Friday, January 12,2007

Our journey continues, and we have no idea where it is taking us. We now have been aboard "Rare Bird" for a little more than two months, and the new liveaboard settling problems are diminishing. While it is true that familiarity breeds contempt, it also is true that it can breed a little more relaxation and comfort with one's surroundings. Strange thing: We noticed that we were both very sore and stiff in new places and couldn't understand why. Then the realization hit us. Our boat has four tight levels that must be constantly navigated: 1) Getting on and off the boat; 2) Coming down the four steps in the companionway; 3) Going down two steps to the galley, and 4) Going down three steps to the aft cabin. All these steps must be travelled many times each day, and they are in close quarters, so the body must constantly be shifted about. One additional item has been noted; our dog (35lb Siberian Husky "Pacha") must be lifted on and off the boat several times each day, and with tides running as high as three feet this also requires considerable lifting, bending and turning. When those considerations hit us we recognized the reasons for our being stiff and sore. Now, two months into all the turning and bending most of the aches and pains have diminished or gone away.

One more quick bit before this blog is posted. When one buys an older boat be prepared to spend money to have systems upgraded and/or renovated or replaced. We wanted to become familiar with our electrical systems some of which did not seem to be working, so we hired a recommended systems company. $3,000 later we know about our electrical systems, but we also have purchased and had installed: a new generator battery, battery charger and monitoring system, a new bilge pump, a new holding tank (had to remove the old one) and a new hot water tank. I was able to help with the installation and removal or else the cost would have been at least another $500 higher. While all that was a financial shock, the end result is that we now are familiar with most of the systems and how they work. We've also discovered that some of our systems that we thought didn't work do work, so that has added to our comfort in a considerable way. Our two most important discoveries? The Cruisair reverse/cycle heat pump works, so we have nice heat, and our stove burners and oven will work at the same time.

Another very important item: Anne has been able to sort out her business requirements and is conducting her business amazingly well. Of course, her space limitations make working more difficult than in an office, but somehow she is making do and seems to be pretty well caught up with all her requirements. She's an amazing adaptive person.

So, as we move into the next weeks of the new year, we're both happy and we love our boat. The really exciting thing is that we still haven't left the dock. Think what an exciting event that will be when we start the engines and go for our first short trip. I'll keep you apprised.

BoatTed (new signature)