The Beginning Of Change

September 19th - October 7th, 2013

After being in Jacksonville for 4 1/2 months, things are going to finally start happening.  Tomorrow morning we will move the boat to Huckins Yachts to have Gotta Smile pulled out of the water.  Someone (not me -- for once) hit a submerged rock last year and broke one of the stabilizer fins.  The bottom will get a good cleaning and additional work will be determined.  There always seems to be a list of things.  I'm preparing myself for the report.  

Wednesday morning we fly to St Louis to begin a circle tour to visit our family and go to Brian's 50 year class reunion.  When we return to Jacksonville, it will be time to head for Stuart and make final preparations for the islands!  In my mind, I can almost see us sailing off.  We've been planning this trip for so long, I can't believe that we are now beginning the final countdown!  I'm sure we have over prepared, but this is our first time in new territory -- it is better to have more than needed.  Hopefully, we will be in the Caribbean again for many winters and the process will get easier each time.

Monday night our good friends, Ann and Jim, from
Long Boat Key were in Jacksonville.  Dinner and lots
of conversation -- a fun reunion!    

October 8th, 2013

The day started very early.  Up and in the shower at 6:00.  Finish packing, get the suitcases to the car, check out of the marina and prepare to move the boat.  We are expected at Huckins by 9 AM.  It was a very short trip -- no more than a mile.  Two dock hands were waiting for us when we arrived.  The river has a lot of current in this area because their property is adjacent to two bridges.  Thus causing the boat to have it's own agenda.  Once we were close enough to the dock, I threw the lines and we were walked into the travel hoist.  I've never been around for this process.  It was interesting to see how they lift 60,000 pounds so effortlessly.  

Positioning for the lift.

 The straps are lowered that will slip
under our hull.

Gotta Smile is floated into place over
 the straps.

The slack is taken out of the straps and
slowly our home is lifted out of the water.

The lift driver now moves the lift carrying
our boat to dry land.

Work begins immediately.
First step is to power wash her bottom.
 Additional work is noted.
All of the zincs need to be replaced.
(Zincs are sacrificial pieces of metal that
save critical metal parts on the boat from
deterioration -- rudder, etc.)  
Wax and polish the exterior.
And, of course, fix the broken stabilizer fin.
More to follow -- I'm sure! 

Everything worked out for the best.  We barely got back to our car when the rain started, making us so thankful that we moved the boat early.  The rain stopped long enough for Brian to have one more meal at Maple Street Biscuits.  Then, more rain.  It is an ugly day.  We checked into the Hampton Inn early so Brian could take a nap while I catch up on the computer.  The Hampton has a great program that offers FREE shuttle service to the airport and FREE parking while we travel.  How sweet is that?          

Gotta smile -- we're loving the ride