Ready to Go, and the High Pressure is Settling In

Finally after four weeks in the boat yard, Konami is ready to splash. We had cold windy days, some rain, some nice days few and far between in the boat yard and now the high pressure has moved inland with a forecast  of  25 – 30 kts North wind down the coast creating boisterous ocean conditions right where we want to go. Deja Vous
It was supposed to be a quick bottom paint job but unanticipated alternator rebuild with a new rotor, cutless bearing replacement and pulling the manifold/intake off to replace the rusty soft plugs kept us stuck on the hard for a couple extra weeks. We used the time between watching the paint dry and waiting for boat parts to arrive to redo the brightwork and a few extra projects that makes Konami outstanding.

We will miss all the amenities of living in a house, but we’re anxious to get back to living on our boat and prepare for our next adventure, bound for San Francisco. We’re watching the weather, preparing meals for days at sea, repacking our clothes and belongings, and stowing all the gear and tools that were pulled out to do the boat work.

I say I’m anxious to go but then a heavy heart will overcome me.  I could spend more time with my Mom drinking tea and reminiscing about all the trips we’ve taken together, canning projects we shared, talking about the grandkids and life experiences but the longer we stay the harder it is for us to part. Mom is 86 years young, has a lot of energy so I’m hoping she will meet us in Japan, our planned destination in a couple of years. Mom’s neighbor – my very good friend will help watch over her and I’m grateful to know she won’t be too lonely while we’re away.

Today we spent hours at the beach together, overlooking the ocean where my dream began over 40 years ago. I would sit up on the bluff and stare out on the horizon where the ocean and sky became the same plane of existence. Mom would point to the far distant and ask me if I could see Japan. “Oh, there’s Tokyo Tower!” she would say. I knew then I would sail across the ocean someday. That time has arrived and the cost of cruising is more than just a financial spreadsheet. It’s a personal cost of sailing that all sailors experience. I ponder my Mom’s health and well being, I find myself questioning our timing but just as I surely knew then I would sail a boat, I see Mom greeting us at the dock somewhere, in the future.

I have just a few days left with her and I’m trying to help her remember the Skype function, practicing reading her email, doing all the updates on her Ipad so she can follow us. Oh and the last minute canning blackberry jam.

It’s been a wonderful 30+ days with Mom and Sis, sons and families, and close friends but after smelling the fresh ocean air today, John and I are ready.