Thanksgiving Week Sail

WHOA, NELLIE!

Well, what do ya know? I actually got to sail two times this month.

Monday was in the 60's with significant wind being brought by that front that is crossing the country right now. Time to get the CIY out and put her (really me) to the test. I'd say winds were a steady 8-10 with gusts maybe 15 and a few white caps every now and then. Stiffer than anything I'd been out in to date.

I decided to set up the main with a reef in. Not many people on the lake yesterday and I really didn't want to take a swim. Launching was easy enough. With an offshore wind I let the wind carry the boat out a bit while I held a line and then pulled it into the dock. I parked my vehicle, returned to the boat, dropped the daggerboard in, set the rudder, untied the dockline and I was off, drifting away from the dock.

Once away from the dock, I sheeted in the mizzen and raised the main. I've always heard the mizzen is good for keeping your boat head-to-wind. It did do that, but the boat still wanted to "swing" somewhat causing the boom to keep crossing the center-line, back and forth. Duck, duck, duck.

I got the main up, main sheet situated and I was sailing. The wind was reasonably steady with the occasional gust. Here's a pic of the flag at a marina which is directly across the lake from the ramp. I crossed the lake several times and the flag looked like this the whole time.

Tacking was not smooth. Got to work on that. I usually had to push the boom back to windward to complete the tack.

There were times the wind seemed to swirl and shift directions. I was trying to track the wind at one point, the sail was luffing and suddenly it filled and the boat started to go over! Whoa, Nellie! The rail dipped below the water. Water started pouring into the boat. I believe I audibly begged, "Please don't go over!!" I let go of everything, dropped into the bottom of the boat and threw my weight back. She came back up. Whew! that was close!

Here's a pic of water in the bottom of the boat. I actually had bailed some of it before taking the pic.

I decided I didn't want to chance going over again, so I doused the sails and even took down the mizzen mast. Unfortunately, I was going to have to row into that stiff wind which at times was off the port bow. When it went off the bow, the windage made it difficult to row straight. Soon I realized that even the mast was creating considerable windage, so I took it down. Fortunately, I only had a half mile to row. I guess it took a half an hour.

The wind was such that I missed my landing on the first attempt. I usually turn and row facing forward when I approach the ramp. While I was turning around, the wind blew me down the shoreline. I had to turn around and row normally almost to the ramp to make my landing.

All ended well.

Here are two pics of my first attempt at reefing. A little sloppy. For one thing, I forgot to lace the clew to the boom. The sail shape seem good though while underway.

A fisherman was taking out the same time I was. He commented on my boat name and we struck up a good conversation. Turns out he attends a church not far from mine and he's getting ready to play Gabriel in their Christmas play.

After packing up the boat, I did a quick change of clothes in the park restroom and made a quick visit to a funeral home just a few minutes from the ramp to visit one of our members whose daughter-in-law passed. Knocked out some business and pleasure in the same trip.

Turning cooler now. We'll see how long it takes to get my next outing.

PS: I did check the recorded wind at the airport for yesterday. Here's the graph. Looks like my estimate was spot on.

Goose Pond Colony Resort

I had said I was going to do the TN River gorge this fall. Didn't happen. A couple of reasons: schedule, wife not up to overnighting on the boat (I really wanted to include her in on whatever trip I took). So... I began to look into an option of sailing for a couple days and sleeping ashore. I found Goose Pond Colony Resort on Guntersville Lake and it looked promising. It's only 80 miles from my house, one night in their lodge wasn't too terribly expensive and the forecast was SUPERB! Last but not least, the captain was game. So the trip was on.

I had planned to sail both days, but it took too long to prep on Monday morning. The boat hadn't been out in a year, so a quick bath with the pressure washer, getting gear together, etc, etc. I didn't fret. Like a good sailor I didn't let my schedule get in the way of a good time. We didn't get away til 1:00. We stopped for a quick lunch and just settled in for relaxation.

We arrived at the resort around 2:00 CST. Sunset was at 4:45 so we just checked in, got to our room, took a walk, sat on the veranda and enjoyed the view and the sunset.

We were tired, the beds were comfortable, and we slept well. Awoke to a gorgeous morning.

                         

There are 3 places to eat on the property. The only one open was the grill at the golf proshop. We drove over there and had a very simple but nice breakfast, returned to our room, packed up and headed for the ramp around 10:30.

