Living aboard, or abroad?

We officially moved aboard last Saturday, and it hasn't stopped raining since that day!  Actually it's been raining off and on for quite awhile, which has slowed our progress towards getting things accomplished.  Moving day was a bit hectic, but not too bad.  The biggest problem was stowing all of the gear in a tidy fashion, so we could move around on the boat.  After several trips back to the house to return clothing, tools, bags and all sorts of things that we really don't need, it appears that we are nearing a point where things are neat and tidy.  Today the boat was inspected by the Coast Guard aux. and it exceeded expectations in all areas except one, we don't have the documentation # engraved on the inside of the boat.  That's where Leif is now, engraving a plaque on the dock, which will be attached tomorrow.  Not bad actually, all the safety gear we have on board passed and we also have extra equipment that's not required, like an EPIRB, life raft, SSB radio, mom and life sling. 
   So, the sun has finally arrived, and I can dry out the towels.  We have gotten along well, given the small space in which we are living.  We've cooked some, and cleaned a lot.  Leif's been running on the beach, and I've been shopping for pillows, going to physical therapy and Spanish classes in Costa Mesa.  Also organizing the insurance papers for both cars and boat, and getting the financial stuff in order.  The weather could be nicer, but all in all, we're doing well and expecting to leave in early Nov., as we have a new laptop arriving in a week.  Another unexpected purchase, but necessary for backup.  Off to go watch Leif engrave the numbers. Hasta luego

Moving day!



Woody, not happy about us leaving.




Casey, can I go too????  I'll paddle!!

 So, the day has finally arrived for us to get our act together and get on board.  I spent the day packing, cleaning and arranging the house so our house sitter can actually move in tomorrow.  Leif helped in the a.m. and then moved down to the boat to create space for all of our stuff that needs to join us on the trip.  It's still beyond my imagination that we are really doing this, and I am sooo excited for the experience.  Hopefully all of the accounting and organizing will be spot on, and we can enjoy ourselves as we expect to.  Tonight we had our wonderful friends Craig and Liz join us for dinner to celebrate our departure, as they have been sailing for 7 years in the Caribbean and having the best time.  We'd love to join them in the future, and have them join us in Mexico, although they are old hands at that.  It's fascinating hearing all of their tales of friends, sailing, restaurants, and snorkeling.  I can't wait.  My bag is packed, although it weighs more than I do, and my car is loaded down with: fenders, life raft, wine, dinghy wheels, bbq, body board, noodles, fire extinguishers, scuba tank, all the stuff we have accumulated in our garage until now.  We hope to pack the boat and prepare for leaving in the next two weeks.  I gave the dogs a bone each, and wish we could take them along, but know it would not work out.  That's the only sad part.

Stern Extension Continued

Leif has almost finished the stern swim step, it looks like it belongs there, and now the boat is out of the water in the shipyard for bottom paint.  The weather didn't cooperate while he was working, varying from 111 degrees to the current rain and wind, which creates problems when trying to sand fiberglass and gel coat.  As we say, it's always something.
   We plan on moving aboard in 10 days so things are becoming more organized and the stacks of "stuff" to be brought aboard are growing.  Hope the boat won't sink under the weight... 
   The going away parties were very fun, yet I'm ready to settle down and get started arranging and ferrying items down to the dock.  Hopefully the weather wont' slow the bottom paint job, but it probably will as it's supposed to rain for the next day or so.  Not to be negative but I do feel pressure to get on with it!  Off to Trader Joes for more supplies, like dog food for 9 months!  I'm going to miss them for sure.  Casey, our lab is my constant companion, while Woody is my goofy one.  They wouldn't do well on the boat though, and are going to be well taken care of, happily at home.