I've got to admit it's getting better (Better)
A little better all the time (It can't get more worse)
I have to admit it's getting better (Better)
It's getting better since you've been mine!
- Lennon and McCartney
A little better all the time (It can't get more worse)
I have to admit it's getting better (Better)
It's getting better since you've been mine!
- Lennon and McCartney
Brian has not sung this song yet to my knowledge but I bet if I suggest it, he would. The gnarliest problems seem to be behind us (she says quietly) and Brian is getting very well acquainted with his new boat. It's great having Don at the helm so Brian can troubleshoot issues, tune in to the sounds of the motors, take care of smaller fixes and make the nautical mile long to-do list.
Today felt good from the start. We left Harbortown Marina in Fort Pierce at 06:42 and traveled near 10 SOG (speed over ground - showing off my lingo again!) and the ride was consistent and good with the exception of when we went into full reverse at marker 42.
The ride was smooth enough that we could dub around and Bruce was on the bow, beginning the process of shining the Diva up for when we land in Chelsea. Brian and Don decided to give the autopilot another try. Without autopilot, the helmsman is in constant motion maintaining the heading while fighting wind and currents. The conversation between Brian and Don went something like: "Ready?" "Yeah! Ready! We can grab the wheel if something weird happens."
Famous last words. The switch was flipped and she came about HARD to port (tried to take a left hand U-Turn when one was not required!). Don threw her into full reverse and she came within a few feet of taking the marker on the starboard bow. Given her weight even at such a slow speed, the hit would have been devastating. It was pretty devastating for Bruce who had no idea what was going on but because of his cat-like reflexes was able to avoid getting a triangular framed 42 implanted in his skull or any other injury. In the end, all is well and it's funny now; not so funny then.
Somewhere near 7:30 tonight, the Diva was docked at Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach, FL. Everyone's exhausted but at least we're one day closer to home. Captain Don says we will *still* be in Florida when we're done tomorrow but at least we'll be in north Florida.
Check out the videos of the dolphins playing in our wake below. They are so cool.
Sunrise over the Harbortown Marina
Sunrise over the Harbortown Marina
Sunrise over the Harbortown Marina
Sunrise over the Harbortown Marina
Heading out!
The technology is so neat
This next sequence is for Natalie!
Drawbridge
What a drawbridge looks like from underneath
First Mast Bruce
Silly Brian!
NASA. If you squint you can see it.
Bow boys
NASA again
Brian inside the bridge console - post autopilot incident. Read above text.
I was threatened to be dropped off here except they like my cooking. :)
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