s/v Lark: November 2014

We have lived aboard for 45 days and it feels like the most normal thing in the world now. Boring almost. We need to go somewhere.

We've plotted out a series of mini-cruises of increasing levels of challenge and logistical complexity as an exercise to identify the things we need to get and do to get going. Without further ado:

Vero marina

MOB practice
anchoring practice
backup VHF
fix leaky bilge pump hose
jacklines, harnesses, horseshoe pfd, heaving line

Vero mooring field

all above
real dinghy
figure out how to get ourselves and P from the boat to the dinghy and vice versa
sort out holding tank
sort out drinking water, shock tanks
sort out battery capacity and charging
anchor lights

Melbourne on the inside

all above
fix leaky fuel tank
a way for P to poop and pee aboard
engine blower hoses

Port Canaveral on the outside

all above
backup GPS
night sailing
navigation lights
running rigging maintenance/repair (staysail furling line, outhaul)
sail repair (torn sun guard on jib, small tear in batten pocket on main)
fix wind turbine mount
replace propane solenoid
fix rub rail
engine spares
finish lifeline nets
fix staysail furler
bend on staysail
stress test, possibly replace bilge pumps
manual bilge pump
test autopilot

Keys

all above
internet scouting
wifi booster
charts
fix leaky mast boot

Bahamas

all above
charts
passports

We celebrated Lorelei's 4th birthday in the way we have become accustomed to celebrating: for an entire week! She seemed to really enjoy it, and we managed to fit in a nice mix of family time, little kids and cake. It was a little tricky picking presents this year, given our space restrictions. We decided on a xylophone because she really likes music and she kept talking about playing in a band with her sister. Her sister gave her a first aid kit, which she adores, and carries with her everywhere. Unfortunately, she has already run through all of her bandaids...but she still likes to pull out the tweezers and work on all of her pretend splinters.

It is so hard to believe that she is 4 already, although I can't imagine our lives without her anymore, like she has been here forever. The day she was born our hospital room was infested (like hundreds) with lady bugs (it was really weird), and instead of being grossed out, I thought of it as a sign that she was our little lucky lady bug. Even at just one day old, all the lady bugs were drawn to her amazing flame. She brings so many smiles, and laughs and so much excitement into our lives everyday!