Two steps forward...

and one step backward, or so it seemed.  My to-do list only had five things on it, which got accomplished in rather short order.  Poor Donnie, it was one of THOSE days.  While we had paid to have our boat winterized at Lake Hartwell before it was shipped to us, it seems the job was not done properly, as there were several cracked fittings and hoses from freezing and thawing.  That was just the start.  From there it was on to the head, and Donnie spent the remainder of the day with his head in the head.  We have an electric pump (not a foot or hand pump) for all of the faucets and such, (which is a plus to be able to turn on a faucet "like normal"), but more things can go wrong, it seems. I bailed, and made another Walmart and West Marine run, then on to McDonalds for lunch (as it was 2pm by then).  He took apart and put back the motor on the head no less than three times...I admire his persistance...I would have been "screw this, I'm going to buy a new one!"

He attempted to try the head out, but it seems ours is a freshwater draw, not saltwater, which I hear is less smelly. Well, our tanks have not yet been filled, though it was on 'the list'.  Donnie drug the hose out from the locker, but it was rotten, so we couldn't test it out.  It was well after dark by this time. We have become painfully aware that boats are meant to be on the water, not sitting on the hard.  We need to replace all of our lines as they have rotted (and they smell like coon piss), hoses have cracks and holes, wiring is loose or corroded, etc., etc., etc.  To give you an idea, Donnie and I were running separate errands, both attempting to use the charge card, and our card was declined.  When I got back to the boat, Donnie told me his was declined, too, so I called the company.  Turns out there was a temporary hold on it due to "suspicious activity".  That, and the fact that there has been 4-5 purchases a day, out of state, no less.  So, I guess it's good they're looking out for us (?!)

The good news of the day is Jim went up to the top of the mast and I didn't have to use Mamaw's hideaway money :)  Naturally he didn't turn up until mid-day, trying to recover from his usual Friday night bender.  No matter, he got the topping lift properly changed out, and changed the bulb in the anchor light for us while he was up there.  Donnie was happy to find out he got that wired right on the first attempt.

You could barely make him out up there...



We'd send tools up and such in a bucket.





And he came down with a cigarette in his mouth!

 Things were looking bleak as the day wore on, but when all was said and done, many things were accomplished.  It looks like we'll be leaving on Monday at dawn afterall.  Tomorrow's to-do list is rather short...fill the water tanks, check the refrigeration, lash down the dinghy on deck, get boat gas for the dinghy, and mount the wind generator. That last one is at the bottom of the list, if it doesn't get done, it's not necessary in order to leave.  We'll be on the iron spinnaker all the way down, so that will keep the batteries charged up.  Carissa is taking me to the commisary tomorrow to get provisions.  We plan to meet up at Mad River Bar and Grill to catch the Seahawks game, for Austin. We'll return to her place to pick up the cat and provisions, take the rental car back, and then she'll drop us off at the boat for the night.  I'll fill you in on the itinerary for the next week in tomorrow's blog...understand that plans are in sand...as weather is always a factor.  More later...