It's sooooo amazing, and also represents sooooo much work. Feeding the cheap vodka to the plumbing system tells me something about where you are, mentally, though, and that's reassuring. That wave of emotion is indicative of the toll of this toil, and of what you have given of yourselves to keep it going. Steadfast is going to sail again soon, and your heart will fill with the satisfaction of having been there for all the hours when she was still attached to a million machines and unable to function. Love the images in this one and can only imagine what you've got in your photo library. A book in the making, no doubt!
You're the best. I treasure you. Thanks for the note as well...the time has been long and yet, like the rest of life, flies on by week after week, lesson after lesson. Glad you like those shots. It doesn't even look like the same vessel.
Your support is a great part of my week, little worrier warrior.
Incredible progress and great photos, too! You should give yourselves a big big pat on your backs! Felicidades for going the distance -- and Happy New Year to you!
You're just the best support I could imagine. Got your book in the mail! Patting this stiff oldish back is harder than it used to be but will most certainly do it. Thanks for the NOTE< too! Those photos are dramatic, indeed--sometimes it's hard to remember how far we've come. How is your surgery recovery? Thank you so much for all you say and do. ~J
Totally understand about the back patting, haha. But, it's getting better (thank you, btw, mine at least ): since surgery). Physical therapy rules. I hope you like Where the Sky is Born. It's taken from the Mayan -- Si'an Ka'an -- as in the biosphere. You may have traveled there when you lived on Coz. The drive is unforgettable-- Beautiful and, shall we say, a tad rutted, bumpy, narrow but truly--it Does look like the sky, that massive sky, WAS born there! At times there's water to right and left and sky sky sky above.
I have learned so many things so vastly different than what you Colorado friends taught me long ago! I miss you, too and am absolutely honored that you are following along on this crazy journey. We've always worked hard, and I'm used to that but add 25 years to the old body and it's much harder than it used to be Kim! Hope this finds you well amidst another Rocky Mountain Winter in Leadville. xx ~J
Bahahahahahaha. Funny you should mention holes in the bottom of the boat, Switter! I have spent a few days polishing original bronze thru-hulls and bolts ---we are drilling the engine intakes and making sure all of those are holy-shit water tight! Your advice is duly noted. We've all launched a dinghy or two with the plugs out....I've appreciated your wisdom since day 1. And your laughter. We must never take of of this too seriously... ~J
Absolutely brilliant documentation of the restoration process. The way epoxy resin creates those permanent bonds is exactly why marine work demands such precision, and seeing the year-to-year transformation really underscores how methodical repair outlasts shortcuts. I've seen smaller boatprojects get rushed through gelcoat stages, and they always show weakness within seasons. Dunno if folks realize just how crucial that layering is for structural integrity over decades of saltwater exposure.
What rewarding words to read! I was just saying to a fellow boatbuilder this morning, if it doesn't come out perfectly, we do it over here on STEADFAST, regardless of the cost in time or materials or frustration. It is simply astonishing what attention to detail goes into building and maintaining a vessel that is quality.
So appreciate your comments! We are on to re-installing through-hulls next...spent this week polishing century-old bronze--now those can most certainly challenge the most stout of heart! Thanks so much for your interest and engagement. ~J
The gust of emotion you describe ... yeah. It's something you feel when there's finally light at the end of the tunnel in a long, arduous project - you're not done yet, not by a long shot, but it finally feels as if you might actually make it.
That's a priceless feeling, but hard-earned, to say the least.
I so appreciate that!! Thank you. We travel.on similar wavelengths on those feelings. Happiest of New Years to you! Have you tracked down our mutual friend?! I love that you're on board.
I am very interested in your Bookbaby process and if you would recommend it, if you're willing to share I would certainly appreciate any insight.? My email full name @gmail.com
Thank you very much. You made my evening. Cheers. J
I'll soon be engaging with BB to determine what's next -- how much to do myself, and what to delegate (for a fee, of course) to them. I know nothing about book design -- other than there's a lot to it -- so will probably leave that much to them. We'll see how it all goes, and I'll let you know what I learn. I haven't seen our mutual friend yet, but hope to get together for a dinner sometime this month.
I've for the most part left Substack BUT... I do check in to read your weekly stories, Janice. I smiled when I saw the word "azure" in this week's writing. Yes, the wind and cold has been relentless this season, and I think of you often out working in it. I'm sure you'll be heading into the warmth after your launch rather than a trip up north, but I'm grateful that our paths have crossed through your writing.
Whew! So glad you think all of those things my fellow 86er. I'm thrilled to be telling the story in a way that resonates; what more can a writer ask? You just made my day. Stay warm and happy up there. Thank you for chiming in. Much appreciated Pete. J
Well, I was planning to crawl back in bed with a book, and away from the boat tasks. But reading your story reminded me how small and tractable my tasks are compared to what you have accomplished in a year. I can handle them. So, I am heading back into the battery compartment to wire more crap. Thank you for the inspiration! I can read when we sail to the next set of islands :-)
Well, if I can inspire that, what can't I do???!! A high compliment indeed! How did you smooth that glass work? Be careful with those electrical systems, and Steve says...know your standards! Thanks Egor. Truly. J
The glass work turned out great, it is strong and even looks great. Although, I only marginally enjoyed doing it :-)
I am doing my own lithium installation but have an actual marine electrician come once a week to check the work and plan the next steps. He will keep me from burning down the boat.
Bottom of the ninth, yet? Rounding third base, heading for home, the crowd (us) are on our feet cheering you on!
It's sooooo amazing, and also represents sooooo much work. Feeding the cheap vodka to the plumbing system tells me something about where you are, mentally, though, and that's reassuring. That wave of emotion is indicative of the toll of this toil, and of what you have given of yourselves to keep it going. Steadfast is going to sail again soon, and your heart will fill with the satisfaction of having been there for all the hours when she was still attached to a million machines and unable to function. Love the images in this one and can only imagine what you've got in your photo library. A book in the making, no doubt!
