Gyre

I did get out on Sunday with my mentor (Will Maney) and my long time neighbor and good friend, Paul Cunningham. I drove Gyre out of her slip myself for the first time. After the first 245 degree turn INSIDE the marina, I HAD EVERYONES ATTENTION.

I grazed a piling with the wind vane steering contraption aft, but fended her off without doing any damage.
When I finally exited the Marina, all the boat owners gave me a rousing ovation.

We had a lovely sail in up to 25 K breezes with an occasional whitecap here and there. Even a hint of Narragansett swell.

I drove her back into the slip as well. I think at least 10 people came out to help me with my dock lines. I swear they were all still waiting for me.

Fortunately, the return was not nearly as entertaining as my departure. But all the boat owners seemed MUCH happier my return was uneventful.

It seems as if everyone suddenly knows who I am now.

I am on Gyre. It is Memorial Day. Thank you Veterans! In service, in public life, in memorial, and in our hearts and thoughts.
It is a Lovely Memorial Day.
I have had so much help. (more on that too follow)

I jumped into the Sakonnet River from the back of Gyre, while she was in her slip! Went for a swim out of the Marina. Current was not so bad.

Found out about the barnacles on the underside of the dock when I high hauled my fat ass self out. (keelhauled my bad self)

I am blessed, with children, with friends, with helpers, MY comrades at work and with a wonderful lover.

That starts my summer , and this Blog.

[Lakota on Gyre]