It has been an interesting few weeks as we really get into the swing of full time live aboard/cruiser status. Our days are still consumed by the never ending task of trying to get THIRD DAY ready for cast off, but once you realize that you will NEVER be done and that the boat will never be perfect, it makes the days easier. I haven't looked at my "boat to-do-list" in weeks. Sure I can rattle it off like a 5th grader learning the 50 States and their Capitals, but looking at the list only induces panic and that feeling of being overwhelmed. So I ignore it. I see that file shortcut icon prominently displayed on my desktop, but I managed to steer clear of the file and all it's psychological pain. Who needs psychological pain when you have real pain from twisting and contorting your body into strange shapes to fit into tight spaces. These contortions must certainly be illegal or at the least immoral in 48 of the 50 States! Special recognition needs to be given to the inventors of Advil and Extra strength Tylenol.

Major projects include: completion of the water maker/generator installation, painting of the 275ft of anchor chain with color coding every 25ft, installation of a cock pit depth gauge, major spare and tool organization and stowage, installation of wood-fired heater, 3000W inverter install, installation of the boat computer, addition of propane on/off solenoid, organization of clothes storage, and completion of dingy davit lifting system. What's depressing is that's all I can remember...what have I been doing since July 4th anyway? Well, throw in work conference calls and a few trips to San Diego for lab work and time just ticks away.

With Amy in the V-berth working on a story of what she did today, I'm cooking pizza for dinner. The whole boat now smells like a Pizzeria and all I'm missing is some wicker basket chianti bottles hanging in a corner with some dusty plastic grapes.

Last Sunday we meet the Crew of S/V Providence, a Valiant 39, as they were working their way to San Diego from San Francisco for the Baja Ha-ha kick off. We dingyed over with warm brownies and a cruisers welcome that had us sitting in their cock pit for a few hours talking and getting to know each other as the sun gently set over the mountains that ring Port San Luis to the West. The next day I took a break from boat chores for long enough to take our new found friend Steve to Trader Joes for some fresh provisions. We really look forward to seeing them again in San Diego and heading South to Mexico in the company of such nice people.