The Final Countdown

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It’s cold, it’s raining, the geese and ducks have deserted Spa Creek for warmer climes, and the Annapolis Boat Show has been and gone. Winter is coming, Jon Snow. So now it’s our turn to head South. After four long months of working like navvies, suddenly our last week in Annapolis is upon us with a rude shock. Are we ready, you ask?

We think so. The new HF radio is installed and working, the new life-raft is in position, numerous other last minute projects and purchases have been completed, and we’re down to the tasks of provisioning, cooking, stowing and cleaning.

The stowing bit is proving to be a challenge. With just the two of us on board, we’ve had the luxury of spreading our gear amongst the spare cabins. But once we get to Hampton, Virginia for the start of the Salty Dawg Rally we’ll be joined by our two volunteer crew, Jon and Brendan for the trip to the BVI’s. And the best surprise of all is that Rob (our youngest son) and his girlfriend Alley are joining us too!! Rob’s band, Oxblvd, were due to tour the States this month but with a change of management it’s been postponed to next year. So rather than waste his flight, they decided a sailing trip to the BVI’s was the go. We’re so excited to see them! So while we don’t begrudge having the cabins occupied, we just have to figure out how to re-stow everything.

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Last week we did our first big provisioning run to Sam’s Club (akin to Costco) and came back with two trolley loads of groceries. The amount of choices on display was a bit overwhelming. Which is the only explanation I have for why I bought a carton of popcorn for our new stove-top popcorn popper. Not only was it a huge quantity, but as I was unpacking it the realization dawned on me that it was microwave popcorn. Oops. A slight problem as we don’t have a microwave. We’ve since donated it to our good friend Joe, who lives above the marina (and has a microwave…..and a lot of movies to watch over winter!)

So we’re now at the stage where every available nook and cranny on the boat is jam-packed with tools, spares, fishing gear, diving gear, fenders, rode, anchors, safety gear and LOTS of food. No-one will be going hungry on this boat! Right now Toucan must be feeling more like a stuffed turkey than a beautiful bird of paradise.

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Tomorrow is the big clean-up day, tomorrow evening we’re hosting farewell drinks in the cockpit for all the great people we’ve met since we’ve been here, and then Friday we’re casting off those docklines. It’ll take us 3 days of day-sailing to get to Hampton at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. I just hope we can remember how to sail!

 

3 Replies to “The Final Countdown”

  1. How very exciting after all your hard work and efforts and to have Rob and Alley will be wonderful. The property on the left of the picture is gorgeous…you had a pretty anchorage but better to come I’m sure. Have fun! x

    1. Thanks Rosemary – yes, was a great place to do a boat re-fit! Lovely people, great views. but also good to be on our way south at last! x

  2. Go Team Toucan – Great that you have a Rob and Alley as well for the Salty Dawg

    Will be watching progress.

    Rob

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