We're packing up and prepping to head out to the next location. I write this now because we are unsure of Internet when we get to where we're going. It's only 17 miles to our next stop (about a thee hour run) but for us it may take little longer as this is our first sailing shakedown.

Equipment report: Having problems with the gypsy on our windlass (windlass = a very powerful electric motor that brings up the anchor chain). The issue is, the gypsy part of the windlass (or the "teeth" if you will), that grabs the chain as it brings it in. Although the windlass is rated for a 3/8" chain it's apparently not designed for the 3/8" HT chain as it appears that the HT chain is a few millimeters rounder and longer....we're not certain about this so we're going to have to check. What it does, is skip in the gypsy...not a good thing as this will wear out the brass grabber teeth pretty fast....especially when you consider each foot of chain weighs 1.6 lbs finished off with a 66 lb Manson anchor. If we have 100 feet out we have 160 lbs of chain plus the weight of the anchor and of course it's grabbing ability (over 5000 lbs). We're working on solutions...no immediate danger or problem just stuff to check before we head south.

Caught our first edible crab last night (we caught a rock crab at first but decided to let him go as an "offering)." Last night we had Dungeness...tonight should be even more as we're heading to one of the hottest crabbing spots in Canada...we'll see. (Willow they arn't very good...have a distinct "Canadian" flavor...they are big though...at night you sleep with a crab gun an carry a big spot light.

Right now we're making water...not as terrible as it sounds...running our watermaker actually. We have to run it about every two or three days to keep clean water in it. It's so cool and the water is so pure it's crystal looking...just tastes a little flat...Sandy loves it...I throw a little dirt in mine for flavor.

Okay over and out for now...
Ray