Busy Layover But Not Hectic

Entry # 64: Due to my difficulty in accessing wifi while on the water, I am publishing this entry prior to embarking in an effort to provide the latest information and, with the intent to edit/add at a later date.

Wednesday, June 19th thru Sunday, June 23rd: As previously mentioned I am three weeks behind schedule and need to keep this layover as short as possible. I set Monday, June 24th as my date for departure for Port Huron. I have critical – home and journey related – tasks that need to be undertaken and completed if I am to achieve my objective.

Too many times over the course of this trip, I found myself stressed, regretting that I had overlooked something because of being in a hurry or taking a shortcut. During this layover, I kept reminding myself of this and took the approach of prioritizing and ‘enjoying’ working on my task list. All the tasks on my list I would categorize as non-frivolous and do need to be addressed. However, with the contingencies I have in place, all ‘journey’ related tasks can (and if necessary will) be addressed during the course of my journey with the following exceptions – back-up auto-pilot modifications, SPOTX tracking connection and bimini/dodger repair.

As you may recall, during my Lake Erie adventure, I found my auto-pilot unable to handle the large seas. When I attempted to secure the new back-up auto-pilot it was too large to fit in place. On Friday, I went to my friend Bryan who owns a small machine shop (Infra) in Waterford. I had removed the auto-pilot adjustment bar from the cockpit of NTL and Bryan machined two additional adjustment locations – one to the auto-pilot arm and a second to the bar. On Saturday, I re-installed the modified adjustment bar to NTL and found I was able to fit into place the new auto-pilot. Task completed.

The SPOTX satellite device is designed to track and locate you should a rescue be required. This device is mandated for the 2019 Trans-Superior International Singlehanded Yacht Race. My device is registered and I confirmed that I was being tracked by the SPOTX organization. I now need to take steps to allow for the race officials and others to be able to track me. I hope to complete my SPOTX satellite device tracking connection today (Sunday).

During the first week of storms and high seas on Lake Erie, I sustained damages to the canvases of both my bimini and dodger during a severe broach. In addition, my bimini frame was bent in several places and I was unable to retrieve while under water a portion of the frame. Wednesday, I undressed NTL and dropped off both the dodger and bimini for an expedited repair. Should we run out of time to complete all the repairs during my layover, though it may be undesirable there is always tape and shock cord for the balance of the journey!

I picked up NTL’s starboard and port bow bulbs and they look way too big – dam. Unfortunately due to the high waters I am unable to access NTLs’ current bulbs. I’m still not certain that it is a bulb and not a wiring issue. So I went ahead and purchased a second portable starboard & port bow light. I plan to confirm the new bulbs are correct when I have access at some point during my journey.

It appears I will not get to address my broken mainsail halyard attachment mechanism located on top of the masthead. I remain without a solution and am uncomfortable with this situation.

Finally, I am keeping my fingers crossed that JBM is able to complete my work order and change the oil and oil filter on NTL’s Yanmar diesel.

As can be expected, spending time with family and friends have been incorporated into my daily set of activities. I’ve lost 9 pounds during my journey and despite my protests Mary is doing her best I gain it back!

I have made a food supply list and Mary and I went grocery shopping Thursday morning. We plan to make a second trip this Sunday morning.

Sunday morning I built a platform for my water, we then picked up last minute groceries and stopped by out daughters’ to see the grand kids and say goodbye.   On the way to Never Too Late (NTL) I picked up my bimini and dodger canvasses (Thanks Judi), arrived at JBM and began loading NTL.  At six we met with another couple for dinner at the Watermark.  I didn’t get to the boat until late in the evening and only had the time to complete organizing the cabin before I retired.  I planned on re-installing the bimini and dodger first thing in the morning before I embarked for Port Huron.