Meet Larry, our Mechanic!

Would you like to guess what he's working on? After changing the fuel filters, we also wanted to replace all impellers. Well, she came out fine and looked brand new actually. Yet, she was out, so the new one was of course installed. Not easily I might add. Manufacturers need to have more consideration for the maintanence process! After the new was installed, there was a leak in the salt water pump. Yes folks we did have all the spare parts to reconstruct a new one ... yet ... that didn't work and she leaked again. Naturally it was a holiday weekend and nothing could be done over the weekend. The pump was ordered this morning. Should arrive tomorrow before 10 AM and we hope to be on our way by Thursday. I know many of you were excited to see how far we got the first day. Hummm! Milford! Nice to be with the mechanic we trust though! It only means we weren't meant to be at a certain place at a certain time. It's all good! After all, retirement tells us not to keep to any schedule, right?

Another Special Good Bye

Steve Foisey and Peter Purcell stop by on Saturdays patrol. (My apology to the "new guy" who joined after we cut back in our own involvement) Another special farewell for a time. We treasure the training and fondly remember the fun of patrol, work parties, hospital detours on Auxiliary Picnics and updating the "powder room" to the Ladies Head! A small part of each of you will be with us always especially on this adventure.

Friendship means everything

There is nothing like the soothing sight of another "family member" when planning a trip of this magnitude. Here Ruth and Bette, aboard the Annie B came down from Norwalk to offer a Bon Voyage Send Off! While Ron can't wait to get under way, I am experiencing emotions that are all over the radar screen. As always, Ruth and Bette offer calm peaceful assurance, just in being who they are! Thank you both! It meant a lot to see you in Milford Harbor prior to our departure.

Our first "house guest"

This is our second son, Brian, from Minnesota. He came down for a Bon Voyage party that he and his sister Faith threw for us on the 19th. He stayed four nights at his sisters, enjoying his new neice, Emma, and risked one night with us on the boat. He wasn't sure if there would be enough room in the bunk area, or if he'd like the experience of a floating bedroom. To his surprise, Nordic gave him far more room than he anticipated. All 6'plus of him was quite comfortable. Comfortable enough for him to spend another night with us before heading back to Minnesota.

Of course we're in this together!

The engine became a little less intimidating with hands on experience. Guided by our mechanic, I learned to change the fuel filters! The gloves didn't last long. I found I needed the "feel" of the threads gripping. Of course my "hand tight" was no where near his "hand tight" so we compromised with a single turn of the oil filter strap wrench.