Set up and launch went smoothly. One purpose of this trip was to try out my new Honda 2.3. I bought it back in the summer but had yet to get out with it. The manual says to run it at half throttle for 10 hours to break it in. The motor is a bit undersized for my boat, so I was very curious to see how it would do. We discussed this on the forum earlier so I felt I would be ok. Dave used to equip his Sage 15's with this motor. I was not disappointed. The motor did fine. I warmed it up while rigging. It runs better at the slowest setting a little warm. I learned that running it in my yard. It's air cooled so I can do that easily. One of the reasons I bought this particular motor. With a warm motor I was assured of having a "neutral" when in the water (it has a centrifugal clutch).

It was a mile plus out to the main channel. I've never seen so many shallows as I saw yesterday. Grass fields everywhere! I made sure I stayed in the main channel all day.

                         

The wind was out of the SW so I figured I would motor south for a while and sail back. The plan went pretty well.

Motoring into the sun:

                          

                          

Sailing back up river:

                                    

  

Had this little treat: 4 eagles flying around. Got this shot of two of them.

                         

From my chart and maps, I think we did 20 miles in about 4-1/2 hours. A bit surprised at our speed but happy. Here's a pic from googlemaps that shows the distance by road. Gives you an idea. 

                          

Docking with the new motor went perfectly.

                         

Take out went fairly well. It took several attempts to get the boat on the trailer correctly. I took shorts and water shoes expecting that I'd be getting a little wet retrieving. I was right. But finally got it. We got the boat packed up and readied just as the lights were coming on in the parking lot and the very last faint rays of the sun were dissappearing. Stopped for a chicken sandwich and drove leisurely home at a pace of 60 mph.

                          

I am happy to report that this trip was without "incident"! No "stories" to add to my many.      

Kitty's Gone

KITTY’S GONE

By Roxie’s daddy

We rescued you from the trailer park
How special you’ve been from the very start
You were beautiful with your colorful fur
Were shocked when we heard your gruff purr
Now silence
Kitty’s gone

You were almost human, you reached out to touch
Pets are precious, we loved you so much
It was always a joy, when we’d open the door
You’d come to meet us from lying on the floor
So happy
Kitty’s gone

After our showers, the water you’d lick
For some reason, you liked the carpet to pick
On your pillow you’d lie under the coffee table
We long to see you if only we were able
Our Calico
Kitty’s gone

You followed your mommy from room to room
Now only memories and sometimes gloom
To the recliner you’d jump into daddy’s lap
And soon get down after a little nap
Lap’s empty
Kitty’s gone

You were not allowed on mommy’s couch
But you were so sweet in your little pouch
We’d be busy about our day
Around the corner, you’d come join the fray
Where’s Kitty?
Kitty’s gone

In time you started the door jamb to scratch
You didn’t know daddy would have to patch
Into the kitchen begging for a treat
You seemed to gather around our feet
Treats are there
Kitty’s gone

Out of bed, we watched where we stepped
We’d wonder and search to see where you slept
Usually a mess in the utility room,
Nothing we couldn’t fix with a dust pan and broom
All is clean
Kitty’s gone

During the day, came time to explore
To make you happy we’d open the door
You’d jump on the bed, disturb our sleep
Then came the time you no longer could leap
Wish you could
Kitty’s gone

To fill your bowls with food and water
To be sure it was no bother
Maybe now we’ll decorate a big tree
It won’t be the same without Kitty
Just stillness
Kitty’s gone

Your beautiful coat you were always grooming
When you stopped, we feared the end was looming
No longer we’ll see you lying in the sun
We had to take you in just like Bun
And sadly
Kitty’s gone

After keeping us company for 17 sweet years,
We had to say goodbye through a flood of tears,
When you last went to sleep, in my arms I did hold
I laid you in the ground, oh so cold
Grief is real
Kitty’s gone

Now you can sleep under the flowers
Where the grass will grow from the gentle showers
You’ll never know how much your life
Meant to me and especially my wife
Our Roxie
Kitty’s gone

Companion, comforter, ally and friend
You were true and loyal to the very end
Father Time finally tore us apart
But you’ll forever be in our heart
Even though
Kitty’s gone

October 24, 2023