Homeward Bound

OK, let's cut to the chase.....

We expect to be back in Spoklahoma by Sept 26th.  Yes, furthering our habit of counter-intuitive choices, we are bidding farewell to Indian (can we still say that?) Summer on the Chesapeake for a 7-day journey back the smoky PNW.    And just in time for winter, too.....  (Looking forward to cooler evenings and < 40% humidity.)  

Irish Lass will spend the winter "on the hard" (i.e. out of the water) at Herrington Harbor North, near Deale, MD.  While there she will receive some repairs, mechanical maintenance, and cosmetic care.  See, boats can live up to their hole-in-the-water financial reputation even when high and dry in a gravel parking lot. (Sheesh)

In preparation, we have been busy winterizing systems and sorting out what to take home and what to leave aboard.  Engine, generator, water tanks and lines, AC units, Washer/Dryer, and heads and holding tanks get serviced and drained or/or flushed with non-toxic antifreeze.  It's like being responsible for a small city.  Sheesh. 

For this journey,  we have once again availed ourselves of one-way car rental.  With a significantly reduced load, this time we have chosen a black Chrysler Voyager minivan from Alamo.  I have been unable to verify how Cortez returned to Spain, so we have dumped the whole conquistador theme and have dubbed her "Freedom Bird".   Because she is taking us back to "The World" after our dream summer afloat.  (You participants in and/or students of the Vietnam conflict will understand that reference.)  Commodore Kathleen hitched a ride to Reagan National Airport in DC to pick her up on Monday.

All that is left now is to watch Irish Lass get hoisted form the dirty brackish waters of Herring Bay and moved to her winter parking spot.  More on that to follow....

Stay tuned

Wade and Kathleen