After some toying with the deck, locating and installing a used mast and rigging, i picked up the remaining essentials, a motor, battery, etc.

One important test had to be passed before the real fun...better make sure she floats!

Our plan was to take her to the boat ramp at Tidwell Access, on the west side of Lanier, drop her in, and park the truck. If she was still floating we'd jump in and take her for a spin. If she wasn't floating, we'd get back in the truck and drive off before anybody noticed.

As luck would have it we had our first sail that day. Of course, one good turn deserves a wicked one...and damn if that storm didn't roll up fast! The wind was getting spirited and the sails livened up. We hit a bout 20*'s of heel. I was having a ball, so when Lesleigh drew my attention the oncoming squall i did my best to assure her it was passing to our west.

It took about three minutes before it was on top of us. Pelting rain drops. 30 knot gusts. Brilliant lightning patterns lit the sky. What comes next is probably more interesting text, in the intrest of not appearing totally inept, i will omit the details. However, while we huddled in the cabin, beached on at golf course's shore, waiting out the lightning and staying away from everything metal...we managed to select which piece of equipment would be our next acquisition...an anchor.

Here is a picture of me freezing after the storm passed.