The Cat and back in the water

It was a long trip..but, first, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I had breakfast with Nikki and her friend Pam (even if I did oversleep)before they participated in Roanoke's charity Turkey Trot .  Then we had dinner with friends Ali and Charlie.  They invited us to share Thanksgiving with their families. It was very nice. (and gave us time to pack up the poor Subaru!).
Not just the Subaru...the poor cat got packed up, too.  Smokey was not thrilled with the car ride (that would be her litter box in the floorboard).

But, she howled and shivered for only the first hour or so.  Then she settled down in small spaces and tolerated the rest of the 5 hour trip.

Back at Latitudes, we got the guys at the yard to pick her up with the slings and boat lift.  With Latitudes safely in the slings, they could lift her slightly and allow Luke to paint the area under the keel.  Lots of fun...

Next, a ride across the boat yard and gentle lowering back into the water!  Finally!

We are now at a friend's slip (thank you!!!!!) for a few days.  It's wonderful to have water, electricity, a full length pier, and access to a clean, warm bathhouse. We will be preparing for the trip south.  And what preparations we have... Here's the dock..you wouldn't believe the car - and that doesn't include the two shopping carts of groceries we will add and stow.. You probably can't see it, but the cockpit and side of the boat are full, too

We did get it all below finally, but definitely not stowed away yet.  Smokey was very curious about the interior of of the boat.  Not frightened like in the car, just curious.

She did finally relax enough, amid all of the clutter,  to help me do this blog...



Tomorrow will be a better day for stowing all of our goods.  Hopefully we'll be ready to sail next week!!!