FREE AT LAST ! FREE AT LAST !

The start of our cruise was not precision by any means. There was so much to do to close up the house and arrange for care while we're away that we slid our schedule by a couple of days.

Then we arrived to find that the engine wouldn't start. We had a mechanic help get it started, by replacing the starter motor. (Fortunately we had a spare on board) We finally got off on Monday, but agreed to stay close-by so that we could have the starter motor re-built and pick it up. We also found that we were fresh out of propane on one of our two tanks, so we decided to refill it.

And then, there's the little list of items we forgot. The key to the clock, the bridge tablecloth, olive oil. You know how it is. So we'll stop back at our mooring one more time, then depart the area.

On Tuesday, after liesurely breakfast, I attempted the simple replacement of the oldest portlight on the boat. The previous owner had replaced all but one, and he had left the replacement still in it's box ready to go. It turned out to be an all day project. Once all was ready, I opened the tube of silicone sealant only to find it had hardened. We put the folding bike in the inflatable, and I motored in to the beach. Using Bertha's handheld GPS, I biked the 5 miles to the nearest marine store and purchased a new tube of silicone. Back on Serenade by 6:00 pm, I gooped up the portlight and started to screw it down. The nuts wouldn't thread on because some of the bolts had been shortened with a hacksaw. Trying times, and right at happy hour, too.

Finally got all but one tight, and scrounged for a similar bolt in my jar of odds and ends to complete the job.

Rain later last night did NOT leak in, so it looks like it was worthwhile.

Now it's time to get underway and catch the rising tide back to Tiverton.

7-23-08