We have been busy at work for our company, the Advanced Research Corporation; we are enjoying our grandchildren, we are sprucing up our long neglected dirt dwelling, and we are getting ready for our next voyage. We are sad that most of our boat buddies that we shared Voyage 2002 will not be returning South with us. Many are selling their boats and pursuing new land adventures. A few have delayed cruising for a few years. S/V Cahautauqua continues to chase their dream in Europe. S/V Charbonneau has taken a sabatical pursuing charity work with Max and Bailey.
Unfortunately, we put off our trip to New England again because the boat came out of the yard late and with many problems. Our gelkote work resulted in significant damage to our brightwork; our autopilot died, and dinghy engine doesn't work, and we need a new dodger. We hope our problems will be solved by July.
We have been confronted with homeport issues also. We finally bought a slip at Anchorage Marina in Baltimore MD to protect ourselves from the ever increasing costs of 'parking' a boat.
The gods don't seem to want us to go this year. Though the boat is in great shape, the skipper is not. Bob had a minor heart attack in mid September 2004. Though his treatment has apparently been a success, the doctors (and Ann) were not too excited about a prolonged trip on a small boat. So again Bob is sad. He is consoled by the best wishes of our many friends and a newly scheduled land voyage in early 2005. If all goes well, we can start our extended cruising next spring.
Please follow us as we prepare to salvage the 2004/2005 season.