You're the best. I treasure you. Thanks for the note as well...the time has been long and yet, like the rest of life, flies on by week after week, lesson after lesson. Glad you like those shots. It doesn't even look like the same vessel.
Your support is a great part of my week, little worrier warrior.
J
Incredible progress and great photos, too! You should give yourselves a big big pat on your backs! Felicidades for going the distance -- and Happy New Year to you!
You're just the best support I could imagine. Got your book in the mail! Patting this stiff oldish back is harder than it used to be but will most certainly do it. Thanks for the NOTE< too! Those photos are dramatic, indeed--sometimes it's hard to remember how far we've come. How is your surgery recovery? Thank you so much for all you say and do. ~J
Totally understand about the back patting, haha. But, it's getting better (thank you, btw, mine at least ): since surgery). Physical therapy rules. I hope you like Where the Sky is Born. It's taken from the Mayan -- Si'an Ka'an -- as in the biosphere. You may have traveled there when you lived on Coz. The drive is unforgettable-- Beautiful and, shall we say, a tad rutted, bumpy, narrow but truly--it Does look like the sky, that massive sky, WAS born there! At times there's water to right and left and sky sky sky above.
Wow Janice you are amazing!!! Your Colorado friends miss you…👋🤓
What a great message to receive. Awww. Thank you!
I have learned so many things so vastly different than what you Colorado friends taught me long ago! I miss you, too and am absolutely honored that you are following along on this crazy journey. We've always worked hard, and I'm used to that but add 25 years to the old body and it's much harder than it used to be Kim! Hope this finds you well amidst another Rocky Mountain Winter in Leadville. xx ~J
It’s getting closer, Janice, but please don’t forget to install the bilge drain cork before you launch her!
Bahahahahahaha. Funny you should mention holes in the bottom of the boat, Switter! I have spent a few days polishing original bronze thru-hulls and bolts ---we are drilling the engine intakes and making sure all of those are holy-shit water tight! Your advice is duly noted. We've all launched a dinghy or two with the plugs out....I've appreciated your wisdom since day 1. And your laughter. We must never take of of this too seriously... ~J
Absolutely brilliant documentation of the restoration process. The way epoxy resin creates those permanent bonds is exactly why marine work demands such precision, and seeing the year-to-year transformation really underscores how methodical repair outlasts shortcuts. I've seen smaller boatprojects get rushed through gelcoat stages, and they always show weakness within seasons. Dunno if folks realize just how crucial that layering is for structural integrity over decades of saltwater exposure.
What rewarding words to read! I was just saying to a fellow boatbuilder this morning, if it doesn't come out perfectly, we do it over here on STEADFAST, regardless of the cost in time or materials or frustration. It is simply astonishing what attention to detail goes into building and maintaining a vessel that is quality.
So appreciate your comments! We are on to re-installing through-hulls next...spent this week polishing century-old bronze--now those can most certainly challenge the most stout of heart! Thanks so much for your interest and engagement. ~J
The gust of emotion you describe ... yeah. It's something you feel when there's finally light at the end of the tunnel in a long, arduous project - you're not done yet, not by a long shot, but it finally feels as if you might actually make it.
That's a priceless feeling, but hard-earned, to say the least.
Happy New Year!
I so appreciate that!! Thank you. We travel.on similar wavelengths on those feelings. Happiest of New Years to you! Have you tracked down our mutual friend?! I love that you're on board.
I am very interested in your Bookbaby process and if you would recommend it, if you're willing to share I would certainly appreciate any insight.? My email full name @gmail.com
Thank you very much. You made my evening. Cheers. J
I'll soon be engaging with BB to determine what's next -- how much to do myself, and what to delegate (for a fee, of course) to them. I know nothing about book design -- other than there's a lot to it -- so will probably leave that much to them. We'll see how it all goes, and I'll let you know what I learn. I haven't seen our mutual friend yet, but hope to get together for a dinner sometime this month.
I would truly appreciate that, Michael! Thank you and best of luck with the process. ~J
Fantastic (again)!
Love those one-word answers! Thank you. J
I've for the most part left Substack BUT... I do check in to read your weekly stories, Janice. I smiled when I saw the word "azure" in this week's writing. Yes, the wind and cold has been relentless this season, and I think of you often out working in it. I'm sure you'll be heading into the warmth after your launch rather than a trip up north, but I'm grateful that our paths have crossed through your writing.
Loving your writing and the adventure you guys are on. It and you are all very worthy for certain.
Stay true. Houd vast.
🤛💪😎🤛💜
Whew! So glad you think all of those things my fellow 86er. I'm thrilled to be telling the story in a way that resonates; what more can a writer ask? You just made my day. Stay warm and happy up there. Thank you for chiming in. Much appreciated Pete. J
Well, I was planning to crawl back in bed with a book, and away from the boat tasks. But reading your story reminded me how small and tractable my tasks are compared to what you have accomplished in a year. I can handle them. So, I am heading back into the battery compartment to wire more crap. Thank you for the inspiration! I can read when we sail to the next set of islands :-)
Janice Anne Wheeler
13h
Well, if I can inspire that, what can't I do???!! A high compliment indeed! How did you smooth that glass work? Be careful with those electrical systems, and Steve says...know your standards! Thanks Egor. Truly. J
The glass work turned out great, it is strong and even looks great. Although, I only marginally enjoyed doing it :-)
I am doing my own lithium installation but have an actual marine electrician come once a week to check the work and plan the next steps. He will keep me from burning down the boat.
Well done all around! That will be totally worthwhile! ~J