indeed. I just spent three day sitting in a small compartment fiberglassing shelves to support a heavy battery bank. Quite overwhelmed by the task, and it is a tiny fraction of what you have to do!
Ah, Egor, what we won't do for the lifestyle that we love! Thank you.
Interested to see your reference to Panama as home and loved your cultural observations. They do happen everywhere, this little town is another example, to be sure. Enjoy your beautiful winter! ~J
I am exhausted and frustrated just reading about your process. And I'd say that any relationship capable of weathering this kind of work is stronger than average. Steadfast is lucky you didn't know more at the outset. She probably planned it that way! You look pretty spiffy in coveralls and a doo rag, but THOSE GUNS are worth bragging about.
There's light coming, I hear. I bet you can almost see it!
As most of yours are widely known to be, that is a very important observation, Elizabeth. I am a far different person than the one that was spearing lobster two years ago today without a care or a schedule or a car. It seems to be top of my mind, too, this week and I appreciate your words.
Now, how to keep those guns in shape for tank top season?? Not more of the same! Honestly there were days we went straight to bed too tired to eat. Now, that's really saying something! Also a comment on the decades under our belts....
I'm guessing there are a few more turns in the tunnel but yes, I know there is an end AND the majority of the materials are paid for. Probably shouldn't have said that out loud....
~J
I'll forget I heard it!
Spearing lobster, eh? I know you well enough to know that those arms have never been idle. I think you've got tank top season in the bag. Hugs, J, and thanks for the recent bit of mail. <3
Our friend Roberto (RIP) had a fiberglass factory (him and one employee) in PM, a perfect spot bc everyone has panga boats, and needs repairs, plus Roberto had a 30 foot, we have a 14 foot Lido (a coco palm fell on it after Emily years ago) so good to have a -is it FRP - master as a friend? It was repaired perfectly tout suite. But man, grueling work, though he did it like he did everything, calmly. Developed great surf-kayak boards w/ paddles making it easy to get out to the reef. We miss him immensely. And the FRP didn't get to him, so you'll be fine ):
It's an interesting thing, and was Steve's business for over 30 years, boat (more yachts than pangas) repair in Annapolis-- I think it's awful and he knows it to be amazing stuff that you can build, fix, create, strengthen things with as well as make a good living because most people aren't willing to get dirty and work damn hard...so much of life is perspective and your friend Roberto obviously had that zeal. We always miss the folks with zeal about anything, don't we?
I stood under her yesterday as we were adding the final touches and most certainly had a new respect. Always a pleasure to hear from you! ~J
You’re. Not. Gonna. Miss. This. Part. (hahaha) …
Working with epoxy always reminds me of the Frank Shorter quote: “You have to forget your last marathon before you can try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.”
Jeff Spira said something to the effect that we build wooden boats, because we want to work with wood. If we wanted to be chemical engineers, we’d build with fiberglass.
That said, you can now return to the joy of working on wooden boats!
And, as for this tidbit, "... regardless of the controversy surrounding our choice …”, just to let you know that scandal is all around us … I scramble my eggs in a bowl in the microwave … and I enjoy them.
Cheers!
Cheers to you, my musical friend. I set aside the comment section for a tad later in the day but could not stop chuckling at your fluid attention to what is surely FACT. Whew. A marathon runner I am not.
For the fourteenth time this year alone, I say "I had absolutely no idea what I was in for!!" Silly me. I appreciate you very much, you wild-man egg-scrambling rebel; enjoy the quickness of it all. Happiest of Holidays!! ~J
.....it's a long sweet song Steadfast sings, well into her tenth decade.....of the countless souls who have sailed her decks, gazed at the sea, wind, and weather from her secure rails.....of so many nervously anticipated departures and prayerful relieved returns....of the oft repeated high adventure in between.....so many verses with words, music, harmony known to only a few, she holds them all....the container, the vessel, for so much....it's the refit, the chorus, the refrain, the giving back of her keepers, to extend her life, her spiritual cargo, her mission to carry little more than her own weight; yet, bear a century of experience: realization, actualization, reflection....opportunities for voyages to higher more evanescent realms....now she comes to vibrate this truth.....
Ah, Dmitri! Caught you on quite a melodious, reminiscent day, didn't I? What a pleasure to read this particular stream of consciousness. I am ready to once again record even a small percentage of the passages that you enjoyed on those decks. It is you we must thank and curse and worship for saving her soul and perhaps our own, somehow. The pure joy you convey is tremendous thanks and is just another moment that makes all this worthwhile. I still never want to do it again.
We spoke of you just last evening, truth be told, and recollected how much larger your rebuild was, and that we could not believe it had taken you nearly ten years, and yet this smaller version will take us two; the respect for you and your crazy decision grew. I hope it's a warm and peaceful holiday. ~J
I suppose the doo rag should stay with you in life, you can pull it off. 😁. The one picture should the enormity (it’s a word now) of Steadfasts width. That is quite the task you’ve accomplished and it may feel so good getting closer to the water. Merry Christmas to you and Steve!! Love ya.
Hey thanks for that! Photo was taken of the reflection in the truck window and I have to say it was rather fun and striking so we'll have to make that happen!!
This truly was a milestone-- so much of this was never even imagined to be on the list and for it to cost so much time and energy and real dollars ---well, YES so glad it's put us a step closer to the water. Happiest of holidays my friend. Can't wait for you to meet us somewhere clear and warm. xxx ~J
Amazing article, you are amazing! Happy Holidays & take a rest!🎄🫶🏻👏
I am so glad that you are staying aboard, Miss Betty! What a pleasure to have you. Steve is grinding away downstairs as I'm sipping wine and managing correspondence so, lucky me today, restful indeed. Have a wonderful holiday my fellow cruiser. ~J
Awesome.
All good. Keep up the good work. I’ve refit two boats. Good to hear someone write about it well. Currently crossing from NC to Floridah on the last LAST refit;)
NICE!! What is she? Tell me more, if you're so inclined and stay safe... the winds have been a little wild.
This time two years ago, actually first week of January, we tackled Hatteras on the outside (we're just barely too tall for the ditch) and it was one of those passages that was going beautifully until we turned the corner, but the tale ends with burgers at that pool hall in Beaufort NC the Royal something? Royal James? If you haven't been there, go sometime. ~J Happy holidays. Enjoy the life!!
You made me smile there, RT. THANKS!
What an immense job! I would not have attempted it myself. You have stamina.
Sometimes it's better to not understand what you're in for when it all begins, right? If I had known I may have done the same, but we were not in a situation where we had a choice... in too deep, if you know what I mean.
So happy to have you here, Claire. I just booked the Galapagos and wanted to inquire where you took the photo of the sea lion underneath your barstool. My sister and I will haunt the place! We are going to Cruz and Cristobal. Cannot wait and have your posts saved for reference. So appreciate all your candor and wisdom. I know I'll want to stay longer. Have wonderful holidays, wherever you may wander next. ~J
That sea lion was on San Cristobal in late January. You will see them on shore for sure. It’s such a special place. Glad you’re going there. I know it will be great.