Reaching, Reaching Deep

Buying our first sailboat, Reaching, in 1995 opened a new chapter in our lives. Most Friday evenings we made the two hour drive from Bakersfield to Oxnard. We had a few favorite dinner stops if Dave was not eating in the car while I drove. Sunday afternoon on the way home was ice-cream time. We needed to stretch our legs and it was about half way. In addition to spending most weekends aboard we also changed our life focus.

As we continued to learn more about sailing we also learned more about each other. Each new experience built confidence. Soon we were talking about going cruising, heading south with no particular schedule or destinations. That was a real change for two planners.

Part of the planning involved evaluating the storage space and volume of various tanks. Both of us were concerned about the volume of fresh water we could carry. One option was to get a water maker. A what? A water maker turns salt water into fresh water through a reverse osmosis system. Of course all this required energy. Works great when the engine is running. That led to the next problem. How much fuel could we take? Solar panels would help with the power for radios and lights but could not run the water maker. Extra jerry cans on deck could also help with water and fuel. Securing them would have to be figured out. We had lots of discussion on all the situations.

That all led to the next debate and it was personal. Which lockers would be used for tools and spare parts and which for food and cooking needs. This is where Dave would say I was the only person that needed 6 kinds of vinegar. Anywhere there were people we could buy food. I would remind him that we did not have to carry another boat in spare parts. We had ongoing discussions, some more animated than others, and tried to think of all the possibilities.

During this time several types of classes added to our knowledge. The Coast Guard series of six classes even lowered the cost of boat insurance. A weekend weather class led to an entirely unplanned adventure.

Neighbors on the dock, Jerry and Briggeta had purchased a new boat. At that time it was possible to avoid paying sales tax by taking off shore delivery and keeping the boat out of the country for 90 days. A marina in Ensanda Mexico was nicknamed the 90 day marina. Jerry and Briggeta had followed the requirements and now it was time for the new JB Bear to come home. Dave had a weather class on the weekend in San Diego so he offered to go a few days early and take them to their boat.

After helping them shove off from Ensanda at daybreak he drove back to San Diego. It was mid-day and he had time to kill. So what should he do? Of course, go to the Island Packet boat dealer. Our boat was built by Island Packet and one of the new models, a 420, had been named boat of the year by a sailing magazine. Dave walks in and asked if they had a 420 he could see. He had read that all the first years production had been pre-sold but just wanted to look. As it happened a silent partner in the dealership had put up the money for pre-sale but would sell the boat if anyone was interested. With that in mind Dave went to look. That was all it took.

I don't know how he waited but he did. He knew I was working on a Cancer Society fund raising, Daffodil Days, so would not be home until evening. After going to the weather school welcome hour he called me. What did he say? Hi honey. I solved all our storage problems. That was followed by details. Water, fuel and holding tanks were about triple what Reaching had and the extra length and width provided lots more interior storage. My first reaction was we cannot afford it. The sailing magazine had printed the price so I knew that. The dealer had said what he would give us on Reaching so Dave wanted me to go to San Diego the next morning because someone else was interested. I said I could not go because I had already committed to daffodil days and he had a full day at the school. However I did promise to go during the next week.

After a restless night I got up about 4:30 and turned on both our laptops. When he had retired we had divided our finances so he now did the long term accounting and I handled the daily accounts. That made it necessary to look at both computers. Sitting in the early morning light with the glow of two computers going I came to the conclusion that we could afford it. My schedule and his did not match up so I had to wait to tell him. (No, I did not have a cell phone.)

All day as we took daffodils out of cold storage to fill the orders to be delivered my mind was racing. The people on the organizing committee knew about our plans so were interested in this new adventure. It was exciting to share but also a bit unreal. Basically it looked like we were buying a boat I had only seen in a magazine and Dave had seen once. I knew that Dave would not go back once he saw a better way. We had been to the factory and knew the designer always used the same keel design. For that matter he always designed some of the same features in the interior. So it was not really a blind choice. Sure nice that I had something to keep me busy all day. Once home now it was my turn to be impatient.

Dave was excited about what he had learned in the class and the potential of a new boat. We talked that evening about everything. Then when he got home Sunday afternoon we really played with numbers. So in early spring of 1999 we wavered between buying the boat and heading south in the fall or giving ourselves a way to delay.

