Up early as usual, Scurv insisted on a trip to shore for a business meeting. So, he tolerated my slow response by pushing open the companionway door and waiting by the gate to jump on the dock. There were no souls on shore for him to sniff. Just as we got back aboard we heard the sounds of the National Anthem from the Pax River Naval Station for their morning hoist of the colors. That station is a good two miles from our dock. What a great way to start the day.

The engine started as if it was in service for the past six months. That was a good surprise. Not all surprises were good. As we have commissioned various systems aboard, we found the usual suspects for misbehavior. Anyone who has read our blog for any time at all know that Little Prick, our boat troll, has found an ally in making work for me; the heads on this boat. So far as I can tell, the last completely dependable head on a vessel was literally just under the bowsprit on square riggers in the 19th century. Since they sailed pretty much downwind only, the heads were self cleaning by sea water and dependable. After that, the whole technology went down hill. We should say that we have yet to try the big boat technology but have attempted to upgrade the original equipment. The aft head has been unused for over three years since the space was repurposed to storage. In fact, a recent visitor mentioned that they did not know we had two heads aboard. I decided that the head in there should be replaced and tore the old one out. The sparking replacement arrived on time and I started the replacement. The very same hour as I started, Bear announced that "something" was amiss with the one I replaced last year after the Annapolis Boat show. What timing! Ah, I remember the head wars from last year. I don't think the Admiral would accept the methods of the good old days so I am working on my advanced degree in head repair------ AGAIN.

We had the great pleasure of a visit from some back home friends. It is always good to see folks with whom we have sailed years and that may soon be joining us on the Chesapeake. Actually, they have a great deal more experience sailing this bay than we since they lived here for several years.

The mooring field at this marina is in place and until today, unused. We met a boat from Block Island actually heading back from the Abacos. Methinks it might be a mite early to get back that far north, but their arrival is signaling that the migration may be starting. They sailed yesterday into some lively, cold and rainy weather. That is the price for pushing against a stubborn winter/spring.

I get to work on the midship head again today. Some genius installed a through hull fitting serving the head in such a position that merely removing the hose took several hours. I could not get my brick hand into the space to pull the hose off. I sure needed a small monkey to do that for me.

So, here is the status of some must do projects:

Toe rails- one stripped and the other untouched
Midship head- hope to finish it today
Engine compartment blower- should receive today and in the que to do whenever motivation strikes me
Anchor Windlass control repair- gotta lose some girth to be able to get into the anchor locker to work. Might be a while on that one.
Mainsail- still waiting on the loft to finish the new one- someone else's procrastination, not mine
Switch out of roller genoa- in the store room waiting for my motivation and a calm day
Get the rib off the deck- sometime this week. Once in the water, our forward overhead hatches will admit light below.

The remaining list is long and boring. Again, motivation is the key. As long as the barometer is jumping around and rain comes every day or so, this part will take a bit of time. Being back aboard is now a function of weather.