The Prep, Volume 5

A New Crew Member! (A Familiar Face)

We haven't even begun our voyage, but we have already added a new crew member.   You will all recognize Wilson, despite his new haircut.   Believed lost at sea during his last cinematic appearance, he has realigned his life, repurposed himself, and elected to sign on with the Irish Lass (in an advisory capacity, of course.)  Welcome aboard, Wilson!

Wilson comes to us as a bon voyage gift from the Board of Administration of Timberview Church in Spokane (www.timberview.org), where Wade served as Treasurer for many years.   Thank you, one and all. 😃⛪

We remain "on the hard"  here in Spokane, anxiously awaiting the pandemic "all clear" for departure for VA.  Our new targeted departure date is June 1st.  And thus far Budget has been accomodating in re-scheduling our rent-a-Suburban reservation.  (Probably because we pre-paid the entire rental in return for a discount back in January. )  Given the somewhat uneven state-level approach to pandemic closures and restrictions, we expect to re-think our cross-country course based on levels of infection, population density, and gubernatorial intelligence.   Perhaps more Nebraska and Iowa, and less Sioux Falls and Chicago. (Who knew South Dakota could be so dangerous.  Sheesh) At least we should enjoy moderating gas prices.

Needless to say, the continuing delay is frustrating.  (We find ourselves looking at pictures of the boat, just to remind us what she looks like.  😣)  Our frustration increases as we see friends launching their boats in local waters while we sit high and dry.  We continue to monitor news from other Loopers on Facebook and the AGLCA Forum.  In an effort to keep current, we have been engaged in a number of interesting webinars, including boat lists and procedures, ICW navigation, and a wonderful series on marine electronics by guru Ben Stein of PANBO (www.panbo.com).

Everybody stay healthy, OK?

(WIIIILLLLLSONNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

By the time we get to Missoula.......

April 6th: Departure Day (NOT! 😠)

If all had gone as planned (our plan, anyway), by the time you read this we would be in Montana.  Headed east on I-90 with a truckload of boating gear and pockets full of dreams.

But NOOOOOO..........

We're still hard aground here in Spokane.  😢On a falling tide for the time being.  😨

(NOT us.  NOT our boat. Do NOT try this at home.)

The news from other Loopers is increasingly grim.  Many marinas are closing, with some telling transient boats to get lost.   Fuel docks, pump outs, and fresh water are harder to find.   Waterways (i.e locks and bridges) accomodating commercial traffic are still open, but many intended only for recreational boats are curtailing operations or closing altogether.  Conditions in NYC really are starting to sound like a bad Kurt Russel movie (" I swear to God, Snake, I thought you were dead." )  And oublier trying to get into Canada, eh?  Oh, merde.

So we are lying low and filling our time as best we can.  There are lots of online boating skills classes to be taken,  And many different Great Loop cruising guides to be studied.  Manuals for electronics to be studied,  More gear to sort. Dogs to walk. The endless chatter on the Looper Facebook site and the AGLCA Forum. 

This is also an opportunity to arrange for some additional upgrades and repairs to the boat.   So we have locals in Virginia lined up for some minor fiberglass work, repair of damaged Volvo engine gauge, and a few other items.  Hey, what's a boat if you can spend money on it. right?

Be assured, we're still going.  At the earliest healthy opportunity.

Thanks for watching