Once again life has a way of getting your attention. Dave received a phone call that one of the men he had worked with had died after only being retired a few months. This was the push we needed to buy the new boat and really commit to going cruising sooner rather than later.

After the Wednesday service we made the 5 hour drive to San Diego. The dealer had a policy when several people are looking at a boat that the first check gets it. To be fair he had called the other people to tell them someone else was interested. 

So Thursday with check in hand and less than a week of thinking we signed papers to sell Reaching and to buy a new boat. This opened lots of new decisions. But they were the kind Dave loved. Navigation systems, communication radios refrigeration and more. While he made all the choices I worked on finishing my obligations so I could be ready to go.

Choosing a boat name is almost like naming a child. We could keep the name Reaching and let the buyer choose a new name. Reaching had a special meaning. It is the most comfortable point of sail and we were reaching in skills, confidence and finances. Somehow that name belonged to that boat. As we pondered different names there was one added wrinkle. On maritime radio the name of the boat is repeated 3 times. We would try various names and often start laughing as it became a tongue twister. Walking up the dock with Jerry and Briggeta one day we said we were close to a name. Briggeta said oh, what is it, Reaching Deep? When she said that we both stopped and looked at each other. That was it.

Proud Mom

Proud Mom

Today I had the opportunity to see Kari the architect.   It was the ribbon cutting for a new transit center in Kaiser.   For the non Oregon people that is just north of Salem.   The center was funded with a variety of sources including federal money so a senator and representative were part of the speech makers.   Everyone was happy that the project had come in on time and under budget.   To get the federal money they had competed with other agencies so it was going to be looked at by others.  

It is really a forward looking project.   (No, I am not biased.) There is room for eight separated bus loading areas although currently only 4 are in use.   Two others will be added soon.   At each area there is a covered bench topped with solar panels.   The route for that bus is clearly displayed along with an etched glass graphic showing the system. 
These areas are grouped around a softly curved planting area that surrounds a rock and planted swale.   This allows the plants to do some initial cleaning of the water and helps the ground absorb the water.   Many people committed that it felt like a park.  

At one end is a striking building.   First it blends into the surrounding area with the use of natural materials.   Part of the roof is covered with solar panels while the remaining part has low ground cover type plants.   These are fascinating.   The plants are preplanted in rectangular blocks that snap together.   Not only are the plants established but they look good from the beginning.   Why plants on the roof?   They provide insulation and durability along with slowing the rate of run off.  

Inside the building is a gathering area with restrooms in addition to a break area for the drivers.   The break room has the usual table,  chairs,  microwave and refrigerator along with large windows.   There is also a quiet room,  more restrooms and a small office.. Being in Oregon there is also an area to hang wet jackets.   Talking with a staff person it was wonderful to hear all the positive comments from the first week of operations.   I think one of the best comments came from the drivers.   " It is so peaceful here "

Even though we sweated this proud mom loved every minute.   Or as Dave would say that's my baby.  

Postcard Fairy

About twice a month we continue to enjoy fun postcards that arrive anonymously.   Eagerly we look at the quote on the back and what is the picture.   Always postmarked in Portland they depict mainly sites in this area.   A few have been from other areas of Oregon.   I know the person reads my because the most recent had something besides the quote.   It was a request for more sailing stories.  

A wise friend started saving all the stories we had emailed from the boat so I will be reviewing some of those to see what the rest of the story might be.  

The postcard stack is getting big and I am trying to think of a way to have them out so visitors can enjoy both the picture and the quote.   Thank you postcard fairy.  

A Perfect Phrase

Everytime my caregivers need to transfer me to or from chair, toilet or bed they need 4 hands.   First challenge is preventing my head from flopping around.   Next problem is my hands.   Not only do they flop down but when moved they tend to go right back where they were.   Other times they insist on getting caught in the sling or straps.   When doing all that caregivers also are pushing the buttons on the control.   Oh they also have to guide the sling.   My head and hands refusing to cooperate often reminds me of a phrase and situation a few years ago.  

A friend came to the house to take me somewhere.   After putting on the cape that covered me and the batteries I asked for gloves.   My left hand wore my sailing gloves because they are fingerless so I could push buttons.   He helped me get it on than looked at the mitten for my right hand and said I don't think I know how to do this...   I replied think about an uncooperative two year old.   Being a good grandfather Roger said I know how to do that.   

The phrase?   That is it.   You are

Technology is wonderful?!?  

