We have just returned home from Robyn's Nest. We went Friday afternoon, and Pat and Cathy joined us Saturday morning. Saturday was cold with periods of rain. It was hard to get motivated to do any work, but we finally got started. The teak on Robyn's Nest was in pretty poor shape, so it was one of our priorities to get it refinished. So, we began Saturday by cleaning the teak with a product used to clean the wood on fences and decks. We finished cleaning the teak by evening, just in time to put dinner on the grill. The clean teak really looked good.

Sunday dawned cold by mid May standards, but I was anxious to get the finish on the teak. With four of us working on applying the Teakguard, the first coat went on really quick. After the recommended drying time, we went about applying the second coat. I was a little apprehensive about the Teakguard product, but let me tell you, this stuff is real easy to use, and it gives you a look of freshly oiled teak. I'm sure I'm going to really like it. It is supposed to give us a maintenance free finish for a year. All that is required to freshen up the finish, is a good cleaning with soap and water, then another couple of coats of Teakguard. We have two coats on now, and we will need to apply another two to four coats.

Next weekend will be Memorial Day weekend. Three Forks Harbor Marina, our home marina, is hosting their first annual poker run and potluck dinner. Robyn and I, along with our fellow Nesters, Pat and Cathy, are going to participate in the poker run, and of course the potluck! With it being a long weekend, we also hope to finish the teak. We will then move on to restoring the gelcoat on the Nest.

Today marks the five month countdown to our Great Loop departure. I suppose you could say Robyn's Nest is loop ready, but we do want her looking good for the trip. We also want to add a few more things for safety and comfort. I'm sure an AIS is in our future, and I know I need to work on the cook stove. Then there is also the washer/dryer dilemma. You see, the boat was actually built around the old stackable washer and dryer. Well, two weeks ago, I tore it apart, and threw it in the dumpster. When we cruised on Seanna, we didn't have the luxury of a washer and dryer, but we did spend a lot of time and money doing laundry. We are now searching for a washing machine that will fit through a 21 1/2" space (good luck). So far, the only options we have found aren't really feasible. I'm sure there will be tons of other things we need to do, after all, Robyn's Nest is a boat.

Until next time...