Thinking about leaving Portsmouth

The rains are over (well, for the most part...), Luke continues to improve, and our hopeful departure date of Oct. 2 is beginning to look real.

We are starting the "pre-departure routine" that is necessary after such a long period of not sailing. The water intake filters have all been taken off, cleaned of *^$#^!!(&%! seaweed. Extra ropes put around the sails to protect them from unfurling during high winds have been removed. Water tanks refilled. One of the club members dove on the boat Sunday to check the bottom for barnacles and other growth (declared it clean!!!). Luke has been busy with checking weather forecasts (a constant activity) and route planning for our return trip. Wednesday I'll put away things that can fall or go flying during brisk sails. That will include the electric lamp and heater, things we can't realistically use when not hooked up to shore power.

On Wednesday, we also make a final grocery run, Luke's final PT appointment in Portsmouth, and Matt will move aboard. The plan is to move Latitudes to a new slip during the day Wednesday; a slip that will enable us to simply pull out into the fast running river as we leave too bright and early on Thursday morning. As mentioned before, this is one of the fastest running rivers in the world. This is the red nun that sits just outside of our marina - these guys usually sit straight in the water no matter what. This one just tilts with the river flow. You can see the flow going around it.

Here's the view from our boat at the marina. This is the Memorial Bridge and downtown Portsmouth, plus a full moon just for ambiance.

We've enjoyed these past few days with friends. The marina had it's end of season party, lots of people and fun, even though it rained the whole time. The dock master put up tents, chairs and a sofa, plants, and created a great party place.

We also had a good-bye dinner with our friends Gail and Eric, who have so generously taken care of us during our stay here, and friends Marina and Dave. Here are Scot (our diver), Wayne (dock master), Gail, and Eric, in the "Tiki Bar" on the dock.

And Wickie has been enjoying the relative stillness of the boat, ever discovering new places to sleep....even in Luke's hat.



I probably won't blog again until after we leave, unless we are delayed. Our trip will be goal oriented, longer days than before, and I may not have the ability to blog as much as we return. It won't be as much of a discovery adventure this time, but I'll definitely keep you updated on our progress.