Update: December 2nd

•  The storage unit is finally empty!!! That was A lot of work! The 10x30ft unit was jammed packed 4-6 feet high! This was a giant hurdle toward being able to leave. It has taken a year to get things sorted and placed on board, disposed of or sold.
•  So grateful to the Lord for His continual strength and encouragement to push through. 
• We are now down to a bit more organizing, continued provisioning, and a possible small repair project or two. Eric also has a side job to complete for some help with our personal support. 

Update: November 14th

• Eric has finished the solar navigation light set-up for the inflatable! We are getting closer to leaving... steadily tying up loose ends. 
• We were able to keep most of the adzes, axes, broad axes, sledgehammers, etc... They were each cleaned, oiled and wrapped separately.

Update: November 13th

 

• Note: Sorry for the lack of photos on this post. We are experiencing problems with uploads and internet connections.
  

•  It was time to make a "real" boat hook. something you can lean on when needed.
  
• Also making a solar powered set of removable running lights for the dingy.
• All this while prepping and going through the last tropical storm! We did well in the storm. Had three anchors out and lots of extra lines to keep us off the dock. 

Haul Out Completed!!

We have also completed our haul out and bottom painting job. 5 gallons of ablative anti-fouling paint and some special coating on the propeller. Also new zinc anodes on the shaft. Six long hard days for a fast turn around. Very glad that's over!

Update: October 11

Note: Sorry for the lack of photos on this post. We are experiencing problems with uploads and internet connections.

• The outboard is now purring like a kitten! Thank you Lord!!
• Hurricane Delta gave us a bit of wind through the night but not too bad and only minor flooding. The head sail will remain in the cockpit for a couple more weeks. Hopefully the season will be over by then.
• Almost all tools are now organized and in their permanent spots. Final onboard storage/placement inventory is underway.
  

 

 

 

 

 

Update: October 7

 

(Provisioning - lots of bread dough for the freezer!)

• One more hurricane to go ('Delta') and EVERYONE!! hopes the season will finally be over! Please pray for Southwest Louisiana and especially the areas that were hit by 'Laura'. They could be facing another hit. 
• For hurricane 'Laura' we anchored in a better sheltered spot for a couple days and then returned to the dock. We cleaned our muddy anchors, chain, line and decks, scrubbed the cockpit canvas and clear vinyl. For hurricane 'Delta' we might remain at the dock and position the boat away from the docks. We are expecting some flooding as before and a bit of wind. The next day will finalize our plan.
  
• The outboard for the inflatable has been a main project the last few weeks. Being in storage for over a year has things gunked up. Hopefully, it will be running shortly.
  
• Two new fire extinguishers were purchased and Eric built a holder for the biggest one and mounted it close to the engine room. The old ones are too old to pass inspection.
  
• We continue to organize and sort through storage as well as slowly provision for departure to start heading South. There is no set date at this time for leaving Louisiana, but it will hopefully be soon. Due to 'Covid', most countries borders are closed but this does not deter us from our call. We are going to travel South to lower Florida and wait on the Lord's timing before heading to the Canal.

Progress Update: September 9th

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  • 300ft of chain has been inspected, marked for length and been re-stowed. The hawsepipe was modified below decks for better feed into the lower locker. It is going to make for much improved stowage.
    
  • We made up some new rope leads for anchoring and hurricane lines. One is for the secondary anchor line and the other is a multi purpose for hurricane ties and stern anchor if needed.
    
  • We did prep for hurricane Laura which thankfully only brushed us with outer bands. We did fine but sadly, Western Louisiana did not. It is devastated and going to take a very long time to recover.  
  • Part of our hurricane prep was pulling the head sail off of the roller furler for stowage. We are going to wait till the season is over before putting it back.
    
  • We did some work on navigation lights. All needed to be in working order before heading out. Eric made several trips up the main mast and once up the mizzen. 
  • Today we are doing maintenance on the outboard motor. This includes some clean-up, changing the oil, oil filter and replacing the impeller.
    

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
  

Progress Update: August 16th

• (Photo) Eric heading down into the anchor chain locker to prep and do some touch up painting. All part of taking care of our anchoring system. 
• Bolts were also changed out on our primary anchor.