S MINUS 5 FOR PHASE VII
February 19, 2012
So here we are at the week of return to Why Knot. Seems like last century since we last saw her. Gee, how time moves so slowly during our absence but some really good things came of that time if you consider the alternatives. We start to decommission the house today and load stuff into the mobile storage unit. Since we have done this a few times, we recognize the knot in the old gut for what it is worth. Our family and friends here in the Hill Country are soon to be very remote and those short notice visits will no longer be possible. In essence it is like sailing away from an anchorage full of old friends and thoughts of spring in this place will have to carry us. Leaving Texas is always that way for us. We will miss all that is home but know we can come back when we absolutely need a Texas fix.
Now our thoughts turn to what’s ahead, to the reunion of crew and Why Knot, of the anticipation of getting under way again. At least for the near future, we will be delaying actual departure to give Bear more recovery time and us to work out new back friendly procedures. The maintenance list, particularly the bright work will need attention. It remains how well our new crew member will handle the small spaces and limited shore leaves. We hope he makes a quiet way of it so we do not get tossed from anchorages and marinas. As little and athletic as he is, perhaps my new invention (still in planning stages) might work. Using a heavy test fishing line and a stubby rod, together with a really nice fitting harness, it might be possible to cast him to shore rather than firing up the dink and taking him there. Awh, don’t get up in arms. I was just kidding.