Our First Month

It has been almost a month since moving aboard Ryen's Quest. The weather has been totally terrible. We are living along-side which gives us all of the amenities of home. Electricity, and water being the biggies. So life hasn't changed a lot, except it feels like we are camping or on a coastal cruise without moving. Actually, we don't mind this so much.



Al has been out of commission for the last couple of weeks, and for a few weeks to come. He had surgery and as in any surgery he has had to keep himself lieing low. Al makes a terrible patient. He would much rather be the caregiver. His retirement is looming and although he has complained and whined about having to go to work these last few months, I think he will miss the navy. Thirty years is a long commitment to service.



Getting things done on Ryen's Quest has been a challenge. A lot of things can't be done before something else is done first. And it is always the guy who has to do the first thing that doesn't show up. We have been frustrated with merchandise being held up in customs, chain coming in the wrong lengths, hatches being sent or perhaps back ordered, and contractors who bait us that they are coming and never show up at the scheduled time. There has been a tremendous waste of time this summer that could have been used doing some sailing, but we just suck it up and remind ourselves that in a few short weeks we won't be restricted to a two month sailing season. That eases the pressure and we just curl up to a good book. Ryen's Quest is our home now. So whether we are tied up along-side the jetty here, or anchored in some beautiful warm cove down south, we will always be home.

All Work, No Play

Well we haven't started having any fun yet, but we are happy to finally be moved in. I can't imagine where everything is going to be stowed, but Allan assures me there is lots of room. And having watched him pack in the past, he will probably have lots of room left over. The weather has been less than ideal for working on the boat. Only one sunny day since June 16th, I heard today. The humidity is off the charts.

We didn't get out for a sail yet. Something to do with a gooseneck. There is really too much to do yet to even think about going sailing anyway.

As I write this I am thinking that this brief period of getting things in order is work, but we are having a great time. Every once in a while, one of us comes out with a, "this time next year...."

Who knows what next year will bring? I hope we are having as much fun as we are having right now. The dust and boxes will soon be replaced with excitement, anticipation, expectation; and good health will hopefully prevail.

Countdown to "Live-Aboards"!

We have approximately 72 hours before we become official live-aboards on Ryen`s Quest. In 24 hours family come to take what is not going on the boat. And the following hours begin our task of moving personal items, and the rest of what is boat gear.

The past few months have been busy changing the entire plumbing system. Big "thank you" to Jim Newell of Lifeline Marine Services. The bilge, although a big job, is also cleaned and we are happy with the outcome. Thank you Allan! The ice box has been modified thanks to Joe the carpenter. We will now have a generous freezer area plus ample refrigeration. Looks like it is going to work and meet our needs. The engine has been looked at, the electrical guys are coming up to make sure that we are safe electrically, and to give us schematics of everything. Seems like we have bought a lot of electronic equipment. I hope I don`t need to know what it`s for until I have had a little bit of experience under my belt. Upholstery has been replaced in the saloon, which really makes a nice place to sit around with friends, to have dinners together, or just have a quiet evening watching television or reading a good book.

The new sails are ready to be installed with the stackpack system on both the main mast and the mizzen. With any luck we may be able to sail the harbour during the "Tall Ship" visit in mid July. We are hoping for the July 1st weekend to take Ryen`s Quest out even if it`s just a quick sail to somewhere quiet and drop the anchor.

Poor Ryen`s Quest is confused. But we will take our time to stow things away and go through the things that we really don`t or won`t need on our journey south. She should be a happy lady then. For all that had to be done, she is feeling more like our boat with each passing day.

There is a multitude of things that have to be done before we push off later in the year, but we are confident they will be done. Miyamoto Musashi wrote: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." We are taking one step at a time, so we are on our journey of a thousand miles.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday

Jean and I would like to wish Peace in your family and may this be a season of joy for you and all those dear to you. We would also like to wish you a Chrismas warm with happiness and a New Year filled with great adventures and Fair Winds.

What Was I Thinking!

It has been ten days since the fellows pushed off from Georgia. My best guess is that they didn`t need that rest in Bermuda, and are pushing their way home to Halifax. No contact for a few days sure gets scary, after a few days. Satelite phone for us or an enabled communication system the next time any of us will be out of contact "for a few days".

No Contact After Tomorrow

Tonight Allan called to say this would be his last contact for a least a few days. He and Mac are not sure if they will go via Bermuda for a few days rest (sure!) or hope for a good wind to bring them straight up the Gulf Stream. They are tired, but are glad they had today to get some things done, and to better acquaint themselves with RYEN'S QUEST. I hope they keep a journey log so that I can post.

Unfortunatelyly, the winlink system didn`t get hooked up, so no email from them. Al isn`t so concerned about these as they can be dealt with when he gets back to Halifax.

Attached are a couple of photos of the boys.

She's Ours!

Friday, April 18th, I received a call from Al who was sitting aboard STARDUST. When I answered the phone, all I got was......"We own the Boat!" The transaction went without any problems.

After four days of listening and learning the systems of the boat, both Al and Mac were very tired, as I am sure was the owner. Al says the hardest part is remembering where all the switches are. When I asked why they were staying in St Mary`s, Al told me the alternator was broke, and immediately quipped "She`s a Boat!". So at last call they were awaiting the mechanic to return to fix the alternator and also waiting for a lady to visit them to show them how winlink works so that they can remain in contact with STARDUST`S owner during their trip back to Halifax.

Saturday`s weather called for Thunderstorms, so they decided to stay nice and close to this welcoming dock until Sunday.