Yes I know I would not be alive and writing this without technology but there are times I just want to scream or throw something.   Good that I can not do either.  

So Dynavox finally sends my communication device aka computer back after installing a new hard drive.   Fantastic! I am excited to see the new system that lets me compose everything on the main screen.   This is so much better because there are commonly used words that only take one keystroke.   In addition the word anticipation feature will often display the word I want after a few keystrokes.   That really helps my leg.  
Just to be on the safe side I decide to wait until the communication specialist comes out.   Excitedly we put on the zip drive that has all my backed up information.   Bad idea.   Yes it had the data but it also had the operating system.   Once more called Dynavox.   Tech can go right in and restore program but will take about 45 minutes.   That is okay and it is fun to watch the cursor move and screen change.   While that is happening we work on selecting the pieces of information I want to move and sending to email.  However now that computer does not want to send or receive email in dynavox.   It will work with comcast so will do that for now.  

To make a long story short, I have my dynavox back and have been successful in a few areas.   Kari and Garrett were here for a short visit and he was able to get most of the tv controls to work.   Why I did not think about all the other difficulties is beyond me.   I am sure there will be other times.   

Untitled

With just one more week in the class Judith created a new prompt. We had shared our big documents and some pictures she had asked us to bring. During our discussion we all realised we needed time and place. This led to our assignment. In fact we could see the wheels turning as she said it. We were to pick one of our pictures and create a scene including date. We could make up a date if we did not know it but the scene was to be one day. It was interesting as I worked on mine how it did help to have a context. The exercise also made a big difference in how I edited my major story. Below is my scene. I choose not to include the picture so your mind could draw it. At least I hope your mind can.
 
  It was a warm spring day in May when we left Puerto Villarta on a 4 day trip heading north. Our plan was to spend some time in the Sea of Cortez before leaving Reaching Deep in La Paz for the 2005 hurricane season. May 5 found us in the rhythm of over night sailing. Dinner time was before dark. With just enough wind to sail we had a peaceful dinner in the cockpit while Auto pilot steered our coarse.

 Following our usual routine Dave participated in the evening radio group, called a net, on the single sideband radio while I stayed at the wheel. Sometimes Auto did not like it when we broadcast so I gave him a break and hand steered. The net always started with vessels under way. Each vessel gave their position and current weather information. One frequency was used at night at a set time and another in the morning. Real time weather was very useful along with the prediction. Also it was always fun to see if there was anyone else nearby.

 Then the night routine started. One of us would put on light weight all weather gear, inflatable life jacket, sailing gloves, hat and harness while the other prepared for bed. This started our watch routine of 4 hours on and 4 hours off.

 Dave knew that I would often stretch my watch so I could see the sunrise. It is magnificent during a new moon and tonight with a sliver of moon and no clouds should be a good one. I took the first watch starting about7:30 thinking it should work out perfectly. About midnight we switched places. It took a few minutes to take off the gear but well worth it because of the dampness settling in as the temperature dropped.

 Back on watch about 4 I knew it would be a magnificate sunrise. First the stars in the east start to fade. Beind the fading stars the sky starts to change from black to navy blue. Gradually the deep blue gets lighter until it is almost white. Then a glow appears at the horizon. As the glow increases it becomes orange and I know the sun will soon pop up above the horizon. A blink and there it is. Now a line of light glows across the water.

 Joyfully I start the morning routine as Dave wakes up. As the sun starts to warm the air and dry the dew as we enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Auto does not object to the morning frequency so we join the morning net while clearing up from breakfast. Feeling content with the start of May 6th, I settle in for my morning nap.

More writing class

Another class Judith shared a book called I remember by Joe Brainard. The idea here was to provide just enough information to allow the reader to be drawn in and form a picture in their mind. To little and the reader cannot get an understanding of what is being said. To much and the reader does not get drawn in. We took about 10 minutes to write a list and then shared them. Apparently I did not keep my list but it gave good insight as we shared and decided about pictures in our head.

 A fun prompt was: You never knew but.

 Kari the first time Nana came to see you was an interesting day. She was still as fascinated with breast feeding as she had been with Todd. Everyone had been holding you and after I changed your diaper Nana wanted you again. She had to shuffle you around and decide how she held you. It was all to much. You spit up your entire meal all over her. I was so embarrassed because I had tried to limit all the handeling. Part of me was glad because I had said you did not like a lot of handeling.