Season finale is over. Trucks and trailers returned.

I still think it odd, that a place like Disney motel has no loading docks. We unloaded in the alley out back.

This time I took a couple hours to go visit California Adventures. It is a part of Disney.

It was a bit hot and crowded. But, I can say I went :-)

Went down to see Mary Lee yesterday. I measured for new cushions and the size of boards needed to build seats for booth. As always. Bilge was bone dry. Nothing leaks. She needs a good cleaning, but is otherwise fine.

We picked up fresh scallops and shrimp from the fisherman's market. Vivian whipped up a great dinner.

I ordered cushion, a portable air conditioning unit and fabric for the upholstery.

I think it is rather dark with all the dark wood and needs a shot of color to brighten it up. If it is too much color... I can re-do it in a couple years. Yes... I will be sewing my own upholstery.

Of course the compass goes back on. I have several other things here that need installed. I am taking the month of August to get it put together and moved to Charlston harbor. It will be busy. I will be staying with Vivian on the nights I have epoxy curing. The excitement is growing as things begin to happen.

Well here we are in July!! One last big show for me. Anaheim(Disney) for the big finale.

I have been busy packing stuff to the storage unit.

Getting full, but still have a bit to put in there.
This past week was the compass fix.

The dome had broke.
The cost of a new compass was between $600-$700. The sites I found wanted you to package it up and mail it in. Then they would let you know the cost for them to repair it.

I found the kit(dome, seals and special oil Ritchie uses) for $127. I just repaired my first compass.

The only trick was getting rid of the air bubble when done. It took about 4 tries to finally get it. It has been three days and no new bubbles. I will call it a success. The air bubbles seem to have been in crevices under the card after filling. No matter how much I thought I had tipped it around to free them, there would seem to be another the next time I looked at it. Just a little polishing and the install. It also gets led lights when it goes back on boat.

I am going to be moved back on Mary Lee right after I return from Anaheim. The boat cards came in yesterday.

I also ordered a couple of coffee cups just to see how they looked

Not too bad.
I am intending to head south a bit early. Like "the beginning of august early". I will be looking over the St. Mary's river north of Jacksonville, Fl.

I need to get some sailing in. A friend recommended it. I will also be looking for a local driving job. I have gear and a few projects that need done. The intentions are to move further south when ready. I want to make it out to tha carribean this year.

I will be working for Showstopper again next season. I want to make a crossing next summer if possible. All hobbies are on hold at this point. If it has nothing to do with sailing.... it is not necessary :-)

It is time to move ahead with this dream.

July is the last month before layoff. Showstopper is just a six month job each season.

Plans? Oh!!! I have plans. Remember that sailboat I bought in Baltimore five years ago?

Yes... this one. I will be moving aboard at the end of July. I have a little spit-polishing to do, but basicly I will be working on it in Florida. Truck driving jobs abound where I am going. Part time or full time. I have decided to drop all hobbies and concentrate my efforts on my boating dreams.
 It will be an adventure. I will be making a serious effort to get all the gear I need for a serious crossing. I have decided a first crossing makes more sense from this coast to the Mediterranean. After all... I live here.

Vivian and I???  She will be visiting... but she has a job to do here. It is important to her on a level that this is important to me. I explained it more on my facebook page. It is late and I work in the morning.