Nearly full moon, muffled by clouds a little, off our aft deck. We’re
comfortably situated in a slip in Gloucester, MA, plugged into “shore power” so
we’re not draining our batteries or propane supply for light and heat. Ah, the
good life. But what day is it? Is this lost-the-day syndrome due to “Ah, retirement,” “Ah,
cruising,” or "Ah, age."???
We finally left Scituate yesterday around 1 PM after
testing, adjusting, purging, testing again the fuel filter system…getting the
air out. We continued to check the filters throughout our 4 hr passage back to
Gloucester. The passage was easy enough but we had to open the engine
compartment to check the filters. Big, powerful engine is extremely noisy when
the compartment is open. Amelia took up drinking!
We arrived in the
Gloucester harbor after dark. Oh boy, another stress for this
helmsperson since I don’t see well at night. The reflections on the water add
to my vision challenge. David provided sight and navigation. I followed the
arrow on the electronic chart (GPS). I was reminded of flying by
instruments as a kid and my Dad’s admonition to “trust your instruments”
regardless of your instincts. Worked for us many times in my childhood and for
David and self yesterday. We picked up a mooring in this somewhat familiar
harbor and slept comfortably.
Today…fuel, head pump out (some lovely young dock hands in
Cape Ann Marina in the Blynman Canal end of the Annisquam River), negotiated a slip that feels snug for the
coming rain and wind, a loooong walk to the other side of the harbor to visit the Maritime Heritage Center and finally a ride on the public bus to the food store and back with a friendly bus driver...dinner onboard.
Rain predicted tomorrow and winds way too high for us to
consider leaving port. Another opportunity to plan a different “escape” to a
warmer climate this winter.
In spite of election results which I believe were based on
people’s fear… I’m
feeling blessed. Hope others are, too.
David makes contact. Harbor lights in background.
Even as we return toward Maine, we continue to "shake down" Grace and her systems. Small hydraulic leaks to fix, why does the sonar cut in and out?
ReplyDeleteAuto pilot periodically has a nervous breakdown or perhaps it's Alzheimers(sometimes I think it starts saying: where was I going a minute ago? Maybe I should turn around and look back.)
But, little by little she gets better and people at every stop come and admire Grace and her seaworthy looks. She is rugged and safe and with time, our little "rescue boat" will be ready for the ICW.