Vacilando

A man, a woman, a dog, and a sailboat.

Hello, I Must Be Going.

by

Just as soon as it began, it’s time to think about the end. We’ve settled in so easily here in Ft. Lauderdale and it’s now time to begin preparations for leaving. Amazing how quickly time has passed here and in that short amount of time how many friends we’ve made here. I (Chris) have had the pleasure of working with an amazing crew at KSCKreate and my friend Margaret. She has, through her trust in me to work for her, single-handedly provided us with the ability to make desperately needed repairs / upgrades to V and without that, we’d be severely inhibited in our ability to move great distances.
The “Salty Girls” that Melody has connected with are wonderful.  My girl getting time with other incredible boating women has been great. Brittany (s/v Asante), Jessica (m/v Felicity), Tasha (s/v Hideaway) and Emily… you are all AWESOME! Simply awesome and we appreciate your friendship and seriously hope our paths cross once we make the jump next year.

Melody, Jessica, Brittany, and Emily
The Salty Girls celebrating Mel’s birthday: Melody, Jessica, Brittany, and Emily

Now we begin the task of pulling up our ground tackle in preparation for the trip North. We have decided to spend the summer exploring more of the upper East Coast and spend time with family. We’ve readied the boat by changing out the head and re-plumbing the entire system. New holding tank, hoses and y-valves make it so much easier and cleaner. Our mainsail is done and should be on this week. I’ve re-engineered our shower area to (hopefully) improve a couple quirky issues and re-glassed some bulkhead tabbing that has come loose over the years. That’s a major relief. We’ll be getting new batteries and a new instrument panel for the iron jib (diesel) and we’ve upgraded our anchor thanks to Mantus Anchors. Our new Mantus 45 lb. anchor, chain and new rode should hold us securely in all those tricky anchorages up north.

Chris replaced the shower bench access with a waterproof hatch.
We replaced the shower bench access with a waterproof hatch.
There is so much to do and as we cross one thing off the list another need pops up. As this occurs, we  just have to prioritize and make the most serious upgrades first. The new furler, dodger, bimini and halyards have to wait. The hatch acrylic will be hazy for another season and the 1980’s upholstery will just have to suffice for another year.We’ll read up on the route and research the first destination. What to do with Jet for the first leg of the trip. What to do with the ugly-truckling. We have about six weeks to make the “plan” and I know I’ll be a little-bit sad, nervous and excited when we  toss off the old, hard, crusty dock lines, depress the transmit button and utter the words, “Good morning 7th street bridge this is the outbound sailing vessel requesting an opening.”


Go Small & Live Large!
Get Your FREE Room By Room Downsizing Checklist!

Enter your name & email below to take the first step toward a more minimal and free life!


Comments

  2. Joanna says

    We’re flying to St Augustine on April 20th. Will need about 2 days to get the boat ready for our trip north. First stop – Cumberland Island. Hope our paths will cross at some point. We’re planning on getting to Rockhall within 4 weeks.

    • Melody says

      Oh I hope we get to see you while we’re in RockHall! If not, maybe we can go back through there on the way back down! Miss you guys!

  3. Linda says

    Chris and Mel, Even I am sad you are leaving Fort Lauderdale. Somehow, the fact that you guys were living in the sun has helped me get through this brutal, northeast winter. I never thought I’d want to actually live in Florida, but, boy, I think I may be reconsidering. Anyway, back to you and your journey….I wish you could be on Long Island Sound, but I’m sure it’s unbelievably expensive. Block Island would be awesome and I bet you guys would love it. Oh well, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place. You guys have been lucky to find two great places with fantastic people. Sail On!
    Love, Linnie <3

    • Melody says

      Linda – we are looking to get up to Long Island Sound if possible. Tons of places we want to see and how fun would it be to be that close to you! We’ll keep you posted of our plans. We love South Florida, too, but I think the heat in the summertime (without TRUE a/c) would just be unbearable! Can’t wait to see you! Love, Mel

  4. Anonymous says

    Chris and Mel,

    You guys are always welcome to stay at brigantine Beach Island!

    Good luck and safe travels on your north bound journey!

    I will be there, if you need me to help you with anything, along the way!

    Just keep me posted on your trip details :-)

    Love you,
    Jimmy

  5. Darla says

    Mel, Keep us posted on your journey Hopefully you will be coming close. If there is ANYTHING we can do for yall, let me know. Love ya

    • Melody says

      Aunt Darla, I wish we could make it over to your side of the Gulf! :) Either way, we need to make a trip to see you sometime soon. I love you!

  6. Tasha says

    Man, I wish you guys were here now… you’re the best! But we’ll be in the Caribbean next year waiting for you with some cold ones in the fridge! xx
    Tasha

  7. Jess & GR says

    Aww, I feel so lucky to be included in the “salties” category! It’s like the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Salty Girls!!!” You guys are awesome and we will be following closely as we, too, intend to get “up north” with Felicity! We are happy to help you throw off dock lines when it comes down to it!:)

    • Melody says

      Girl – you’re extra special because you’re in the ‘Salties’ AND the ‘Phillies’ categories! We are so grateful that we made such great friends who continue to keep us laughing and learning. :) xoxo