Rains in Maine

Hooray Aros More is afloat and Skipper is happy. Some hard work ashore with a dead line ensured that we were ready by 0530 on the appointed day. There is no travel hoist at the yard but with a low loader designed to run down a ramp all was done in jig time by Allan Drinkwater competently and with no fuss. Even the engine started on the turn of the key, proving that I can still bleed the fuel system. Bill ,the yard owner, was there of course and so too mine host, his brother Ted. Felt very much under test!

The first job was to get the generator working and once the beast was back in its "bunk" she started like a dream and has passed many hours already under test so let us hope she stays that way. On the few sunny days I have completed the external varnishing so that Aros More is as pretty as a picture, at least on the outside. In the cabin it is a different matter as I have started to refurbish the woodwork using a mixture of sodium hydroxide and a dilute acid. I was advised to hose down the wood after treatment but that is too much of a good thing. It sure works anyway. Arty will be pleased to know that the "mantle-shelf" is beginning to gleam. For the unintiated that is the area for everything that does not have a home excluding the fixtures of compass and radar.

While all this is going on Ted and Bev work away on their schooner Koulka fitting tanks, pipes, varnishing and making new seats and covers. Their son Scot when he is not making snow ploughs, yes I mean snow ploughs, at the rate up to 50/60 per day is also involved. In between we attend Republican meetings with a view to make radical changes in the political system. At home we are fighting corruption and loss of self government to the fascists in Brussels, while here they are also having to deal with parties that cease to recognise that there are electors who were made promises that are not honoured and are being faced with huge monetary rescue packages that can not be afforded. There is also the concern about the emerging nations and immigration. Our problems are so similiar. Guess what, politicians here also pass laws that they have not read!

On that note we will go back to sea in the morning!

Maine

Have been here a week and working hard on the boat. She has been well cared for over the winter and once I have sorted out the yards tricks with the pipe work systems are beginning to come together. Next week should see the launch. I am having to send the new Avon inflatable away for repair as the fenders are falling off. Its is to be a guarantee job and again I have found the folk here just more than helpful.

I am staying with friends, Ted and Bev Cowan who also have and Endurance in the back yard awaiting completion but in the bay they also have a 50 ft schooner. If it is to be a fine weekend I will take time off for a sail and gladly, never having sailed in such a splendid ship before. It is a family affair as the yard is run by Ted's brother Bill and his wife Jody.

My first few days were enhanced by the great performance of UKIP. The web is so helpful when there are such cataclysmic affairs of state! Interestingly Obama is heading for trouble.

Gitte is due out on the 22nd and soon after she arrives we should start to make for the Azores. Here is hoping. In the meantime she is to be found, as ever, on the golf course.