A Late Start

This spring has been very complicated. I originally wanted to work on Distant Horizon over the winter, which is why I left it in the northern Chesapeake. Chestertown, MD is roughly 400 miles south of Syracuse. I thought the winter temperature would naturally be warmer. What I found out was... it ma be warmer during the day, but not warm enough to work on the boat.

Waiting for the spring thaw

On my first visit to the boat in January, I found the night time temperature was a better metric. Sleeping on the boat when the temp is in the mid 20's was not a fun adventure. My sleeping bag was warm enough. The boat provided protection from the wind. So, I didn't suffer. I just woke up longing for a very, very, very hot cup of coffee!

Although, the daytime temperature may be 10 degrees warmer than Syracuse, it was only warmer between 3:30pm and 4:00pm. The work I wanted to accomplish, which was temperature dependent, could not be done. I had to wait for spring.

In March, I got sick. Don't ask, even the doctors don't know what I had. I was just sicker than I have ever been... for seven weeks. Then... I was suddenly better. By that time, it was already mid-April. I was well enough to ride a three-day bicycle tour in Edenton, North Carolina with Steve Mayka (a life-long friend from before high school); along with Sandy and Mark (Linda's sister and her husband).

Camping at the Edenton Lighthouse

Finally, in early May the work on the boat began. Two months late, but now it was starting. I worked hard trying to accomplish the winter tasks as quickly as possible. Some of the work had to be done below the waterline. So, I couldn't launch the boat until at least those tasks were completed.

On Friday of the July 4th weekend, Distant Horizon was launched. The boat floated well. There were no leaks from the work I did below the waterline. Knowing not too much would happen over the next couple of days, I went home for the holiday. Emma is a basket case during thunderstorms and I thought it would be worst with the fireworks. Grace could use my help.

Just after the July 4th weekend, Grace drove me down to the boat and helped finish the work that required two people. Then she left to visit some college friends, while I prepared the boat for it's journey to Lake Ontario.

The morning of July 9th, Distant Horizon and I finally departed Worton Creek. We were headed for Cape May. Depending on the timing of the currents, this would be a two to three day journey.