The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out

Sailing Season '07
Barbara's Family Comes to Visit, 2007

Description

Barbara's son Lance and his son Aidan have been out from Nevada on vacation, with his wife and twin daughter Maya, for almost two weeks.  Aidan has been driving me nuts to take him out sailing again from the day they arrived.  With Chip Ahoy still parked in front of my house waiting for my shoulder to heal to get launched, John Graichen ("Malacass") graciously agreed to take us out for a sail on Salem Sound today.  We couldn't have asked for better conditions.  (Jul. 22, 2007)

With winds out of the NE at about 12 mph and sunny skies with no threats of anything in sight, we took off.  (John at the tiller.)  My big personal challenge was to see if I could hoist Malacass's main sail by myself -- how well has my collar bone mended, how strong is my shoulder . . .

I got the main up by myself just fine; my shoulder felt good, strong enough.  I could handle the sheets well too.  My first test was passed, I felt capable.  But as John kept warning -- "See how you feel tomorrow morning."  I think I'll feel just fine.  Right now I'm a bit exhausted, but for my first day out this season . . .

Meanwhile, Aidan was having the time of his life!  John offered him the helm and the young lad was in heaven.  A potential Catalina 22 owner one day?

Thank you John for a great experience, and thanks for pulling my fat out of the fire and getting the kid out for the sail I'd promised him!   The next time Aidan's out East here, he wants me to take us out for an overnight, out to Misery Island or someplace to "camp out" on my boat.  This young guy's a natural!