Three months in Grenada and now it is time to head to the boat yard to put our floating house up and away for an extended visit home. Don and I are excited to make the cross-country drive to see family and friends (my first!) but sad to be leaving the Starship, our oasis on the sea. Contemplating the promise of dry rot, ant invasions, and copious amounts of mold, I expect to spend large amounts of cash on vinegar and paper towels upon our return.
This will be our first time hauling out on a travel lift in the thirteen times the Starship has been high and dry, not including the many times she was careened and beached on the Pacific side for simple one day bottom jobs.
Here in the Caribbean the tides are minuscule so hauling completely out is the only choice for us when a bottom job is required and provides opportunity for the many necessary maintenance projects.
Hauling out is always stressful and the Captain had a moment or two of rapid heartbeat.
But the boatyard crew was excellent and deserving of the cold six-pack of Caribe they earned.
Now we are jacked up and tucked into our appointed slot amidst all the other multihulls. Awaiting our hurricane tie downs, watching the laundry drip dry in the few hours of sunshine that might appear today, and making sure all must do lists are complete, our killer guard dog is very busy keeping all the birds and bad guys away.
Daisy knows something is up. The suitcases are out, a thorough visit to the vet was made, and there is grass under the boat with her name all over it. Luckily she is a seasoned traveler and the many forms of travel we will undertake this summer will be a breeze for her. Whether by boat, plane, car, subway, or train, as long as there is enough carne she is happy.
Paradise is not ALL palm trees and beautiful sand beaches, although we do try to keep a good supply of cute little cocktail umbrellas and cold beverages on hand! But.......
330 steps plus 11 from the back forty to the bathrooms!
